Cochrane Database Syst Rev
Low back pain: Which nonsurgical, nondrug treatments actually work?
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/