Traditional treatments for lower back pain

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If the condition causing your lower back pain is relatively minor or in the early stages, Dr. Skaliy may suggest treatments including over-the-counter pain medication or preventative treatments such as weight reduction, regular stretching, correct posture, physical therapy and low-impact aerobic exercise.

 

However, if the condition is sufficiently advanced, the traditionally suggested treatment involves spinal fusion surgery. This highly-invasive surgical procedure involves “fusing” two vertebrae together, stopping any motion at the degenerated disc. Due to the invasive nature of spinal fusion surgery, long recovery times, including lengthy hospital stays, as well as painful physical therapy, are typical.

 

This highly-invasive surgery involves removing the roof of bone overlying the spinal canal, placing screws and bars within the spine to stabilize the spine. Additional risk factors for spinal fusion surgery include significant pain, limited physical activity for an extended period, and, in some cases, minimal to negligible pain reduction.

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Dr. Skaliy says:

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“Even successful fusion surgery results in permanent changes to quality of life. Movement is limited at the fused joint, flexibility is diminished and stress to other joints is increased. Approximately one-in-three fusion surgery recipients develop disc degenerations at other points along the spine.”

 

While fusion surgery is often billed as a “permanent” solution to spinal stenosis, this is not the outcome for far too many patients. If you opt for spinal fusion surgery, there is a risk that you could undergo painful, permanent fusion surgery, followed by painful, lengthy therapy and still see little or no real reduction in pain.

 

When you see all these symptoms and conditions, I know it can be a lot to take in all at once. You just want the pain to stop, so you can feel better and live life like you once did … but there’s so much information out there, so much advice, it can feel overwhelming. Don’t be discouraged.

 

Remember this: The goal of all of us here at Atlanta Spine Specialists is to see you totally pain free. I’ve been successfully treating patients in pain for more than 30 years, and I am confident we have a solution that can help you too. Please take some time to review the symptoms, conditions and solutions pages on this site, as well as the wealth of articles, that will provide you with knowledge and affirm your hope that there is help out there for you. We would love to be part of your personal pain solution.

 

I encourage you to click here or fill out the form below to schedule an appointment, so we can personally discuss your situation and the best solutions to your lower back pain.