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Physical Therapy vs Medication for Back Pain: What a New Study Found

  • Writer: jmskinner87
    jmskinner87
  • 2 days ago
  • 2 min read

Don't throw your back out trying to keep up with the research; we've got you!


If you're an active adult in Fort Collins dealing with recurring back pain, this study reinforces something we see every day at Renovo Physical Therapy and Wellness: movement, education, and a clear plan often outperform passive treatment alone.


A landmark JAMA trial — the PACBACK study — enrolled 1,000 adults with new-onset low back pain and compared:


  • standard medical care

  • spinal manipulation

  • clinician-supported self-management

  • both combined


The results? The self-management group did best.


67% achieved at least a 50% reduction in disability over 12 months, compared to 54% in the medical care group. They also:


  • used less medication

  • had fewer healthcare visits

  • missed less work


Spinal manipulation alone performed about the same as standard medical care.


So what exactly is “supported self-management”? --It’s not just stretching and hoping for the best.


Patients worked with physical therapists to better understand their pain, reduce fear around movement, manage flare-ups, and gradually build confidence getting back to normal activity.


Sound familiar? That’s exactly what we do at Renovo every day.


We regularly work with active adults, runners, lifters, and CrossFit athletes in Fort Collins who have been told to:


  • rest completely

  • stop lifting

  • rely on medication

  • avoid movement


But in many cases, what they actually need is guidance, progressive movement, and a plan built around staying active.


Need Help Figuring Out Your Back Pain?


If your back pain keeps:


  • interrupting workouts

  • flaring up repeatedly

  • limiting running or lifting

  • making you nervous to move


…it may be time for a different approach.


Renovo Physical Therapy and Wellness provides one-on-one physical therapy for active adults in Fort Collins and Northern Colorado.


No referral required. Just individualized care focused on helping you move confidently and stay active long-term.



 
 
 
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