Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Luckily, most back problems can be treated without surgery. Your doctor may suggest limiting your activity and prescribe some pain medications or anti-inflammatory medicines. You may start seeing a physical therapist for exercises designed to strengthen the back or for other treatments. 

Conservative, non-surgical options are the first line of treatment for back pain.  These can include:

• Physical therapy, including passive therapies like heat, ice, massage, ultrasound and electrical stimulation and active therapies like stretching, weight lifting and cardiovascular exercises to restore motion and strength.
• Medications to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation
• Epidural steroid injections
• Manipulation therapy
• Braces, collars to limit motion
• Rest 

Take Control

You can take these steps to prevent recurrent back problems:

• Exercise regularly to keep the muscles in your back strong and flexible.
• Stretch before and after exercising to help warm up your muscles.
• Avoid standing or being in one position for too long.
• Maintain your proper body weight since excess weight strains your back muscles.
• Use proper lifting and body mechanics.
• Get help if an object is heavy or an awkward size.
• Don’t twist when lifting.
• Avoid smoking. Smoking and nicotine cause the spine to degenerate faster than normal.
• Remember what your mother said, “Don’t slouch. Sit up straight.”