6 Alternatives to Neck Surgery

Neck pain can impact every aspect of day-to-day life, from playing your favorite sport, playing with your children, or simply sitting at your desk while working. Although considered a standard solution to treat neck pain, neck surgery can be costly and take a long time to heal. Luckily, several alternatives to neck surgery are straightforward, non-invasive, and can provide relief quickly. By focusing on physical therapy, neck pain can be a thing of the past without costly surgery. If you are considering surgery, know that you can take advantage of our free MRI review so you can be more secure after a second opinion. 

The Alternatives to Neck Surgery

Neck pain can stem from many sources, such as an automobile accident, sports injury, or poor posture.  Treating neck pain quickly and effectively is the best way to get back to doing the activities you love. Alternatives to neck surgery are effective and quick and often have a quicker healing process than traditional surgery. Some of the most common alternative treatments include:

1. Radiofrequency Ablation

Usually used to help treat neck pain stemming from arthritis, Radiofrequency Ablation, often abbreviated to RFA, consists of a simple injection. A small needle is inserted into the painful area to disrupt the nerve, preventing it from sending a painful signal to the brain. RFA is a simple procedure done with local anesthetic and is usually outpatient. Although considered minimally invasive, RFA is a fantastic alternative to surgery.  

2. Stretching

Specific stretches can be targeted to relieve neck pain, usually caused by strained or overused muscles. The focus of stretching is to lengthen the muscles in the neck that help support the head. While stretching may take longer to relieve pain, it can have incredible side effects, keeping the entire neck, spine, and body healthy through physical activity.  

3. Spinal Decompression

Using non-invasive spinal decompression helps to lengthen the spine and relieve pressure on strained vertebrae and discs. Spinal decompression can help open the space between vertebrae, allowing the body’s natural cushioning fluid to enter, relieving pain.  

4. Massage Therapy

Using massage therapy to treat neck pain is non-invasive and effective. Massage therapy helps break up scar tissue and lengthens the muscles, relieving pain from tight, sore, or strained muscles.  

5. Pain Management

Finding effective pain management for non-invasive neck treatment can take many forms. Anything from epidural injections to ongoing chiropractic care or prescription medications can be considered effective pain management for neck pain. Rehabilitation, spinal cord stimulators, and injections are all effective pain management treatments.  

6. Physical Therapy

Using physical therapy to treat neck pain is one of the most popular and successful treatment options. Physical therapy focuses on strengthening the muscles in the back and neck to ensure they are strong enough to support the head through a range of motions.  

Before jumping straight to neck surgery, several neck surgery alternatives should be considered. Always use neck surgery as an ultimate last resort to treat ongoing pain. If your medical doctor has suggested neck surgery to treat pain first, consider a second opinion to explore alternative, non-invasive treatment options.  

Let Houston Spine & Rehab Help You

From massage therapy to pain management, the team at Houston Spine & Rehab can help alleviate neck pain. We are proud to treat each patient individually. We will create a customized treatment plan for neck pain, often combining several treatments into the perfect blend of pain management, healing, and prevention.

Houston Spine & Rehab is led by Dr. Yezak B.S., D.C. & Dr. Neuberger, B.S., D.C., to create a one-stop-shop for joint, muscle, and nerve pain relief. Our team is positioned right in your neighborhood with four distinct locations, offering innovative and comprehensive care. We have you covered for pain caused by injury, disease, or chronic condition. Come in today for a free MRI review or a personalized MRI review by our Chief of Staff, Dr. Yezak.  

Conclusion

Alternatives to neck surgery come in all shapes and sizes and can be customized to suit your needs. Finding the right combination of non-invasive treatment for neck pain is easy and often leads to a healthier and faster recovery time. 

Contact our professional team if you are suffering and want an alternative to neck pain surgery. We are happy to perform an initial evaluation and present some alternatives to neck surgery to help treat and heal your pain. With two locations and multiple satellite offices, we are sure to be nearby.

Call our Houston and The Woodlands offices today for an appointment.