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Only 10% of Back Pain Treatments Actually Work

3/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A recent study in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine reveals a startling truth: only 10% of non-surgical treatments for lower back pain truly work, often offering little more than a placebo effect. While NSAIDs can alleviate acute pain, and exercise along with spinal manipulation may provide slight relief for chronic sufferers, the overall benefits remain limited. The call for more rigorous research is urgent.

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Story summary

A recent study in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine reveals a startling truth: only 10% of non-surgical treatments for lower back pain truly work, often offering little more than a placebo effect. While NSAIDs can alleviate acute pain, and exercise along with spinal manipulation may provide slight relief for chronic sufferers, the overall benefits remain limited. The call for more rigorous research is urgent.