Did you know that the first 21 days are important in the treatment of back pain?

It is within this time window that back pain responds best to treatment. It does not mean seeking care after 21 days will fail. It just means most respond best in that time window. And the treatment is not medication, heat/ice, or any other home remedy. It responds best to treatment package often including hands-on interventions plus active exercise.

“21 days sounds too fast. I know folks who recovered and then dealt with back pain for longer.” Sure, many will respond and get better over time, BUT, again BUT, responding faster and better is the key here.

Numerous studies, too many to name specifically, all report the same findings. Those with back pain treated within 21 days will spend less days in pain and spend less money on their episode of care over a 1-year time period. 1 year? That’s right…some people can suffer for more than a year if not treated in a timely manner. Who wants to suffer in pain for that long?

“What should I do if I experience back pain?”

Well for starters keep moving. Our bodies are made for movement. When we do not move our joints and muscles become stiff and sore. This is clearly not a recipe for success. Understand that motion is lotion. And hurt does not equal harm. Just because moving with back pain hurts does not mean to stop moving. The human body is not that fragile.

Next, seek help from a muscle and joint expert. This person will help determine the best exercises to get you moving and feeling better faster. Yes, certain movements may not feel great, but there is no exact 100% science in treating back pain. The patient response will guide the expert to the correct path quickly.

Lastly limit avoiding all activities, instead modify where you can. This will prevent the body from improperly associating specific tasks with harm to the body.