3 Nonsurgical Solutions for Your Chronic Back Pain
May 02, 2025
Living with chronic back pain can often feel like you’re fighting an endless battle. Whether it’s a dull ache or sharp pain that never seems to go away, it can disrupt your daily life and make even the simplest tasks feel difficult. Although surgery is often considered a last resort, many effective nonsurgical treatments are available that can help alleviate pain and improve your quality of life.
At Arora Pain Clinic in Torrance, California, our board-certified pain management specialist, Ripu Arora, MD, MBA, can answer any questions about treatment options to help you find relief. If you're struggling with chronic back pain, here are three nonsurgical solutions worth considering.
Among nonsurgical treatments for those living with chronic back pain, physical therapy (PT) is one of the most effective. By working with a physical therapist, you can learn exercises and techniques that target the muscles supporting your spine. Over time, strengthening these muscles can reduce the pressure on your back and improve your posture, helping to prevent further injury.
Physical therapy typically includes exercises that focus on flexibility, strength, and posture. For example, core-strengthening exercises can help stabilize your spine and reduce strain on your back. A physical therapist will also teach you how to move safely to avoid aggravating the pain.
Physical therapy can offer long-term relief by addressing the root causes of back pain, not just masking the symptoms.
In addition to exercises, your therapist may incorporate other techniques, such as manual therapy, which involves hands-on treatment to reduce pain and stiffness. Heat or cold therapy, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound therapy may also be used to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Chiropractic care is another popular nonsurgical solution for managing chronic back pain. Chiropractors focus on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal problems, specifically neck and spinal column issues. Ultimately, restoring proper alignment to the spine, which can reduce pain and improve mobility, is their primary goal.
Chiropractic adjustments work by applying controlled force to specific areas of the spine. These adjustments are designed to realign the vertebrae, restore proper motion, and reduce the nerve irritation contributing to pain. Many patients report immediate relief after chiropractic adjustments, especially for conditions like sciatica or lower back pain.
Chiropractors, in addition to spinal adjustments, may also recommend stretches and exercises to complement the adjustments and strengthen your back. Some practitioners also use techniques like massage or lifestyle advice to help manage pain and prevent future episodes.
Chiropractic care can be a highly effective nonsurgical treatment, especially when combined with other therapies.
Pain management techniques are another valuable option for people living with chronic back pain. These methods aim to reduce pain and inflammation, improve function, and allow you to return to daily activities without relying on invasive procedures. Some common approaches include medication, injections, and nerve blocks.
The first line of treatment for back pain is often the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. They reduce inflammation and relieve pain, allowing you to engage in more effective physical therapy or other treatments. However, Dr. Arora must closely monitor any long-term use of NSAIDs because overuse can lead to potential side effects.
For more severe pain, we may recommend epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks, which deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the source of pain. These steroid injections provide relief that often lasts weeks or even months. This allows patients to engage in physical therapy or other rehabilitative exercises without experiencing the intensity of their pain.
In addition to medication, some people find relief from chronic back pain through complementary therapies like mindfulness techniques or acupuncture, which involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to help alleviate pain and promote healing.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, like meditation, can also help reduce the emotional and mental toll that chronic pain takes on your well-being.
Though nonsurgical solutions can be highly effective, some cases of chronic back pain may require more aggressive treatment. Surgery may be considered if conservative methods don’t provide relief.
Most people experience significant improvement with physical therapy, chiropractic care, or pain management techniques. Call our office or book an appointment online today to explore all available options before deciding on surgery.