Combined Physical and Psychological Therapies More Effective for Long-Term Back Pain Relief: Study

A recent study suggests that combining physical and psychological therapies, such as exercise along with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, offers more effective long-term relief for chronic lower back pain.

The research, conducted by Macquarie University in Australia, reviewed 75 clinical trials involving approximately 15,400 participants. These trials examined the long-term impact (over a year or more) of 20 non-surgical treatments for chronic low back pain, including massage, manipulation, pain education, and injections.

Published in The Lancet Rheumatology, the study highlights that therapies integrating cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, exercise, and multidisciplinary care can significantly reduce the global burden of non-specific chronic low back pain.

The findings underscore the importance of a holistic treatment approach, combining physical activity with mental health strategies, to achieve lasting benefits for patients suffering from persistent back pain.