Conservative Treatment

When Surgery is Necessary for a Herniated Disc

Ben Parr — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:24:34 -0800

A physician answers patient questions about when it is necessary to undergo surgery versus conservative care for a herniated disc.

Question: What level does a disc need to herniate to require surgery?

I know that on an MRI, the amount of disc herniation (L5 in my case) is measured in increments of millimeters (mm). Are there studies, opinions or facts that indicate which level (# of mm) of disc herniation warrants which treatment?

Stretching the Piriformis Muscle for Sciatica From a Herniated Disc

Ben Parr — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 13:58:14 -0800

A physician answers patient questions about piriformis stretching exercises for sciatica due to a herniated disc.

Question: Are piriformis stretching exercises important for sciatica?

I have a herniated disc at L5-S1, causing What You Need to Know About Sciatica down my right leg. I have had some success with physical therapy, but some of the exercises, such as stretching the piriformis muscle, are causing leg pain.

Cervical Radiculopathy Treatment Options: Surgical and Non-Surgical

Ben Parr — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:08:26 -0800

Back Pain Treatment: Non-Surgical Options for Pain Relief

Ben Parr — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:24:12 -0800

Prior to starting any type of treatment, it is always advisable to first see an appropriately trained spine specialist to develop an appropriate treatment program for your specific condition and medical history.

The main goals for managing back pain in the lumbar spine (lower back) usually include:

Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment Options

Ben Parr — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:11:25 -0700

Degen. Disc Disease Info:

Non-invasive Procedure

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:21 -0800

Definition

A non-invasive procedure is a conservative treatment that does not require incision into the body or the removal of tissue. For the treatment of back pain, a combination of non-invasive procedures such as chiropractic manipulation, physical therapy and heat therapy are typically prescribed for several weeks.

Noninvasive procedures are essential to pain management serving as an alternative to invasive surgery.

Conservative Treatment

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:52:36 -0800

Definition

Conservative management is an approach to treating back pain, neck pain and related spinal conditions utilizing non-surgical treatment options, such as physical therapy, medication and injections.

In the context of treating back pain, “conservative” treatment is not the inverse of aggressive treatment. Most episodes of back pain can be treated through conservative care and a combination of several conservative treatments is often recommended to alleviate pain and rehabilitate the lower back.

Conservative Care for Back Pain

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:34:06 -0800

For most people back pain tends to get better within two weeks to three months. During this time period that an episode of back pain is resolving, or if the back pain is chronic, it is important to consider the appropriate course of conservative (non-surgical) treatment in order to:

Reduce pain and spasm
Provide conditioning for the back
read more

Deciding on Surgery for Degenerative Disc Disease

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:12 -0800

Everyone’s discs degenerate as we get older. Disc degeneration can also be seen as early as the late teens as a result of trauma, surgery, or just bad genetics. Most people with degenerative disc disease can manage their ongoing pain, as well as more painful flare episodes, with conservative (non-surgical) care.

Osteomyelitis Treatments

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:50:16 -0800

Treatment for osteomyelitis is usually conservative and based primarily on use of intravenous antibiotic treatment. Occasionally, surgery may be necessary to alleviate pressure on the nerves, clean out infected material, and/or stabilize the spine.

Conservative treatments

Treatment for a spinal infection usually includes a combination of intravenous antibiotic therapy, bracing and rest.

Conservative Treatments for Coccydynia

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:30:17 -0800

Treatments for coccydynia are usually conservative and local. The first line of treatment typically includes:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs. NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, COX-2 inhibitors) help reduce the inflammation that can cause pain.
A donut-shaped pillow to help take pressure off the coccyx when sitting

Patience is also very important, since it often takes many weeks, or even months, for the pain to subside.

Treatment Options for a Lumbar Herniated Disk

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:26:50 -0800

Treatment Options for a Herniated Disc

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:26:50 -0800

Summary of Cervical Herniated Disc Treatment Options

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:26:49 -0800

Conservative Treatment for a Cervical Herniated Disc

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:26:49 -0800

First line of treatment for a cervical herniated disc

Non-Surgical Osteoarthritis Treatments

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:13:34 -0800

There are several conservative care (non-surgical) options available that are the first line of treatment to help alleviate the pain and stiffness caused by spinal arthritis and associated disc degeneration. Most treatment plans will include a combination of these options, based on assessing several factors for the individual patient, such as: severity of the osteoarthritis, which joints are affected, nature of the symptoms, other existing medical conditions, age, occupation, lifestyle factors and everyday activities.