03 JUNE 2025 FACT RECORDER
Health Desk: New Hope for Lower Back Pain Patients: Non-Surgical Treatments Show Lasting Relief, Says Study If you’re suffering from lower back pain to the point where walking or even standing becomes difficult, and surgery seems like the only option, there’s good news. A recent Australian study offers a promising alternative. Researchers from Macquarie University reviewed 75 different treatment approaches and analyzed data from over 15,400 patients dealing with chronic lower back pain.
What the Study Found
Published in The Lancet Rheumatology Journal, the study found that non-surgical treatments — such as physical therapy, massage, medication, psychological support, and mindfulness techniques — provided significant and long-lasting relief for many patients. These methods helped reduce disability caused by chronic lower back pain by up to 20%, which researchers called a meaningful improvement in patients’ quality of life.
Key Aspects of the Treatment
Focus shifted from just treating symptoms to addressing underlying causes.
Treatments included mindfulness, confidence-building, massage, and targeted exercises.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychological support were also integrated.
According to Prof. Mark Hancock, a senior author and physiotherapy expert, these comprehensive approaches proved effective and could be a game-changer for patients worldwide. Though more research is needed to study the long-term results, early outcomes have been promising.
Why It Matters
Dr. Hazel Jenkins, lead author and chiropractic lecturer at Macquarie University, emphasized that chronic back pain affects the quality of life for millions over months or even years. This study opens the door to non-invasive, safer, and potentially more sustainable ways to manage and reduce chronic lower back pain.
In summary, surgery is no longer the only hope — a blend of physical and psychological therapies might offer lasting relief for patients struggling with debilitating lower back pain.
