| Doctors used to almost invariably recommend | | | | * Ultrasound - the use of sound waves can |
| surgery to remedy chronic back pain. After the | | | | promote circulation and reduce muscle spasms, |
| procedure, the patient would take a few weeks | | | | inflammation, and pain |
| of bed rest and assuming all had gone well, be | | | | * Massage |
| healed and back to work in a matter of weeks - | | | | * Spinal traction |
| unless of course, they weren't. | | | | * Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation |
| Experts agree that, historically, doctors have | | | | (TENS) - a painless electrical current is used on |
| resorted to back surgery too quickly in most | | | | the nerves in order to reduce pain and increase |
| cases. Many people did not benefit from this | | | | the mobility of the back |
| surgery and some cases even became worse | | | | *Water therapy |
| post-procedure. Surgery was certainly no silver | | | | Medication is very helpful for some patients. |
| bullet for back problems, that much was sure. | | | | These include both over the counter and |
| Studies have shown more recently that most | | | | prescription medications. Some of these therapies |
| back pain will improve without surgery, even if it | | | | are analgesics (aspirin, etc.), muscle relaxants and |
| is in the lower back. In most cases, all other | | | | NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). |
| treatments should be tried before scheduling a | | | | Spinal injections are sometimes used for pain |
| surgical procedure. In fact, less than one percent | | | | relief, as well as assisting your physician in |
| of people actually will require a surgical remedy | | | | pinpointing the cause of the back pain. Epidural |
| for the back problems, even though 80% of | | | | steroid injections and facet joint injections are |
| people experience it at some point or another. | | | | both used. These injections will be given in |
| When Do You Need Back Surgery? | | | | conjunction with physical therapy, exercise and |
| In general, doctors recommend surgery only in | | | | other treatments. These injections should only be |
| cases where other options have been exhausted | | | | used on the recommendation of your physician. |
| and failed to remedy the problem, or if the pain | | | | Chiropractic care can also be used effectively. A |
| recurs. Surgery may be called for if the person's | | | | chiropractor can manipulate, apply pressure, |
| day to day life is seriously and adversely affected. | | | | palpate and otherwise adjust vertebral alignment. |
| Non-Surgical Alternatives | | | | There are alternative methods for treating back |
| Physical therapy can provide great benefits for | | | | pain as well. These methods include acupuncture, |
| healing the spine and lower back. Physical | | | | biofeedback and herbals - if you opt to employ |
| therapists can provide specialized exercises along | | | | one of these treatments, make sure that your |
| with methods including: | | | | practitioner is reputable before undergoing |
| * Heat or cold therapies - to reduce inflammation, | | | | treatment. |
| pain and muscle spasms | | | | |