What is a common non-surgical treatment option for lower back pain?

Physical therapy is a non-surgical treatment option for lower back pain that focuses on enhancing strength, flexibility, and mobility through targeted exercises and movements. It involves the assessment of a patient's condition by a licensed physical therapist who then develops a personalized rehabilitation program. This approach can help alleviate pain, improve function, and promote recovery without the need for invasive procedures.

Physical therapy typically includes a combination of exercises, modalities such as heat or ice application, and education on proper body mechanics and ergonomics. Patients often benefit from an interdisciplinary approach incorporating physical therapy, which may also include advice on activity modifications and strategies to prevent future injury.

While medication can play a role in managing pain, it is often used in conjunction with physical therapy rather than as a standalone treatment. Similarly, chiropractic adjustments can be effective for some individuals, but they are not universally applicable and do not have the same comprehensive approach to rehabilitation that physical therapy provides. Surgery is typically considered a last resort after more conservative measures have failed. Therefore, physical therapy stands out as a foundational and common non-surgical treatment option for those experiencing lower back pain.