Conservative Treatment Options for Back Pain

Medicines

There are several classes of medications that can help provide pain relief. Anti-inflammatories are a mainstay of treatment for disc degeneration and arthritis in the spine. Nerve medicines, such as Neurontin or Lyrica, can provide relief when patients have pain radiating down their arms or legs. Steroids can provide immediate, significant help in patients with severe sciatica or cervical radiculopathy. Muscle relaxants and narcotics can be used for acute pain but should be used carefully due to the risk of addiction.

Therapy

Learning and performing the proper core strengthening exercises for the back and abdominal muscles, is crucial for the long-term health of the spine. Nearly all patients who have recurrent problems with the spine should be involved with physical therapy at some point in their treatment. Neck and low back pain without symptoms into the arms or legs should be initially treated with therapy. It is also indicated for patients with arm pain from a pinched nerve. Therapy can worsen symptoms when patients have acute sciatica but is frequently indicated once those symptoms have disappeared. Learning the proper exercises decreases the chance of return of symptoms. Dr. Button works closely with several physical therapists in Oregon and southwest Washington and can recommend a local therapist for his patients.
Learn More »

Injections

Injections in the neck and back are usually either epidural steroid injections or facet injections. Both types of injections are done under x-ray guidance by a fellowship-trained spine physician. Dr. Button works closely with four injection specialists, so he can match a patient's problem and location with an expert who can help them. Epidural injections can be very effective for pain radiating down an arm or leg. Facet injections are indicated for neck or back pain that comes in the position of extension.
Learn More »

Alternative Medicine Options

Alternative medical treatments include acupuncture, massage, chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation, yoga, and pilates. Although there is limited data proving that these options will work there are many situations, especially in patients who have failed more traditional treatments such as therapy or medicines, when trying an alternative treatment is indicated. Dr. Button provides a list of recommended alternative medical providers for those patients who would like to explore these options.