As with all non-emergency spinal surgeries, a trial of non-operative treatment, such as physical therapy, pain medication-preferably an anti-inflammatory, or bracing should be observed before surgery is considered. The trial period of conservative treatment varies, but six weeks to six months is the general timeframe.
Spine surgery may be recommended if non-surgical treatment such as medications and physical therapy fails to relieve symptoms. Surgery is only considered in cases where the exact source of pain can be determined-such as a herniated disc, scoliosis, or spinal stenosis.
