Back Pain
Articles tagged with Back Pain
Why does chronic back pain make everyday sounds feel harsher? Brain imaging study points to a treatable cause
A new study from CU Anschutz links chronic back pain to heightened brain responses to everyday sounds and finds that Pain Reprocessing Therapy can improve sensory amplification. The research found specific brain changes associated with sound hypersensitivity, which can be treated with psychological therapy.
Blocking pain at the source: Hormone therapy rewires nerve signals in aging spines
Researchers found that hormone treatment reduces abnormal nerve invasion and improves chronic back pain by limiting nerve growth inside damaged spinal tissue. The study suggests that parathyroid hormone can reverse the process by activating natural signals.
Back pain linked to worse sleep years later in men over 65, according to study
A recent study found that back pain can predict sleep problems years later in men over 65, leading to a 12% to 25% increase in sleep issues. Men with back pain are more likely to experience poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness.
Transient and long-term risks of common physical activities in people with low back pain
A study found that certain physical activities temporarily increase the risk of low back pain flares in individuals with existing conditions. Conversely, long-term functional limitations were not associated with increased activity levels among these patients.
Back pain tied to higher rates of common diseases
Chronic back pain is associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease, arthritis, depression, and other conditions. A study found that people with back pain are more likely to report severe activity limitations due to comorbidities.
FAU/Baptist Health AI spine model could transform lower back pain treatment
Researchers developed a fully automated finite element analysis pipeline to transform spine diagnostics and personalized treatment planning. The new approach enables rapid, patient-specific simulations that support preoperative planning, spinal implant optimization, and early detection of degenerative spine conditions.
Acupuncture treatment improves disabling effects of chronic low back pain in older adults
A study funded by the NIH found that acupuncture treatment significantly improved physical function and reduced pain in older adults with chronic low back pain, compared to usual medical care. The study showed a modest but positive effect of acupuncture on disability scores, anxiety symptoms, and pain intensity.
Acupuncture for chronic low back pain in older adults
A randomized clinical trial found that acupuncture provided greater improvements in back pain-related disability compared to usual medical care alone. The study suggests that acupuncture needling is an effective and safe treatment option for older adults with chronic low back pain.
Regular walking prevents chronic back pain
A major study found that people who walk a lot have less back pain than those who don't, with the volume of walking being more important than intensity. Walking over 100 minutes daily reduces chronic low back pain risk by 23%.
Sustained benefits from mind and body treatment for back pain in RESTORE trial three-year follow-up
A three-year follow-up study of a personalized program of cognitive functional therapy (CFT) found clinically significant improvements in pain-related activity and pain intensity compared to usual care. The treatment produced large benefits that were sustained over time, offering potential for major human and economic impact.
The Lancet Rheumatology: Course of psychotherapy for low back pain remains effective for at least three years, finds trial
A randomized controlled trial found that cognitive functional therapy (CFT) can effectively reduce disability due to chronic low back pain for more than a year. The current trial is the first to show that these effects are sustained up to three years. CFT was shown to improve physical activity participation in patients with low back pain.
Survey finds Americans choose short term relief for neck and back pain
A survey from the Orlando Health Spine Center found that Americans often opt for short-term relief methods such as rest (44%), over-the-counter pain relievers (42%), and hot/cold therapies (29%) when dealing with neck and back pain. In contrast, only 5% consider surgery as a top option for pain relief.
Being in nature can help people with chronic back pain manage their condition
A study published in The Journal of Pain found that nature exposure can help people with chronic lower back pain by providing a sense of escapism, social connection, and physical exercise. Researchers recommend incorporating accessible design features into natural spaces to improve inclusivity.
Depression linked to physical pain years later
A study by University College London researchers found that depressive symptoms worsen long before pain begins in middle-aged and older adults. Early mental health interventions may help prevent or reduce later aches and pains.
Drugs targeting ‘zombie cells’ show promise for treating chronic back pain
Researchers at McGill University have identified a potential new treatment for chronic low back pain by targeting 'zombie cells' in the spine. Two drugs, o-Vanillin and RG-7112, were found to clear zombie cells, reduce pain and inflammation, and slow or reverse damage to spinal discs after eight weeks of treatment.
Mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy improve chronic low back pain
A new randomized clinical trial found that mindfulness-based therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy improved physical function, quality of life, and reduced pain among adults with opioid-treated chronic low back pain. The benefits persisted for up to 12 months.
ACP’s Best Practice Advice addresses use of cannabis, cannabinoids for chronic noncancer pain
The American College of Physicians issues Best Practice Advice for managing chronic noncancer pain with cannabis or cannabinoids. For most patients, common treatments should be recommended first due to limited evidence and known harms associated with cannabis and cannabinoid products.
