Finding a qualified back pain doctor near you can help if you are dealing with ongoing discomfort. Back pain is very common and affects millions of people in the United States every year. It is also a major reason for missed work and disability. The good news is that orthopedic doctors have many ways to treat back pain and help you move better and feel better.
Knowing your treatment options allows you to make better choices for your care. Orthopedic medicine offers a range of treatments to address different types and levels of back pain. This guide will explain the different back pain treatments that orthopedic doctors can provide.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Most doctors start with non-surgical methods to treat back pain. These treatments can often ease pain without the risks or long recovery time of surgery.
Physical Therapy and Exercise
Physical therapy is a key part of many back pain treatment plans. Physical therapists work with doctors to create exercise programs tailored to each person. These exercises help strengthen core muscles, improve flexibility, and fix posture issues.
The exercises focus on specific muscles that support the spine. Patients also learn how to move their bodies in ways that reduce strain on their backs. Many people feel much better after sticking to these programs.
Medications
Doctors may recommend medications to manage back pain and swelling. Over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen can reduce pain and inflammation.
For more serious pain, doctors might prescribe stronger medications. Muscle relaxers can ease spasms, and prescription painkillers may provide short-term relief while other treatments start working.
Injections
Injections can target specific areas of back pain. Doctors use imaging tools to make sure the medication is placed exactly where it is needed.
● Epidural steroid injections: These reduce inflammation around nerve roots and can relieve pain for weeks or months.
● Facet joint injections: These target small joints between the bones in the spine that may be inflamed.
● Trigger point injections: These treat tight muscle knots that cause pain and can provide quick relief.
Advanced Non-Surgical Treatments
If basic treatments do not work well enough, doctors offer more advanced non-surgical options. These newer treatments can reduce pain significantly and help patients avoid surgery.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to stop certain nerves from sending pain signals. This simple procedure can provide long-lasting relief for chronic back pain. It usually takes less than an hour, and patients can go home the same day.
During the procedure, thin needles are placed near the nerves causing pain. Heat is used to block the nerves from sending pain messages to the brain. Many people feel relief that lasts from six months to two years.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP therapy uses parts of the patient’s own blood to help heal damaged tissues. Doctors take a small amount of blood, process it to concentrate the platelets, and inject it into the painful area.
These platelets contain special growth factors that help repair tissues like discs, ligaments, or other soft parts of the spine.
While still being researched, many patients say they feel less pain and move better after PRP therapy.
Surgical Treatment Options
If non-surgical treatments do not work, spine surgeons offer different types of surgery. Modern surgeries are often less invasive, meaning smaller cuts, less damage to tissues, and quicker recovery.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery allows doctors to fix spine problems using small cuts. These methods cause less harm to muscles and tissues compared to traditional surgeries.
Microdiscectomy
This removes parts of a herniated disc that press on nerves. Doctors use special tools and microscopes to do this through a small cut. Many patients feel immediate relief from leg pain and numbness.
Laminectomy
This removes parts of the spine’s bone to make more space for pinched nerves. It is often used to treat spinal stenosis, a condition where the spinal canal becomes too narrow.
Spinal Fusion Surgery
Spinal fusion surgery connects two or more bones in the spine to stop them from moving. This helps with pain caused by unstable spine movement.
Doctors use bone grafts, screws, and rods to hold the bones in place while they fuse together. Over time, the bones grow into one solid piece, stopping painful movement and nerve pressure.
Modern fusion surgeries often use less invasive methods, which means less pain and faster recovery.
Artificial Disc Replacement
Artificial disc replacement keeps the spine moving while getting rid of pain from damaged discs. This is a newer option for patients with problems in one disc.
Doctors remove the damaged disc and replace it with an artificial one. The new disc allows for normal movement, reduces pain, and helps lower the chance of problems in nearby parts of the spine.
Back Pain Doctor in Dover, NJ
Back pain does not have to control your life. The key to successful treatment lies in working with a qualified and experienced back pain doctor near you. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes. It can also prevent minor problems from becoming major disabilities.
Trust Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey’s very own Dr. Joel Spielman, a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon. With years of specialized training and experience, Dr. Spielman can accurately diagnose your condition and recommend the most effective treatment options. Call us at (973) 989-0888 or use our online appointment request form to request a consultation. Take the first step toward a pain-free future with us.
We look forward to helping you with effective back pain treatment!
