VHJ Spring 2008
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Is surgery my only choice?
Every year in the United States, more than 200,000 patients undergo spinal surgery to alleviate arm and neck pain due to degenerated discs. But it's important to realize the vast majority of people with degenerative disc disease never need surgery. "Either the pain resolves on its own – with time, or they're able to get significant relief through a course of good conservative therapy," says Dr. Alex Mendez, neurosurgeon at MeritCare.
In working with your doctor to resolve back or neck pain, Dr. Mendez says a key step is to establish goals, then estimate the time needed to achieve them. Examples of conservative treatments your doctor may recommend include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
- Physical therapy to reduce pain and stiffness. Techniques may include applying heat and cold, ultrasound, massage, therapeutic exercise and gentle cervical traction.
- Chiropractic care to prevent and treat back pain. A key chiropractic therapy is manual spinal adjustment; other therapies may include muscle stimulation, ultrasound and heat/cold therapy.
- MeritCare's LIFEBACK programs for low back or cervical pain. Now covered by Medicare, these well-designed programs have helped many patients. Learn more at meritcare.com (keyword:LIFEBACK).
- The use of a soft cervical collar for additional support during healing.
"If after a period of several weeks – six, for example – you're not seeing improvement, or if at any point you're experiencing excruciating pain or weakness/numbness of the arms or legs, it may be time to switch gears and consider a consultation with a surgeon," says Dr. Mendez. Ask your primary care provider about a referral.
To learn more about non-surgical options for treating degenerative discs, call (701) 234-2000 or (800) 437-4010.
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