Lifestyle Management Showed Minimal Improvements for Chronic Low Back Pain

A combination of healthy lifestyle management and guideline-based care showed minimal improvements in chronic low back pain when compared with guideline-based care alone as the control, according to data published in JAMA Network Open.1

“Low back pain is a leading cause of disability globally and a significant public health problem,” wrote the authors. “Observational studies have linked the development and persistence of low back pain with lifestyle risk factors, such as being overweight, smoking, physical inactivity, and poor diet. Disability associated with back pain can also lead to compensatory unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, exposing people to increased risk of chronic diseases.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), low back pain is the number 1 cause of disability in the world, affecting 619 million people and estimated to reach 843 million by 2050.2 It occurs at any age and it’s more likely an individual experiences low back pain at some point in their life than not. However, despite WHO recognizing low back pain as an extremely prominent condition, it does not recommend weight-loss to treat it because of lacking evidence—a theme researchers noticed when exploring low back pain’s association with a healthy lifestyle.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), low back pain is the number 1 cause of disability in the world. | image credit: Jo Panuwat D / stock.adobe.com

READ MORE: Biofeedback Shows Promising Results in Treating Chronic Pain

To address the lack of knowledge regarding lifestyle management for low back pain, researchers focused on lifestyle risk factors like obesity, smoking, poor diet, and physical inactivity.

“In response to knowledge gaps about integrated care for low back pain and unhealthy lifestyle, we designed the HeLP (Healthy Lifestyle Program) for Chronic Low Back Pain Trial,” they wrote.1 “The HeLP trial aimed to assess the benefits and potential harms of integrating management of unhealthy lifestyle with guideline-based care on low back pain disability compared with current guideline-recommended care alone.”

The HeLP trial was conducted between September 8, 2017, and December 30, 2020, to compare the HeLP intervention with guideline-based care for adults with nonspecific chronic low back pain. Investigators only focused on patients with at least 1 presenting lifestyle risk factor defined as patients being overweight, not meeting recommended amount of physical activity or fruit and/or vegetable consumption, or smoking.

“The HeLP intervention included guideline-based care plus back pain–specific healthy lifestyle education and support provided in clinical consultations, educational resources (booklet and web portal access), and telephone-based health coaching,” continued the authors. “Clinical consultations included up to 4 physiotherapist sessions and 1 dietitian session over 12 weeks, focusing on pain education lifestyle changes and self-management plans.”

For those in guideline-informed care, patients received back pain education, advice, and exercises. They were instructed to attend 3 consultations over a 12-week period. Clinicians working with patients in the control group did not give lifestyle advice aside from exercise recommendations. All trial participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the HeLP or control interventions.

A total of 344 individuals were included in the study (mean age, 50.2 years; 55% women) with 172 participants separated into each intervention group. However, after 26 weeks of follow up, only 142 participants and 147 participants from the HeLP and guideline-based groups provided data respectively.

“Integrating healthy lifestyle into care for low back pain resulted in a small improvement in disability at 26 weeks compared with current guideline-based care alone. There was also a small reduction in weight and improved physical quality of life, but no differences in pain intensity, mental quality of life, or smoking,” they wrote.1

With minimal improvements on lifestyle risks and low back pain, researchers believe this study helps bolster evidence for lifestyle interventions in the treatment of low back pain. Because WHO does not believe the proper evidence exists, it does not recommend lifestyle interventions for treating low back pain. But as future research is conducted similar to the current trial, providers will have alternate methods of approaching low back pain, or pain as a whole.

“This randomized clinical trial suggests that integrating management of healthy lifestyle risks for the care of patients with low back pain may provide a small improvement in disability compared with guideline-based care alone and large benefit for those who complied with at least half the treatment,” they concluded.1 “Treatment models that include support to address lifestyle behaviors hold promise for improving the disability burden of low back pain and providing opportunistic care for prevalent chronic disease risks in those with back pain.”

READ MORE: Pain Management Resource Center

Are you ready to elevate your pharmacy practice? Sign up today for our free Drug Topics newsletter and get the latest drug information, industry trends, and patient care tips, straight to your inbox.

