Don't ignore persistent back pain, therapists say

Back pain that persists needs attention, according to two physical therapists who answered phoned-in questions during Saturday's Deseret Morning News/Intermountain Healthcare Hotline.

"Don't just let it go for two or three years. Get in and see someone. Get some answers," said Barry Olsen, physical therapist at The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital (TOSH).

Olsen and his colleague, Aaron Swalberg, also a spine physical therapist, took dozens of calls about back pain.

Insurance benefits and rules determine to some extent who someone consults. But Olsen said a primary care physician or internist is a good entry point to care. That individual can assess what's going on and refer the patient to physical therapy, a neurologist, surgeon or other expert.

Many of the people Swalberg and Olsen talked to have waited a long time to seek relief. And, often, time makes a difference in how effective treatment will be, Swalberg said.

Olsen suggested using a swimming pool to strengthen and stretch the back of one caller — an 83-year-old woman. But she still works in her family business and wonders when she'd have time. That's one reason people wait so long to get help, he said.

"Invest in yourself," he said. "Make time."

Olsen said he's surprised how little many people know about their anatomies. And the back is a mystery to many people. Swalberg noted that several callers used terms that don't mean what they think they mean, which may indicate they don't clearly understand what their care providers have tried to tell them.

Understanding basic anatomy helps people know what to do about back pain, they said.

TOSH offers three free classes monthly, one each on the back, the neck and life/stress management. Information on classes can be obtained by calling 801-314-4040.

Stress management is an integral part of back health because many people carry their stress in their spine or neck. And the result can be painful. One caller to the hotline said she's been taking care of her husband, and now her son is also sick. She knows she's stressed and wondered if that could be contributing to her sore back. It likely is a contributor.

"It's seldom just one thing," Swalberg said, adding some people suffer a "degenerative cascade of wear and tear" that ultimately causes their back pain.

The hotline tackles a different health topic on the second Saturday of each month.

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E-mail: lois@desnews.com