So you get hit with a case of back pain… What is the first thing you do? Everyone’s response is different! If you have had it before, you try what worked last time. If you have never had it and it is bad enough you may resort to running to the ER, resting on the couch, taking medication? Calling the doctor?
Lower back pain is one of THE MOST COMMON areas of pain that people experience AND one of the most common things that I treat. Most people in their lifetime experience it at least once.
In the world of pain management, it is one of the diagnoses that is treated with the least amount of efficacy… AKA what is most commonly being used for treatment is old school and doesn’t have great outcomes! Doctors are over prescribing medications, still recommending rest, and referring for MRI’s. This treatment is completely outdated and can actually harm people more than it can help! Some doc’s are up on the research, but many aren’t…
The most recent pain management guidelines for doctors states that MRI’s are ONLY indicated to rule out things like cancers, tumors, or fractures. They should only be used if ANY one of those things are suspected. It is NOT indicated for people who have a non-traumatic onset of lower back pain.
I like to rely on research to direct my treatment strategies. I let the pros do the work, I read what they find and the rest is history. The most updated way to handle back pain begins in physical therapy and is surrounded by specific exercise. The faster someone can get into the hands of a PT, the better their outcome. That is what the research tells us!
Why is that?
Back pain responds best to movement and physical therapists are movement specialists.
So… to make a statement based on the title of this blog post, “Back pain to day, what to do tomorrow…”. Timing is everything. Please call your local PT office and request an appointment.
In the meantime…
- Find movements that you CAN do! Find the ones that make you feel better (ie. bending forwards, backwards, bridging on the floor, etc)
- Try NOT to stay in one spot for too long (ie. on the couch or in your desk chair)
- If you can manage continuing to workout, DO IT! Making workout modifications in order to get a little sweat on is very important.
Honestly, I am just trying to spread the word and teach you about the things that work. I want to help people realize that they will fair BETTER in the long run if they go to PT FIRST.
Do you know someone who just started with some back pain? Maybe they have had it for a while? Send this their way.