If no signs of fracture, infection, tumor, or neurologic defect are present, spinal x-ray exams, CT scans, MRIs, or EMGs are not necessary. Nor are fancy or expensive treatments. Recovery will take place just as quickly without them. The answer is yes. Scientific studies show that patients who are educated about LBP and reassured about their problem tend to get better faster and have less discomfort than control groups.
Activity is also beneficial.
Patients who exercise get better faster and, if they keep exercising, are less likely to have future episodes. Spinal manipulations, when used during the first month after symptoms appear, can decrease the amount of pain and shorten the episode. Spinal manipulation is the application of force by hand to selected joints of the spine. If manipulation does not bring relief within 2-4 weeks, additional manipulation is unlikely to be beneficial. Once the pain has subsided, additional manipulation is unnecessary and has no proven preventive value.