An orthopedist can order physical therapy to decrease your back pain and offer protective and corrective devices, such as back braces, to aid healing in joints and bones. Orthopedists can also prescribe drugs, such as steroids, muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory medications as well as pain killers. They can also order tests to determine if you are a surgical candidate.
However, a good orthopedist will only use surgery as a last resort. They will be able to tell you any physical exercises or other forms of treatment to try. The chances are very good that your orthopedist will help you restore your quality of life and live as pain-free as possible. If you follow the directions of the orthopedist, you should be able to live a fairly normal pain-free life.