Experiencing back pain can affect many aspects of your life, making it difficult to be active or even be still without discomfort. Finding the right treatment for your back pain will become an important goal so that you can return to your normal routine. You’ll want to regain the ability to function at home or work or school, obtain pain relief, improve function so that you can participate in rehabilitation efforts, and prevent further injury or damage to your back. The first approach that you’ll want to try is to conservatively manage your pain, avoiding more invasive options like surgery.

There are numerous non-surgical remedies for back pain available, from traditional to alternative treatments. You may need to try several different kinds of treatments, or combine methods, to find the right solution for your condition. Before starting any treatment, it is recommended to first see a qualified physician to make sure you don’t do anything to worsen your condition. Dr. Fischer at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City is available to help identify the root cause of your back pain and help you regain your spinal health.

Physical medicine
This branch of medicine treats health issue by physical means, like heat or manipulation, instead of with medicine or surgery. Some common alternatives in this area of treatment include:

• Ice and heat to reduce swelling and muscle spasms
• Braces to limit movement and provide support
• Electrical stimulation therapy to relieve pain and swelling and promote healing
• Ultrasound therapy to relax muscles and ease pain
• Exercises to strengthen and stretch muscles and prevent recurrence
• Massage therapy to ease pain and spasms

Pain medicine
Another treatment method involves using pain medication. Options may be:

• Oral analgesic medicines like acetaminophen, aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, or muscle relaxants for pain relief
• Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce swelling
• Narcotic medicines for a limited time to treat severe or chronic pain
• Antidepressants to treat neuropathic pain
• Corticosteroid medications taken orally or injected to reduce inflammation and reduce severe pain
• Epidural steroid injections inserted near the spinal nerves to treat severe pain
• Facet joint injections near painful facet joint areas
• Sacroiliac joint injections into the sacroiliac joint
• Trigger point injections into damaged muscle or soft tissue
• Nerve block to reduce swelling near the nerve root

Surgery
Sometimes, after trying non-surgical options, you just don’t get the back pain relief you need. The idea of spinal surgery can be scary, but it could be the best way to restore your health and lifestyle. Dr. Fischer is available to help ensure you have been offered all conservative treatments that could benefit you. If surgery really is the ideal solution, Dr. Fischer will explain the process, risks, benefits, and all other aspects. Finding a treatment that resolves your back pain can take a bit of patience, but Dr. Fischer can help you reach your goal of eliminating pain and restoring mobility.  Contact Dr. Fischer today to schedule an appointment.