Back pain is a common problem that many people develop at some point in their lives. The pain associated with these episodes usually goes away within a relatively short amount of time. However, if you are experiencing intense and extended back pain near Miami, you may be wondering if you would benefit from back surgery. Fortunately, there are plenty of non-surgical treatments for back pain that you may want to consider before talking to a spine surgeon. Read on for more information about choosing between surgical and non-surgical treatments for your back pain.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs or pain medication for your back pain. Your doctor may also refer you to a chiropractor, who will use mechanical means to adjust your spine and alleviate your symptoms. If neither of these methods work, the next step is to see a physiatrist. Physiatrists provide specialized, non-surgical care for musculoskeletal disorders using injections and specialized diagnostic techniques. He or she can continue to treat your condition and help you decide whether or not you should consider surgery.
Surgical Treatments
If non-surgical treatments are not alleviating your back pain, you may be a candidate for spinal surgery, such as a laminectomy. However, you’ll first need to participate in an imaging study, such as an MRI scan or CT scan, to determine whether or not you need surgery. Remember, surgery can only correct anatomical conditions that are causing you pain. Therefore, your doctor must be able to identify an anatomical condition on your scan for surgical treatment to be an option for you. Even if the cause of your condition can be determined through scans, you should weigh the advantages and disadvantages of surgical treatment with a spine surgeon before making a decision. If your back pain is interfering with your ability to function in everyday activities and is not responding to non-surgical treatments, then surgery may be the best option.
