An Operation Might Not Be The Right Method For Curing Back Pain

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Tuesday, November 11th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

It used to be that if someone anguishing from lower spinal pain their physician would usually advise that a surgical procedure be performed to treat the ailment. Following the surgery, the patient would usually be assigned bed rest for a number of weeks, and then, if all went good, their back would be without pain - unless it wasn’t. In the past, most physicians concur, there was ill-advised back operations being performed. A majority of persons were not any better off subsequent to the surgery, and many were in worse shape than they had been before the surgery.

Now, studies have demonstrated that most chronic spinal disorders, even lower back pain, will resolve itself without surgery, given rest and time. In reality, for many back ailments, all other alternatives ought to be explored prior to scheduling surgery on the back. Less than one percent of all back pain sufferers ever truly are in need of medical intervention for their back ailment, nevertheless, four out of every five patients have back soreness at some point in their lifetime.

Who Needs Back Surgery?

Generally, doctors recommend that surgery should only be done if other techniques have been exhausted and were unsuccessful at alleviating the back pain (or if the pain comes back), the pain is significantly affecting a person’s daily activities, or if left alone the back symptoms could deteriorate into a more grave situation.

Non-Surgical Options

Physical therapy can be an excellent method to aid the back and spine in its healing process. Along with unique exercise routines, often the physical therapist will implement other methods, such as heat or cold therapy that reduces inflammation and pain and muscle spasms, ultrasounds which utilize sound waves to improve and promote circulation while at the same time reducing inflammation, tenderness and muscle spasms, massage, spinal traction, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) that uses a painless electrical current on specific nerves to alleviate aches and increase movement of the back, and water therapy.

Many people find relief by taking medication to improve their back aches. There are several types, some over-the-counter and others that call for a prescription. They include muscle relaxants, analgesics and NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

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