- Our Team Backs You Up
- The Spine Center Treatment Team
- Persistent Back Pain?
- Non-Operative Treatments
also known as Conservative Care - Conservative Care
- Surgical Treatment
Non-Operative Treatments also known as Conservative Care
Recognizing the potential of many conditions to stabilize over time, appropriate non-operative measures are pursued as a first line treatment. For severe deformities, cases of neurological dysfunction, and when non-operative treatment has proven ineffective, surgery is then pursued.
Dr. Gregg Alexander, a non-surgical spine specialist, directs all conservative care treatment plans for patients not requiring surgical intervention for back, neck and spine conditions. Dr. Alexander brings a comprehensive approach to diagnosing all spinal conditions, including a thorough evaluation using the latest technological advancements. Dr. Alexander believes in evaluating patients promptly and educating them on their diagnosis, so they can play an active role in the decision-making and treatment process.
The human back is indeed a well-designed structure meant to function with nearly every move we make. However, it is also vulnerable to strain, overuse and serious injury if not well-maintained with exercise, care and a healthy dose of caution.
While back pain can be disabling, most back pain is preventable and in fact does not require surgery or even medical intervention. The majority of individuals suffering from common acute or short term back pain will gradually see improvement with self-care and home treatment within a few days or weeks. Chronic back pain is defined by The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), a part of the National Institutes of Health, as back pain that persists three or more months.
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Lower back pain treatment involves using over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce discomfort and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation. The goal of treatment is to restore proper function and strength to the back, and prevent recurrence of the injury. Medications are often used to treat acute and chronic low back pain. Effective pain relief may involve a combination of prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies.
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In the majority of cases involving low back pain, the patient’s symptoms resolve within three months of onset. Our conservative care team works with patients to educate them in pain management as well as how to prevent future episodes by strengthening core muscle groups through exercise, physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments.
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Exercise may be the most effective way to speed recovery from low back pain and help strengthen back and abdominal muscles.