At Dube Orthopedics and Physical Therapy, we regularly help patients overcome back pain and return to their active lifestyles. Here are the most common questions our Tennessee patients ask about back pain treatment, along with expert answers from our clinical team.

1. When Should I See a Physical Therapist for Back Pain?

Back pain affects everyone differently, but there are clear signs indicating when to seek professional help. Consider scheduling an appointment if:

  • Your pain persists for more than a week
  • The pain radiates down your leg
  • You experience numbness or tingling
  • Your pain interferes with daily activities
  • You have difficulty sleeping due to discomfort

Early intervention often leads to faster recovery and prevents chronic conditions from developing. At Dube Orthopedics, we offer same-week appointments for acute back pain cases.

2. Do I Need an MRI Before Starting Physical Therapy?

Many patients are surprised to learn that an MRI isn’t always necessary before beginning treatment. While imaging can be helpful in specific cases, physical therapists can effectively evaluate and treat most back pain through a comprehensive physical examination. We assess your movement patterns, strength, flexibility, and daily activities to develop a targeted treatment plan.

However, we may recommend imaging if you have severe symptoms or specific red flags that require further investigation.

3. What Causes Most Back Pain?

Back pain typically stems from several common sources:

  • Poor posture and movement habits
  • Muscle strain or ligament sprains
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Workplace ergonomic issues
  • Age-related changes
  • Sports injuries
  • Excess body weight

During your initial evaluation at Dube Orthopedics, we’ll help identify the specific factors contributing to your pain and develop a personalized treatment approach.

4. How Long Will Recovery Take?

Recovery timelines vary based on several factors:

  • The severity and duration of your condition
  • Your overall health and fitness level
  • Compliance with home exercise programs
  • Daily activity demands

Most patients experience significant improvement within 4-6 weeks of consistent treatment. Acute conditions may resolve more quickly, while chronic conditions might require longer-term management strategies. We’ll provide you with a more specific timeline after your initial evaluation.

5. What Types of Treatment Will I Receive?

Our evidence-based treatment approach typically includes a combination of:

Manual Therapy

Hands-on techniques to improve mobility and reduce pain, including joint mobilization and soft tissue work.

Therapeutic Exercise

Customized exercises to strengthen core muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance overall function.

Education

Guidance on proper posture, body mechanics, and movement patterns to prevent future injuries.

Pain Management Strategies

Various techniques including heat, ice, and electrical stimulation when appropriate.

6. Will Exercise Make My Back Pain Worse?

This is a common concern, but appropriate exercise is actually crucial for back pain recovery. Our physical therapists design safe, progressive exercise programs that:

  • Start gradually and build slowly
  • Focus on proper form and technique
  • Adapt to your comfort level
  • Target specific problem areas
  • Progress as you improve

We carefully monitor your response to exercise and adjust your program accordingly.

7. Can I Continue My Normal Activities During Treatment?

We believe in keeping patients as active as possible during recovery. Your physical therapist will help you modify activities when necessary and provide guidelines for:

  • Work responsibilities
  • Exercise routines
  • Household tasks
  • Recreational activities

Our goal is to help you maintain your lifestyle while promoting healing and preventing further injury.

8. How Can I Prevent Back Pain from Returning?

Prevention is a key focus of our treatment approach. We’ll equip you with:

  • Specific exercises for long-term spine health
  • Proper lifting and movement techniques
  • Workstation ergonomic recommendations
  • Lifestyle modification strategies
  • Stress management techniques

Many of our patients find that these preventive strategies become valuable lifelong habits.

9. Should I Rest or Stay Active When Experiencing Back Pain?

While some rest may be beneficial during acute pain phases, prolonged inactivity can actually slow recovery. We recommend:

  • Modified activity rather than complete rest
  • Gentle movement within pain limits
  • Progressive return to normal activities
  • Regular position changes
  • Guided exercise progression

Your physical therapist will help you find the right balance between rest and activity.

10. Will I Need Surgery for My Back Pain?

The good news is that most back pain cases respond well to conservative treatment. Physical therapy often helps patients avoid surgery through:

  • Proper pain management
  • Improved muscle strength and flexibility
  • Better movement patterns
  • Enhanced core stability
  • Lifestyle modifications

However, if conservative treatment doesn’t provide adequate relief, we maintain close relationships with leading orthopedic surgeons in Tennessee and can facilitate appropriate referrals when necessary.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

At Dube Orthopedics and Physical Therapy, we’re committed to helping you understand and overcome your back pain. Our experienced team provides individualized care using the latest evidence-based treatments and techniques.

Don’t let back pain limit your life. Contact our clinic today to schedule an evaluation and take the first step toward lasting relief. We offer convenient appointment times and accept most major insurance plans.