Managing Chronic Back Pain: Conservative Options Before Surgery

Living with chronic back pain is frustrating, plain and simple. It doesn’t just hurt—it takes over your life. Sitting at work, playing with your kids, or even just getting out of bed in the morning can feel impossible. And the scary part? Surgery might feel like the only way out. But the truth is, there are plenty of conservative options that can give you real relief without going under the knife. At Saville Spine Institute in Palm Beach Gardens, our goal is to help you feel better, move better, and take back control of your life—starting with non-surgical solutions.

Understanding Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain can come from all sorts of issues:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Arthritis in the spine
• Muscle or ligament injuries
• Nerve compression (like sciatica)

Pain can be dull, sharp, constant, or intermittent. That’s why it’s so important to figure out the exact cause and craft a plan that targets it specifically—not just masking symptoms.

Conservative Treatments That Actually Work

Before considering surgery, there are several effective ways to tackle back pain:

1. Physical Therapy

Targeted exercises strengthen your core and spine-supporting muscles, improve flexibility, and take pressure off discs and nerves. Physical therapy also teaches you how to move safely, so pain doesn’t keep coming back.

2. Medications

Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories can help manage flare-ups. In some cases, doctors may prescribe stronger medication temporarily to help you participate in therapy or get through tough days.

3. Injections and Pain Management

Dr. Lawrence Gorfine, MD, our board-certified pain specialist, uses precise injections to calm inflammation and relieve nerve irritation. Options include epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, and nerve blocks—providing targeted relief without surgery.

4. Lifestyle Changes

Small adjustments can make a huge difference:

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on your spine
• Pay attention to posture at work and home
• Add low-impact exercise like walking, swimming, or yoga
• Use heat, ice, or massage therapy for short-term relief

5. Alternative Therapies

Some patients benefit from acupuncture, chiropractic care, or guided stretching routines. Combining these with traditional therapies often leads to better results.

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When Surgery Makes Sense

Most people improve with non-surgical treatments, but sometimes surgery is the best option. You might consider it if:

• Pain persists despite months of conservative care
• Nerve compression causes weakness, numbness, or trouble walking
• Structural damage in your spine is severe

At Saville Spine Institute, surgeons like Dr. Philip Saville, MD, and Dr. Jason Meldau, MD carefully evaluate each patient, recommending surgery only when it’s truly the best path.

Why Choose Saville Spine Institute

Here, you’re not just another patient—you’re a person with a life to get back to. Our team brings decades of experience and a hands-on approach to every patient:

• Dr. Philip Saville, MD – Expert in minimally invasive and motion-preserving spine surgeries, including disc replacement, helping patients regain mobility and reduce pain.
• Dr. Lawrence Gorfine, MD – Board-certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine with over 25 years of experience in advanced pain management and non-surgical care.
• Dr. Jason Meldau, MD – Board-certified spine surgeon blending advanced surgical techniques with non-surgical therapies, tailoring care to each patient’s goals.

We start with conservative care whenever possible and only move to surgery when it’s necessary—always with a plan that’s customized to you.

Take the First Step

Chronic back pain doesn’t have to run your life. The right combination of therapy, lifestyle changes, and targeted treatments can make a huge difference—often without surgery.

If you’re ready to explore your options and start feeling like yourself again, the team at Saville Spine Institute is here to guide you every step of the way.

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✨ Bottom line: Start with non-surgical options—physical therapy, injections, lifestyle changes—before considering surgery. And when surgery is needed, the experts at Saville Spine Institute make sure it’s safe, precise, and tailored to your life