Health Experts Promote Non-Surgical Alternatives for Spinal Conditions in Nigeria
Health experts across Nigeria are strongly advocating for early intervention and the increasing availability of non-surgical alternatives in managing spinal conditions. This emphasis comes as a response to the growing need for safer treatment options that avoid the risks associated with conventional spinal surgery.
New Spinal Care Center Commissioned in Lagos
During the recent commissioning of the Spine and Nerve Centre in Lagos, Dr. Craig Slapinski, the Clinical Director, highlighted that this expansion represents a significant advancement in providing non-invasive care for patients suffering from chronic back and neck pain. The center, which initially opened a branch in Abuja just over a year ago, specifically caters to individuals seeking to avoid surgery, medications, and injections.
Dr. Slapinski explained that the facility offers what he describes as a safe and effective alternative treatment approach. He contrasted this with traditional spinal surgery, which often involves cutting through soft tissues, removing bone or disc segments, or fusing vertebrae—procedures that carry substantial risks. In some cases, patients may experience worsened outcomes or long-term spinal deterioration post-surgery, whereas non-invasive methods significantly reduce these risks while promoting recovery.
Innovative Non-Surgical Techniques
The center employs chiropractors trained in non-surgical spinal decompression, utilizing specialized tables that gently separate vertebrae without triggering muscle resistance. This allows for targeted treatment of discs and ligaments. The equipment is designed to bypass the body's muscle-guarding reflex, ensuring patients feel no discomfort during therapy and enabling more effective spinal decompression.
Additionally, cold laser therapy is used, which involves directing light into soft tissues to stimulate cellular energy production and accelerate healing by increasing ATP, the primary energy source for cells. Patients undergo a comprehensive program that includes:
- Physiotherapy sessions
- Chiropractic spinal manipulation
- Active rehabilitation tailored to individual recovery needs
Dr. Slapinski clarified that the center does not treat conditions like Parkinson's disease, focusing instead on intervertebral disc-related issues that cause nerve compression and chronic pain in the back and neck.
Addressing Delayed Treatment and Public Awareness
Many Nigerians tend to normalize chronic back pain, but Dr. Slapinski warned that spinal degeneration is progressive and can worsen over time without early intervention. Delayed treatment may lead to radiating pain, limb weakness, and severe mobility challenges, potentially requiring assistive devices such as walkers or wheelchairs in advanced cases.
He urged patients to seek early medical attention, noting that timely intervention often results in better outcomes and prevents long-term complications. Treatment also includes ergonomic assessments and lifestyle evaluations, particularly for those with desk-based jobs, and patients are given specific exercises to support recovery, emphasizing active participation over a passive approach.
Regarding costs, treatment is generally more affordable than surgery, though prices vary based on the patient's condition. Evaluation and imaging are conducted first to determine a tailored treatment plan. On health insurance, the center is exploring partnerships but currently operates on a case-by-case basis depending on coverage.
Growing Recognition of Alternative Medicine
Professor Adulmumini Ibrahim, a former Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, described this development as part of the increasing adoption of alternative medicine for spinal care. Practices such as chiropractic care, osteopathy, and naturopathy are gaining recognition as non-surgical options, especially in elective medical cases where patients have treatment choices.
He noted that patients often prefer non-surgical approaches due to fear of invasive procedures, particularly those involving critical areas like the spine. After touring the facility, he affirmed that the equipment and methods demonstrate how non-surgical care can effectively address certain spinal conditions.
However, awareness of such options remains low in Nigeria. The establishment of facilities in Lagos and Abuja is expected to improve public understanding and access. Regulatory oversight of chiropractic and related practices now falls under the Medical Rehabilitation Therapy Board, which also oversees physiotherapy and allied health professions.
Local Alternatives to Overseas Treatment
Dr. Ismaila Gadaka, the Emir of Gudi in Yobe State, who attended the commissioning ceremony, praised the facility as a welcome development that reduces the need for Nigerians to seek spinal treatment abroad. Many patients previously traveled to Europe and Asia for similar procedures, but centers in Abuja and Lagos now offer a local alternative.
The traditional ruler called for expanding such facilities across Nigeria's geopolitical zones to enhance access to specialized care. He specifically advocated for a branch in the North-East, noting that patients in the region often travel long distances for treatment, highlighting the urgent need for more accessible healthcare solutions.
