When should I go in for low back pain?

Low back pain got you down? It'll get better on it's own, right? Maybe if you just take it easy and pop some ibuprofen. Sometimes it does, and sometimes it doesn't. Seems like a gamble. How much money are you willing to put on the line?

A study published in the December 2012 issue of Spine compared the costs associated with low back pain in over 32,000 patients. They compared those who started physical therapy early (within 14 days) with those that delayed physical therapy (after 14 days but within 90 days). Those who got to physical therapy within 14 days were much less likely to have an MRI, return for more doctor visits, have surgery, or be put on addictive opioid pain medications AND on average spent $2700 LESS! 

Often we are able to resolve back pain in just a few visits if we catch it quickly, like the study suggests. Don't waste your most precious resources: money and ESPECIALLY time on being down with back pain. Get the treatment you need and get it fast! Get PT first!