Exploring Non-Surgical Options for Chronic Back Pain: The Benefits of Spinal Decompression Therapy

Chronic back pain is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The conventional treatment for chronic back pain often involves surgery or pain medication, but these options are not always effective and can come with significant risks. To explore drug-free and non-surgical options for chronic back pain, we sat down with Dr. Robert Olivieri, a chiropractor with over 35 years of experience treating patients with back pain.

Q: Why are some of the causes of back pain?

Dr. Olivieri: Back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, muscle strain, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis. Other causes include scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, and spinal fractures.

Q: How common is back pain?

Dr. Olivieri: Back pain is a very common condition, with up to 80% of people experiencing it at some point in their lives. Chronic back pain, which is defined as pain that lasts longer than three months, affects about 20% of adults.

What are the main treatment options available for chronic back pain?

Dr. Olivieri: The most common treatments for chronic back pain are surgery and pain medication. However, other non-surgical options such as rehabilitative exercises, cold laser therapy, pulse wave therapy, and other regenerative therapies are also available. Pain medication is often prescribed to manage the patient's pain, but it does not address the underlying problem. We saw a great need for a betterer way to treat back pain, and that’s why we developed the Active Back method.

Q: What are the risks of back surgery?

Dr. Olivieri: Back surgery is a major procedure that can come with significant risks. Complications may include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and even paralysis. Surgery can also be expensive and require a long recovery time, during which the patient may be unable to work or perform other activities.

Q: Is there a better approach to back pain?

Dr. Olivieri: Yes, there are several drug-free and non-surgical options for treating chronic back pain, including spinal decompression. Spinal decompression is a non-surgical, drug-free therapy that involves gently stretching the spine to relieve pressure on the discs and nerves.

Q: How effective is spinal decompression?

Dr. Olivieri: Spinal decompression has been shown to be highly effective in treating chronic back pain. Studies have found that up to 86% of patients who undergo spinal decompression experience significant pain relief. The therapy is also safe, non-invasive, and does not require any downtime.

Q: If a patient starts the Active Back Program, how quickly can they expect to see results?

Dr. Olivieri: Every patient is unique, and the results of treatment can vary. However, most patients who undergo spinal decompression therapy as part of the Active Back Program report significant pain relief within a few weeks. The program includes a comprehensive evaluation, customized treatment plan, and ongoing support to help patients achieve long-term relief from chronic back pain.

In conclusion, chronic back pain can be a debilitating condition that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. While conventional treatments such as surgery and medication may be necessary in some cases, there are drug-free and non-surgical options that may be more effective and less risky. If you are experiencing chronic back pain, speak to a healthcare professional about the non-surgical options available to you, including spinal decompression as part of the Active Back Program.