Study Reveals Only 10% of Back Pain Treatments Effective

SYDNEY, Australia — A new study published on March 18, 2025, reveals that approximately 10% of commonly used treatments for back pain provide noticeable relief. Conducted by researchers at Neuroscience Research Australia, the study analyzed data from a comprehensive review of clinical trials.

According to the findings published in BMJ Evidence Based Medicine, many treatments for back pain were found to be no more effective than placebo. The researchers reviewed 301 clinical trials encompassing 56 different non-invasive and non-surgical treatments for both acute and chronic lower back pain.

“We were motivated to conduct this review because non-surgical and non-invasive approaches are recommended as the initial treatment approach. But many such options are available, and it’s not always easy to know which ones are effective,” said Aidan Cashin, lead study author and deputy director of the Center for Pain IMPACT.

The analysis revealed that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were effective for acute back pain, while five treatments appeared to work for chronic back pain: exercise, spinal manipulation, antidepressants, and certain pain-relieving drugs. However, their overall effectiveness was deemed modest at best.

“The current evidence shows that one in 10 non-surgical and non-interventional treatments for low back pain are efficacious, providing only small analgesic effects beyond placebo,” the study concluded.

Conversely, alternative treatments such as cannabinoids, muscle relaxants, opioids, acupuncture, and dry cupping did not meet the threshold for success, according to the review.

Despite the low effectiveness rates, some individuals may still experience substantial relief from various therapies. Cashin mentioned, “Many of the investigated treatments only attempt to target a single potential contributing factor, which may account for why, on average, many treatments weren’t effective.”

The need for high-quality studies in this area is pressing, as many treatments currently lack extensive testing. Cashin encouraged further research to help improve the understanding of back pain and to develop more targeted treatment options.

Interestingly, ongoing developments in pain management suggest that new treatments may arise to better address the complexities of chronic back pain. Cashin noted that there is hope for future advancements suitable for those suffering chronic afflictions.

As the study highlights, low back pain affects about 10% of the global population, with a significant number experiencing it at some point in their lives. In the United States, many adults report back pain as a persistent issue, underscoring the critical need for effective treatments and solutions.