Only around 1 in 10 common non-surgical and non-invasive treatments for back pain effective
A pooled data analysis of 301 trials found that only NSAIDs offer significant pain relief for acute low back pain, while exercise and spinal manipulation provide benefits for chronic low back pain. However, the effects are small and evidence is inconclusive for many treatments.
UPF researchers lead the creation of a computational simulator that is unique in the world to study the most common cause of back pain
Researchers created a computational simulator to model the biochemical processes of intervertebral discs, allowing for better understanding of back pain causes. The simulator enables simulating 33 proteins and their interactions, providing valuable insights into disc degeneration.
Experts strongly recommend against spine injections for chronic back pain
A panel of international experts recommends against spine injections for adults with chronic back pain, as they provide minimal pain relief. The advice is based on the latest evidence and aims to reduce the burden of these costly and potentially harmful procedures on patients.
Epidural steroid injections for chronic back pain: An AAN systematic review
A systematic review by the American Academy of Neurology found that epidural steroid injections modestly reduce pain and disability for people with certain kinds of chronic back pain, particularly radiculopathy. The treatment may be effective for up to three months, but its long-term effectiveness is unclear.
University Hospitals now offering ultra-minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery for patients experiencing back pain
University Hospitals is introducing a new type of surgery that utilizes an endoscope to remove herniated parts of the disc through a small incision. This minimizes blood loss, post-op pain, and recovery time compared to traditional techniques.
Will the U.S. have enough pain specialists?
A new study from UC Davis reveals a concerning decline in residents applying to pain medicine fellowship programs, with female physicians dropping 27.5%. This could lead to longer wait times and reduced treatment options for patients suffering from chronic pain.
Qigong significantly decreases chronic low back pain in US military veterans
A pilot study found that qigong significantly decreases chronic low back pain in US military veterans, improving physical function and reducing sleep disturbance. The holistic practice also showed positive effects on PTSD, depression, anxiety, and social roles, highlighting its potential as a nonpharmacological treatment option.
Healthy lifestyle changes shown to help low back pain
A randomised controlled trial found integrating lifestyle support into back pain care reduced disability by 1.3 points and helped participants lose an average of 1.6kg more than the control group
Healthy lifestyle changes shown to help low back pain
Researchers found integrating lifestyle support into back pain care reduced disability by an average of 1.3 points on the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, while participants in a 'Healthy Lifestyle Program' also lost an average of 1.6kg more than the control group.
Spinal cord stimulation vs medical management for chronic back and leg pain
A systematic review and network meta-analysis found spinal cord stimulation therapies to be more effective in reducing chronic back and leg pain. These findings suggest spinal cord stimulation as a valuable option for chronic pain management.
Does more virtual care mean more low-value care? Study suggests no
A new University of Michigan study analyzed 2022 data from Michigan Medicare participants to assess the impact of virtual care on low-value care. The study found that high-telehealth-use clinics did not see a rise in unnecessary tests and scans, while some saw a faster drop in these procedures.
Research shows Cleveland Clinic’s therapeutic virtual yoga program can be effective for chronic low back pain
Researchers found that a 12-week virtual yoga program can reduce back pain intensity and improve back-related function in participants with chronic low back pain. Additionally, participants who practiced virtual yoga reported better sleep quality and reduced use of pain medications.
Access to patient questionnaire improves spine MRI diagnosis
Radiologists who had access to questionnaire information during MRI interpretation achieved a near statistically perfect agreement with spine specialists. This improved diagnostic accuracy and confidence, avoiding diagnostic discrepancies between radiologists and spine specialists.
U of M Medical School receives $3.2M to study drivers of chronic low back pain
The University of Minnesota Medical School is studying the epigenetic factors of low back pain using a five-year, $3.2 million grant. This research aims to identify new treatments targeting disc degeneration and chronic back pain.
Reducing daily sitting may prevent back pain
A six-month study found that reducing daily sitting by 40 min/day can prevent back pain from worsening. The researchers suggest trying to reduce sitting at work or leisure time, but emphasize the importance of physical activity such as walking or brisk exercise.
AI chatbots rival doctors in accuracy for back pain advice, study finds
A new study reveals that AI chatbots like ChatGPT can offer accurate advice on low back pain, including recommended treatments and exercise. However, the systems had limitations, particularly with complex responses and risk factors.
Cow slime can help disc herniation patients after surgery
Researchers developed a synthetic mucin gel inspired by cow slime to create a protective barrier around discs, preventing immune system attacks. This innovative approach may improve patient outcomes and reduce long-term complications after disc herniation surgery.
Diabetes increases the risk of failure in spinal fusion procedures
A new study from the University of Toledo found that individuals with diabetes are nearly three times more likely to experience non-union complications following spinal fusion surgery. Researchers also found that diabetic patients have weaker bone growth and healing, leading to increased degeneration in adjacent segments of the spine.
