Trusted Back Pain Treatment Close to Home—Serving Baltimore, MD with Premier Physical Therapy Care
While back pain is widespread, physical therapy provides targeted relief and recovery—without the risks of prescription drugs.
From Our Friends at the APTA
If you have low back pain, you are not alone. At any given time, about 25% of people in the United States report having low back pain within the past 3 months. In most cases, low back pain is mild and disappears on its own. For some people, back pain can return or hang on, leading to a decrease in quality of life or even to disability. Physical therapists help people with low back pain improve or restore mobility and reduce their pain.
Unfortunately, even though low back pain is common, treatment for low back pain often fails to reflect evidence-based guidelines, leading to over-treatment including unnecessary surgery or opioid prescription.
So what are the best approaches for back pain?
In March 2018, The Lancet noted that the guidelines are evolving: now there is “less emphasis on pharmacological and surgical treatments” and greater emphasis on “self-management, physical and psychological therapies, and some form of complementary medicine.”
If you experience back pain not related to an acute injury, here’s what you should consider:
The presentation of low back pain can vary significantly between individuals. Symptoms may range from a dull ache to a burning or sharp sensation, localized to a small area or affecting a broader region. In some cases, symptoms include stiffness, muscle spasms, or radiating pain into one or both legs.
Low back pain is typically classified into three types:
Acute: Pain lasting less than three months
Recurrent: Acute pain that returns after a period of improvement
Chronic: Pain persisting for longer than three months
While most acute cases resolve on their own, recurrence is common. The cause of low back pain is often nonspecific, and recovery may be influenced by psychosocial factors such as pain perception, coping mechanisms, and confidence in physical function. This supports a modern view that low back pain is a biopsychosocial condition—not just a structural issue.
Although it’s rarely life-threatening, low back pain may be associated with underlying conditions, including:
Degenerative disc disease
Spinal stenosis
Herniated discs
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Vertebral fractures
Spinal tumors
However, research has shown that many of these findings appear in individuals without any symptoms, suggesting that structural abnormalities seen on imaging are not always the source of pain.
A comprehensive evaluation from your physical therapist will include:
A full review of your medical history
A discussion of your symptoms, including onset, severity, and patterns
A movement assessment to evaluate range of motion, biomechanics, and potential risk factors
Screening for red flags that may indicate serious pathology, such as fractures or malignancy
A functional analysis of how you perform tasks at home, at work, and during physical activity
Routine imaging—such as MRI, CT, or X-rays—is typically not recommended in the early stages of low back pain, as it rarely changes the treatment plan and may lead to unnecessary expenses. In fact, recent research shows patients who received an MRI before physical therapy paid an average of $4,793 more without improved outcomes. Should any concerning signs arise, your physical therapist will promptly refer you to a physician for further evaluation.
Physical therapy is a powerful tool for relieving low back pain and improving mobility—often without the risks or costs of surgery and medication. Your therapist will focus on helping you move more comfortably and get back to your daily life.
If you’re currently dealing with low back pain:
Stay as active as you can. Light movement is better than prolonged rest, which can slow your recovery.
If the pain doesn’t improve after a few days, or if it worsens, make an appointment with a licensed physical therapist.
Your therapist will take the time to understand your unique symptoms, movement patterns, and lifestyle. After a complete evaluation, they’ll develop a personalized plan designed to address the root causes of your pain.
Treatment options may include:
Gentle manual therapy and spinal mobilization
Custom exercises to build strength and flexibility
Tips on protecting your back during everyday activities
Training for better posture, lifting, and sleep positioning
Support in building a long-term fitness routine
Heat, cold, or electrical stimulation to ease discomfort
With expert care and a tailored approach, you can take control of your back pain and return to the activities you enjoy.