Chronic back pain treatment requires a careful balance between non-surgical therapy and surgical options. At OrthoOne Orthopedics Clinic, patients receive expert care to relieve persistent spine pain and restore movement. But how do you know when therapy is enough—and when surgery becomes necessary? Let’s explore the signs, treatment options, and recovery approaches guided by Dr. Dibya Singha.

chronic back pain treatment is one of the most common health problems worldwide, affecting millions of people and significantly reducing quality of life. While occasional back pain can be managed with rest, persistent or severe discomfort often requires medical intervention. The challenge many patients face is knowing when conservative treatments are enough—and when surgery may be necessary.

Common Causes of Chronic Back Pain

• Herniated or slipped discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Arthritis of the spine
• Muscle or ligament strain
• Injuries or fractures
• Poor posture or lifestyle factors

When to Start With Conservative Therapy

Most cases of back pain improve without surgery. Doctors usually recommend non-surgical therapies first, such as:

1. Physical Therapy & Exercise
   • Strengthens core and back muscles
   • Improves flexibility and posture
   • Reduces the risk of future injuries
2. Medications
   • Pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory drugs
   • Sometimes nerve pain medications or injections
3. Lifestyle Modifications
   • Maintaining a healthy weight
   • Ergonomic adjustments at work/home
   • Regular low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or yoga
4. Alternative Treatments
   • Chiropractic adjustments
   • Acupuncture
   • Massage therapy

Therapy works best when the pain is mild to moderate, has lasted a few weeks or months, and does not cause nerve-related symptoms like numbness or weakness.

Signs That Surgery May Be Needed

Surgery is typically considered when conservative treatments fail after several months, or when symptoms worsen. You may need surgical evaluation if:

• Persistent pain lasts more than 3–6 months despite therapy
• Pain radiates down the legs or arms (sciatica or nerve compression)
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the limbs
• Difficulty walking, standing, or performing daily activities
• Loss of bladder or bowel control (a medical emergency)
• Spinal deformities such as scoliosis or severe instability

Common Surgical Options for Back Pain

1. Discectomy – Removal of part of a herniated disc pressing on a nerve
2. Laminectomy – Removing part of the vertebra to relieve spinal stenosis
3. Spinal Fusion – Fusing two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine
4. Artificial Disc Replacement – Replacing a damaged disc with an artificial one
5. Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) – Smaller incisions, less recovery time

Recovery After Surgery

• Hospital stay may range from 1–5 days depending on the procedure
• Rehabilitation with physiotherapy is critical for regaining strength
• Healing time varies but most patients return to normal activities within a few weeks to months
• Lifestyle changes (exercise, posture care, weight control) remain important to prevent recurrence

Final Thoughts

chronic back pain treatment can be life-limiting, but not every case requires surgery. For many patients, physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes are enough to bring relief. However, if pain persists or neurological symptoms develop, surgery may be the best option for long-term improvement.