References
1. Mudd E, Davidson SRE, Kamper SJ, et al. Healthy Lifestyle Care vs Guideline-Based Care for Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(1):e2453807. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.53807
2. Low back pain. World Health Organization. June 19, 2023. Accessed February 7, 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/low-back-pain

Source link

Visited 1 times, 1 visit(s) today

Related Article

Health Horoscope Today, February 10, 2025: Know your health prediction

Health Horoscope Today, February 10, 2025: Here’s what your daily health horoscope says about your health, work and relationships. Aries Health Horoscope Today You are good in health today. This gives you the chance to take part in adventure activities. However, be careful while driving in hilly terrains. Some senior Aries natives may have breathing

One in two Australians don’t know if they’re buying healthy food

Loading Social media and misinformation online don’t help. “There’s so much noise disrupting our ability to make healthy choices,” says Martin. “It’s designed to do that.” At least 64 per cent of products at your typical supermarket are ultra-processed, meaning they are processed using industrial ingredients you wouldn’t find in your kitchen, like emulsifiers, colours,

Ahead of boards, counsellors advise sleep, revision & healthy lifestyle

Kolkata: Schools are focusing on reducing stress for board students during the exam season to help them perform better. With multiple instances of board examinees experiencing panic attacks before the tests, students are coming to professional counsellors for assistance. In most of the cases, students are anxious about not scoring well enough to choose their

時尚這東西

王菲睽違七年再現央視春晚,唱出《世界贈予我的》,旋律其實沒有太大起伏,若這首歌落在其他女歌手演繹,要不過火、要不沉悶,我很主觀地認為,只有王菲才唱得出那種空靈通透。 歌詞其實非常有意思,我尤其喜歡這幾句:「世界贈予我蟲鳴,也贈予我雷霆;贈我彎彎一枚月,也贈予我晚星;贈我一場病,又慢慢痊癒搖風鈴;贈我一場空,又漸漸填滿真感情;世界贈予我擁有,也贈予我回敬;贈我小小一扇窗,也贈予我屋頂;贈我一個名,又漸漸長大的年齡;贈我一首詩,又悄悄讀得很安靜。」要對人生有點沉澱,才能悟出這一種「透」。 當日,王菲穿了一襲簡約的白裙,相信只有她才會在農曆新年日子(夠膽)選擇一身素白現身春晚。白裙是她鍾愛了三十年的Titi Kwan設計,紅色大耳環是丹麥品牌Monies,頭髮all back紮在後面,簡約而清爽,大家近年看得多大紅大綠大花大閃,她這樣的新春look出場,產生了一種反差的效果,灑脫亮麗;氣氛突然從煩囂變成寧靜,令人想靜靜地看她站在台上淡定地慢慢唱出她的一字一句。 但非常「amusing」的一件事發生在表演後——王菲表演完畢,內地網購平台瞬即有商家售賣她演出時的紅色大耳環(當然是A貨),以「王菲春晚同款蝦片耳環」為題,價錢由十幾元到幾十元人民幣不等。我看了禁不住失笑,好端端Monies設計,卻變成了山寨「蝦片」耳環,誰會訂購呢?但竟然有不少人搶購,相信不久將來,會在街上看到不少「蝦片」搖搖晃晃。 但其實,王菲之所以王菲,就是她有個人很獨特的風格,從不跟風,所以有些人想模仿王菲品味,永遠模仿不到,因為要「模仿」,成件事根本就不「王菲」了。時尚這東西,第一個穿戴的,是「品味」和「風格」,但第二個跟着模仿的,就真的只能淪為「蝦片」了,而且行出來還要個個都知道是山寨A貨,肉酸死。 撰文 : 利嘉敏 欄名 : 攻關女子 Source link

Weekly Health Horoscope February 09 to February 15, 2025: Be cautious about diet

Aries This week, your focus should be on serenity and inner peace. However, be mindful that time may not be in your favor regarding health matters. Practice gratitude for your well-being, as positive thinking can aid in recovery. Eventually, any health concerns will subside, leading to overall improvement. Taurus Engaging in outdoor activities and games

