Dr. Warren J. Bleiweiss Blogs

The Best Non-Surgical Options to Treat Back Pain

Doctor and patient talking about back pain treatment

Diagnosing and treating the cause of your back pain is difficult. There are many causes of back pain, from trauma, excessive weight, smoking, and posture to name a few. But not everyone who has back pain needs surgery. And most people want to avoid surgery at all costs. So, what are the best non-surgical options to treat back pain?

60-80% of all people experience back pain at some point in their lifetime. And at any given moment, 2-5% of the population are experiencing back pain. Back pain is one of the largest reasons for employee absences from the workplace. Back pain has become a significant problem and you need to know your options regarding the best treatment for you.

What are some of the main causes of back pain?

A strain lifting something heavy is one of the causes but there are others, such as:

  • Trauma or falls
  • Excessive weight
  • Smoking
  • Poor posture
  • Arthritis of the spine
  • Natural aging
  • Herniated or bulging discs
  • Spinal stenosis or a narrowing of the spinal canal

Chronic back pain is pain that has lasted 3 months or longer. And this pain can come and go which can lead to frustration and despair. Chronic back pain not only has an impact on your daily life but also on your mental health. Not being able to participate in all the activities you enjoyed, but also activities like putting on your shoes and socks can lead to depression in some people.

Let’s look at some of the treatments, other than surgery, that might improve your back pain.

Typical Medical Treatments for Back Pain

Medical treatment for back pain is aimed at determining the cause of your pain. Knowing exactly what is causing the pain helps determine the treatment. However, some cases of back pain simply can’t be determined.

The first treatment for back pain at home or from a doctor’s office is medications. Medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like Ibuprofen and Aleve, are some of the most used. Other medications, such as muscle relaxers, help with muscle spasms in some back pain cases.

Physical therapy to assist in strengthening your back is also a common treatment. Here are some of the others:

  • Acupuncture – an eastern medical treatment that involves using needles in the affected area to relieve pain
  • Herbal remedies – many natural products, such as capsaicin, or Devil’s claw help with back pain too.
  • TENS units – electronic nerve stimulation to alleviate pain signals getting to your brain
  • Injection based treatments – Steroid injections, epidurals etc.
  • Anti-inflammatory diet – a diet free of processed foods, high levels of trans fats, and sugars – a diet consisting of vegetables, fruits, nuts, fish, and whole grains can decrease inflammation
  • Weight loss – weight loss can reduce the pressure on the lower back
  • Lifestyle modifications – use other equipment to lift heavy objects, rest periods, and smoking cessation are some recommendations
  • Correcting your posture – your posture during sitting, standing, and other activities can place an increased stress on your back
  • Stress management – stress can also lead to back pain as stress can cause muscle tightness and spasms
  • Footwear – shoes that change our normal body alignment, such as 6-inch heels or shoes that don’t have any support
  • CBD oil – CBD oil is not legal in all states, but CBD oil is a cannabinoid with the chemical THC removed and it decreases pain
  • Chiropractic spinal manipulations – trauma, falls, and other accidents can change your spinal alignment.
  • Exercise – a strong set of core muscles in your back and abdomen help keep your spine in its natural alignment
  • Topical pain relievers – Creams and ointments like Lidocaine and Capsaicin ointment you place on the affected area
  • Antidepressants – can change your perception of pain and have some pain-relieving properties

These are many of the most common non-surgical options available now. But there is another treatment for back pain caused by herniated, bulging, or slipped discs,  the ozone injection procedure . The ozone injection procedure is an alternative to surgery for the repair of the herniated disc. Surgery always changes the anatomy of the disc. And because surgery changes the anatomy, the potential for additional episodes of reoccurrence at the same disc are increased.

How is the ozone injection procedure accomplished?

Ozone is a natural gas in the earth’s atmosphere. Ozone injection procedures have been used in the United States for the last 30 years. The ozone is injected directly into the disc during an outpatient procedure without destroying the integrity of the disc. This allows the disc to remain intact without further risk of impairment. And, with a higher than surgery success rate, patients don’t have repeated procedures, unlike surgery.

Ozone Therapy treatment for back pain in Caldwell, New Jersey

Dr. Warren J. Bleiweiss at Alternative Disc Therapy use ozone as part of your medical plan to treat your back pain. Dr. Bleiweiss pioneered the treatment now used in the US. Ozone therapy has been used since World War II in many forms of treatment. If you are tired of the continuing back pain you experience, or want more information on ozone therapy, call Dr. Bleiweiss and the friendly staff at Alternative Disc Therapy. You’ll be happy you did. Call us today at (973) 403-3334 or use our online request form to schedule your visit. We also offer telemedicine visits for your convenience.