Get Back Pain Relief Without Surgery

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit their doctor. Whether it comes on suddenly or develops over time, it can limit movement and affect nearly every part of your daily life.

The good news is that most people can find relief with simple, nonsurgical spine care treatments. Franciscan Health experts in Indiana and Illinois explain how to relieve back pain naturally, without surgery. Learn what causes back pain and the most effective nonsurgical treatments.

Key Takeaways: Back Pain

• Most back pain improves without surgery.
• Physical therapy and exercise often provide lasting relief.
• Non-drug treatments, like stretching and yoga, can help ease pain.
• Pain management and lifestyle changes support recovery.

Why Does Back Pain Happen In The First Place?

Back pain usually starts because of strain, poor posture, or wear and tear on the spine. It can happen when you lift something heavy, twist suddenly or sit too long without moving.

“Poor posture, weak core muscles and prolonged sitting can all contribute to pain,” said Jason Hutchison, PT, DPT, physical therapist with Franciscan Health Mooresville. “Learning how to move properly and strengthen your spine’s support muscles is key to both treatment and prevention.”

At Franciscan Health, your provider may perform a physical exam and, if needed, order imaging such as an MRI or X-ray to better understand the cause of your pain.

Common causes include:

• Arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis, can narrow the spinal canal
• Bulging or herniated disks, which can press on spinal nerves
• Muscle or ligament strain from overuse or awkward movement
• Sciatica, which causes pain that radiates from the lower back down one leg

What Are The First Steps To Treat Back Pain Without Surgery?

Start with gentle movement and short-term self-care. These steps help reduce inflammation, promote healing and get you moving again.

Tip 1. Rest briefly and move gently. A short rest period may help calm irritation, but staying in bed too long can make symptoms worse. Gentle stretching and short walks promote blood flow and healing.

Tip 2. Apply heat or ice. Use ice for the first 48 hours after injury to reduce swelling. After that, switch to heat to relax tight muscles and improve circulation.

Tip 3. Try over-the-counter medications. Back pain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can ease pain and reduce swelling, but only use them as directed.

Tip 4. Begin physical therapy early. Exercise and physical therapy for back pain can make your back stronger and more stable. “We offer personalized therapy programs,” Hutchison said. “We want patients to move with confidence and use their muscles efficiently, not overwork or avoid them.”

What Are Nonsurgical Back Pain Relief Options?

If pain continues, your care team may recommend structured therapies or small procedures that don’t require surgery.

• Aquatic (water) therapy is an excellent rehabilitation tool to help with recovery from injury.
• Epidural steroid injections and trigger point injections relieve swelling and pain, from conditions such as fibromyalgia (fatigue and widespread muscle pain and tenderness) or myofascial pain syndrome (long-lasting muscle pain).
• Holistic pain management treatments, such as craniosacral therapy, can ease back pain.
• Manual therapy and massage can loosen tight muscles and improve movement.
• Nerve block back injections target specific pain sources.
• Physical therapy and strengthening programs build strength and stability and help prevent reinjury.
• Radiofrequency ablation treats chronic back pain, such as arthritis in the facet joints in the back and can relieve pain for six to 12 months.

“Many of my patients find relief through conservative back pain treatments,” said John Kihlken, MD, interventional pain specialist at Franciscan Health. “Our goal is to relieve pain and keep you active and independent — without resorting to surgery.”

Why Do Different Treatments Work Better Together?

Most people recover faster when they combine several treatments instead of relying on just one.

“I find most people benefit from using a multi-modal approach to care,” said Kenneth Reynolds, DPT, physical therapist with Franciscan Health Rehabilitation Services. “These can include manual therapy, exercise and lifestyle changes.”

This combination might include:

• Manual therapy or soft tissue work
• Physical therapy and strengthening exercises
• Stress management, sleep improvement and better posture habits

You can use several approaches together to help reduce pain, improve strength and encourage long-term healing.

How Can Physical Therapy Help Back Pain?

Often, doctors recommend physical therapy as the first treatment for back pain. Physical therapy can help relieve pain and swelling, improve range of motion, strength and stamina – and even help prevent future back injuries.

