Things You Should Know About Lumbar Treatments
Living with lower back pain can feel like a pause button has been hit on your life. At the Central Texas Spine Institute (CTSI) in Austin, we understand that looking for answers can be just as overwhelming as the pain itself.
If you are researching options for relief, you likely have questions about what treatments actually entail. As a leading spine doctor and back doctor team in the region, we want to demystify the process. Here are six essential things you should know about lumbar treatments at our practice. Contact us today.
Diagnosis Is More Than Just an MRI
Many patients come to us believing that an MRI image tells the whole story. While imaging is a critical tool, it is only one piece of the puzzle. A true spine specialist looks at how your symptoms match—or don’t match—those images. We focus on a physical exam and a detailed history of your pain. We need to understand exactly how your condition affects your daily movement before we can recommend a specific lumbar treatment. We treat people, not just pictures.
Surgery Is Rarely the First Step
There is a common misconception that seeing a back surgeon means you will inevitably end up under the knife. At Central Texas Spine Institute, our philosophy is “conservative care first.” Most lumbar issues resolve with non-surgical interventions. We often start with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or therapeutic injections to reduce inflammation. As an experienced Austin orthopedic surgeon team, we view surgery as a last resort.
When Surgery Is Needed, Precision Is Key
Sometimes, despite our best efforts with conservative care, the structural damage to the spine is too great to heal on its own. In these cases, lumbar spine surgery becomes a viable path to relief. This is often the case for conditions like severe spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis. If you have reached this stage, know that modern techniques have evolved significantly.
The Relief of a Lumbar Discectomy
One of the most common procedures we perform is a lumbar discectomy. This is often the solution for patients suffering from a herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve, causing sciatica (pain radiating down the leg). During this procedure, we remove the portion of the disc that is causing the compression. Patients often report immediate relief from leg pain post-surgery. Understanding the specific nature of this procedure can help alleviate the anxiety surrounding lumbar spine surgery.
Minimally Invasive Techniques Change the Recovery Game
The days of long hospital stays and massive incisions are largely behind us. Many of our spine procedures utilize minimally invasive techniques, such as lateral access surgery. This approach allows us to reach the spine through smaller incisions, often sparing the major back muscles from being cut. For you, this translates to less post-operative pain and a faster return to normal activities. When you are looking for the best back surgeons in Texas, you should look for those who prioritize these tissue-sparing techniques to speed up your recovery.
Your Recovery Is a Partnership
The success of any treatment relies heavily on what happens after you leave our clinic. Whether you undergo a minor procedure or a lumbar fusion, your commitment to rehabilitation is vital. We work closely with you to design a recovery plan that strengthens your core and stabilizes your spine. Your spine surgeon can repair the structure, but your dedication to physical therapy ensures the results last a lifetime.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
Back pain does not have to be your permanent reality. By understanding your options—from conservative care to advanced surgical interventions—you can make informed decisions about your health. If you are ready to reclaim your active lifestyle, we invite you to reach out to us at Central Texas Spine Institute. Let’s work together to find the right path forward for you.
