Like most patients, a spine specialist will want to avoid surgery if at all possible, and oftentimes conservative treatment can be effective in preventing the need for an operation. Even though most spine surgeries have a high rate of success, they present with some possible complications that are simply not present with conservative means, which is one of the big reasons why specialists oftentimes gravitate towards non-operative treatments.
But what are some of the most effective alternatives to spine surgery? We explore some of the treatments you may be told to pursue if your spine specialist believes your back pain can be resolved with conservative techniques.
Effective Non-Operative Treatments For Spine Pain
The most effective treatment will be the one recommended by the physician who can view your injuries in person, but don’t be surprised if they recommend a combination of the following techniques, because they can be highly effective in helping treat a range of spinal conditions:
- Physical Therapy – Physical therapy is the most commonly recommended forms of non-operative treatment because of how effective it can be for the right patient. When overseen by a spine expert or physical therapist, PT will help to strengthen and stabilize your spine, making it better able to handle the stress you throw at it. It can also work to decompress spinal nerves, calm muscle issues and allow your spine to handle more pressure without breaking down. These controlled techniques also help to strengthen weakened areas carefully so that you don’t increase your risk of injury while rehabbing.
- Rest – Rest is an important part of a treatment plan, but know that it should not be your only form of treatment, nor should it be the treatment you pursue the most frequently. Short-term rest in the wake of a back injury is great to help protect the area and avoid continued damage to a weakened area, but rest isn’t going to get you back to your pre-injury level of fitness. Instead, you’ll need to pair rest with some active treatments on this list, like physical therapy or the next treatment.
- Exercise – Exercise is a great way to help your body heal after an injury and to help prevent problems from developing in the future. Exercise is less targeted than physical therapy, but you can pursue any number of different exercise techniques to help strengthen your spine. You can run, walk, swim, bike or go through a gym-based exercise routine, whatever you see fit. Your doctor can explain which exercises may be best or which ones to consider avoiding based on your specific spinal condition.
- Corticosteroid Injections – A spinal injection is a short-term solution that can help you achieve long-term results through other means. An injection alone won’t address the underlying issue in your spine, but it can provide pain and inflammation relief such that it’s easier to pursue physical therapy, exercise, or a different technique that works to fix the root cause of pain.
- Braces – A spinal brace can help to provide some extra support for your back, which is helpful if you’re dealing with conditions that are exacerbated by poor posture. A passive technique by nature, a spinal brace is oftentimes paired with active techniques for best results.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications – Anti-inflammatory medications can help to control inflammation that is causing discomfort. These medications are a short-term solution, and you shouldn’t plan on taking them on an extended basis. Like a corticosteroid injection, make use of the relief provided by these medications and pursue active techniques when these medications are effectively controlling your discomfort.
- Weight Loss – A final non-operative recommendation that your spine specialist may suggest is weight loss. Your spine has to handle an immense amount of pressure when you bend, move, run or sit, and that only increases if you are heavier. Losing just a few pounds can take a massive amount of stress off your spine, and oftentimes this can help you find relief from a number of different issues, like disc degeneration, pinched nerves or shifted vertebral discs.
For help finding a treatment plan that is right for your spinal pain, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
