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:
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Rest
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Medications to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation
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Epidural steroid injections
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Physical therapy, including passive therapies like heat, ice, massage, ultrasound and electrical stimulation and active therapies like stretching, weight lifting and cardiovacsular exercises to restore motion and strength.
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Manipulation therapy
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Braces, collars to limit motion
Take Control
You can take these steps to prevent recurrent back problems:
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Exercise regularly to keep the muscles in your back strong and flexible.
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Stretch before exercising to help warm up your muscles.
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Avoid standing or being in one position for too long.
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Maintain your proper body weight since excess weight strains your back muscles.
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Use proper lifting and moving techniques.
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Get help if an object is heavy or an awkward size.
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Don’t twist when lifting.
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Avoid smoking. Smoking and nicotine cause the spine to degenerate faster than normal.
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Remember what your mother said, “Don’t slouch. Sit up straight.”
Call our Physician Referral Line at
1-800-553-6104
for more information or to schedule a consultation.