Your spine supports your posture and keeps you upright. So, when it becomes painful due to trauma, injury, or an accident, it can be difficult to move around. While surgery is sometimes necessary to treat spine pain, there are many non-surgical options available that can be effective in relieving pain and improving function.
In this article, we will explore the different treatments doctors recommend for spine pain.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Spine Pain
Here are some of the most common non-surgical approaches to spine pain:
Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be helpful in relieving mild to moderate pain. Prescription medications, such as muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory drugs, may be necessary for more severe pain.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help to improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion in the spine. It can also teach you exercises and stretches that you can do at home to help manage your pain.
Injections
Injections of steroids or other medications into the spine can help reduce inflammation and pain.
Epidural Injections
Epidural injections are a type of injection that delivers medication directly into the space around the spinal cord. They can be used to treat a variety of spine conditions, including sciatica and spinal stenosis.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can help relieve muscle tension and pain. It can also improve circulation and range of motion.
Heat Therapy
Heat therapy can help relax muscles and reduce pain. It can be applied in a variety of ways, such as using a heating pad, hot water bottle, or warm bath.
Cold Therapy
Cold therapy can help to reduce inflammation and pain. It can be applied in a variety of ways, such as using an ice pack, cold compress, or bag of frozen vegetables.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a technique that helps control your body’s functions, such as muscle tension and heart rate. It can be helpful in reducing pain and improving function.
The best non-surgical approach for you will depend on the cause of your pain and your individual needs. It is important to talk to your doctor about all of your options, so that you can choose the treatment that is right for you.
Tips to Help You Manage Spine Pain
In addition to the above, there are a few other things you can do to help manage your spine pain, such as the following:
- Get regular exercise – Exercise can help strengthen your muscles and improve your flexibility, which can reduce pain.
- Maintain a healthy weight – Excess weight can put extra stress on your spine, so it is important to maintain a healthy weight.
- Improve your posture – Good posture can help reduce stress on your spine.
- Get enough sleep – Sleep is important for overall health, and it can also help reduce pain.
- Manage stress – Stress can make pain worse, so it is important to find ways to manage stress, such as relaxation techniques or yoga.
If you are experiencing spine pain, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and discuss treatment options. There are many non-surgical options available that can be effective in relieving pain and improving function.
When to See a Doctor for Spine Pain
Back pain can often resolve without any intervention. However, it’s important to know when to seek medical attention to get the care you need.
You might want to consider visiting your back pain doctor if:
- Your pain is severe and doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relievers
- Your pain is accompanied by other symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs
- Your pain is getting worse or not improving after a few weeks
- You have a history of cancer or other serious medical conditions
- You have been injured in a car accident or other traumatic event
- You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and discuss the best treatment options for you.
In many cases, non-surgical treatments can be effective in relieving pain and improving function. However, if your pain is severe or does not respond to non-surgical treatment, you may have to consider surgery.
Personalized Spine Treatments in Rochester Hills, MI
Back pain is a source of frustration and anxiety, and it can make you feel weak and helpless. But you’re not alone; millions of people suffer from spine pain every year. Fortunately, there are things you can do to manage your pain and improve your quality of life.
Are you in search of personalized and effective spine treatments in Michigan? If so, you can depend on Ahlgren Spine. Dr. Bradley Ahlgren, the best back pain doctor near you, heads our team of trusted and skilled healthcare providers. As a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, he will make sure you get the care you need and deserve. You may reach us at (248) 215-8080 for assistance. You can also book a visit with our online request form.
We look forward to serving you!
