The term alternative medicine encompasses a wide array of treatments, which may include acupuncture, yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi. Although supporting research is limited, many patients experience positive progression and relief from pain as a result of alternative treatments.
Massage is a popular therapy that helps millions of people with a wide variety of spinal conditions. Massage improves blood circulation, relaxes muscles for improved range of motion, and leads to increased endorphin levels, which is very effective in managing pain.
For many patients, managing the pain of their condition is the most important aspect of their treatment. A pain management specialist develops a treatment plan to relieve, reduce, or manage pain and help patients return to everyday activities quickly without surgery or heavy reliance on medication.
Physical Therapy (PT) is often prescribed for patients with back pain and other spinal problems. It can help to reduce pain, increase flexibility, build strength, and even improve your posture. A well-designed PT treatment plan can help speed a spine patient’s recovery. Water therapy (also called aquatic therapy), is an element of PT treatment plans that consists of a variety of aquatic-based treatments and exercises designed for back pain relief and to condition and strengthen muscles. Water therapy exercise offers many of the same benefits associated with a land-based exercise program with the added benefits of water.
A majority of back and neck problems can be treated effectively without spinal surgery. Non-surgical treatment can include physical therapy, pain management, massage and alternative medicine techniques. The new standard of care today is to combine these therapies to maximize patient outcomes.
As you prepare yourself mentally to undergo spinal surgery, you also need to prepare yourself for the recovery period that will follow your operation. While the surgery entails work on the part of the surgeon, after that, the brunt of the work is in your hands. To ensure a smooth and healthy recovery, it is important that, as a patient, you closely follow the set of instructions that your surgical team gives you. Hospital RecoveryAfter the operation, you will be brought to the recovery room or intensive care unit (ICU) for observation. When you wake up from the anesthesia, you may be slightly disoriented, and not know where you are. The nurses and doctors around you will tell you where you are, and remind you that you have undergone surgery. As the effects of the anesthesia wear off, you will feel very tired, and, at this point, will be encouraged to rest. Members of your surgical team may ask you to respond to some simple commands, such as "Wiggle your fingers and toes" and "Take...