Chronic spinal pain affects millions of Americans and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. It can prevent people from living their lives to the fullest and make everyday tasks more difficult. Your condition may also worsen if aggravated or left untreated.
That’s why it’s crucial to seek medical help as soon as possible. It can help you get an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan to address your specific needs.
Let’s talk about some of the best chronic spinal pain treatments and where you can go in Rochester Hills, MI, for outstanding spinal treatment.
What Is The Best Chronic Spinal Pain Treatment?
The best chronic spinal pain treatment depends on the underlying cause of your pain. The most common conditions include:
- Degenerative disc disease – when the discs in your spine begin to break down
- Spinal stenosis – when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the nerves and causing pain
- Herniated disc – when a disc in your spine ruptures and puts pressure on the nerves.
It also hinges on:
- Your symptoms
- How long you’ve been experiencing pain
- Your age and medical history
- Any previous injuries or health conditions, and
- Your pain tolerance
After collecting this information, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend different treatments to help you find relief.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for chronic spinal pain. Your provider may conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine the best course of action.
Treatment Options for Chronic Spinal Pain
Non-surgical treatments are typically the first line of defense against chronic spinal pain. These may include:
Activity Modification
You may need to limit your physical activity or change how you perform particular tasks to avoid aggravating your condition.
Weight Loss
Losing weight can help reduce the strain on your spine and ease your pain.
Exercise
A physical therapy program that includes low-impact exercises can help improve your flexibility, strength, and range of motion.
Medications
Your provider may recommend over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers to help ease your pain.
Injections
Steroid injections or other types of injections may help reduce inflammation and pain.
Surgery for Chronic Spinal Pain
If conservative measures don’t provide relief, your surgeon may recommend surgery. Several surgical procedures can help treat chronic spinal pain. The type of surgery you have will depend on the underlying cause of your pain.
Common examples of surgical procedures for chronic spinal pain include:
- Spinal fusion – joining two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine
- Disc replacement – removing a damaged disc and replacing it with an artificial one
- Laminectomy – removing a portion of the bone that covers the spinal canal to relieve pressure on the nerves
- Foraminotomy – widening the foramen, which is the opening between the vertebrae through which the nerves exit the spine
These are just a few surgical options available to treat chronic spinal pain. Your surgeon will determine the best procedure for you based on your condition.
Recovery After Chronic Spinal Pain Surgery
After having surgery to treat chronic spinal pain, follow your surgeon’s instructions for a successful recovery. That may include:
- Resting
- Physical therapy, and
- Pain medication
It’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions and attend follow-up appointments. These are essential for a successful recovery.
Chronic Spinal Pain Treatment in Rochester Hills, MI
Are you looking for the best chronic spinal pain treatment in Rochester Hills? Look no further than Ahlgren Spine Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Bradley Ahlgren, board-certified and fellowship-trained, is excited to give you the best care you deserve.
You may call our friendly staff at (248) 215-8080 to learn about our comprehensive services. You may also use our secure appointment request form to book a consultation with the best spine surgeon near you.
We look forward to serving you!
