Back pain is one of the most common causes of disability, with the biggest potential for improvement with physical therapy. In some cases, patients walk away with a noticeable improvement after their first session or two. However, in the long term, treatment can make an even bigger difference in your quality of life. It can also prevent the need for more invasive and expensive treatments like surgeries or pain medication.
The back and spine are complex structures, and the spinal nerve connects to every part of the body. You should always look for care providers you trust. It’s especially important in this case to find a professional with the experience and the credentials to provide the highest quality treatment for back pain.
In this article, we’ll share seven considerations to help you choose a provider for back pain treatment in your area.
7 considerations for choosing the right back pain treatment in your area
The best treatment approach for your back pain will depend on what’s causing it. Physical therapists can help with most problems that cause back pain. You may also need to see a medical doctor or a specialist. Chiropractic care is another option. Any type of treatment for back pain can come with risks. However, chiropractic care isn’t very well-studied, and adjustments are usually short-term fixes, so you may need to go back often. In rare cases, chiropractic care can result in complications such as a herniated disc, spinal cord injury or blood vessel tear.
Keep the following considerations in mind when choosing a provider for back pain treatment in your area:
- Seek proper diagnosis before treatment.
It’s critical to get a good understanding of the specific cause of your back pain before starting any course of treatment. Providers should ask you questions and listen to your experience of your symptoms. They should also do some physical tests to see how your movement has been affected. In some cases, imaging tests may be necessary. However, imaging is rarely indicated as a first step in diagnosis or treatment for low back pain, and in some cases can worsen your prognosis. Your provider should explain why you’re experiencing pain and why they’re recommending specific treatments.
- Consider practitioner credentials and specialization.
When choosing a provider, find out what licenses, certifications or education they have. Physical therapists should have a doctoral degree in physical therapy and a state license. Some may also have a specialty certification in treating back pain or board certification.
- Evaluate treatment approaches and philosophy.
The patient’s trust in the provider is one of the most important factors in achieving the best treatment outcomes. Your treatment plan should be highly personalized for the condition that’s causing your pain. Evidence-based treatments like manual therapy and the Graston technique meet the highest clinical standards.
- Check patient reviews and success stories.
Looking at patient testimonials and online reviews can help you learn about other people’s experiences. Be wary of reviews that use a lot of the same wording and those that seem vague. See if you can find out about treatment outcomes from other people with similar conditions.
- Review insurance coverage and cost considerations.
Most physical therapy services are covered by insurance. The amount of coverage may depend on whether the provider is in network with your insurance plan. In some cases, a copay may be due at the time of service. At Forever Fit, we contact your insurance before your first appointment so we can give you an accurate estimate. We also offer cash payments for people who don’t have coverage.
- Consider location and scheduling flexibility.
You may need to see your physical therapist once or twice a week in the beginning. It’s most convenient to find a provider who’s close to your home or workplace.
Find relief from back pain at Forever Fit
Even mild back pain can affect your quality of life if it bothers you persistently. Many people don’t realize that there are treatments that may help reduce or eliminate their pain. Physical therapy can help with many problems that cause back pain at any stage. However, seeking treatment right away may help prevent your condition from worsening.
At Forever Fit, our PTs are all licensed to treat musculoskeletal conditions like back pain. The team at our Gaithersburg location is especially experienced with treating back pain. We take the time to listen to our patients’ concerns and understand what they’re experiencing so we can provide the most effective treatment. We use natural and noninvasive methods that support your overall health and wellness.
Are you ready to find relief from back pain? We can help. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.