UPDATE: New research has revealed that hands-on care and exercise are significantly more effective than medications and invasive procedures for treating low back pain. This urgent finding, reported by experts including Dr. Mishock, highlights a growing need for alternative treatments as $134.5 billion is spent annually in the U.S. on low back and neck pain, surpassing spending on heart disease and cancer.
Low back pain is not only a major health burden but also a leading cause of workplace disability, contributing to millions of lost workdays each year. The latest data from the Cochrane Review indicates that structured exercise can reduce pain levels by nearly 15 points on a scale of 0–100 within three months. This translates to patients experiencing a reduction from a pain level of 6/10 to approximately 4/10, significantly improving daily function.
Evidence shows that combining manual therapy with targeted exercise further enhances these benefits. The JAMA Network confirms that spinal manipulation and mobilization have a substantial impact on pain relief, comparable to traditional medications. For acute low back pain, a systematic review found that spinal manipulative therapy resulted in clinically meaningful improvements within the first six weeks of treatment.
Why are these findings crucial right now? A shift towards early physical therapy could dramatically change patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. A recent analysis of 150,000 insurance claims revealed that patients who consulted a physical therapist first experienced an 89% lower likelihood of being prescribed opioids, and a 28% lower likelihood of receiving advanced imaging tests. This proactive approach not only saves money but also minimizes the risk of complications associated with unnecessary procedures.
Early intervention through physical therapy has been shown to be a “good buy” in economic evaluations. Patients receiving timely physical therapy incur additional costs of around $580 per person over one year but gain significant improvements in quality of life, translating to a cost-effective treatment model.
Dr. Mishock emphasizes the importance of hands-on care, stating, “Manual therapy acts as an accelerator, quickly reducing pain and stiffness, allowing patients to engage fully in exercise programs that deliver lasting change.”
Moreover, a large-scale study from the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) has found that exercise and spinal manipulation are among the most cost-effective treatments for chronic low back pain, leading to fewer sick days and medical visits.
This urgent update calls for a reevaluation of how low back pain is managed in the healthcare system. Instead of relying heavily on prescriptions, patients are encouraged to seek out physical therapists or chiropractors who prioritize hands-on treatment and movement education.
If you are experiencing low back pain, consider visiting Mishock Physical Therapy, where expert care is designed to restore function and reduce pain without the need for prescription medications.
For more information about effective treatment options, visit their website at www.mishockpt.com. Dr. Mishock, a leading authority in both physical therapy and chiropractic care, advocates for a patient-centered approach that emphasizes recovery through movement and education.
