Introduction to Lower Back Pain
They say pain is all in the mind. Over 50 million Americans struggle with lower back pain — which an estimated 80% of adults can expect to experience at some point in their lives. Despite its prevalence, effective and accessible treatments have been elusive. In fact, researchers recently said most treatments are “barely better than a placebo” when it comes to alleviating lower back pain.
New Study Offers Hope
A new study suggests two unlikely treatments are effective at easing lower back pain and reducing opioid use. My Ocean studio – stock.adobe.com
But a new study published in JAMA Network Open offers hope in two unlikely places. Researchers analyzed the data of 770 participants and found that both mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) were successful at reducing lower back pain.
Understanding CBT and MBT
CBT is structured, goal-oriented psychotherapy that helps people identify and change negative patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to emotional distress. MBT is a therapeutic approach that combines traditional cognitive strategies with mindfulness practices like meditation to help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Significance of the Study
Apart from being the first known research to explore the effectiveness of these treatments on lower back pain, this study was also unique in that it focused on patients who had previously been treated with opioids. This is significant, as many people with lower back pain turn to opioids for relief — but this can be problematic because these medications carry a high risk of dependence, addiction, and side effects.
How Mindfulness Helps
Mindfulness training can help people accept their lower back pain, which could in turn reduce its severity. sunti – stock.adobe.com
In addition to improvements in pain, function and overall quality of life, study participants showed reduced opioid dosage by the end of the year-long clinical trial. “These findings contribute to the growing evidence on MBT and CBT effectiveness for chronic pain,” the study’s authors wrote. “We conclude that MBT and CBT should be considered the first-line non-pharmacological treatment options for opioid-treated CLBP.”
Expert Insights
The question is — how does it work? “In my own experience with back pain, I have found mindfulness to be an extremely effective method to reduce stress and lower inflammation, which often translates to a reduction in joint pain,” Brendan Gibbons, a psychospiritual coach and co-founder of Awaken You Therapy & Coaching, told the Post. “Talking about our stressors in a therapeutic setting is also a great way to release pent-up emotional energy, potentially decreasing lower back pain.”
Additional Remedies
If the cause of the pain is an infection — a recent study has unveiled a “game changer” antibiotic drug that could help with lower back pain. Research has also shown that a brisk walk and a few easy exercises can also help reduce lower back pain.
Conclusion
Lower back pain is a prevalent issue affecting millions of Americans, but new research offers hope in the form of mindfulness-based therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. These treatments not only reduce pain but also decrease the need for opioids, making them a safer alternative for managing chronic lower back pain.
FAQs
- Q: What is the prevalence of lower back pain in adults?
A: An estimated 80% of adults can expect to experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. - Q: What are the two unlikely treatments found effective for lower back pain?
A: Mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). - Q: Why is it significant that the study focused on patients previously treated with opioids?
A: Because opioids carry a high risk of dependence, addiction, and side effects, making alternative treatments crucial. - Q: How can mindfulness training help with lower back pain?
A: By helping people accept their pain, which can reduce its severity, and by reducing stress and inflammation. - Q: Are there other remedies besides MBT and CBT for lower back pain?
A: Yes, including antibiotic drugs for infection-related pain and physical activities like brisk walking and easy exercises.
