At the Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine (CFRS), our philosophy is simple: surgery should never be the first option. We are committed to a conservative approach, using non-operative treatments to relieve pain and restore function whenever possible.
Back and neck pain are among the most common reasons people seek medical care—but that doesn’t mean surgery is the answer for everyone. In fact, many patients experience significant relief through non-surgical methods.
Our Comprehensive Non-Operative Treatment Options
Physical Therapy
We never operate on a patient that has not undergone an extended period of physical therapy. We customize exercise programs and therapeutic techniques that help improve flexibility, strength, and posture—supporting your spine and reducing pain over time.
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
While these often have only short term relief, they can help manage pain while we guide our patients up the care continuum to address their issues. These medications can be highly effective in reducing inflammation and discomfort, especially in the early stages of injury or flare-ups.
Acupuncture
As part of an integrative treatment plan, acupuncture can help decrease pain and muscle tension, and promote healing through natural pathways.
Pain Management Injections
Our physicians have been offering these services for decades and have seen their effectiveness in a variety of use cases, oftentimes helping to avoid the need for major surgical intervention. Targeted injections, such as epidural steroid injections or facet joint blocks, can provide longer-term relief for certain spinal conditions, giving patients the opportunity to heal without surgery.
Conservative First, Always
At the Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine, our commitment to non-operative care is grounded in both clinical evidence and a deep understanding of what’s best for our patients in the long term. We take a conservative, evidence-based approach to spine care, focusing on treatments that are both medically appropriate and typically aligned with insurance coverage. This helps ensure that patients receive effective care without unnecessary procedures or unexpected costs. Many spinal conditions—such as muscle strain, disc herniations, and joint inflammation—can be effectively treated without surgery when managed correctly and early.
We prioritize conservative treatments because:
- Surgery carries inherent risks, including infection, extended recovery time, and complications that can sometimes outweigh the benefits, especially for conditions that respond well to physical therapy, medications, and image-guided interventions.
- Non-operative care supports long-term spine health. Strengthening supporting structures, reducing inflammation naturally, and improving movement patterns can prevent future injury and delay or eliminate the need for more invasive interventions.
- Patient recovery is often faster and more sustainable when we build a foundation of function before ever considering surgery.
By following a “conservative first” philosophy, we aim to empower patients, minimize unnecessary procedures, and promote a faster return to everyday life—with less pain and fewer long-term consequences.
Schedule a Consultation
If you're experiencing back or neck pain, the first step toward relief doesn’t have to be surgery. Let’s explore your non-operative treatment options together.
📍 The Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine
📞 732.380.1212
🌐 myspinedoc.com