Physical therapists use a variety of treatments, including:

• Application of ice (best for acute back injuries) and heat
• Aquatic therapy (low-impact, gentle resistance exercise in a pool)
• Cupping (applies suction to the skin to increase blood flow and promote healing)
• Dry needling (uses ultra-thin acupuncture needles to relieve pain and swelling)
• Electrical stimulation (uses electrodes on the skin to stimulate underlying muscles and improve blood flow)
• Joint mobilization (gentle movement of joints to increase range of motion)
• Soft-tissue manipulation (often with metal or plastic massage tools) to ease tightened muscles and improve circulation
• Supervised exercise and assisted stretching

How often and how long you see a physical therapist depends on the type and severity of your back pain.

“Physical and manual therapy can be helpful for acute low-back pain. You can often get relief in one session or within a few weeks,” Reynolds said. “Chronic low-back pain is more challenging. But, with manual therapies and resistance exercise, many people begin to see improvement within about six weeks.”

What Role Do Medications Play In Back Pain Relief?

Medication can offer short-term help — but it’s only one part of care.

Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or NSAIDs can reduce discomfort and swelling. Prescription medications are sometimes used for short periods under a doctor’s supervision.

Franciscan Health’s approach focuses on safe, limited medication use alongside movement-based care, including physical therapy, stretching, relaxation and mindfulness.

In many cases, non-drug therapies, such as yoga, massage or gentle exercise, work just as well as medicine. The goal is long-term healing and strength, not just temporary pain masking.

How Do Pain Management Treatments Work?

If exercise and medications aren’t enough, pain management specialists can provide additional relief. Epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections and radiofrequency ablation are options that deliver medication directly to the painful area or interrupt pain signals.

“These targeted procedures can make a big difference for people who live with chronic back pain,” said Dr. Kihlken. “They reduce inflammation and allow patients to participate more fully in therapy and daily life.”

How Long Does Recovery Take Without Back Surgery?

Most people begin to feel better within a few weeks of consistent therapy and daily movement. Chronic or long-lasting back pain can take several months to improve, depending on the cause and your overall health.

The best way to heal faster and avoid surgery is to start treatment early and stick with your plan.

When Should You Consider Back Surgery?

Surgery is a last resort when other treatments haven’t helped. And although we can treat most pain without back surgery, certain symptoms need urgent evaluation. We may recommend an evaluation if you have:

• Bladder or bowel control changes and concerns
• Numbness or weakness in your legs
• Pain that lasts longer than three months despite treatment
• Structural nerve compression

Even then, Franciscan Health specialists work with patients to explore all nonsurgical options first.

How Can You Prevent Back Pain From Returning?

Once you feel better, stay active and maintain strength to keep pain away.

• Lift carefully. Bend at your knees, not your waist, and hold objects close to your body when you lift.
• Manage stress. Deep breathing and mindfulness can reduce muscle tension.
• Practice good posture. Keep your spine neutral and your shoulders back.
• Stay active. Low-impact exercises, such as swimming, yoga and walking, promote flexibility and circulation.
• Strengthen your core. A strong core supports your lower back.

“Simple habits like standing often and stretching can make a big difference,” Hutchison said.

Back Pain? Franciscan Health Can Help

Franciscan Health offers coordinated, team-based care for back pain at locations across Indiana and Illinois.

“Our focus is on helping patients find the safest and most effective path to recovery,” said Dr. Kihlken. “For most, that means to improve mobility, manage pain conservatively and avoid surgery whenever possible.”

Franciscan Health’s Physical Therapy and Pain Management Services offer:

• Education and ongoing support for long-term wellness
• Nonsurgical treatments for acute and chronic back pain
• Personalized rehabilitation plans
• Procedures that don’t require surgery

Whether you live near Indianapolis, Lafayette or Crown Point, Franciscan Health offers compassionate, expert back pain care close to home.

Back pain doesn’t have to control your life. Find a Franciscan Health provider near you and start your recovery today, without surgery.