Chronic Low Back Pain: What the Latest Evidence Says?
Chronic low back pain is one of the most common issues we see in the clinic.
By the time patients reach physical therapy, many have been in pain for years or even decades, and often with anxiety, fear, or other psychosocial factors involved.
They can’t always recall when it started or where it hurts, showing how chronic pain can gradually spread and blur over time.
What Is “Non-Specific Low Back Pain”?
It means pain without a clear structural cause — no fracture, disc herniation, or nerve compression can explain it.
In fact, most chronic back pain falls into this category.
What Actually Works (The British Medical Journal 2025 Update)?
✅ Education & Advice
Pain doesn’t always mean injury. Movement is safe.
✅ Exercise
Consistent, individualized movement remains one of the most effective and evidence-based strategies.
✅ Integrated physical & cognitive approaches
Such as Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) or Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), which address both movement control and how the brain perceives pain.
In short,
⭐ Moderate benefit: Exercise + Integrated approaches
⭐ Smaller but meaningful benefit: Education + Psychological therapies
Common Treatments That Don’t Work
Traction (Spinal Decompression)
No meaningful effect compared with no treatment.
It’s ineffective and potentially harmful.
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
Very low-certainty evidence of benefit.
However, even today, many clinics still use traction or TENS as “go-to” options for non-specific chronic low back pain relief.
What About Medications?
Most — NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, opioids, anticonvulsants — show limited long-term benefit and can do harm through side effects or dependency.
Topical options may help short term,
but non-drug, movement-based treatments remain first-line.
💬 Key Takeaway
Movement-based & educational approaches are safer and more effective long-term.
Stay active, understand your pain, and move with confidence.
How I Can Help You at FuncPhysio?
✅ Pain neuroscience education
helping you understand your pain, not fear it.
✅ Integrated movement training
blending methods like Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) and Pilates to restore control, stability, and confidence.
I’ll help you move better, feel stronger, and live with less pain confidently and sustainably.
Want to learn more or book a session?
👉 Book your visit here and start your recovery journey!
