Minimal Effectiveness of Common Non-Surgical Back Pain Treatments
A comprehensive global review has found that the majority of Non-Surgical Back Pain Treatments provide little to no relief. Conducted by Australian researchers at Neuroscience Research Australia, the study analyzed 301 previously published clinical trials on 56 different treatments. The findings, published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, reveal that only six of these treatments offer minor pain relief, while the remaining 50 either provide minimal benefits or, in some cases, worsen the condition.
Back pain is a widespread issue, affecting six in ten adults in the UK at some point in their lives. Symptoms range from intense pain and restricted movement to an inability to work or engage in social activities. While some individuals recover within weeks, others endure chronic pain for years. Treatments vary from medication and physical therapy to alternative methods like acupuncture and laser therapy. However, the study suggests that only 10% of these non-surgical options have any meaningful impact.
The Most and Least Effective Treatments
Among the 56 treatments analyzed, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were identified as the most effective for acute back pain. Meanwhile, five other treatments—exercise, spinal manipulative therapy, taping, antidepressants, and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) drugs—were found to offer some relief for chronic back pain. However, even these treatments only provided “small” benefits beyond a placebo effect.
On the other hand, several commonly used treatments were found to be ineffective. Exercise, glucocorticoid injections, and paracetamol did not alleviate acute back pain, while antibiotics and anesthetics showed no significant effect on chronic pain. Additionally, two treatments—extracorporeal shockwave therapy and the anti-inflammatory drug colchicine—were linked to increased pain, raising concerns about their continued use.
For many of the remaining 45 treatments, the evidence remains inconclusive. Popular options such as massage, painkillers, and foot orthotics may provide moderate to large pain reduction, but their effectiveness varies. Similarly, techniques like acupuncture, spinal manipulation, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may offer mild to moderate pain relief. However, the study emphasized that no non-surgical treatment has shown consistently strong results.
Expert Reactions and Future Approaches
The findings have sparked reactions from medical professionals. Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, noted that general practitioners often refer patients for physiotherapy as an initial approach, which includes exercises tailored to each individual’s condition. While some patients report relief, she acknowledged that results vary significantly.
Tim Button, president of the British Chiropractic Association, welcomed the study’s support for spinal manipulation and taping as effective treatments. He emphasized that while these methods may not be miracle cures, they can help patients return to work and daily activities more quickly.
A spokesperson from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach. “Exercise has been shown to be the most helpful Non-Surgical Back Pain Treatments Hands-on treatments and injections may provide short-term relief, but they should be used as part of a larger treatment plan,” they said.
The study highlights the urgent need for better research into effective back pain treatments. With millions of people affected worldwide, experts suggest that a combination of tailored exercise programs, pain management strategies, and lifestyle modifications may be the best approach to dealing with chronic back pain.
