BAD BACK? Keep moving
November 04, 2020 • 1 min read
-- Remaining active lessens disability and pain
Don’t take back pain lying down – you’ll suffer more than any discomfort induced by active treatment.
Researchers studied 220 adults with back pain and sciatica. Half the group received ‘typical’ care – one session of back care education; and the other half underwent a programme of exercise and hands-on therapy.
At four weeks, six months, and one year, the therapy group showed less disability and decreased back pain intensity compared to the education-only group, according to results published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
“We know that with back pain and sciatica, being active and exercising within your limits is a good thing to do,” said the lead author, Julie M. Fritz, a professor of physical therapy at the University of Utah. “But there’s an additive benefit in the care provided by a physical therapist. With added physical therapy, you’re less likely to have a prolonged case of disability.”