We all suffer from aches and pains from time to time. Maybe you ran a half marathon, spent a day doing yard work or had to shovel the driveway. Whether it is because of doing housework, work or a leisure activity, when an individual suffers from back pain, it can cause major impacts to one’s health. In some cases, the pain can be so severe that it can be disabling, making it difficult to leave the house or hold down a job.
In order to address serious, debilitating back pain, individuals must undergo medical treatment. For some this means seeking therapy. In order to gain a better perspective on this, a study was conducted on the reduction of back pain-related disability. Researchers focused on physical therapy, understanding whether early treatment versus usual care improved disability.
For usual care, this entailed a 20-minute educational session that discussed self-management strategies, as well as the option to receive written modifications for activities for one month as well as up to 10 days of prescription anti-inflammatory drugs. Those receiving early physical therapy receive usual care in addition to starting physical therapy within 72 hours of disabling pain, with a total of eight sessions. The study ultimately found that receiving early physical therapy for back pain-related disability did not improve disability at one year.
Receiving medical treatment following a disabling injury is important, as it can reduce the pains associated with the injury. However, it may not impact the longevity of the disabling injury. Thus, it is important that individuals living with a disability understand their options. Applying for Social Security disability could help address the costs associated with the medical need. This benefit could also cover basic living needs as the applicant is unable to work to earn a living.
