What are the disadvantages of physical therapy for back and neck pain?

Gerald M. Silverman

Chiropractic Medicine

The disadvantages of physical therapy, rehabilitation, and sports medicine are that these approaches have never been shown to affect the outcome of back and neck pain, multiple weekly appointments must be kept, the treatment sessions are long, the cost of treatment is high, and patients can develop an unintended reliance on treatment. When treatment guidelines are being assessed, these therapies often receive high appropriateness ratings, but one study did find that receiving physical therapy was associated with longer periods of pain.

More About this Book

Your Miraculous Back: A Step-By-Step Guide to Relieving Neck & Back Pain

Many of us complain about our 'bad back,' but this book argues that our backs are, without exception, amazing examples of bioengineering, capable of dramatic feats of strength, flexibility, and...

Rick Olderman

Physical Therapy

The disadvantages of physical therapy for back and neck pain are similar to many approaches--your practitioner is usually biased to a certain belief in how they treat the body. The problem with these biases is that, if you present with a situation that is outside their skill set, you won't achieve the results you desire. Unfortunately this is the case in health care because the human body is a vast and complex collection of tissues and functions. The good news is that you should begin to see positive results from your treatment after just a couple of visits. So you will quickly know whether that practitioner has the skills to help you.

Cristina Gabor

Physical Therapy

There are no disadvantages! If you attend even one session with licensed physical therapist, the benefits are endless. It starts with addressing posture, working /sleeping habits and ends with teaching you how to avoid, manage your condition. I urge everyone to take their health into their own hands by get educated by expert and get their own personalized answers!

Continue Learning about Pain Treatment

Approximately 39 million Americans suffer from migraines and headaches. On top of that, 100 million Americans live with chronic pain, so it’s no surpr...

Julie Holland, MD

Watch as psychiatrist and psychopharmacologist Dr. Julie Holland shares some alternative remedie...

Christopher Chiodo, MD

Topical pain medications are available in lotion, cream, or gel form. They are spread on the ski...

Should Opioids be Prescribed for All Types of Pain?

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Pain Treatment

Pain treatment varies depending on the severity of an injury or cause of the pain. Analgesics, or pain relievers, may be your first step. Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin can treat mild to moderate pain. Stronger pain medication may be prescribed after surgery or more severe injuries. For chronic pain that persists, your doctor can help determine the best course of treatment or give you a referral for a pain specialist. Learn more about treating pain with expert advice from Sharecare.

Learn More