EXC PHYS
Back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide¹. Annual healthcare system costs in the US alone are in the billions for the treatment of back pain². Recent research shows an increasing prevalence of back pain in men and in the elderly population, resulting in time away from work, hobbies, family occasions and more¹. While acute back pain (first 4-6 weeks after injury/onset) can be resolved in the majority of cases, individuals often delay seeking treatment, which can lead to both chronic pain and injury recurrence where symptoms often feel worse. 3,4 Men's Health Month: Don't De A Courtesy Publication fo The Benefits of Starting Physical Therapy EARLY for Acute Back Pain Early access to Physical Therapy (PT) in the acute phase after injury/ onset has been shown to reduce pain, minimize the risk of injury recurrence and decrease overall healthcare costs, including the utilization of diagnostic imaging, injections, medication or surgery. 3,5 In addition, the current American College of Physicians clinical practice guidelines suggest nonpharmacologic treatments (such as PT) are highly recommended and considered best practice in the treatment of acute back pain². These guidelines also emphasize the importance of remaining active during an acute episode of back pain, as physical activity has superior outcomes compared to rest. Back pain can sometimes be related to other issues such as sciatica or new symptoms in the leg(s) including numbness, tingling and burning. In a recent study, those who were referred to Physical Therapy by their Primary Care Provider in the acute stage of sciatica experienced less pain and disability compared to those who did not receive Physical Therapy 6 . In addition, those who received Physical Therapy continued to report better outcomes after one year. Physical Therapists are experts in differentiating the cause of your symptoms and developing the appropriate treatment plan for your patients, whether it is muscle, joint or nerve related. In the rare event of a more serious condition, Physical Therapists are highly trained in recognizing these “red flag” signs and symptoms and will refer patients out to a specialist. By Sarah Pichini, PT, DPT Excel PT - West Chester
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