TREATMENT FOR LOW BACK PAIN

What Are Some Non-Surgical Treatment Methods?

For many patients, management of their back problems is achieved through a low back education program, weight control, therapeutic swimming, and specialized physical therapy including custom exercise programs and proper body mechanics and dynamics. Bed rest, short-term use of back supports, and limited amounts of non-narcotic medications are often helpful.

What Is Gravity Lumbar Reduction Therapy?

This is a special traction program where a harness (like a parachute vest) is used to support the upper body rib cage, thereby allowing the weight of the lower third of the body to pull downward by gravity on the lumbar spine. This program is an especially effective and safe means of treating patients with acute contained herniated or bulging discs and was developed as a means of avoiding surgery. It is intended for use by previously-unoperated patients who are not overweight.

When Is Surgery Indicated?

A surgical procedure is considered only after conservative treatment measures have failed or been decided against due to the presence of significant nerve deficit such as numbness, loss of strength, loss of bowel or bladder function or reflexes used in sexual function.

What Are Some Of The More Common Surgical Procedures?

In broad groupings, they are:

Discectomy ("laminectomy")

Laminectomy is a surgical procedure in which the portion of the vertebra called the lamina is either partially or completely removed. Discectomy is the surgical removal of displaced tissue from the center of a herniated and degenerated disc. The entire annulus, the outer ring, is not removed. In laminectomy and discectomy, tissue is removed through an open incision by the use of surgical instruments. The object of a discectomy is to remove the displaced disc tissue which is pressing against the spinal nerves.

 

Lumbar Decompression

This is the surgical procedure for removal of portions of bone from the affected lumbar vertebra(e) and excision of degenerated disc. The object of a lumbar decompression is to free the spinal cord and nerve roots from the overgrown bony structures of the spine.

 

Stabilization (fusions)

Lumbar fusion is a surgical procedure which involves the placement of bone between unhealthy segment(s) in the low back to reduce abnormal motion, thereby addressing certain symptoms of low back/leg pain. The objective of surgically joining two or more vertebrae is to provide stability.

 

Facet Nerve Blocks

The physician uses x-ray control for this relatively simple procedure which is performed under local, epidural, or general anesthesia. A radiofrequency (microwave) probe is placed through the skin to the target area of the facet joints and a permanent nerve block is performed by heat. The purpose of this procedure is to tone down some of the small sensory fibers that give feeling to the joints in the low back, thereby treating pain which is attributed to the mechanical low back pain syndrome of facet joint origin.

Table of Contents

Introduction
CAUSES OF LOW BACK PAIN
DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM
TREATMENT FOR LOW BACK PAIN
NEXT: PREVENTING LOW BACK PAIN