If you have been dealing with frequent and constant back pain, you may be considering back surgery to relieve your pain. Unfortunately, for most patients, back surgery cannot happen right away. However, steps can be taken that can give you relief and help you avoid surgery.
1. Spine Evaluation
You will need to see a health care provider (typically a primary care provider) about your back pain. Your provider will ask you questions regarding your back pain and conduct a physical exam. This will help the provider submit imaging orders and recommend treatment options.
2. Imaging
Your provider will order imaging, which could include, but not be limited to:
- An X-ray, which provides basic images of the bones in your spine
- An MRI, which provides detailed images of the spinal cord, nerve roots, discs in the spine and nearby ligaments and muscles
- A computed tomography (CT) scan, which can be used if a bone fracture, tumor or spinal defect is suspected
3. Non-Surgical Treatment Options
If imaging shows that you have a spinal condition that is causing back pain, your provider may recommend different treatment options before jumping into surgery. Non-surgical treatment options include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication (if you are medically able to take it), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib or corticosteroids
- Physical therapy, which can improve flexibility, endurance and strength to reduce back pain
- Pain management, including nerve blocks to block pain signals from nerve roots, as well as pills like hydrocodone or oxycodone
If you try non-surgical treatment options and they do not work, your provider may refer you to a spinal care provider or a neurosurgeon for a spine consultation.
At UofL Physicians – Neurosurgery and UofL Health – Comprehensive Spine Center, part of UofL Health – Brain & Spine Institute, we provide expert, compassionate care with a holistic approach that supports you from diagnosis through recovery. Our board-certified neurosurgeons have provided relief from back pain for patients with a variety of diagnoses, including:
- Cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar (lower back) pain
- Cervical, thoracic and lumbar radiculopathy (pinched nerve)
- Cervical, thoracic and lumbar stenosis (narrowing of the spine)
- Compression fractures, and other fractures of the spine
- Myelopathy (spinal cord compression)
- Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
- Spinal deformities
- Spinal tumors
- Spondylolisthesis (misalignment of the bones in your spine)
- Disc herniations
Had an Unsuccessful Back Surgery?
If you’ve had an unsuccessful back surgery, don’t lose hope. Getting a second opinion from a team that specializes in revision spine surgery can make all the difference.
Our expert neurosurgeons are here to evaluate your case, explore your options and help you find the best path forward. Call 502-588-2160 to schedule a consultation.
Innovations in Spine Care
UofL Health is the first in Kentucky to offer a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, called elliquence®, which is an endoscopic approach for disc herniations found in the neck or back. This new procedure brings relief to patients who have experienced longstanding pain.
The elliquence procedure provides an option for individuals who have not found relief or healing from conventional spine surgery. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day. Many patients report feeling relief right away and don’t require pain medication after the procedure.
Our Comprehensive Spine Center also offers Kentucky’s first EOS edge™ advanced diagnostic imaging system. This system combines leading-edge X-ray detection technology, low-dose radiation modulation and a new open cabin design to deliver high-resolution images, allowing providers to make well-informed diagnoses and develop personalized treatment plans for patients.
Our neurosurgeons focus on minimally invasive procedures, offering shorter recovery times, less pain and smaller incisions to get you back on track. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 502-588-2160.
