When your back hurts, the first thing you want is relief, fast. So, where do you go? Emergency room? Family doctor? Maybe you’re thinking you need an MRI or, worse, surgery? But what if I told you that starting with physical therapy could save you not just pain, but also a lot of time and money?
Let’s break it down.
The Problem with Traditional Back Pain Treatment
When people experience back pain, especially for the first time, their instinct is often to head straight to the ER or schedule an MRI. While it may seem like a good idea to rule out serious issues, research shows that this can actually lead to a lot of unnecessary and expensive treatments. According to a recent study, the average total cost of care for those who start with the ER for back pain is nearly $20,000! That’s a lot of money spent on tests and treatments that, in many cases, don’t provide any real relief (Fritz et al., 2020).
Why Physical Therapy is the Smart Choice
Here’s where physical therapy comes in as a game-changer. The same study found that patients who chose physical therapy as their first stop spent only around $11,600. That’s nearly half the cost! Why? Because physical therapy focuses on what really matters: getting to the root of the problem and treating it through movement, exercise, and manual therapy. There’s no need for costly scans or risky surgeries (Fritz et al., 2020).
A systematic review also supports this approach, highlighting that early physical therapy can significantly reduce the risk of chronic disability and long-term opioid use in patients with low back pain (Oliveira et al., 2018).
Say Goodbye to Opioids
Let’s talk about pain management. Too often, people are prescribed opioids for back pain, leading to risks of addiction and side effects. But here’s a fact that might surprise you: only 11% of patients who started with physical therapy ended up needing opioids, compared to a whopping 55% who went to the ER first. That’s a massive difference (Fritz et al., 2020)!
Avoiding Unnecessary Tests and Surgeries
Physical therapy not only cuts down on medication use but also reduces the need for expensive tests like MRIs. The study showed that just 9% of physical therapy patients needed advanced imaging, compared to almost half of those who saw a doctor first. And guess what? Fewer than 1% of those who started with physical therapy ended up needing surgery within a year. For those who went to the surgeon first, that number jumps to over 6% (Fritz et al., 2020).
This is consistent with findings from the clinical practice guidelines indicating that early intervention with physical therapy can prevent the progression to more invasive procedures, such as surgery, by addressing the functional impairments and pain through conservative management (Childs et al., 2008).
What Does This Mean for You?
Choosing physical therapy first isn’t just about saving money—it’s about making smarter choices for your health. You get a personalized treatment plan, focused on building strength and flexibility in your back, which means faster recovery and fewer setbacks.
And let’s be honest, who wants to go through the hassle of multiple doctor visits, unnecessary tests, or even the stress of a potential surgery when you can solve the issue with a series of guided exercises?
Take Control of Your Back Pain
If you or someone you know is struggling with back pain, consider starting with a physical therapist. You’ll not only save yourself some serious cash but also avoid the trap of painkillers, scans, and surgeries. It’s a proactive, effective, and efficient way to get back on your feet—literally!
Don’t let back pain control your life. Make physical therapy your first choice and take the direct route to relief. You’ll be glad you did!
References
Childs, J. D., Cleland, J. A., Elliott, J. M., Teyhen, D. S., Wainner, R. S., Whitman, J. M., Sopky, B. J., Godges, J. J., Flynn, T. W., & American Physical Therapy Association (2008). Neck pain: Clinical practice guidelines linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health from the Orthopedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 38(9), A1–A34. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2008.0303
Fritz, J. M., Childs, J. D., Wainner, R. S., & Flynn, T. W. (2020). Primary care referral of patients with low back pain to physical therapy: Impact on future healthcare utilization and costs. Spine, 37(25), 2114-2121. https://doi.org/10.1097/BRS.0b013e31825d32f5
