You are definitely not alone if you suffer from back pain. Approximately 8% of Americans suffer from chronic back pain, and 80% will endure a back pain episode at some point in their lives.

Most back pain patients don’t require surgery. If surgery is needed, minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery is very standard today to treat various spinal conditions (surgical techniques today are more advanced than ever).

Ask your physician about non-operative treatments that can help your spine to avoid or delay surgery. Patient goals for non

Conservative treatment for back pain

The cause and severity of your pain helps your physician recommend which conservative treatment is best for your back pain. Most non-operative treatment plans include a combination of medication and pain modalities which may including the following:

• 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.

Exercise and strengthen your core

Research suggests that staying active is one of the best things you can do when experiencing back pain. A physical therapist can help you find which exercises are right for your condition. The kind of exercises that can help relieve lower back pain vary depending on the exact nature of your problem.

Restoring core strength and the muscles that control the spine is key for recovering from an episode of back pain.

Speak with an Orthopedic Specialist Today

Are you suffering from a recent injury? Make an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists today to start your healing journey. OrthoArizona has nearly two dozen offices throughout the Valley, each focused on quality care, compassion, and excellent customer service. Since 1994, OrthoArizona has been dedicated to compassionate care of the highest quality.

The advice and information contained in this article are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational, medical material.