Physical Therapy as a Frontline Treatment for Low Back Pain

The best treatment for Low Back Pain is often the easiest. In a review article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in February 2009, Physical Therapy was deemed the best treatment for low back pain. A review of peer-reviewed journal articles suggests that physical therapy with anti-inflammatory medication is the best treatment for low back pain in most cases.

The study looked at people suffering from lower back pain that was symptomatic of lumbar degenerative disk disease. This is a common cause. When a disc becomes weaker (often from repetitive strain), or is injured, symptomatic lumbar disc disease can develop. The disc becomes weaker and unable to support the vertebrae properly, which can lead to back pain.

There were three main treatment options: medication, surgery and Physical Therapy in Jamaica. The use of nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin, was also discussed. Study confirms that physical therapy with NSAIDS can be a cornerstone of nonsurgical treatment. In 90% of cases, low back pain symptoms resolve themselves without the need for surgery. The initial treatment should not be performed unless there is an emergency.

Low back pain affects millions of Americans each year. It is the leading reason that people miss work in America. This condition affects approximately 75% to 85% adults at any given time. The annual cost of care for this condition is $90 billion. This includes the cost of diagnostics like x-rays or MRI's (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), as well as treatment, including medication and surgery.

Low back pain is a common first treatment. However, pain medications only mask the symptoms and do not address the root cause. As many people become dependent on pain medication, this treatment is not without risk. More than 100,000 people are hospitalized each year due to common over-the-counter pain medication, and over 16,000 dice. The 13th leading cause of death from NSAIDs was in 2003. This is a higher rate than the ones caused by cervical cancer, asthma, or malignant melanomas.

Spinal surgery is another common treatment for back problems. However, it's not always as quick and effective as we would like. It does not address the movement problem that causes or contributes to back pain. This treatment is not risk-free. Each year, thousands die from complications from spinal surgery. Up to half of patients who have undergone spinal surgery experience partial or complete relief.