Spine surgeons are trained to find a solution to a patient’s pain using the least invasive method, meaning that although surgery may have a high likelihood of success when it comes to treating your underlying issue, if there’s a chance we can achieve those same results without a surgical procedure, that’s the route we’re going to pursue. But what are some of the most effective alternatives to spine surgery? In today’s blog, we take a closer look at some common alternatives to spine surgery.
Common Spine Surgery Alternatives
If you’re dealing with a moderate to severe spinal issue that doctors believe may be able to be successfully treated with conservative methods, odds are they’ll recommend a few of the following treatments. Oftentimes treatment needs to be multifaceted in order to be most effective, so it’s unlikely that your doctor will recommend just painkillers or just a corticosteroid injection to care for discomfort.
So while we take a closer look at some common alternatives to spine surgery below, know that your best bet for avoiding surgery will come by connecting with a spine specialist who can see your condition in person and make specific recommendations based on your individual needs. They will likely consider some of the treatments listed below, but there’s no guarantee these methods will be effective until you truly understand what’s going on in your spine. Head to a specialist in your area for a diagnosis and individualized treatment plan.
- Pain Medications – Pain or anti-inflammatory medications are a common treatment method for back pain, but as we mentioned above, don’t expect this to be your only form of treatment. For best results, a passive treatment like painkillers will be paired with more active interventions, which we’ll touch on below.
- Physical Therapy – Physical therapy helps to strengthen and stabilize specific areas of your spine that are weak and contributing to your discomfort. This is arguably the most common form of nonoperative treatment for back injuries that may be able to resolve without surgery. Your doctor can either provide you with PT exercises or refer you to a physical therapist for continued treatment.
- Exercise – Similar to physical therapy, exercise helps to strengthen structures that may be contributing to spinal discomfort due to their inability to appropriately handle the stress they are experiencing. Many people find relief by pursuing low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling or walking. Exercise can also help you manage your weight, which may be another contributing factor to your discomfort.
- Posture Improvements – You probably don’t realize how much stress your back is under when you’re in a seated position. A lot of pressure is channeled to your lower back or to your cervical spine if your head isn’t positioned properly above your shoulders. Simple posture adjustments or a shift towards a more active lifestyle can help avoid the problems caused by extended sitting.
- Injections – Spinal injections can deliver anti-inflammatory medications directly to the source of your discomfort. These injections can provide short-term relief and allow you to pursue other treatments like physical therapy or exercise without as much discomfort. Similar to pain medications, don’t expect this to be a stand-alone treatment option, as best results will be paired with more active treatments.
- Stimulation Devices – A final alternative that we’ll touch on in this blog are stimulation devices like a TENS unit or similar neuromodulation device. These units work by drowning out nerve signals with the help of targeted electrical currents. Sometimes these devices are topical, while other times they can be implanted under the skin in an effort to help provide relief. Your doctor can walk you through these neuromodulation devices in the event that they could help with your back pain caused by a nerve issue.
If you are hoping to avoid a spinal procedure, or you just want to talk to a doctor and get to the bottom of your spinal pain, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
