Cochrane Database Syst Rev

Low back pain: Which nonsurgical, nondrug treatments actually work?

May 30, 2025

The following results are all based on moderate-certainty evidence:

Acupuncture for chronic LBP

Acupuncture vs. no treatment: Probably reduces pain intensity; slightly improves function. Acupuncture vs. sham acupuncture or usual care: Probably slightly improves function

Staying active advice vs. rest advice in acute LBP

Probably slightly reduces pain intensity and slightly improves function

Exercise therapies vs. no treatment/usual care in chronic LBP

Probably reduces pain intensity and slightly improves function

Spinal manipulation vs. placebo for acute/subacute LBP

Probably doesn’t make a difference to function at 1-week follow-up

Traction vs. sham traction for chronic LBP

Probably doesn’t make a difference in pain intensity

Psychological therapies for chronic LBP

Probably slightly reduces pain intensity but probably doesn’t make a difference to function, compared with usual care. Probably slightly reduces pain intensity, compared with no treatment

Multidisciplinary therapies vs. usual care in chronic LBP

Probably reduces pain intensity and slightly improves function

Source:

Rizzo R Rn, et al. (2025, March 27). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Non-pharmacological and non-surgical treatments for low back pain in adults: an overview of Cochrane reviews. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40139265/