Beat Low Back Pain with Physical Therapy

Have you ever bent down to pick something off the floor and had immediate low back pain? You may have thought your pain would improve in a few days only to have it worsen.

Low back pain can be treated with conservative treatments, such as physical therapy. The timing of your first physical therapy appointment after the pain starts is very important.

When should I start physical therapy after the onset of low back pain?

• Physical therapy is most beneficial when started within 14 days of the onset of low back pain. However, if you are unable to start physical therapy within 14 days it is important to start as soon as you can.

Why should I start physical therapy sooner rather than later after the onset of low back pain?

• Physical therapy can help reduce your low back pain faster than if you were to wait to receive care, allowing you to return to normal activity.
• Physical therapy can reduce your pain and therefore reduce your use of pain medications.
• If you are out of work due to your low back pain, physical therapy may help you return to work faster.
• Receiving early physical therapy can help reduce your healthcare costs by potentially decreasing the number of doctor’s visits and additional testing you may need.

How do I go about going to physical therapy?

• If you believe that a physical therapy assessment can help you, please contact your doctor for a referral and visit valleyhealthlink.com/rehab to find a location near you.