Why PT Should Be Your First Treatment for Lower Back Pain
If you, like millions of Americans, suffer from lower back pain, it’s likely your doctor has suggested getting an MRI or CAT scan to get to the root of the problem. But recent studies show that patients who start off with diagnostic treatment instead of heading straight to physical therapy may end up paying a lot more in the long run.
With an estimated 80 percent of workers experiencing lower back pain in their lifetimes, physicians have been searching for treatments that will eliminate back pain for good. But with the widespread opioid epidemic claiming lives across the country and recent data that questions the usefulness of diagnostic imaging, back surgery, and injections, it’s difficult to know where to turn for treatment. But one thing is clear: In most cases, physical therapy should be your first stop for recovery, and it’s usually all you’ll need for lasting relief. One 2015 study split patients into two groups: those who received an MRI or CAT scan within two weeks of their first visit for lower back pain and a control group that did not.
While both groups sought out different treatments after these initial tests, those who received an MRI or CAT scan were far more likely to choose surgery or injections down the road.
These invasive treatments are sometimes necessary, but in most uncomplicated cases of lower back pain, they’re complete overkill. Studies have shown that for most ordinary cases of persistent lower back pain, physical therapy is just as effective as surgery in the long run and less expensive. In the 2015 study mentioned previously, those tested with an MRI early in their treatment went on to spend an average of $4,793 more than those who went straight to physical therapy.
Of course, you should trust your doctors, but it’s clear that many physicians are overprescribing diagnostic imaging, surgery, and injections as they only path to recovery. Before you resort to more drastic measures, give the musculoskeletal experts at the Human Performance & Wellness Center a call at 843-663-3939 and take the first step to eliminating your pain without invasive, expensive treatments!
For more information on how we can help you please call us or visit our website. Thank you for reading, and remember: “Exercise is Medicine”
From exercises to specific drinks and foods, Dr. David shares his personalized tips that will help you control the damage that can occur after feasting during the holidays. Watch and read along with Dr. David as he explains each tip!
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Cramming exercise into a single weekend isn’t ideal.
Consider these tips for staying safe.
A “weekend warrior” is someone who, due to the hectic nature of a typical workweek, opts to cram most of her or his exercise into weekend workouts, activities, games and/or competitions. Little River physical therapist David Haught will never fault anyone for exercising, but he added that weekend warriors need to be be particularly cautious as the sporadic nature of their workout schedule will put them at a greater risk of getting injured.
“Days of downtime followed by sudden bursts of activity over a day or two isn’t ideal,” said Haught, owner of The Human Performance & Wellness Center & The Fitness Zone in Little River. “By putting greater stress on the body over a shorter period of time, weekend warriors should be aware that they’re putting themselves at greater risk of acute injuries, such as strains, sprains or worse.”
“That’s because inactivity throughout the week can lead to a general deconditioning of the body that may include muscle tightness and imbalances, along with reduced endurance and cardiovascular fitness. A more consistent workout schedule can combat such deconditioning”, Haught says.
But if one truly does struggle to find time to achieve their expert-recommended 150 minutes of exercise each week without cramming them into just a couple of days, Haught offers the following tips for avoiding injury.
Space It Out – Rather than packing your weekly exercise minutes into two back-to-back days at the end of the week, consider spacing these days out. This can help you avoid some of the deconditioning effects mentioned above.
Warm Up, Cool Down – When the weekend arrives and it comes time to take the field, hit the trails or tee off for 18, always warm up first. Take 5 to 10 minutes for some light resistance and cardio exercises to get the blood flowing. And after you finish, cool down with some stretching. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout.
Temper Your Intensity – When you’re packing your workouts into just a couple days a week, don’t overdo it. As you’re not exercising as consistently, stay on the safe side by pulling back slightly on your intensity.
Mix It Up – Try not to fill your weekends with the same activities. Mix it up, perhaps focusing on cardio one weekend and strength another –or a variation thereof. This helps ensure yourentire body remains balanced, reducing yourchances of injury.
Stay Active During the Week – Even if you can’t hit the gym during the week, don’t use that as an excuse to be sedentary. Capitalize on brief moments during the week to move around, stretch, and maybe even do some exercising. Take the stairs, stretch during your breaks, stand at your desk, walk during meetings or after work, and maybe even fit 10 minutes of at-home resistance training into your evenings.
Listen to Your Body – Always know your limits. And, if you feel aches and pains or suspect possible injury, stop exercising immediately and see a medical professional, such as a physical therapist. Don’t try to power through discomfort just so you can get through the weekend.
