Treating Low Back Pain

A Cochrane Review is a type of study that collects and analyzes evidence from high-quality clinical trials to give clear, unbiased answers to health questions.

A Cochrane Review was conducted on non-drug, non-surgical options for treating low back pain in adults. Researchers systematically analyzed 31 Cochrane Reviews covering 644 trials and nearly 100,000 adults with low back pain. Treatments studied included acupuncture, exercise, massage, spinal manipulation, psychological therapies, and advice on staying active. They looked at how these treatments affect pain levels, physical function (how well someone can move and do daily activities), and safety.

For chronic low back pain lasting more than 3 months, several options showed small to moderate benefits:

• Exercise therapies consistently helped reduce pain and improve function.
• Acupuncture showed a moderate benefit in reducing pain and a small benefit in improving how well people move.
• Multidisciplinary approaches, which combine physical, psychological, and lifestyle support, also helped improve both pain and movement.
• Psychological therapies, such as relaxation techniques and behavioral therapy, slightly reduced pain but did not clearly improve physical function.

For acute or short-term pain, the most helpful strategy was simple: stay active. Compared to resting, staying active likely leads to less pain and better function in the short term.

Other treatments, like spinal manipulation and traction, did not show clear benefits over placebo or usual care. Safety information was limited but suggested few serious side effects.

In short, evidence supports a mix of exercise, acupuncture, and mind-body approaches as helpful parts of managing back pain, especially chronic cases. While none are cures, they can provide meaningful relief and improve quality of life when used consistently and as part of a holistic care plan.