If you're hesitant to seek help for back and neck pain, it may help to know that whenever possible, non-surgical care is our first line of treatment. With our support and experience, non-surgical techniques often have great results. So don't let pain plague your day or interfere with sleep-and don't let lack of medical attention increase the risk of your condition worsening-let our spine specialists help.
- If your neck or back pain have not improved within two weeks of self-care at home-or if it gets worse-please visit your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Mission Spine Center is fully equipped and staffed with specially trained spine specialists to deliver a variety of non-surgical treatments. After a thorough assessment, we develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses your specific condition as well as any associated problems such as sleeplessness due to pain. We work with you throughout the process, carefully monitoring your progress to ensure optimal recovery. Healing spine conditions requires a team effort that includes not only our board certified physicians, nurses and therapists, but also counts on your effort and dedication to the plan.
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Physical therapy. Physical therapy strengthens and increases the mobility of muscles, ligaments and tissues. It may also include therapeutic massage to improve blood flow and reduce stiffness.
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Pain medications. If over-the-counter pain medications do not relieve your neck and back pain, your physician may prescribe something stronger. Opioid analgesics are sometimes used for a short period to treat acute pain. Your doctor may also prescribe a muscle relaxant or antidepressant medications, which help to reduce chronic pain.
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Traction. Under supervision of a healthcare professional and physical therapist, this treatment may provide relatively fast relief for some spine-related pain. Relief can last hours or days.
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Electrical stimulation. Your physician or physical therapist may use transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to treat persistent pain. During a TENS treatment, electrodes are placed on your skin and a weak electrical current is passed through to your nerve pathways. TENS is safe and painless, but it may not work for everyone.
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Corticosteroid medication. These drugs may help relieve pain through their anti-inflammatory effect. Corticosteroids may be administered orally or via injection into the space around the nerve roots.
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Heat or ice. Application of a cold pack or heating pad can help relieve pain.
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Lifestyle factors. Lifestyle changes that help relieve spine problems and may be considered for your treatment include weight loss, modified activities and improved posture.
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Short-term immobilization. Spinal problems may respond to temporarily stopping the activity that causes pain to allow time to rest and heal. For neck-related issues, your physician may ask you to wear a soft cervical collar that will support your neck without straining your muscles.
Referral and Location Information
If you have neck or back pain-or experience any signs of a spine disorder or injury - talk to your doctor and ask for a referral to Mission Spine Center.
Mission Spine services are available in two locations in Western North Carolina:
Mission Spine Center at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC (Maps & Directions)
- National leader in spine procedures
- Blue Distinction Center® designation by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC
Mission Spine Center at Angel Medical Center (Website)
- Board-certified surgeons from Carolina Spine & Neurosurgery Center
- Conveniently located in Franklin, NC