Myths vs. facts: Cervical cancer and sexual health awareness

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. It is primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Early stages often have no symptoms, but advanced cases may cause abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, or discomfort during intercourse. Regular Pap smears

Healthy diet is key to a lower risk of cancer and cardiometabolic diseases

The diet profoundly influences both human health and the environment. Poor dietary habits, particularly those lacking unprocessed, plant-based foods, rank as the leading cause of death globally. They contribute to cardiovascular disease, cancers, and type 2 diabetes. The diet also impacts environmental sustainability, with animal-based foods exerting a far greater toll than plant-based alternatives. These

Getting To The Heart Of The Matter

Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.   Getting to the Heart of the Matter Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. One in five deaths is due to heart disease, even though it is largely preventable. Keeping your heart healthy

Heart-healthy habits to keep your ticker in check | Louisiana Health

Heart health often becomes a growing concern as we age. Unlike the outward signs, your heart’s condition can remain hidden — until it speaks up in high blood pressure, cholesterol, chest pain or palpitations. While family history may weigh heavily, the good news is that there are practical steps to care for this essential organ.

AIIMS doctor points out Indians are consuming more foods that they shouldn’t eat

India faces a growing challenge with obesity and related non-communicable diseases. In response, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had released the latest edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Indians back in 2024. These guidelines aim to tackle the rising rates of unhealthy diets and their consequences. Doctors at the All India Institute of

Woman’s Club of Steubenville focuses on importance of heart health | News, Sports, Jobs

FOCUSING ON HEART HEALTH — During Monday’s meeting of the Woman’s Club of Steubenville, officials from the Jefferson County General Health District spoke to members about the importance of heart health. Those taking part included, from left, Charlotte Christian, Danielle Czuchran, Kylie Smogonovich, President Iris Craig and Vice President Dr. Susanne Curn-Escobar.

Early screening and lifestyle changes are key to preventing cancer cases

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Every minute, 38 people are diagnosed with cancer, and 18 people die from it globally, according to the World Health Organization, and it’s estimated to increase by 77% to 35 million in 2050. But what if we could predict cancer risks before they even develop? Genetic testing helps detect cancer risks

Lifestyle Medicine Assists Patients with Healthier Living

 The Midwestern University’s Family Practice Clinic offers a variety of healthcare services, including lifestyle medicine, to assist patients with a healthy lifestyle and increase their quality of life. In addition, medical students gain clinical experience and expertise working with patients coming in for lifestyle medicine services, and some can choose to specialize in the field.

‘Lifestyle, mental health, and environmental factors can increase cancer risk’ 

Students taking part in a cancer awareness rally organised by Bharat Hospital and Institute of Oncology in Mysuru on Friday. | Photo Credit: M.A. SRIRAM The Bharath Hospital and Institute of Oncology observed World Cancer Day and organised a rally to create awareness of the disease here on Friday. Dr. Raxith Sringeri, Surgical Oncologist and

Blue Apron, Purple Carrot, Gobble

— Recommendations are independently chosen by our editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. Eating healthy can be a challenge. If you’re somehow still trying to keep up with your 2025 New Year’s resolutions (I applaud you), meal kits can help simplify things. Skip the grocery

11 small lifestyle tweaks that have a lasting impact on your health

The new year is a time for reflection and goal setting but let’s be real – when you’re in the thick of Irish winter, with grey skies and bone-chilling mornings, motivation can feel non-existent. It’s easy to slip into hibernation mode and promise ourselves we’ll make changes “soon” (which usually never happens), but here’s the

Eating eggs weekly lowers risk of heart disease and premature death: Study | Health

You might have heard that eating too many eggs will cause high cholesterol levels, leading to poor health. Researchers have examined the science behind this myth again, and again, and again – largely debunking the claim. A new study suggests that, among older adults, eating eggs supports heart health and even reduces the risk of

The Surprising Health Benefits of Relationships

If you care about your health, chances are you have spent a lot of time and energy meal prepping, going to the gym, and nailing the perfect morning routine. Wellness girls everywhere portray lives (AKA TikToks) full of early morning gym sessions, protein-packed salads, and red light therapy masks before bed. While movement, nutrition, and

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x