Most Frequently Asked Questions about Neck and Back Pain Treatments
Are you considering finding treatment for your back or neck pain? Or, at least ready to gather information on treatments? Here is a handy guide of the most frequently asked questions Champey Pain & Spine Group receives about neck and back pain treatments to start your research or help narrow down your next steps.
When should I see a doctor about pain treatment?
Seeking the opinion of a doctor is strongly recommended if your pain can be attributed to some sort of trauma or injury, persists longer than a few weeks, worsens over time or at specific times of day, and/or is accompanied by other ailments or issues such as pain in other body areas or neurological problems.
What are the most common treatments for back and neck pain?
Every treatment recommendation will be based on factors of the pain itself, but common treatments for most back and neck pain problems include more conservative, non-surgical methods such as medication, physical therapy, epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks, as well as minimally invasive surgeries like disc replacements, facet fusions or laser spine surgery.
Why should I consider more conservative, non-surgical treatments for my pain first?
All surgeries, no matter how minimally invasive they may be, come with risk. Using more conservative, non-surgical treatments allows us to see if physical therapy, hot or cold therapy, rest, pain medications or injections can provide adequate relief for your condition.
When should I consider surgery?
Surgery is always a last resort. If you have tried all other non-surgical treatments your doctor recommends to alleviate pain but still suffer, consulting with your physician on surgical options can be the best option. Your doctor will be able to discuss and recommend a specific type of surgery best suited to address the specific issues of your back and neck pain.
What is the difference between minimally invasive spine surgery vs. traditional spine surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery typically consists of making small, often less than one inch, incisions to the neck or back to make the needed surgical repairs performed with very small endoscopic instruments. Traditional surgery, or “open back” surgery, requires long incisions, often about 6 inches in length, to make necessary repairs and cut or tear surrounding muscles and small tissue to reach the affected area. Minimally invasive surgery literally minimizes the muscle and tissue damage during the procedure and the length of times both in the hospital and overall recovery. For more information on minimally invasive spine surgery, contact us here
Is minimally invasive spine surgery right for me?
We will need to consult with you, review your medical history, and diagnose your exact condition in order to determine if you’re a candidate for spinal surgery. The team of experienced surgeons at Champey Pain & Spine Group may be able to provide a more conservative form of treatment, using non-surgical solutions to help you recover and help you avoid surgery altogether. To receive a preliminary screening of available treatment options that may be right for you, check out our free treatment check tool.
How Can Champey Pain & Spine Can Help?
At Champey Pain & Spine Group, we make it our top priority to help our patients live a pain-free life. If you have questions about neck and back pain treatments and would like to speak to one of our spine specialists, please contact us today by clicking the button below.
