Overview

• Researchers analyzed 301 randomized controlled trials covering 56 treatments for acute and chronic lower back pain.
• Only NSAIDs showed moderate efficacy for acute pain, while five treatments, including exercise and spinal manipulation, provided limited relief for chronic pain.
• Most treatments, such as acupuncture, massage, and muscle relaxants, lacked conclusive evidence of effectiveness.
• The study emphasizes the global burden of lower back pain, affecting 10% of the population and being the leading cause of disability worldwide.
• Experts call for high-quality, placebo-controlled trials to address gaps in evidence and explore more targeted and innovative treatment options.