Can back pain get better without surgery?
Yes, in most cases. Much back and neck pain, including pain from many herniated discs, improves with time and conservative treatment. Our role is to speed that up and make sure nothing more serious is missed.
Nonsurgical treatments we offer
Epidural steroid injections
What it isAnti-inflammatory steroid medicine placed near an irritated nerve root using X-ray guidance.
Helps withsciatica, arm pain from a pinched nerve in the neck, and spinal stenosis.
What to expectA short in-office procedure with numbing medicine; most people go home soon after.
How long it lastsIt varies from weeks to months; for some, one injection is enough while the body heals.
RisksUsually minor, such as temporary soreness or a brief rise in blood sugar for people with diabetes, and rarely infection, bleeding, or headache.
Facet joint injections and nerve blocks
What it isTargeted injections into the small joints at the back of the spine, or near the nerves that carry pain from them.
Helps withArthritis-related neck or back pain that is worse with leaning back or twisting. They also help pinpoint where pain is coming from.
Anti-inflammatory and nerve pain medication
Prescription anti-inflammatories, a short course of oral steroids, or nerve pain medicine can calm a flare-up while you heal. We review your other medications and health conditions first.
Physical therapy plan
A referral with specific goals for strength, posture, and movement, so therapy targets your actual diagnosis rather than general back pain.
On-site 3T MRI
When imaging will change your plan, it can often be done the same day in our building.
Why see a surgeon if I do not want surgery?
A neurosurgeon can tell you whether waiting is safe. If it is, you get a nonsurgical plan from someone who understands the whole picture. If it is not, for example with worsening weakness or spinal cord compression, you know early.
Realistic expectations
Conservative care often takes 6 to 12 weeks to reach its full effect. If it does not help enough, surgery is discussed honestly and without pressure, with the same team.
Go to the ER or call 911 if you have:
Loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or rapidly worsening leg weakness. These need emergency care, not conservative treatment.
Common questions
Do injections hurt?
Most people feel pressure and brief discomfort. We use numbing medicine and image guidance, and most people go home soon after.
How many injections can I have?
There are limits on how often steroid injections can safely be given. We will explain what is safe for you.
What if nonsurgical care does not work?
Then we talk about surgery, honestly and without pressure. Because it is the same team, nothing starts over.
Related
This page is for general education and is not medical advice or a diagnosis. Talk with your doctor about your own symptoms and treatment options.