At OPA Ortho, we believe surgery isn’t always the answer
Back and spine injuries can cause significant pain and limit mobility, but many conditions can be effectively managed without surgery. Non surgical treatments focus on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and improving strength and flexibility to support long-term recovery. From muscle strains and herniated discs to arthritis and sciatica, conservative approaches such as physical therapy, medication, lifestyle modifications, and alternative therapies can help individuals regain function and prevent further injury.
We help patients with chronic back or neck pain, post-surgical rehab needs, or those who want to avoid unnecessary operations.
Common non-surgical back and spine injuries include:
Muscle and Soft Tissue Injuries
• Muscle Strains – Overstretching or tearing of muscles in the back due to
overuse or sudden movements
• Ligament Sprains – Damage to the ligaments that support the spine, often caused by twisting or lifting injuries
• Whiplash – A neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth movement, often from car accidents
Disc-Related Conditions
• Herniated Disc (Mild to Moderate Cases) – A bulging or ruptured disc pressing on spinal nerves
• Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) – Wear-and-tear of spinal discs leading to pain and stiffness
Nerve-Related Injuries
• Sciatica – Compression of the sciatic nerve, causing pain that radiates down the leg
• Pinched Nerve (Radiculopathy) – Nerve compression causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, arms, or legs
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome – Compression of nerves in the upper back and neck, leading to pain and tingling
Joint and Bone Conditions
• Facet Joint Syndrome – Inflammation of the small joints in the spine, leading to localized pain
• Spondylosis (Spinal Osteoarthritis) – Degenerative arthritis affecting the spine, leading to stiffness and pain
• Spondylolisthesis (Mild Cases) – A slipped vertebra that may cause back pain but does not always require surgery
Postural & Overuse Injuries
• Chronic Lower Back Pain – Often caused by poor posture, muscle imbalances, or prolonged sitting
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) – Overuse injuries due to repetitive movements or improper lifting techniques
• Text Neck – Strain on the neck and upper back due to prolonged phone or computer use
Compression Fractures (Mild Cases)
• Osteoporotic Compression Fractures – Small fractures in the vertebrae due to weakened bones
• Stable Spinal Fractures – Minor fractures that do not affect spinal stability and can heal without surgery
When to Consider Surgery
- If pain persists despite
months of non-surgical
treatments - If a ligament or meniscus is
completely torn and causing
instability - If arthritis is severe and
significantly limits daily activities
Common non-surgical back and spine treatments include:
• Stretching & Strengthening Exercises – Improves flexibility and strengthens muscles to support the spine
• Posture Training & Ergonomics – Teaches proper posture to reduce strain on the spine
• Manual Therapy (Chiropractic & Osteopathic Care) – Hands-on techniques to improve mobility and alignment
• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) – Medication such as ibuprofen and naproxen to reduce pain and swelling
• Muscle Relaxants – Helps relieve muscle spasms and tension
• Topical Pain Relievers – Gels and creams containing menthol or lidocaine for localized relief
• Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI) – Reduces inflammation around compressed nerves
• Facet Joint Injections – Provides targeted pain relief for facet joint arthritis
• Trigger Point Injections – Used to relax muscle knots and relieve chronic pain
• Weight Management – Reducing excess weight to decrease strain on the spine
• Activity Modification – Adjusting daily activities to prevent overuse injuries
• Back Braces & Supports – Helps stabilize the spine and reduce strain during movement
• Orthopedic Shoe Inserts – Improves posture and reduces impact on the spine
• Massage Therapy – Helps relax muscles, improve circulation, and reduce tension
• Ice & Heat Therapy – Reduces inflammation, improves blood flow and relaxes tight muscles
Other Injuries and Conditions Managed at OPA Ortho
Foot and Ankle
Supportive care for sprains, tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis with orthotics, therapy, and medications.
Elbow
Treating tendonitis, nerve compression, and joint pain using rest, therapy, and guided injections.
Knee
Effective care for ligament injuries, arthritis, and knee pain through bracing, therapy, and injections.
Shoulder
Non-invasive solutions for rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, and joint instability to restore mobility.
Hand and Wrist
Relief from carpal tunnel, arthritis, and repetitive strain injuries using braces, therapy, and medications.
Why Choose Non-Surgical care?
At OPA Ortho, we believe that non-surgical care is often the best first step for treating musculoskeletal conditions. Most patients do not require surgery to recover. Our approach focuses on:
- Avoidance of Surgery Risks
- Less Downtime
- Personal or Lifestyle Factors
- Less Invasive
- Effectiveness of Conservative Treatments
- Long-Term Outcomes
- Initial Response to Injury
Book an Appointment Today
Explore a safe, non-invasive path to spine health no surgery, no hassle, just results.