Non-Surgical Treatments

In most spinal conditions, Dr. Khamsi offers non-surgical treatment options first!

What Are the Non-Surgical Treatments?

Non-surgical treatments are available for most spinal conditions. Some of the options available are:

Physical Therapy

Aqua Therapy

Chiropractic management

Acupuncture

Epidural injections

Facet joint injections

Nerve blocks

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is usually the first treatment option that Dr. Khamsi considers for stable spinal issues. The Riverside County location offers physical therapy for the treatment of herniated discs, sciatica, spinal arthritis, disc degeneration, and more.

Physical therapy can involve passive treatments like hot and cold packs, ultrasounds, and spinal manipulations and/or active treatments which include certain specific exercises to improve the muscle strength in the neck, back and core, as well as flexibility and range of motion.

Aqua Therapy

Aqua therapy is another important non-surgical option available at our spine surgery center in Riverside. This therapy is done in our heated pool and decreases the stress and load-bearing on the spine and joints. This can be a great alternative for those who are not yet able to tolerate regular physical therapy.

Aqua therapy helps increase mobility and offers natural resistance to strengthen muscles. There’s also no risk of falling when performing exercises in the water. Aqua therapy is especially useful for lower back pain.

Aqua therapy works as a compressor. This can increase blood flow, allowing more oxygen to reach muscles. The water temperature of aqua therapy also helps with circulation.

Chiropractic Management

Another non-surgical option is chiropractic management which offers spinal manipulation to apply a controlled and sudden force to individual spinal joints. The goal is to improve function and mobility.

Chiropractors perform these manipulations, and the amount of force they apply depends on the kind of spinal issues you have. The manipulation moves the joints more than they naturally would on their own.

Chiropractic management can help with lower back pain, sciatica, and cervical pain, among other conditions.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture can also offer relief for spinal pain and pressure. Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, triggering the release of chemicals into the brain, the spinal cord, and muscles. Dr. Khamsi can refer you to specialists in this field if he thinks you might benefit from acupuncture.

Epidural Injections

Epidural injections are also an option for treating pain secondary to impingement of the nerves. Epidural injections contain steroids that deliver anti-inflammatory medication into the space around the nerves. This can temporarily relieve back and sciatica pain, making it easier to perform physical therapy exercises. Dr. Khamsi can refer you to specialists who offer these injections.

Facet Joint Injections

A facet joint injection is a minimally invasive procedure that involves a doctor injecting a small amount of local anesthetic into the facet joint to relieve pain. Each vertebra in your back and neck has facet junctions on both sides, and they allow for motion, offering support as well as stability to the spine.

Nerve Blocks

Dr. Khamsi can also refer you to receive nerve blocks. Nerve blocks are injections designed to block pain signals and relieve inflammation. They can help with chronic pain, acute pain, and pain after surgical procedures. There are a variety of nerve block options to choose from.

Learn more about non-surgical treatments in Riverside County by contacting Dr. Babak Khamsi today.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT NOW

Contact Dr. Khamsi today to schedule a consultation and learn whether this procedure is appropriate for your condition.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT NOW