The Best Approach to Back Pain Isn't Always Surgery

A Conservative Approach to Spine Conditions

Eight in 10 Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Many fear addressing back pain and loss of mobility because they believe surgery is the inevitable outcome. We are here to tell you that is not true.

The first step to a successful treatment plan is a correct diagnosis and patient education on the cause of their symptoms. "Surgery should only come into play if conservative care has been exhausted or if the patient is experiencing neurologic deficits requiring more urgent intervention," says Taylor Beatty, DO, one of Palm Harbor spine surgeons. "At Orthopedic Specialists, our orthopedic spine surgeons have more than one tool to treat neck and back conditions. We pride ourselves on the relationships we build with our patients during the treatment process, and we are one of the few practices where you will see your surgeon at every visit."

Surgery is always the final step in our treatment protocol and is only performed when necessary.

At Orthopedic Specialists, we start with appropriate history and physical exam and obtain imaging when necessary to gain the correct diagnosis. This is followed by conservative care including activity modification and patient education, physical therapy, and medication management. All of our doctors,  including spine specialists Dr. Beatty and Dr. Andrew Maser, regularly perform spinal injections and less invasive procedures such as radiofrequency ablations to manage pain. These services are performed in our office fluoroscopy suites with assistance from our imaging technologists.

Just because you consult with a Palm Harbor spine surgeon, it does not mean surgery is the first or even final course of action. Our doctors do what is best for each patient, and will always explain your options. Call 727 496-2391 today and schedule a consultation.