What Are the Best Non-Surgical Treatments for Spine Pain?
Back and spine pain are some of the most common reasons people visit a doctor. It can quickly interfere with your daily life, whether it starts as occasional discomfort or becomes a more serious issue. Simple tasks like driving, working, or getting a good night's sleep can become difficult when pain lingers or worsens over time.
At Ortho San Antonio, we focus on helping patients find relief through non-surgical care whenever possible. According to Dr. Jorgensen, most people with spine pain improve through non-surgical treatments. Understanding your options can make all the difference when managing a spine injury.
“Surgery is always the last treatment approach. And the reason for that is that is that the vast majority of patients who have severe pain, will actually have relief of the pain with non surgical, conservative, symptomatic treatments. ”
Different Types of Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Spine Pain
For most patients, spine pain can be managed successfully without surgery. Non-surgical treatments are designed to relieve discomfort, promote healing, and improve day-to-day function. Here are some of the most common options:
Physical Therapy: A structured therapy program can help strengthen the muscles that support the spine, improve mobility, and reduce pressure on nerves.
Anti-inflammatory Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to manage pain and inflammation during flare-ups.
Spinal Injections: Targeted injections, such as epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks, can provide temporary relief and help with diagnosis.
Lifestyle Modifications: Changes in posture, ergonomics, sleep positioning, and activity levels can reduce strain on the spine and help prevent future pain.
Why Non-Surgical Treatments for Spine Pain Are Often the Best First Step
When you're in pain, it’s easy to assume that surgery is the quickest solution. But in many cases, it’s not the most effective starting point. Non-surgical treatments are often successful in relieving spine pain, especially when care begins early.
Conservative options like physical therapy, spinal injections, and medication come with fewer risks than surgery and typically involve less downtime. They focus on reducing inflammation, restoring mobility, and strengthening the body so it can heal on its own.
For most patients, these treatments lead to steady improvement without the need for invasive procedures. They also promote long-term recovery by helping you build healthy movement patterns, reduce strain on the spine, and prevent future flare-ups. Starting with non-surgical care gives your body the best chance to recover while keeping more aggressive treatments in reserve only if needed.
What Are Common Causes of Spine Pain?
Spine pain can stem from a variety of issues, ranging from muscle strain to disc problems. Common causes include:
Herniated or bulging discs that press on nearby nerves
Muscle strain from overuse, poor posture, or sudden movement
Degenerative disc disease as part of the natural aging process
Spinal stenosis, which narrows the spinal canal and causes nerve pressure
Injuries or trauma from falls, accidents, or sports
Poor posture and body mechanics that place stress on the spine
If you're dealing with a spine injury in San Antonio, understanding the cause of your pain is key to finding the most effective treatment.
When to See a Spine Specialist in San Antonio
If your spine pain isn’t improving with rest or conservative care, it may be time to see a specialist. You should reach out if you’re dealing with:
Pain lasting more than a few weeks
Numbness, tingling, or weakness
Trouble walking or standing
Symptoms that are getting worse
At Ortho San Antonio, Dr. Jorgensen can help identify the cause of your pain and recommend the right treatment plan. Early care can lead to better outcomes and help you avoid unnecessary procedures.
MEET OUR SPINE PAIN SPECIALIST, Dr. Jorgensen!
Dr. Jorgensen, working alongside Rachel Stein, FNP, is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with advanced fellowship training in minimally invasive spine surgery and adult spine deformity. He treats a wide range of spine conditions using the latest non-surgical and surgical techniques, always focused on helping patients return to the activities they love. If you're dealing with spine pain or injury, schedule a visit with Dr. Jorgensen and take the first step toward relief.