Dr. Stefano Sinicropi, M.D.

There’s an old adage that says “you have to risk it for the biscuit,” but when it comes to treating spinal pain, that’s oftentimes not the case. In many instances, there are plenty of low risk and low cost options that prove quite effective at treating many mild to moderate back issues. So if you’re looking to treat your back pain without heading to a clinic and without really risking some serious complications, we have some options for you. Below, we take a closer look at five low-risk treatment options for back pain.

The Best Low-Risk Back Pain Treatments

As always, we want to remind our readers that the following is just general advice, and your best option for effectively managing your unique spine issue is by connecting with a spine specialist. That said, if you suspect you’re dealing with a relatively minor injury or some dull back discomfort, here are some low-risk treatment options that have a proven track record of success.

1. Walking – Walking is a wonderful treatment option because it doesn’t require any special equipment and can be performed almost anywhere. It can be particularly helpful for spine issues because it’s a low-impact form of exercise that boosts circulation, pushing healthy blood to the structures in your spine that need it most. Regular walking can also help you burn calories and shed some extra weight, which takes stress off the spinal column.
2. Swimming – As we discussed in a blog last month, swimming has been found to be a pretty effective form of treatment for patients dealing with chronic low back pain. Water’s natural properties make it ideal for back pain sufferers, as you can move more freely without the effects of gravity and you’ll engage with natural resistance as you move, which is great for muscle development. Some light swimming or a controlled water-based exercise routine can do wonders for your spine health.
3. Physical Therapy – Physical therapy is the form of treatment we recommend the most at our clinic, simply because it’s usually one of the most effective non-operative options and it’s incredibly beneficial in the wake of a surgical procedure. Physical therapy is low risk because it can be performed under the watchful guidance of a professional who understands how to safely push your body to the limits without increasing your risk of injury. You can also find some general PT exercises for back pain online or on Youtube if you’re hoping to keep costs down, but just know that you won’t have that professional guidance to keep an eye on you while you’re working.
4. Mindfulness Therapy – One unique low-risk approach to back pain treatment is mindfulness therapy. These techniques focus on helping you reframe how you respond to back pain triggers. Deep breathing techniques and meditation can help you find an inner calm when symptoms begin to set in and can help patients regain a sense of control over their discomfort. It’s best to pair mindfulness therapy with a movement-based treatment like exercise or strength training, but don’t overlook the benefits of focusing on caring for your mental health, because back pain isn’t just a physical issue.
5. Dietary Tweaks – Finally, one last way to care for the health of your spine and potentially treat some related issues is by rethinking your diet. You don’t need to completely overhaul your diet, but making a few sustainable changes to your diet can help you lose weight and better control inflammation that could be contributing to your discomfort. Shift away from sugary foods or carbohydrate-dense snacks and towards more fruits and vegetables, and your spine will have easier access to the nutrients it needs to stay strong and functional. Improve your diet, and don’t be surprised if your spine health improves as well.

We can assist with more hands-on approaches to back pain treatment, but if you’re hoping to try some low-risk options on your own, consider one or more of the above approaches. If pain persists or you just want a doctor to bring clarity to your situation, connect with Dr. Sinicropi and the team at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.

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