Low Back Surgery - 3 Thoughts You MUST Consider Beforehand
Did you know that low back pain was already a $100 billion problem back in 2006—with two-thirds of that cost tied to lost wages and reduced productivity? The amount spent on back pain has only increased since then.
Understandably, when you’re struggling with severe low back pain, you might think surgery is the fastest way to find relief. But here’s the truth: low back surgery should never be the first line of treatment.
In fact, the American College of Physicians (ACP) has published guidelines for treating low back pain—and surgery doesn’t even make the list of recommended interventions. Let’s break down what the latest research and recommendations say…
Understanding Low Back Pain
The ACP defines back pain in three categories:
Acute: Less than 4 weeks
Subacute: 4–12 weeks
Chronic: More than 12 weeks
The majority of back pain cases fall under acute or subacute—and the good news is that most people recover naturally within 6–12 weeks without surgery.
First-Line Treatments: No Prescription Drugs
For people with acute or subacute low back pain, the ACP guidelines recommend non-drug treatments first.
These include:
Superficial heat (like heating pads or warm compresses)
Massage therapy
Acupuncture
Spinal manipulation (chiropractic or physical therapy-based)
Why these? Because they target pain relief, improve mobility, and allow you to keep moving. And as we like to say, “motion is lotion”—movement helps lubricate joints, relax muscles, and speed up healing.
Working with a low back physical therapy expert ensures that you stay mobile, reduce stiffness, and get back to normal life without unnecessary medication.
👉 Click here to learn more about easing your back pain with physical therapy.
Chronic Low Back Pain: Solve the Root Cause
For clients who struggle with chronic low back pain (lasting more than 12 weeks), the ACP guidelines recommend a wider range of treatments, including:
Exercise programs
Mindfulness-based stress reduction
Yoga and tai chi
Motor control exercise
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Progressive relaxation and biofeedback
Low-level laser therapy
Spinal manipulation
Multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams
That’s a long list—which is why so many people get confused when they search “low back pain treatments” on Google. The key is this: any of these treatments can work, if they address the underlying cause of your pain.
That’s where a team-based approach works best. Physical therapists, physicians, massage therapists, and acupuncturists working together can address both pain management and movement issues—so you get lasting results, not just temporary relief.
Where Medications Fit In
The ACP recommends medications only if non-drug therapies aren’t effective.
First-line medications: NSAIDs (like ibuprofen)
Last resort: opioids (and only if NSAIDs fail)
As physical therapists, we don’t prescribe medications, but we often collaborate with physicians to support clients. What we’ve seen is that medication alone rarely solves the problem—because it doesn’t treat the root cause of back pain.
When medications are paired with movement and physical therapy, however, outcomes improve dramatically.
Why Physical Therapy Should Be Your First Step
A low back physical therapy expert can:
Identify the root cause of your back pain
Develop a personalized recovery plan
Use safe, evidence-based techniques like spinal manipulation, targeted exercise, and posture correction
Collaborate with your healthcare team for the best results
Unlike surgery or long-term medications, physical therapy helps you stay mobile, regain independence, and prevent future flare-ups.
👉 Click here to learn how physical therapy can help you recover from low back pain.
The Bottom Line
Most back pain resolves within 6–12 weeks without surgery.
First-line treatments: heat, massage, acupuncture, spinal manipulation, and movement-based therapy.
Chronic cases: exercise, mindfulness, yoga, multidisciplinary care, and spinal stabilization programs.
Surgery should always be the last resort, after conservative care options are exhausted.
Early intervention is key—the sooner you take action, the faster you’ll recover. If you’re struggling with low back pain, don’t wait for it to “magically disappear.” See a physical therapy expert and start your journey to healing today.
