Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders in the U.S., affecting nearly 40% of adults each year. Whether it is due to poor posture, work–related activities, or injury, back pain can drastically reduce your quality of life and ability to function. Many cases of low back pain resolve on their own, but treatment is essential when pain lingers, and physical therapy is often the best available option for these cases.

What is Acute Low Back Pain?

Acute low back pain, which is defined as pain lasting for less than four weeks, can be caused by factors such as muscle strains, spinal issues, or prolonged sitting. If left untreated, acute pain may persist for more than three months, in which case it is defined as chronic pain. Chronic low back pain is a much more difficult issue to treat and opens the door to more invasive procedures like surgery and injections. Therefore, early intervention with physical therapy is particularly important at the acute stage, as it can alleviate pain and improve function quickly while reducing the risk of progression to chronic pain.

Physical Therapy vs. Usual Care

A 2017 study examined the cost–effectiveness of physical therapy for acute low back pain compared to the usual primary care approach, which typically involves a waiting period before considering physical therapy. The study followed 220 patients over one year to measure improvements in quality of life, pain levels, and the cost of treatment. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. One group received early physical therapy, which included four sessions of hands–on therapy and therapeutic exercise, while the other group received usual care, which included advice to wait and see if the pain would resolve on its own.

Results from the study strongly supported early physical therapy over usual care:

• Improved Quality of Life: Patients who received early physical therapy experienced a greater improvement in their quality of life compared to those who waited for symptoms to resolve. On average, physical therapy provided a gain of 0.02 quality–adjusted life years (QALYs), a measure that assesses the effectiveness of treatment on both lifespan and health quality. This translates to better pain management, improved function, and overall wellbeing.
• Cost–Effectiveness: While physical therapy had higher upfront costs, the long–term benefits outweighed the additional expenses. Physical therapy resulted in a net benefit of $4,160 per patient. This was mainly due to a faster recovery, which reduces the likelihood of undergoing expensive treatments like surgery or injections down the road.
• Reduction in Pain–Related Fear and Avoidance: Physical therapy not only addressed the physical aspects of acute back pain but also helped reduce fear and avoidance behaviors that can lead to disability and mental health issues.
• Lower Long–Term Costs: By addressing pain early on, physical therapy reduced the risk of patients developing chronic pain. Chronic pain often requires more invasive—and expensive—interventions, which can lead to higher overall healthcare costs.

Why Physical Therapy is the Better Option

Physical therapy offers multiple benefits for patients suffering from acute low back pain. It is non–invasive, focuses on patient education, and teaches patients exercises that can help strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and restore normal movement patterns. Additionally, early intervention through physical therapy can prevent the need for pain medications like opioids, which come with their own set of risks.

Unlike the traditional “wait and see” approach, early physical therapy helps patients recover faster, saving them from the long–term consequences of chronic pain and costly treatments that often come with it.

Get Started on Your Path to Less Back Pain Today

If you’re experiencing acute low back pain that doesn’t seem to be improving, waiting it out may not be the best strategy. Early physical therapy, on the other hand, can provide significant pain relief, prevent chronic issues, and save you time and money in the long run. Contact Us Today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about how our physical therapy services can help you get back to a pain–free life.

For more details on the study featured in this article, click here.