When you need to treat your back pain, it is natural to be concerned about the options available. The good news is that there may be alternatives to spine surgery in certain instances.
Surgery isn’t the answer for all back pain. A lot of people can successfully reduce or eliminate their pain with less invasive measures. Depending on the exact nature of your back pain, you may be able to manage it with physical therapy.
Learn more about the different non-surgical approaches you can take to relieve back pain.
Most Common Nonoperative Treatments for Back Pain
When approaching treatment options for back pain, minimally invasive treatments are considered first. About 80 percent of back pain does resolve favorably without invasive interventions. Here are some of the options you might have:
- Medications: Some medications can help reduce back pain significantly without surgical intervention. You can discuss the best options for you with your doctor.
- Targeted injections: This procedure involves injecting medication into a very specific location in back. X-ray guidance is used to ensure that the injection is going to the right place. Injections can provide relief lasting three to six months.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapists often employ techniques like joint mobilization, joint manipulation, and aquatic therapy to help provide pain relief.
- Electric stimulation: Physical therapists sometimes use machines that emit mild electrical pulses to help calm the nerves that could be contributing to the pain.
- Dry Needling: This technique administered by physical therapists uses needles to help decrease muscle spasms and pain related to muscle dysfunction. Dry needle insertion points are determined by using evidence-based methods to identify key trigger points in the body.
- Acupuncture: Like dry needling, acupuncture uses needles on certain points of the body. It helps release chemicals into the body that reduce pain and increase you sense of wellbeing. Acupuncture needle insertion points are determined using traditional Chinese medicine techniques. This technique is meant to be used in conjunction with other therapies.
Exercise and Strengthening the Core is Key
While it may be tempting to go on bed rest when experiencing back pain, research suggests that staying active is one of the best things you can do. The kind of exercises that can help relieve lower back pain vary depending on the exact nature of your problem, but a physical therapist can help you find which exercises are right for your condition.
When recovering from an episode of back pain, restoring core strength and the muscles that control the spine is key. Strengthening these muscles in collaboration with a physical therapist will allow you to return to normal activity.
Partner With Your Doctor
People experiencing lower back pain should consider all of their options, including surgery, in partnership with their doctor. If nonoperative treatments are unsuccessful, spine surgery may be recommended.
If you’re experiencing back pain, The University of Maryland Spine Network can connect you with leading spine doctors across the state. This network of physicians specializes in different aspects of spine care, allowing you to receive the most comprehensive care plan possible. Many UM Spine Network locations offer surgeons and physical therapists in the same place, allowing for more coordinated care overall.
Hear From Our Experts
Listen to Dr. Julie Bage, PT, a physical therapist at UM St. Joseph Medical Center‘s partner Towson Sports Medicine, and Dr. Kendall Buraimoh, MD, an Assistant Professor of Neurology and Orthopaedics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and a Spine Physiatrist with the University of Maryland Orthopaedic Associates, discuss nonoperative approaches to back pain relief on the Live Greater Podcast.
