Health experts have emphasised the importance of early intervention and the growing availability of non-surgical alternatives in the management of spinal conditions.

Speaking during the commissioning of the Spine and Nerve Centre, Nigeria, in Lagos, the Clinical Director of the Spine and Nerve Centre, Dr Craig Slapinski, said the expansion marked a significant step in widening access to non-invasive care for patients with chronic back and neck pain.

He explained that the centre, which first opened a branch in Abuja a little over a year ago, focuses on helping patients who want to avoid surgery, drugs, medication, and injections, offering what he described as a safe and effective alternative treatment approach.

Slapinski contrasted the centre’s approach with conventional spinal surgery, noting that surgical procedures often involve cutting through soft tissue, removing parts of bone or discs, or fusing vertebrae, all of which carry significant risks.

He warned that in some cases, patients could experience worsened outcomes after surgery or long-term deterioration of spinal health, adding that non-invasive methods reduce such risks while supporting recovery.

Slapinski further explained that the centre utilises chiropractors trained in non-surgical spinal decompression, using specialised tables that gently separate vertebrae without triggering muscle resistance, allowing targeted treatment of discs and ligaments.

He added that the equipment is designed to bypass the body’s muscle-guarding reflex so patients do not feel discomfort during therapy, ensuring more effective spinal decompression.

The Clinical Director also highlighted the use of cold laser therapy, which he said involves directing light into soft tissue to stimulate cellular energy production and accelerate healing by increasing ATP, the energy source for cells. He noted that patients undergo a comprehensive programme that includes physiotherapy, chiropractic spinal manipulation, and active rehabilitation tailored to support recovery.

Slapinski, however, clarified that the centre does not treat conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, explaining that its focus is primarily on intervertebral disc-related issues that cause nerve compression and chronic pain in the back and neck.

He warned that many Nigerians tend to normalise chronic back pain, stressing that spinal degeneration is progressive and can worsen over time if not treated early. According to him, delayed treatment may lead to radiating pain, limb weakness, and severe mobility challenges, which in advanced cases could require assistive devices such as walkers or wheelchairs.

Slapinski urged patients to seek early medical attention, noting that timely intervention often leads to better outcomes and prevents long-term complications.

The expert added that treatment also includes ergonomic assessment and lifestyle evaluation to understand patients’ daily activities, particularly for those with desk-based jobs.

He explained that patients are given specific exercises to support recovery, stressing that successful treatment requires active participation rather than a passive approach.

Slapinski also noted that the price of treatment is generally lower than surgery but varies depending on the patient’s condition, stressing that evaluation and imaging are first carried out before a treatment plan is determined. On health insurance, he said the centre is still exploring partnerships but currently operates on a case-by-case basis depending on the patient’s coverage.

Also speaking, a former Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Prof. Adulmumini Ibrahim, described the development as part of the growing adoption of alternative medicine for spinal care.

He said practices such as chiropractic care, osteopathy, and naturopathy are increasingly being recognised as non-surgical options, particularly in elective medical cases where patients have a choice of treatment. Ibrahim noted that patients with spinal conditions often prefer non-surgical approaches due to fear of invasive procedures, especially those involving critical areas such as the spine.

Following a tour of the facility, he said the equipment and treatment methods demonstrated how non-surgical care can effectively address certain spinal conditions. The professor added that awareness of such treatment options remains low in Nigeria, but said the establishment of facilities in Lagos and Abuja would help improve public understanding and access.

He also clarified that regulatory oversight of chiropractic and related practices now falls under the Medical Rehabilitation Therapy Board, which oversees physiotherapy and allied health professions.

The Emir of Gudi in Yobe State, Dr Ismaila Gadaka, who attended the commissioning ceremony, described the facility as a welcome development that would reduce the need for Nigerians to seek spinal treatment abroad. He said many patients previously travelled to Europe and Asia for similar procedures, but the availability of centres in Abuja and Lagos now offers a local alternative.

The traditional ruler called for the expansion of such facilities across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones to improve access to specialised care. He also advocated for a branch in the North-East, noting that patients in the region often travel long distances for treatment.