CINCINNATI (WKRC) — If you’re suffering from back pain, the team at OrthoCincy has some encouraging news: surgery may not be necessary. Dr. William McCellan, a surgeon at OrthoCincy, said, “For most back pain, surgery is not the answer.”
Instead, the focus should be on strengthening the core, which Dr. McCellan described as “the internal brace.” He explained, “All the muscles around the spine, the abdominal muscles, the low back muscles, all the muscles around that run up and down the back of the spine, that’s what supports your spine long term.”
Physical therapist Caitlin Yauch from OrthoCincy Physical Therapy emphasized that while you may not be able to start working on your core immediately if you have back pain, you can gradually work up to it. “We try to stretch what’s tight, and strengthen what’s weak and then get them moving in pain-free ranges,” Yauch said.
Once the initial pain is managed, core exercises can begin. Yauch noted, “I think most people have a weak core and then don’t even realize it, and that definitely helps support the spine.”
She added that some individuals might need to wear a back brace initially to feel better, but ultimately, “your core is like your natural back brace.” Yauch explained, “It’s helping to brace the spine when you are moving. Some people have a strong core; they just need to be taught how to move correctly and tighten the core.”
