Low back pain is a global issue causing pain, disability, and economic burden. It’s a leading cause of missed work and decreased productivity. Non-surgical and non-interventional treatments are the first line of treatment for low back pain. But which ones really work?
What the Research Says
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in the BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine journal aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of non-surgical, non-interventional treatments for low back pain compared to placebo. Researchers analyzed 301 trials involving 56 different therapies or combinations.
The study found that only a small number of these treatments demonstrated efficacy, meaning they provided pain relief beyond what a placebo would.
For acute low back pain, only one treatment (NSAIDs) was effective.
For chronic low back pain, five treatments were effective: exercise, spinal manipulative therapy, taping, antidepressants, and TRPV1 agonists.
Work-Related Back Injuries: A Major Concern
The NJ Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau (NJCRIB) indicates that lower back injuries are a common workers' compensation claim. In fact, it is the third most common injury, representing 10.59% of total losses. This highlights the importance of effective treatments for low back pain, especially in the context of returning to work and preventing long-term disability.
Implications for Workers and Employers
The study's findings have important implications for both workers and employers. The research supports the use of NSAIDs for acute low back pain. For chronic low back pain, exercise, spinal manipulative therapy, and other non-drug therapies can be effective. This can help injured workers manage pain and potentially return to work sooner. Employers can use this information to inform their return-to-work programs and ensure that employees can access appropriate and effective treatments.
The Importance of More Research
The authors of the review emphasize the need for more high-quality research. This will help clarify the effectiveness of other treatments and optimize care for individuals with low back pain.
Key Takeaway
While many treatments are available for low back pain, this study shows that only a few have proven efficacy beyond placebo. Effective management of low back pain is crucial for work-related injuries. The findings of this review can help guide treatment decisions and potentially improve outcomes for workers with back injuries.
Recommended Citation: Gelman, Jon., Back Pain Relief: Beyond the Knife , www.gelmans.com (03/26/2025) https://workers-compensation.blogspot.com/2025/03/back-pain-relief-beyond-knife.html
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*Jon L. Gelman of Wayne, NJ, is the author of NJ Workers' Compensation Law (West-Thomson-Reuters) and co-author of the national treatise Modern Workers' Compensation Law (West-Thomson-Reuters). For over five decades, the Law Offices of Jon Gelman 1.973.696.7900
jon@gelmans.com has represented injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational illnesses and diseases.Blog: Workers' Compensation
LinkedIn: JonGelman
LinkedIn Group: Injured Workers Law & Advocacy Group
Author: "Workers' Compensation Law" West-Thomson-Reuters
Mastodon:@gelman@mstdn.social
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© 2025 Jon L Gelman. All rights reserved.
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