[ConservativeMind]

It might be best to not go to the ER or a surgeon, first.

It does seem that if you have a hammer, everything is your nail.

[ConservativeMind]

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[Magic Fingers]

Just N=1, but I saw a physiatrist who prescribed an MRI, a low-dose NSAID, and physical therapy. At best, the PT did nothing, and on most days it made the pain worse (and there was no short-term pain that led to eventual improvement, just pain). I had 8 weeks of PT and my pain only improved when I stopped.

It held until I foolishly lifted some heavy objects, and the pain was next addressed by an epidural steroid injection. Other than occasional mild discomfort, so far, so good (3 months post-injection).

[Chad C. Mulligan]

"Low back pain episodes are shorter when patients choose physical therapy first, study finds"

Oh, my achin' back! This headline isn't even grim humor to me.

All PT did was delay the time when my stenosis was finally relieved by a laminectomy. By YEARS, that I will never get back. (pardon the pun)

And don't you DARE mention chiropractic within earshot.

[torqemada]

SNORT! I’ll add my sad tale of woe over opting for physical therapy. Never again. I’m another one who found that the pain and disability was only aggravated to a magnitude of 10 because of that. More...I now suffer from severe sciatica down both legs and can’t walk 75 feet to the mailbox and back. I now rely on a electric scooter to check the mail or go to the supermarket for groceries. And don’t even get me started on how chronic paid is not managed these days. Positively inhumane and barbaric.

[Seaplaner]

I goofed up my back last year catching a heavy falling object while bent over (I knew better but instinct took over before thinking). Significant pain including Ricter 10 sciatica.

I asked my doc if I could try PT first, and she said fine.

For me? Best decision ever. I was barely walking and in major pain. The PT made an excellent diagosis, and we went from there.

I saw improvement each week. At first, I couldn't climb stairs and often walked with a cane (I hated that).

Through the application of various stretches, exercises and biweekly visits to a competent masseuse, I was taking stairs two by two in 5 weeks and skiing in 7 or 8.

And, I learned a ton (I've been walking and running incorrectly for over 70 years.)

No MRIs, no meds, steady improvement.

Your results could be different, but the PT worked well for me.

[ckilmer]

I do dead hangs or I’ll stretch over a big beach ball. I used to have lower back pain from sitting too much. But these procedures have removed the lower back pain.

[metmom]

I was having trouble with my rotator cuff. I knew it wasn’t bad enough for surgery, and yet it was interfering with daily activities.

I asked my doctor if he thought PT would help and he said yes and sent me for it.

That was a couple years ago and I have not had a bit of trouble since then. It worked wonders.

[Lizavetta]

Back pain is often caused by having a weak core, in which case yoga and planking can make a huge difference.

[Sparky1776]

I have a German Sheperd that sheds quite a bit, so before I can do any exercising I need to vacuum the carpet. I find this helps my back enough that I can skip the exercise and I can sit down and watch TV from my recliner. :) All kidding aside, mornings are rough, sitting less and doing exercise does help, might not cure it but if you do it on a regular basis it helps. Lots of videos on YouTube, and yes vacuuming does help some to get moving in the morning.