Back to Basics: Understanding and Tackling Lower Back Pain

When Your Back Speaks, It’s Time to Listen!

Lower back pain is like that uninvited guest at a party–it shows up unexpectedly and can be a real pain to deal with! But did you know that not all back pains are the same? They come in different types, each with its own level of “ouch” and ways to get better.

Acute Pain: The Sudden Surprise

Imagine lifting a heavy box and feeling a sharp pain in your back–that’s acute pain. It’s like a sudden alarm bell that rings loudly but doesn’t stay for too long, usually less than 4 weeks.

Subacute Pain: The Lingering Guest

Now, if that pain decides to stick around a bit longer, say between 4 to 12 weeks, it’s like a guest who overstayed their welcome. That’s subacute pain for you. It’s not as sudden as acute pain but it’s a sign that your back still needs attention.

Persistent (or Chronic) Pain: The Long–Term Tenant

When the pain decides it loves your back so much that it wants to stay for over 12 weeks, that’s when it becomes persistent, or what doctors like to call chronic pain. It’s like a tenant in your back who signed a long lease…and no one wants lower back pain to stick around for the long term.

Why Waiting Isn’t Winning!

Here’s the deal–your back is like the unsung hero that supports you every day. When it starts hurting, it’s trying to tell you something. Ignoring acute or subacute pain might lead your back to think, “Well, if you’re not listening, I’m going to stick around.” And trust us, you don’t want that. If you don’t address the pain early, it might just settle in and become persistent.

Don’t Let Pain Overstay Its Welcome – See Your Physical Therapist In The Acute Phase!

Remember, your back does a lot for you, so it’s only fair you take care of it. If you’re feeling that annoying twinge, don’t wait for it to become a persistent problem. Reach out to a physical therapist, learn about your back, and take the right steps to keep it happy and healthy.

Is A Physical Therapist Really The Best First Choice For Acute Lower Back Pain?

If you’re wondering if physical therapy is the right choice, we encourage you to review a recent article on the value of seeing a physical therapist first where scientists concluded that patients that see a physical therapist first can save, on average, $4160.00 when they see a PT first.

Fact is, not only can we help with the pain, you’ll save time, and get back to what matters most to you faster.

Reference: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Clinical Course of Acute, Subacute, and Persistent Low Back Pain