Main ContentNon-Surgical Spine Treatments
Spine specialists at UMMC and University Orthopaedics may choose from a variety of non-surgical treatments for their patients.
Spinal injection pain management
Epidural, facet joint injections and selective nerve root blocks are among the tools available to help UMMC’s team of specialists relieve a patient’s spinal pain. Medications, including anesthetics and steroids, are injected near the pain site with the aid of X-ray visualization.
Spinal cord stimulations and implants
A device implanted under the skin sends an electrical current to block the brain’s ability to sense pain in a specific area of the spine. It relieves or reduces pain, but does not treat the cause or eliminate the source of pain.
Medication
The use of medications is part of the conservative treatment plan offered by University Physicians spine specialists to decrease pain. Medication treatments may include steroids, non-steroid anti-inflammatories, opioids, muscle relaxers and other medications as needed.
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Physical therapy is usually the first line of treatment for spinal problems. There are many treatment options for pain relief. UMMC’s specially trained physical therapists give instruction on posture, stretching, strengthening and conditioning exercises. Heat therapy, electrostimulation, traction and massage also may be included.
Orthotics
Specialists with University Orthopaedics' orthotic program use innovative technology to fit patients with special braces. These devices can be used pre-operatively and post-operatively to treat pain. They also are used to stabilize the spine after a traumatic injury.