Back pain can take over your life, making even simple movements difficult. While surgery is sometimes necessary, many spine conditions can be effectively managed with non-surgical treatments. With the right approach, you can reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore your quality of life without surgery. Here are proven alternatives to consider.
- Physical Therapy to Strengthen & Stabilize the Spine: A structured physical therapy program strengthens muscles that support the spine, improves flexibility, and corrects posture. This approach may help manage conditions such as sciatica, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis without the need for surgery.
- Epidural Steroid Injections for Targeted Pain Relief: These anti-inflammatory injections reduce swelling around spinal nerves, offering relief for conditions like herniated discs and spinal stenosis. Though temporary, they allow patients to participate in physical therapy and other treatments more effectively.
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) to Stop Pain Signals: RFA uses heat to disable pain-causing nerves, providing long-lasting relief for arthritis-related back pain and chronic nerve pain. This minimally invasive procedure reduces the need for long-term pain medications.
- Weight Management to Reduce Stress on the Spine: Individuals who are obese or have a high body fat percentage are 33% more likely to experience low back pain.1 Excess weight places additional strain on spinal discs, but losing just 5–10% of body weight can help relieve pain and improve mobility.
- Low-Impact Exercise to Keep the Spine Flexible: Activities like swimming, yoga, and Pilates strengthen core muscles while keeping the spine flexible, improving posture and reducing pain.
- Ergonomic Adjustments to Protect Your Spine Daily: Using supportive chairs, standing desks, and proper posture can prevent spinal stress and reduce daily discomfort.
- Medication & Supplements to Manage Inflammation Naturally: Anti-inflammatory medications and natural supplements like turmeric and omega-3s can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Acupuncture as an Alternative Pain Management Approach: Acupuncture stimulates natural pain relief by promoting blood flow, reducing muscle tension, and encouraging the release of the body’s natural painkillers.
Surgery isn’t the only option for back pain. A customized, non-surgical approach may help you find lasting relief. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Moazzaz today to explore your best options.
AUTHOR: Dr. Payam Moazzaz is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon in California specializing in robotic-assisted minimally invasive spine surgery.
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