A: Usually this term refers to any treatment that can help avoid surgery. Generally, we begin with medications and physical therapy including exercise. On occasion, we need to incorporate more aggressive interventions such as epidural injections. These techniques allow you to be more comfortable during the early phase of a painful spine problem. They are not curative, rather they are designed to give you relief while waiting for the symptoms to settle down. In the long run, a consistent, aerobic exercise program will help people decrease the frequency of the spine symptoms. In addition, it is important to understand the basic rules needed to protect your back while staying active. This may help prevent recurrences.