With all the heavy lifting you do, it’s not hard to believe you have developed that ache in your back. How many times have you brushed aside that nagging feeling only to have the pain become so unbearable it interrupts your daily activities?

This type pain is not surprising. “Almost everyone experiences back or neck pain at some point in their lifetime,” says Thomas Boetel, DO, medical director of the new Sanford Spine Center. “Back or neck pain have become leading causes for visits to the doctor’s office.”

But wait a moment. Is that nagging, tingly feeling back in your hands? The problem may not be what you think. “Many people may be surprised that the pain or tingling they feel in their legs or arms may actually be a problem with their back or neck,” says Boetel. “The area where people feel symptoms may not be where the actual problem is located.”

So why haven’t you gone to the doctor? Many avoid being seen because they fear their only option may be surgery. However, the opposite is true. You will be happy to learn that most back and neck related problems can improve with non-surgical treatments.

Boetel states that many non-surgical treatment options are available and should not be overlooked. While some options are more aggressive than others, each has benefits that may fit your specific needs. These options may include specialized physical therapy, acupuncture, spinal injections or a combination of the many other treatments that are available.

Physical Therapy

Sometimes relief may mean a little hard work. Physical therapists work to understand what positions seem to make pain better or worse, what postures a person uses, or what stresses their body’s experience. Therapists are then able to educate patients on workplace organization, or posture problems and develop therapeutic exercises to ease pain and stress on joints and muscles. Using physical therapy to relieve pain may take a little work, but it may help you avoid taking medications or even facing the needles of spinal injections and acupuncture.

Spinal Injections and Acupuncture

Spinal injections deliver relief directly to the source of the pain. These procedures are often used in conjunction with physical therapy or other treatments to help reduce pain and improve function.

If you’re looking for a new age treatment that has its roots lodged in the ancient art of healing, acupuncture may be the treatment for you. Known as a Chinese art of healing, acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile, disposable needles into specific body parts. This process stimulates the body’s immune and healing systems, helping to relieve neck and back pain.

It is important to understand that you do not have to live with back and neck pain. Discuss your options with your doctor as surgery may not be the only option. Get the facts so you and your doctor can choose the best option for you. Who knows, the next time you have some heavy lifting to do, you might be able to say you are pain free.

By: Sanford Health with Dr. Tom Boetel, Sanford Spine Center Medical Director