Most cases of back and neck pain resolve alone and very few people with back
pain need surgery. There are a wide variety of non-surgical treatments that
are usually successful in treating back and neck pain. Some of the most common
non-surgical treatment options are physical therapy/exercise, medication, spinal
injections and alternative medicine.
Physical Therapy/Exercise:
Physical therapy combines passive modalities with therapeutic
exercise to rehabilitate the spine and other parts of the body. Examples of
passive modalities that physical therapists administer to patients include:
Heat/Cold Therapy:
Helps to reduce inflammation, muscle spasm, and pain.
Ultrasound:
The therapist uses a smooth rounded device that is applied to the skin in a circular movement to transmit sound waves into underlying tissues. The sound waves create a deep heat that promotes circulation while helping to relieve inflammation, muscle spasm, and pain.
Spinal Traction:
Gentle force is applied to stretch and mobilize
the spine to alleviate back pain and spasm.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS):
A small controllable device delivers a painless electrical current through skin patched to specific nerves. TENS can be used to relieve pain and improve mobility.
Massage:
Trained therapists use their hands, fingers, thumbs, and sometimes their elbows or specialized tools to rhythmically knead, rub, and stroke muscles. Various types of massage help to increase circulation and relieve muscle tension, spasms, inflammation, fluid retention, aches, stiffness, and pain.
