If you are putting off going to the doctor because you’re worried you may need surgery for your back pain, you may not need to worry – you may be able to avoid surgery altogether.

“We have several non-surgical treatment options, depending on the source of your pain,” says Lan Nguyen, M.D. a board-certified physician at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

You may benefit from a program of physical therapy that includes back-strengthening exercises that aims to reduce or relieve pain. Another important goal of physical therapy is to restore function, and help patients regain their previous quality of life.

For pain management, Dr. Nguyen often suggests using over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen. In some cases, a muscle relaxant may be prescribed for short-term use.

Avoid Back Injuries
To prevent back pain, it is very important to learn to lift and bend properly. Keep your back straight and vertical. Lift with your leg muscles and bend at your knees, avoid lifting objects that are too heavy, and tighten your abdominal muscles as you lift or lower an object.

Other measures to prevent back pain include:

• Do exercises to strengthen your abdominal muscles on a regular basis. This will strengthen your core muscles to help decrease the risk of further injuries.
• Avoid standing for long periods of time. If you must stand for your work, try using a stool. Alternate resting each foot on the foot rest of the stool.
• Avoid wearing high heels and use cushioned soles when walking.
• When sitting for work, especially if using a computer, make sure that your chair has a straight back with an adjustable seat and back, armrests and a swivel seat.
• Use a stool under your feet while sitting so that your knees are higher than your hips.
• Place a small pillow or rolled towel behind your lower back while sitting or driving for long periods of time.
• If driving long distances, stop to walk around every hour. Bring your seat forward to avoid bending. Avoid lifting heavy objects just after a ride.
• Quit smoking.
• Lose weight. 
   

Don’t Ignore Severe Pain
“If pain is severe, we might recommend a series of epidural steroid injections,” says Dr. Nguyen, who prefers to wait before contemplating surgery in order to give non-surgical therapy enough time to improve a patient’s condition.
 
“Patients exhibiting pain that shoots down the leg from the buttocks area are likely dealing with symptoms that may be related to a herniated disc,” she said. “But even for patients with herniated discs, only a small percent are eventually considered candidates for surgery.”
 
A comprehensive rehabilitation program with physician and patient working together as a team is the key to positive patient outcomes.