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Non-Surgical Spine Treatments

Spine specialists with the UMMC neurosurgery division may suggest a variety of non-surgical spine treatments to help patients recover from spinal injuries, disorders, and pain.

Services we offer

Spinal injection pain management

Epidural, facet joint injections, and selective nerve root blocks are among the tools available to help UMMC’s team of specialists relieve a patient’s spinal pain. Medications, including anesthetics and steroids, are injected near the pain site with the aid of X-ray visualization.

Spinal cord stimulations and implants

A device implanted under the skin sends an electrical current to block the brain’s ability to sense pain in a specific area of the spine. It relieves or reduces pain but does not treat the cause or eliminate the source of pain.

Medication

The use of medications is part of the conservative treatment plan offered by UMMC spine specialists to decrease pain. Medical treatments may include steroids, non-steroid anti-inflammatories, opioids, muscle relaxers, and other medications as needed.

Physical medicine and rehabilitation

Physical therapy is usually the first line of treatment for spinal problems and offers many treatment options for pain relief. UMMC’s specially trained physical therapists give instruction on posture, stretching, strengthening, and conditioning exercises. Heat therapy, electrostimulation, traction, and massage also may be included.

Orthotics

Specialists with UMMC Orthopaedic’s orthotic program use innovative technology to fit patients with special braces. These devices can be used pre-operatively and post-operatively to treat pain. They also are used to stabilize the spine after a traumatic injury.