Seeing a PT first is your best choice

I have discussed this before, but even more evidence is surfacing that recognizes who you see at the onset of a Low Back Pain episode matters.  Based on this study (which reviewed the course of care for almost 30,000 patients) 51% of people see a primary care physician when seeking an initial evaluation with LBP.

This is understandable, and it would be hard to say it was the wrong choice. However, there is a strong opposing argument. To begin with, a lot of patients do so only because they do not know they can be seen for PT (Physical Therapy) first. In almost all, if not all states you can have direct access to a PT (ie. Walk in off the street without a referral).Patients need to be educated regarding that option and made aware that it exists.

Additionally, lets look at the potential courses of care. If you see an MD, you are likely to get medication (which may or may not help). You may be referred for PT. You may be referred for an injection and (hopefully) less frequently you could be referred for an MRI or to a surgeon. So, the odds are you will be given medication that may or may not help and then be sent to PT. The primary roll of an MD is to make sure nothing serious is going on, and get you to someone that can help.

In contrast, you could just see a PT first. They are the ones that can determine not only why you have the pain, but more importantly, how to immediately start treating and reducing it, without medication or injections. Why even make the stop at the middle man? Most people are not aware it matters, but in terms of overall cost and course of care it matters a lot. Why waste time for a screening visit only to then be sent to PT when you could just start with PT first. Starting with PT first has been shown to reduce cost of care, as well as reducing the use of medication and invasive interventions such as shots or surgery.

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