New AHRQ Publications Summarize Evidence on Treating Low Back Pain

New evidence-based publications from AHRQ can help clinicians, patients and their families make informed decisions about treating low back pain, a condition that affects eight out of 10 people at least once in their lifetimes. Noninvasive Treatments for Low Back Pain: Current State of the Evidence is a publication for clinicians that summarizes the benefits and harms of noninvasive treatments for acute, subacute and chronic low back pain. The publication summarizes findings in an AHRQ-funded systematic review that examined interventions including exercise, medications, acupuncture and superficial heat. The publication also evaluates the strength of evidence for each finding. Also available is a new continuing education module based on the evidence review, as well as a plain-language publication for patients, Noninvasive Treatments for Low Back Pain – A Summary of the Research for Adults

Clinician Summary – Nov. 15, 2016

Noninvasive Treatments for Low Back Pain: Current State of the Evidence

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Focus of This Summary

This review examines the evidence on the comparative benefits and harms of noninvasive treatments for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain from 156 studies that were published before April 2015. Excluded from the review were studies conducted among patients with low back pain related to cancer, infection, inflammatory arthropathy, high-velocity trauma, or fracture or low back pain associated with severe or progressive neurological deficits. This summary is provided to assist in informed clinical decisionmaking. However, reviews of evidence should not be construed to represent clinical recommendations or guidelines.