Non-Surgical Spine Care

Most spine patients should attempt non-surgical care before considering surgery. Exceptions to this might be those with fractures, tumors, or other pathologies that would not benefit from conservative care.

Most conditions, however, are manageable without surgery including most herniated discs, narrowing of the spinal canal known as stenosis, or arthritis or degeneration of the spine or discs.

A good surgical program will help to make sure you don’t jump to a surgery you never needed but also be there for you when there are no other options. At Modern Spine, if you have not started conservative care or non-surgical management, we will assist you in the process to try to avoid surgery and also coordinate care with great individuals in the community to help with your rehab and pain management.

Non-Surgical Options

These are just some of the many options to consider and some of the many options we can help tailor to you to help you through your spinal issues. Talk to us or talk to your primary physician, chiropractor, pain doctor, or rehab doctor about these options.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help most spinal conditions. It is usually adviseable to attempt some form of PT for 6 weeks to 6 months before considering surgery.

Anti-Inflammatories

Medications known as NSAIDS are anti-inflammatory medications that can help many spinal conditions. Talk to your doctor about using medications like ibuprofen, Motrin, or a stronger prescription medication.

Activity Modifcation

Stopping or dialing back stenuous activity can help many conditions and give your body time to heal. Bedrest is almost never advised however so make sure you are still somewhat active.

Steroids

Short courses of oral steroids can be very helpful for many spinal conditions. These are prescriptions medications so talk to your doctor about whether this is an option for you.

Chiropractic Care

Traditional manipulation and modern techniques can be very helpful at reducing neck and back pain.

Injections

Spinal injections are low risk options to help diagnosis and treament many types of spinal conditions.

Heat / Ice

Sometimes heating or using ice can help muscles and tissues feel better. Consider this home remedy for short term use.

Accupuncture

Non-traditional therapies like accupuncture can significantly help a variety of conditions.

Traction

Stretching the spine can help some conditions by temporarily relieving pressure on nerves. A therapist, chiropractor, or rehab doctor can help with this and there are also home directed options.

Pain Medication

Short term use of opioids can help spinal conditions but long term they have been shown to be harmful and may even harm your chances of healing with or without surgery. Careful and limited use should be arranged with your primary care doctor or pain doctor.

Bracing

Bracing and other such devices can help reduce motion. You must be careful with long term use as it may cause its own problems with muscle loss.

Adequate Rest

Building back healthy and restorative sleep can help many conditions. This can be hard if you are hurting so work with your doctor on trying to improve our sleep quality and time.

The Modern Spine Approach

What if non-surgical measures aren't helping?

If non-surgical care isn’t working, it would be best to consult with a spine specialist that knows all the options and can focus your plan and expand your solutions.

Next Steps

There are so many more options to manage spinal conditions without surgery. Work with us, with your doctor, or independently. Most of the time you will see improvement with a coordinated effort. If treatment fails, we can also help you with the next step at Modern Spine.

Non-Surgical Spine Care