In most cases back pain can be managed without surgery. Here are some common non-invasive treatments:

• Physical Therapy:Physical therapy is the first step of treatment for back pain. A physical therapist will design a personalized exercise program to strengthen the muscles around the spine, improve flexibility, and promote healing. Techniques may include stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, and posture correction.
• Medications:Over-the-counter (OTC) medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can reduce inflammation and relieve pain. In more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications or muscle relaxants to manage your symptoms.
• Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat can help relax stiff muscles and improve blood flow, while cold therapy can reduce inflammation and numb the painful area. Alternating between heat and cold therapy is often recommended for acute back pain.
• Chiropractic Care:Chiropractors use spinal adjustments or manipulation to correct misalignments in the spine, which can help relieve pain and improve mobility. Chiropractic care is a non-invasive and drug-free treatment option for some forms of back pain.

If non-surgical treatments fail to relieve back pain or if there is a serious underlying condition, surgery may be considered. Here are some common surgical options:

• Discectomy:A discectomy is performed to surgically remove a herniated disc or a part of the disc that is compressing a nerve root and resulting in pain. The minimally invasive procedure can also help with sciatic and other nerve pains.
• Laminectomy:Laminectomy involves the removal of part of the vertebrae called the lamina to create more space in the spinal canal. This procedure is often used to treat spinal stenosis, a condition that causes the spinal canal to narrow and put pressure on the nerves.
• Spinal Fusion:Spinal fusion surgery involves joining two or more vertebrae to prevent movement between them. This procedure is used to stabilize the spine and is often recommended for conditions like degenerative disc disease or severe spinal instability.
• Artificial Disc Replacement:In this procedure, a damaged disc is replaced with an artificial disc to maintain spinal movement and alleviate pain. It is an alternative to spinal fusion and is typically performed on younger patients with disc-related issues.
• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery:Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) involves smaller incisions and less tissue damage than traditional open surgery, resulting in quicker recovery times and less post-operative pain. Techniques such as endoscopic surgery and microdiscectomy fall under this category and are commonly used for herniated discs and spinal stenosis.