A recent study published in the US has shown that Physiotherapy is as effective as surgery for people suffering with spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is the most common cause of low back pain in people over 60, and can cause back and leg pain, and/or numbness and tingling in the buttocks and leg.

Participants in the study, conducted from 2000 to 2007, found that both participants who had surgery for their spinal stenosis and participants who receieved Physiotherapy treatment had a similar outcome on follow up with siginificant reductions in pain and symptoms. Dr. Anthony Delitto, chair of physical therapy at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, says, ‘Surgery is a riskier procedure, with about a 15% complication rate, and half of those are life-threatening. It isn’t a life-risking procedure to do physical therapy.”

Because of the risks associated with surgery, Physiotherapy should always be considered for first line treatment for patients with back pain according to this study. Here at Reform Physiotherapy and Pilates, we could not agree more with this study. Many patients have come through our doors that have avoided spinal surgery by receiving Physiotherapy, and participating in our Clinical Pilates classes! Call Anne at 086 358 2911 if you would like to book an appointment to discuss your back pain, and get started on your treatment program! Anne 🙂

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/04/08/physiotherapy-surgery-back-pain-study_n_7023524.html