Doctors are urging more research into effective back pain treatments after a recent study found that only about 10% of common non-surgical and non-interventional methods provide lasting relief. The study, published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, analyzed 301 trials from 44 countries, reviewing 56 treatments or combinations.
The analysis focused on acute and chronic low back pain, revealing moderate-certainty evidence for NSAIDs in treating acute pain, while exercise, spinal manipulation therapy, taping, antidepressants, and agonists showed some effectiveness. However, the study noted that even these treatments had small effect sizes, and “the evidence is inconclusive” due to limited samples and imprecision.
Researchers emphasized the need for large, high-quality trials to reduce uncertainty in efficacy estimates. The study concluded that while more certain recommendations are needed, it is not currently possible. Back pain experts agree that the field requires more research, as treatments often focus on short-term relief rather than addressing underlying causes.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends oral non-NSAIDs and manual therapy alongside exercise, but not acupuncture or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Physiotherapists take a tailored approach, focusing on lifestyle factors like inactivity, stress, and obesity to manage back pain.
Experts acknowledge that interventions often require a combination of treatments and are tailored to individual needs. The study’s findings highlight the need for further research into effective back pain treatments, particularly those addressing root causes rather than just providing temporary relief.
Source: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/gps-urge-robust-research-back-pain-treatments-2025a10006qj?form=fpf