Why most back pain treatments fall short

Have you tried everything to get relief from back pain, only to get little or no comfort? You are not alone.

A new study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, found only about 10% of treatments for lower back pain were effective and provided meaningful relief.

For acute lower back pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, were among the few treatments that showed some efficacy. However, their benefits were limited and long-term use of NSAIDs can come with other health issues, says Dr. Gregory Caronis, an orthopedic surgeon at Advocate Health Care.

“While anti-inflammatory drugs can offer short-term relief, long-term use can increase the risk of serious health issues, including gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney damage and heart problems,” Dr. Caronis adds. “Use them with caution, especially if you’re an older adult or have chronic conditions.”

Other commonly used treatments, such as acetaminophen, steroid injections and exercise did not demonstrate significant pain relief compared to placebos, according to the study.

In cases of chronic lower back pain, exercise, chiropractic care, taping and antidepressants showed some benefit. However, the effectiveness was minimal.

Health care providers typically recommend these nonsurgical treatments first. If your symptoms don’t improve after several weeks or months, surgery may be recommended.

Dr. Caronis says the biggest challenge of treating lower back pain is that it’s hard to find the underlying cause. “Non-specific back pain accounts for the majority of cases, and without a clear diagnosis, it’s challenging to determine the most effective treatment,” he notes. “Individualized treatment plans that focus on the patient’s specific symptoms and circumstances are often the most effective.”

Health care providers are continuing to research whether yoga, meditation and talk therapy can effectively treat back pain.

Ultimately, the key is finding what treatment works best for you and understanding that what works for one person might not work for another.

Do you have back pain? Take a free online quiz to learn your treatment options.