Active Lifestyle
Health Centre
What treatments work best for lower back pain?...
7.Tens machines
These are small electronic nerve stimulators that can reduce pain by calming down the pain impulses from the lower back. At one stage patients with chronic lower back pain had them implanted in their backs like a pacemaker for mobile pain relief, but most of the time they are just attached to the skin via stick on electrodes.
There is no evidence however to suggest their use in the treatment of acute or chronic back pain. They have a nice tingling feeling, but there are probably better options for treatment for most people.
8.Magnets
Magnets have been shown to be no more effective than placebo treatment and therefore shouldn’t be used as treatment for back pain. Unlike some of the other treatment options that are not supported by hard evidence, I haven’t heard many people praising the effects of magnets for lower back pain.
9.Back supports/corsets/braces
I see many patients at my physiotherapy clinics using back braces for lower back pain. Most studies show that there is no benefit or that there is limited evidence for using back braces compared with no treatment. It is still unclear however - so if it seems there is a benefit to the individual they should continue to use the brace.
10.Traction
Studies show conflicting evidence regarding traction. Some have found there is a benefit and others have found there is not. Therefore, once again, if the individual has tried it and there has been a benefit then it can be used, if not then it should be discontinued. In any case, it probably shouldn’t be the first choice for treatment.
Summary
In summary, current evidence for acute back pain suggests that the best treatment involves having your back assessed so that you can get the right advice about how to stay active and manage your pain. If you are in need of further relief some spinal manipulative therapy (mobilisations or manipulations) should be considered.
For chronic back pain, an exercise program involving core strengthening and exercises to improve general fitness is the most effective solution.
Click here for exercises to help prevent lower back pain.
This advice is strictly for simple, non-specific lower back pain, not for back pain caused by serious injuries, fractures, disc bulges, disease processes, sciatica etc. This information is not a substitute for independent professional advice. This information should not be used on its own to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any injury or disease. The accuracy and completeness of information cannot be guaranteed at the time of reading. Please contact the practice and speak to a qualified professional if you have any specific questions related to this material.
