Millions of people around the world suffer from chronic lower back pain, yet many treatments seem to offer little relief. A recent study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine sheds light on why this common issue persists and provides insights into what might actually work to alleviate discomfort.
The study examined hundreds of past research trials to determine the effectiveness of various non-invasive treatments, such as spinal manipulation, acupuncture, and taping, for managing non-specific back pain, the most prevalent form of the condition. Researchers found that only about 10% of treatments showed any real benefit, with many performing only marginally better than a placebo.
Key Findings and Takeaways:
Non-specific back pain, where the exact cause is unknown, affects a large percentage of the population. In the U.S., nearly 39% of adults report some form of back pain.
The study analyzed 301 trials across 44 countries, assessing 56 different treatments, including NSAIDs (aspirin and ibuprofen), exercise, acupuncture, and even antidepressants.
While treatments like NSAIDs were found to be effective for acute pain, chronic sufferers may benefit from five specific approaches: exercise, spinal manipulation, taping, antidepressants, and TRPV1 agonists.
Unfortunately, many commonly used treatments, such as glucocorticoid injections and acetaminophen, were found to be largely ineffective.
Why Treatments Often Fail The effectiveness of back pain treatments remains inconsistent, with many patients still unable to find lasting relief. Experts suggest that the complexity of back pain, combined with the challenges of pinpointing its cause, could explain why treatments often miss the mark.
Aidan Cashin, PhD, study author and deputy director of Neuroscience Research Australia, notes that low back pain can stem from numerous factors, making it difficult to treat effectively. Some researchers suggest that non-specific pain may actually be linked to brain-related factors, pointing to studies that highlight the potential benefits of psychological therapies in alleviating chronic pain.
What to Do if You’re Struggling with Back Pain For those experiencing acute or chronic back pain, the study’s results align with existing medical advice: try NSAIDs for short-term relief, and if the pain persists, consult with a healthcare provider to identify any structural causes. If no physical issue is found, consider exploring psychological or stress-related factors, as these too can lead to significant discomfort.
Experts agree that identifying the underlying cause of pain is critical for successful treatment. Dr. David D. Clarke, president of the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms, emphasized that pain related to stress or psychological factors is just as real and debilitating as structural causes.
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- Lower Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Management
- Understanding Lower Back Pain: Symptoms, Conditions & Care
- Lower Back Pain After Yoga: What to Do
