When individuals are living with spinal pain, doctors and medical professionals first recommend a variety of non-surgical spine treatments to help minimize, manage or eliminate the pain. The effectiveness of non-surgical treatments, however, depends on the type and severity of the injury or condition that the patient is experiencing. Here are a few of the most common non-surgical treatments for spine pain and how they could possibly help individuals living with discomfort on a regular basis.
Oral Medication
When spinal discomfort is caused by muscle swelling that hurts independently or is compressing nerves and causing pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) may help. Using NSAIDs can relieve muscular pain and discomfort caused by nerve compression by decreasing inflammation of muscle tissues and releasing them from the spinal column.
Epidural Injections
During this procedure, the physician will insert a needle into the epidural space in the spinal canal in order to inject anti-inflammatory medications into the air space. This allows pain relief drugs, which are often steroids, to be delivered directly onto the nerve root endings that are being affected. The effectiveness of this treatment is often determined by trial and error in individual cases.
Physical Therapy
Treatments that employ physical therapy often help individuals who are suffering from degenerative disc disease. This method works by providing the patient with specific exercises that are designed to strengthen the muscles around the spinal column so that it can be better supported. A stronger framework around the spine helps to keep it stable and less prone to maladjustment and injury.
Heat and Cold
When spinal pain is caused by an acute condition, applications of either heat or cold, or both may be tried. Cold packs work by decreasing inflammation of tissues and may result in less pain and a release of compressed nerves. Heat allows better blood flow to the area, which can improve flexibility and relieve stiffness. Neither heat nor cold applications should be left on for more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
If you are living with any kind of spinal pain, it’s important to talk to professional and experienced physicians who can help you determine the cause of your pain, and thus provide you with a treatment or combination of treatments to help alleviate discomfort. However, it is important to note that if a portion of the spine is severely compromised, your doctor may refer you to a trusted and preferred Santa Monica spine surgeon to see if surgery is the best option to correct the offending problem.
To schedule a consultation with a professional and board-certified spine surgeon in Santa Monica or the Los Angeles area, reach out to The Spine Institute Center for Spinal Restoration. We are proud to have a talented diagnostic team and some of the nation’s top spinal surgeons. Call us at (310) 828-7757 and schedule a consultation with us today.