Safe and effective:
Choose physical therapy for your back pain
If you’re living with low back pain (LBP), you’re not
alone. The condition is the leading cause of disability
in the U.S. Studies show 80 percent of American adults
will experience LBP at some point in their lives. If LBP
turns from short-term to chronic (lasting three months
or longer), it can impact your overall quality of life.
BPT
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
released guidelines urging the use of safer alternatives,
including physical therapy, for most non-cancer-related
chronic pain conditions.
“Given the substantial evidence gaps on opioids, uncertain
benefits of long-term use and potential for serious harm,
patient education and discussion before starting opioid
therapy are critical so that patient preferences and values
can be understood and used to inform clinical decisions,”
the CDC states.
Modern society craves quick-fix solutions to even
complex problems, but this mindset can be particularly
counterproductive when it comes to LBP. Studies show
that LBP is often overtreated, particularly when it comes
to the use of opioids, imaging scans (such as MRIs and
X-rays), and surgery. Guidelines recommend first trying Physical therapists can play a valuable role in the patient
exercise and other conservative approaches instead.
education process, including setting realistic expectations
for recovery with or without opioids.
“When it comes to low back pain, the best advice is to
move,” said APTA spokesperson Colleen Louw, PT, MEd. Physical therapists are movement experts who optimize
“Most low back pain will resolve on its own and responds quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care
positively to increased movement and regular exercise.” and patient education.
As America seeks solutions to its ongoing opioid epidemic, A physical therapist will perform a thorough
patients and prescribers should be especially cautious
evaluation that includes:
about treating LBP with opioids. Opioids come with a
list of serious potential side effects, and every day more
• A review of your health history.
than 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments
for opioid misuse. Meanwhile, long-term use of opioids • Questions about your specific symptoms.
might not be particularly helpful for LBP, which is why
4
|
WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE
|
DECEMBER 2018