Sometimes, physical therapy alone relieves the patient's pain. If we find that the pain has not improved after months of good physical therapy, and if we can identify the source of pain, then surgery becomes a consideration. Combining nonsurgical treatments is critical. A therapeutic block can reduce patients' discomfort so that they can perform a specifically designed exercise program. We can approach surgery more precisely, performing the smallest possible operation.
Nonsurgical therapy does work for patients with herniated discs.
Spinal surgery outcomes have also improved. And there are times when surgery is necessary. This can result in neurologic injury as well as deformity. Stabilization of the spine is accomplished by fusion, which initiates the body's inherent bone-mending mechanism. The body senses this and begins the bone-healing mechanism.