Many patients with back or neck pain respond well to non-surgical treatment. Medication, physical therapy, or rehabilitation can alleviate pain and restore function. Non-surgical care can prevent further deterioration of the spine's muscles and reduce downtime after surgery. Our licensed therapists develop a program tailored to your needs and are there to offer support every step of the way.
 

Medication

Medication can be used to relieve, reduce and control symptoms -- such as inflammation, pain and muscle spasms -- of acute (temporary) or chronic neck and back pain. Your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) relieve pain by reducing inflammation of nerves and soft tissues (for example, with a herniated disc or muscle strain).
• Muscle relaxants help relieve pain caused by muscle spasms or muscle tightness.
• Narcotics can be used for a short time to control severe (acute) pain, such as after an injury or surgery.
• Oral steroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications effective for some causes of low back pain.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) is a non-surgical treatment that aims to improve the quality of life by decreasing pain, increasing strength and flexibility, and improving or restoring the functions of daily living. Treatment does not focus on one part of the body but instead on the development of a comprehensive program for restoring all aspects of a patient's life -- medical, social, emotional and vocational (work). Specific spinal disorders treated by physical medicine and rehabilitation include:

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated disc
• Sciatica
• Spinal stenosis
• Spondylosis (spinal osteoarthritis)

Physical Therapy

Your doctor may prescribe physical therapy to help relieve neck or back pain caused by a spine problem or injury. Physical therapy (PT) is often part of a formal treatment program, non-operative and/or after surgery. PT benefits patients with disc herniation, spinal stenosis, sprain/strain and other spine disorders.

Physical therapy may help patients avoid spine surgery and can also help patients get their bodies ready for surgery. Your insurance company may require a course of physical therapy before an invasive or surgical intervention is approved. PT is often included in post-operative care and rehabilitation.
 

Pilates and Yoga

Pilates and yoga are popular exercise systems that blend stretching, strengthening and core abdominal movements. Both exercise systems can improve posture in addition to reducing back and neck pain. Pilates and yoga increase strength in specific muscles and muscle groups, which can be very useful in promoting back health during spine rehab. Click here to find a class at one of our fitness centers.