Many people don’t realize that skilled orthopedic surgeons like the team at Spine Center Atlanta do more than perform surgery. In fact, they’re highly trained and experienced in providing a vast array of nonsurgical treatments. Whenever possible, they begin your treatment with nonsurgical therapies, recommending surgery only as a last option. To learn more about the treatments available, call one of the seven offices in Atlanta, Savannah, Conyers, Augusta, Macon, and Decatur, Georgia, or book an in-person or telemedicine appointment online today.

Why do orthopedic surgeons offer non-surgical treatments?

Many orthopedic injuries and conditions heal or significantly improve with nonsurgical treatment. However, it often takes more than one modality (treatment) because musculoskeletal problems respond best to multiple complementary therapies.

For this reason, the team purposefully created Spine Center Atlanta to provide comprehensive and integrative care in one convenient location.

Is rehabilitation included in non-surgical treatments?

Physical therapy and rehabilitation form the foundation for healing and recovering from musculoskeletal injuries, degenerative diseases, and orthopedic surgery. That’s why Spine Center Atlanta has a fully equipped rehabilitation center.

The many non-surgical treatments you receive during physical therapy and rehabilitation accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, ease pain, and restore optimal strength and function.

What type of nonsurgical treatment is a biologic injection?

Biologics refer to treatments made from living organisms. The biologic injections used in orthopedic care can treat the full spectrum of orthopedic conditions, from arthritis and tendonitis to torn ligaments and tendons.

Examples of orthopedic biologic injections include:

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections

PRP injections contain platelets extracted from your own blood. When injected at the site of your injured tissues, platelets release growth factors that accelerate healing and reduce inflammation.

What type of nonsurgical treatment is interventional medicine?

Interventional medicine treats the nerves at the source of your pain. A few examples of interventional treatments include:

• Cervical epidural steroid injections
• Cervical radiofrequency neurotomy
• Facet joint injections
• Medial branch nerve blocks
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Sacroiliac (SI) joint injections
• Stellate ganglion blocks
• Bursa injections

Using advanced real-time imaging, the team at Spine Center Atlanta targets precise nerves. Then they inject steroids (to reduce nerve inflammation) and/or a local anesthetic (to block pain).

Specialized needles allow them to treat single nerves with a brief burst of radiofrequency energy. The energy wounds the nerve, preventing pain signals from reaching your brain.

A stellate ganglion block injects an anesthetic and/or steroids into a cluster of nerves in your neck. This treatment effectively relieves pain in your neck, head, upper chest, arms, and hands. This block also serves as an innovative treatment for menopausal hot flashes.

Is alternative medicine included in nonsurgical treatments?

The team at Spine Center Atlanta definitely offers alternative therapies as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. They may recommend:

• Chiropractic
• Acupuncture
• Massage
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Craniosacral therapy

These alternative therapies have a proven history of easing pain and supporting your body’s natural healing ability.

If you want exceptional multimodal care, call Spine Center Atlanta or book an appointment online today.