Don’t Wait to Treat Low Back Pain
Why you need to address the symptoms and the root cause sooner than later
Just like in other areas of health, timing is critical when it comes to managing pain. Up to 8% of people worldwide suffer from back pain at any given moment and 39% in the US will suffer from back pain this year. It’s a near certainty you have or will experience back pain at some point in your life. So, how do you manage it? That’s the $100 billion dollar question. As a physical therapist and someone who has personally suffered from several bouts of low back pain, I know how frustrating the experience can be.
One thing is certain, waiting is not the best option.
Studies show that most low back pain has a favorable recovery over the first three months after the pain first begins. Regardless of the treatment intervention, acute pain (symptoms lasting fewer than 6 weeks) improves by 30 points on a 100-point scale within six weeks, according to a 2024 study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Similarly, subacute (symptoms lasting 6–12 weeks) improves by 34 points. Conversely, chronic pain (lasting longer than 3 months) only improved by 8 points after 12 weeks and 16 points after a year.
This is compelling evidence to seek any care early. But what type of care should you seek? Can you…
