Dr. Stefano Sinicropi, M.D.

By definition, chronic pain is discomfort that has been present for greater than three months. If you’ve been battling a pain condition for at least this long, it may seem like surgery is the only solution. Even though your pain may be a constant battle, there are plenty of non-operative options that could prove successful depending on your specific condition. We highlight five of those options in today’s blog.

Treating Chronic Back Pain Without Surgery

Here are five treatment techniques we often recommend to patients who present with varying types of chronic back pain.

1. Physical Therapy – Physical therapy is the most commonly prescribed non-operative treatment for neck and back conditions. The reason it’s heavily recommended is because it helps to strengthen and protect targeted structures through specific strength training movements. Performed alongside a skilled physical therapist, many people can limit or eliminate their chronic back pain.
2. Spinal Injections – If chronic back pain is making movement too painful for everyday activities, a corticosteroid injection may be just what you need. These injections can help quell troublesome inflammation and calm irritated nerves, all of which can make other treatments like physical therapy or a stretching routine easier to perform. A spinal injection isn’t usually a standalone option, but coupled with an active treatment solution, it can be a great secondary treatment option.
3. Stretching – Some patients have found that they can control chronic pain flare ups with a targeted stretching routine. If your chronic back pain is being caused by muscle fatigue or nerve impingement, getting up and performing a 10-minute stretching routine can do wonders for your spine. Talk to a physical therapist or do some research online to find out which stretches may be able to help with your pain.
4. Yoga – Yoga is essentially a combination of points one and three, which is why it can be a great non-operative treatment option for chronic back pain. Yoga involves moving your body in certain directions and holding positions to help strengthen overlooked muscle groups. Improving your core and your underutilized spinal muscles can help stabilize the area and better prepare it for stress, which in turn can help control chronic pain.
5. Lifestyle Modifications – Finally, sometimes all you need to do is take a closer look at your daily life and become more aware of how your actions are jeopardizing the health of your spine. Maybe your office chair is causing problems, or you’re not lifting properly on the job site. Maybe you’re looking down at your phone too often, or you’re not warming up correctly before athletic activity. Working with a specialist to determine what actions could be contributing to your pain and developing a modification plan can help you regain control over your chronic back pain.

For more information, or for help with your chronic back pain condition, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi’s office today.

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