This article brings a number of treatment options for the patient with a back problem to ask his or her healthcare provider about. The important fact to remember is that almost all of the causes of back and/or nerve root pain will respond to the nonsurgical treatments discussed in this article.
Epidural steroids can be effective in alleviating leg pain resulting from a herniated disc or narrowing of the spine from arthritis as long as the pain has not been present for more than 3-6 months. They are often prescribed in a series of three - 2-3 weeks apart. Although most herniated discs will resolve with time without surgery (6 weeks - 3 months), some patients will require surgery sooner because of severe pain or weakness of the leg resulting from compression of the nerve by the herniated disc. The same is true of laminectomy procedures for spinal stenosis. Spinal fusion is a major surgical procedure designed to relieve mechanical back pain resulting from arthritis by eliminating movement between two or more vertebrae. It should only be considered after a 3-6 month period of nonsurgical treatment options discussed in the article.
This article should inform patients with back pain that there are a number of treatment options available that should be discussed with the treating physician in order to expedite a successful recovery.
