What have people tried to avoid back surgery?

There are a number of non-surgical treatments that people may try to avoid back surgery. These include:

* Pain medication: Over-the-counter and prescription pain medication can help to relieve back pain and inflammation.

* Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to strengthen the back muscles and improve flexibility, which can help to reduce pain.

* Chiropractic care: Chiropractic care can help to correct spinal misalignments that may be contributing to back pain.

* Acupuncture: Acupuncture can help to relieve pain and inflammation by stimulating the release of endorphins.

* Massage therapy: Massage therapy can help to relax tight muscles and improve circulation, which can help to reduce pain.

* Heat and cold therapy: Heat and cold therapy can help to reduce inflammation and pain.

* Weight loss: Losing weight can help to reduce the amount of pressure on the spine, which can help to reduce pain.

* Smoking cessation: Smoking can increase the risk of back pain and surgery. Quitting smoking can help to reduce the risk of these complications.

If these non-surgical treatments do not provide adequate relief from back pain, surgery may be necessary.