Everyone knows that however your morning starts can often have a big impact on how the rest of your day goes. So, if you're waking up every morning to persistent, nagging back pain that announces its presence immediately, it could be a sign that a difficult day is ahead.

Unfortunately, this is frequently the case for the millions of people who struggle with long–lasting–or chronic–back pain. Chronic low back pain (CLBP), which is defined as pain lasting for at least three months, affects about 20% of the global population, making it the leading cause of disability worldwide. If you count yourself among this group, you're probably quite familiar with the daily struggle that can lead to missed workdays, changes in activity levels, and a decline in your overall wellbeing. That's why some consider CLBP to be a silent epidemic that affects both physical and mental health.

Yet despite its prevalence, many patients have difficulty finding treatments that can reliably relieve their pain. Injections and other related procedures have been widely used to treat CLBP for many years, but their effectiveness has been called into question. This was highlighted in a recently-published study, which showed that many commonly-used interventions should be avoided due to a lack of benefit, while exercise-based interventions were recommended due to their superior evidence base.

Many popular interventions are shockingly not supported by evidence

For the study, a diverse panel of experts set out to create trustworthy and evidence–based recommendations for CLBP by conducting a systematic review of high–quality studies called randomized controlled trials. Their goal was to review many commonly used procedures and determine which are beneficial and which may pose risks without delivering meaningful improvements. These included:

• Epidural injections


• Joint–targeted injections of local anesthetic, steroids, or both


• Radiofrequency ablation of spinal joints (a heat–based therapy for pain relief)


• Exercise–based interventions


• Psychological therapies

After completing this thorough investigation, the panel issued strong recommendations against several of these interventions for CLBP. Researchers found that most procedures offered little to no pain relief compared to fake treatments and, in some cases, posed a significant risk for side effects. Here's a closer look at the findings:

• Many commonly used treatments, such as certain medications and alternative therapies, were found to have little to no long–term benefit for CLBP
  
  
  • This led to strong recommendations against many procedures, including radiofrequency ablation, epidural injections (with or without steroids), and intramuscular injections, which were deemed ineffective for chronic spinal pain
  
  
  
  


• Some psychological therapies showed moderate effectiveness, particularly for addressing the emotional impact of chronic pain


• Exercise–based interventions, including structured movement programs, were among the most beneficial treatments

One of the biggest revelations from the guideline was the lack of high–certainty evidence supporting any of the analyzed interventional procedures. This underscores the limitations and potential risks posed by these interventions, prompting a conversation around alternative treatment methods. Instead of relying solely on these procedures, patients should consider comprehensive approaches that focus on education, movement, and rehabilitation.

Physical therapy delivers appropriate and effective exercise–based interventions

While physical therapy wasn't specifically evaluated in this study, it is widely regarded as one of the most effective evidence–based interventions for CLBP, which overlaps with this study's findings in identifying exercise therapy as the best available approach. Through a combination of targeted exercises, posture correction, and hands–on techniques, physical therapy helps patients strengthen their core, improve mobility, and reduce pain levels over time.

Physical therapy is also unique in that it focuses on addressing the root causes of patients' pain rather than simply masking it with pain–relieving interventions. Here's why physical therapy remains one of the most effective treatments for CLBP:

• Personalized care: physical therapists tailor treatment plans to each patient's unique needs and goals


• Focus on function: by improving strength, flexibility, and mobility, physical therapy helps patients return to daily activities without relying on medications or invasive procedures


• Evidence–based approach: numerous studies consistently support physical therapy as the best first–line treatment for CLBP

While further research is needed to refine treatment guidelines for CLBP, physical therapy continues to be regarded as a cornerstone of effective care.

Contact us today if back pain is slowing you down

If you or someone you know is dealing with CLBP, don't wait for it to disrupt your life further. Physical therapy offers an individualized approach that can significantly reduce your risk for chronic conditions stemming from poor movement patterns. At our clinic, we can help you develop a plan that targets your specific needs, ensuring you back on the path to wellness.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and together, we'll work towards eliminating pain from your daily life. For more information on the study and its findings, check it out here.