Traditionally, it has been established that doctors have too often chosen surgery as the preferred treatment for back pain. A number of patients didn't see an improvement following surgery and some people were even worse off. It seemed that surgery offered no assurance that your back pain would be eliminated.

Now, research has shown that most back pain, even lower back pain, will resolve itself without surgery, given rest and time. In fact, for most back pain, all other options should be tried prior to scheduling surgery on the back. Less than one percent of all people ever actually need surgery for their back pain, though four out of every five people have back pain at some time in their life.

When Do You Need Back Surgery?

In general, doctors recommend surgery only in cases where other options have been exhausted and failed to remedy the problem, or if the back pain recurs. Surgery may be called for if the person's day to day life is seriously and adversely affected by the back pain.

What are the Alternatives to Surgery?

An excellent approach to treating the spine and lower back is through physical therapy. A physical therapist can provide specialized exercises along with methods which include:

* Heat or cold therapies - to reduce muscle spasms, inflammation, and pain * Ultrasound - the use of sound waves can promote circulation and provide relief to back muscles * Massage * Spinal traction * Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) - a painless electrical current is used on the nerves in order to reduce pain and increase the mobility of the back *Water therapy

Many back pain sufferers experience relief from back pain through medication, either over the counter or prescription drugs. A number of these products are analgesics, such as aspirin, muscle relaxants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).

Spinal injections can relieve pain and help the doctor determine the reason for the back pain. Two kinds are Facet Joint Injections and Epidural Steroid Injections. Spinal injections are not used alone, but are used along with physical therapy and exercise. They should always be recommended or prescribed by your doctor.

Chiropractic care can also be used to reduce back pain. A chiropractor can manipulate, apply pressure, palpate and otherwise adjust vertebral alignment.

There are also alternative healing methods for treating back pain, such as acupuncture, biofeedback and herbal treatments. If you decide to try one of these therapies, first check that your practitioner is qualified.