A recent study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine examined 301 randomized trials to determine the efficacy of 56 noninvasive treatments for low back pain. The results showed that only NSAIDs were effective in reducing acute pain, while five treatments, including exercise and spinal manipulation, were effective in reducing chronic pain. However, the benefits of these treatments were marginal, with exercise only reducing pain intensity by an average of 7.9 points on a 0-to-100 scale.
Experts noted that while some common therapies may provide moderate relief, most treatments for low back pain do not work well for patients. The study also indicated that some treatments, such as acetaminophen, do little to alleviate pain. While the evidence for treatments like heat, massage, and acupressure was inconclusive, doctors still recommend patients try them as they are accessible and low-risk options.
Overall, the study highlighted the challenges of treating low back pain and the lack of significant improvements from many therapies. While more research is needed to further investigate the effectiveness of these treatments, experts believe that exercise and certain interventions like spinal manipulation may provide some relief for individuals suffering from chronic back pain. Despite the limitations of the study, the findings offer valuable insights for healthcare providers and patients seeking relief from this common and debilitating condition.
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