Mindfulness may be effective for treating lower back pain
Conclusion
This RCT aimed to review the alternative mind-body therapy of MBSR for the treatment of chronic lower back pain.
The trial has many strengths, including:
delivery of both interventions by trained and experienced professionals
long follow-up period
blinded assessment of outcomes using validated scales
adequate sample size – prior calculations were performed to ensure sufficient people were recruited to make the outcome assessment reliable
intention to treat analysis – where all people were assessed in their assigned groups, regardless of whether they completed the intervention or follow-up
There are a few key points to bear in mind when reviewing this study and the media's interpretation of it:
The study does not show that MBSR is better than CBT for chronic lower back pain – there was no significant difference between the two groups for improvement in function or pain.
Nor does the study show that MBSR is better than painkillers, as the media suggests – yes, MBSR was better than usual care, but the content of this is not specified in the study. We don't know what care this may have involved; use of painkillers is only assumed.
"Lower back pain" could encompass a variety of conditions. This study only included people with the non-specific lower back pain, sometimes called mechanical back pain. This is when no cause can be identified. It does not include people with prolapsed ("slipped") disc a...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Lifestyle/exercise Medical practice Mental health Source Type: news
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