Back pain is common and affects around 80% of adults in their lifetime. The reason can be muscle strain caused by an accident or heavy lifting. Certain health conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and scoliosis also cause back pain. To treat chronic back pain, doctors may advise surgery depending on the cause of the pain. Surgery, however, may not always be the best option. Back pain can be treated with additional methods, including lifestyle changes, orthopedics, and regenerative medicine. Consider trying them before opting for surgery.
Alternatives to back surgery for treating back pain include the following :
Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections:– Platelet-rich plasma contains platelet and plasma. Platelets are known for their clotting ability. However, they also include growth factors that may stimulate tissue regeneration, healing, or cell development in the damaged area. In brief, PRP blood has more platelets than usual.
To create PRP, the patient’s blood sample is collected, and placed in a centrifuge that spins the sample rapidly. The spinning concentrates and helps in separating other blood components from platelets. After creating PRP, the patient’s target location, such as the lower back, is treated with it. In some cases, the doctor directs the injection via ultrasound. The goal is to increase the number of specific hormones or proteins, referred to as growth factors, in a particular area to speed up the healing process.
Stem Cell:– This branch of regenerative medicine and orthopedics holds great promise as an alternative treatment option for conditions that usually require rectifying surgery. Stem cell therapy offers an effective alternative to surgery for many people with back discomfort, rotator cuff tears, arthritis, and other degenerative diseases and joint disorders.
In the human body, stem cells are unique cells that can be changed into different cell types depending on where and how a doctor delivers them to the patient. Stem cells are extracted from a patient’s bone marrow and are injected into the target area. Following the treatment, the injected stem cells will continue to heal the affected area for up to 12 months. However, this does not imply that the patient would feel better after a year. After a stem cell treatment, many patients report an improvement within three to six weeks. Following the procedure, the patient continues with physical therapy and any additional recommended therapies as the stem cells work.
Weight Loss:– Excessive weight puts pressure on the back muscles, and on the spine. Overweight people who suffer back pain should lose weight. To find techniques to lose weight, consult your doctor.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet:– A range of health issues, including some types of back pain, can be reversed and prevented by the amount and type of food we eat. One of the causes of back pain is inflammation and it’s also the body’s response to protection from injury. Similar to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin, an anti-inflammatory diet can be useful in alleviating back pain.
There are a number of foods that can help fight inflammation :
- Seeds – Sunflower, pumpkin, and chia seeds.
- Nuts – Walnuts and almonds.
- Healthy fats – Canola, olive oil.
- Green leafy vegetables – Broccoli, kale, spinach.
- Fatty fish – Salmon, sardines.
- Colorful vegetables and fruits – Tomatoes, oranges, strawberries, blueberries, carrots, sweet potatoes.
Avoid fast foods, processed foods, and foods high in refined carbohydrates and saturated fat.
Yoga:– No matter how severe or what kind of back pain you have, yoga can dramatically reduce its effects. A 12-week yoga practice can entirely get you off of chronic pain medications.
Exercise:– Although it is difficult to exercise in pain, physical activity is one of the best natural therapies for a variety of pains. Exercise causes the release of endorphins, which work similarly to opioid painkillers in stopping pain by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. People with persistent neck and back pain may find that strengthening their neck and back muscles helps to reduce their discomfort.
Prior to seeking treatment, it is advisable to consult a professional as these alternatives don’t work for every patient. The doctor will also advise on more treatment options that may relieve your symptoms.