Suffering from back problems can lead to difficulties performing routine tasks at home and work. In some instances, back surgery is an option to try for getting back on your feet. However, some patients prefer not to take time away from their lives for surgery or may want to pursue less invasive options. Discover five viable alternatives to back surgery that can make a notable difference in your overall well-being.
Endoscopic Procedures
Conditions such as spinal stenosis that affect your spine and disc may be improved with an endoscopic spine operation, which is one of the most minimally invasive procedures available. The surgeon uses an endoscope, which goes into the body through a small incision, for the procedure. The screen display shows the inside of the spine for the surgeon to see the problematic areas and use a few small endoscopic incisions to repair.
Decompression
Another way to relieve spinal problems is through minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MILD). With some conditions, bone narrowing around the spinal cord occurs and leads to persistent pain for patients. Using MILD, a surgeon decompresses the troubled spinal areas by pushing down boney spurs. As a result, pressure on the spinal cord is reduced to relieve nerve discomfort and make patients feel better.
Nerve Devices
Stimulating nerves with electrical currents is another alternative to back surgery. Formally called neuromodulation treatments, the therapies work well for lower back pain by providing patients with a device that stimulates the painful nerves. The first step is using a test device to determine if the therapy works to reduce the patient’s symptoms. Sometimes, a permanent device is placed under the skin for continued relief.
Regenerative Options
Many patients choose non-invasive regenerative treatments to boost their body’s natural healing abilities. Often regenerative medicine involves injections rather than surgery, making this treatment minimally invasive. For example, options for back pain may include PRP injections and prolotherapy to cause inflammation that repairs the affected body tissue. Thus, patients experience relief without taking weeks away from their lives for surgery and recovery.
Implants
Finally, another alternative to invasive back surgery is a vertiflex interspinous spacer implant that hooks into the spine to secure it and create space. The space between the vertebrae creates room for compressed spinal nerves and reduces internal pressure on the spinal cord. As a result, the patient gets relief from the pain associated with a lack of space between the vertebrae because the spacer provides essential room. Patients get continued relief without enduring the time and recovery associated with surgery.
Consult a Physician
While various options exist to relieve back pain without surgery, each body and condition differs. Thus, it is crucial to consult a physician before deciding whether surgery is the right decision. Sometimes, patients visit more than one doctor and specialist to choose the proper treatment. Knowledge is power, which makes testing and diagnosis essential to figure out how to relieve spinal pain with or without surgery.
If you’re concerned about having spinal surgery and the downtime associated with recovery, other options exist that provide essential pain relief. Schedule an appointment with an experienced physician today to discuss the options and find out which one might work best for you. With some research and testing, you can relieve spinal pain with non-invasive treatment rather than scheduling surgery.
