Medication Isn’t the Answer to Every Back Problem

As unfortunate as it may be, some doctors believe that medication is the answer to every back and neck problem.

For example, we recently consulted with a patient with a compression fracture, among a variety of other issues, including degenerative disc disease. His previous doctor prescribed opioids to manage the pain, which provided relief for a few years.

While medication can mask the problem, it won’t do anything to cure it. Fortunately, once visiting our office, we were able to implement a treatment strategy to help him receive permanent relief.

Here’s what our patient had to say about his experience:

“Previous conventional wisdom was that the probability of reducing pain decreased with additional surgeries, consequently I was extremely skeptical about having yet another surgery. Dr. Sharma proposed a new (to me) minimally invasive procedure with the potential to reduce my pain in short order and thus defer any requirement to increase opioid dosages. I am now about four months post op. My outcome has GREATLY exceeded my expectations.”

If you’re struggling to find a doctor who takes you seriously, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion. While there are definitely times when medication helps, you shouldn’t rely on this as your sole method of treatment.

Virginia Spine Specialists is an award-winning, minimally invasive spinal care practice with locations in Fredericksburg, VA and Manassas, VA. We also serve these Northern and Central Virginia locations: Haymarket, Gainesville, Culpepper, Front Royal, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Colonial Beach, Tappahannock and Lake Anna.