Back pain is an issue that plagues millions worldwide, impacting quality of life and hindering daily activities. In search of relief, many people turn to conventional medical interventions such as medications, injections, nerve ablations, and spinal surgery. However, despite their prevalence, these treatments often fall short in providing long-term solutions and may even lead to additional complications.
Medications
Pharmaceuticals, including pain medications, are commonly prescribed to manage back pain symptoms. While they may offer temporary relief, they do not address the underlying cause of the pain. Moreover, prolonged use of pain medications can lead to organ damage, addiction, and a host of unwanted side effects. Individuals may find themselves trapped in a cycle of dependency, with little improvement in their overall condition.
Injections
Injections, such as corticosteroids or epidurals, are another frequently recommended treatment option for back pain. While injections can provide short-term relief by reducing inflammation and numbing the affected area, they merely mask symptoms and do not address the root cause of the pain. Furthermore, repeated injections may lead to joint breakdown and are associated with adverse effects such as osteoporosis, increased blood sugar levels, and immune suppression.
Nerve Ablations
Nerve ablations, also known as radiofrequency ablation or neurotomy, are procedures designed to disrupt pain signals by destroying the nerves responsible for transmitting them. While nerve ablations can offer temporary relief from chronic back pain, the nerves often attempt to regrow over time, leading to recurrent symptoms only 6 to 9 months after the procedure. Additionally, by numbing the body’s ability to perceive pain, patients may inadvertently engage in activities that further exacerbate their condition, leading to additional injury and discomfort.
Spinal Surgeries
Spinal surgeries, including procedures like discectomy, laminectomy, and spinal fusions, are often considered as a last resort for individuals with severe or debilitating back pain. However, these surgeries can be expensive, come with significant risks, and are associated with mixed outcomes.
Despite advances in surgical techniques, less than half of patients undergoing spinal surgery experience significant pain relief. You read that correctly- less than half. Shockingly, a staggering 72% of patients who undergo spinal surgery require additional surgeries in the future. Fusions, in particular, can limit mobility and place increased pressure on surrounding joints, hastening degeneration and potentially leading to further complications.
If the success rates in providing long-term pain relief are so limited, why are these interventions so commonly recommended? The main reason is constraints imposed by insurance contracts. Many medical practitioners who accept insurance are bound by the terms of their contracts with insurance companies, which dictate the treatments they can recommend and the order in which they can be prescribed. As a result, practitioners may feel compelled to adhere to these guidelines, even if they believe alternative approaches may be more effective.
Additionally, conventional treatments such as medications, injections, and surgery have been ingrained in traditional medical practices and are often the default options offered to patients. While these interventions may provide temporary relief or be deemed medically necessary in certain cases, they may not address the underlying cause of the pain or offer sustainable long-term solutions.
It’s important for patients to advocate for their own health and seek out practitioners who are open to exploring alternative treatment options that prioritize holistic approaches and patient-centered care.
At Life Moves MT, we offer a holistic approach to treating back pain that focuses on addressing the root cause of the issue rather than merely alleviating symptoms. Our comprehensive rehabilitative program, combined with Spinal Decompression Therapy, aims to promote healing, restore function, and strengthen the spine. By providing personalized care and empowering individuals with the tools they need to improve their spinal health, we strive to offer long-term relief and improved quality of life.
Don’t settle for temporary fixes that fail to address the underlying cause of your back pain. Take control of your health and schedule a consultation with us today to learn more about our approach and start your journey towards a pain-free life.