Walking brings huge benefits for low back pain, study finds
A world-first study found that walking regularly can reduce the recurrence of low back pain by almost twice as long as not exercising. The study, conducted by Macquarie University, followed 701 adults with a history of low back pain and randomly allocated them to either an individualized walking program or a control group.
Gene therapy relieves back pain, repairs damaged disc in mice
A new study shows that gene therapy delivered by nanocarriers can repair damaged discs and reduce signs of back pain in mice. The treatment, which uses naturally derived nanocarriers to deliver genetic material for a protein key to tissue development, restored structural integrity and function to degenerated discs.
Chiropractic associated with lower likelihood of tramadol prescription in adults with sciatica
A new study found that adults receiving chiropractic spinal manipulation for sciatica were less likely to be prescribed tramadol over the next year compared to those receiving usual medical care. Chiropractic care may offer a safer alternative to opioids for managing chronic low back pain and sciatica.
Almost 30% of children and adolescents experience pain in muscles, bones or ligaments, study shows
A recent study in Brazil found that over 27% of children and adolescents suffer from musculoskeletal pain, with back and leg pain being the most common complaints. The study highlights the need for better understanding and planning of public health policy regarding treatment of chronic pain in adults.
Physician empathy and chronic pain outcomes
A study of 1,470 adults with chronic low back pain found that physician empathy was associated with improved outcomes over 12 months. Greater efforts to cultivate and improve physician empathy are warranted.
New study finds chiropractic spinal manipulation does not increase the risk of cauda equina syndrome
A large retrospective cohort study found no increased risk of cauda equina syndrome in adults with low back pain who received chiropractic spinal manipulation. The study analyzed over 130,000 patients and suggested that underlying disc degeneration may be a risk factor for CES regardless of treatment approach.
School-age girls with obesity are more likely to experience joint and muscle pain
Research by Queen Mary University of London found that girls with obesity are 1.7 times more likely than those with a healthy weight to have at least one GP consultation for musculoskeletal symptoms or diagnosis in childhood. Knee pain was the most common symptom reported, and researchers hope their findings will raise awareness about ...
A new prescription for pain: AI and mindfulness
A new study led by Worcester Polytechnic Institute aims to determine whether AI can help doctors predict which patients will benefit from mindfulness-based stress reduction in managing chronic lower back pain. The research uses machine learning and physiological data from fitness sensors to detect patterns that may not be apparent to d...
Doctors can now watch spinal cord activity during surgery
Scientists have developed fUSI technology that enables clinicians to see and map the spinal cord's response to treatments in real-time. This innovation offers improved monitoring of blood flow changes, potentially increasing treatment success rates and optimizing pain relief for patients.
Can yoga effectively treat chronic back pain?
A recent study found that yoga significantly reduced pain intensity in women with chronic low back pain, with a notable decrease in flexion-relaxation phenomenon. The research suggests yoga can positively impact chronic back pain management, although further studies are needed to assess its long-term effects.
No clear link between weather and common muscle and joint symptoms
Researchers found no clear link between weather conditions and muscle and joint pain, debunking a long-standing medical myth. High temperatures, low humidity, and dehydration may increase the risk of gout flares.
New study examines efficacy of manual therapy for sacroiliac joint pain
Researchers found that manual therapy provided a moderate and statistically significant reduction in disability among adults with sacroiliac joint pain syndrome. However, the efficacy of manual therapy for pain related to this syndrome is unclear at this time.
Machine learning models for predicting disability and pain following lumbar disc herniation surgery
A machine learning study of 22,000 surgical cases found that models can inform individual prognosis and aid in decision-making to reduce ineffective spine care. The findings suggest that these models may improve outcomes for patients undergoing lumbar disc herniation surgery.
Repetitive high concentration capsaicin patch applications for nerve pain in a real-world setting
A real-world study published in Pain Practice found that patients with neuropathic back pain, postoperative/posttraumatic pain, or shingles experienced reduced pain intensity after multiple high-concentration capsaicin patch applications. The study also showed a significant reduction in opioid use among participants.
Good and bad news for people with low back pain
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that most episodes of back pain recover, even after several months. However, those who experience persistent pain have moderate-to-high levels of disability, highlighting the need for new treatment approaches.
Groundbreaking hip-focused physical therapy reduces low back pain
A groundbreaking clinical trial found that hip-focused physical therapy outperforms spine-focused therapy in reducing disability from low back pain in adults aged 60-85. The study's results suggest a tailored approach can lead to faster improvements in low back pain disability, walking speed, and chair-rise performance.
A spinal muscle’s size and shape is linked to body fat, according to new Concordia research
A new study by Concordia researchers found a strong positive relationship between percentage body fat and echo intensity, indicating more fat within the muscle. The study also revealed differences in lumbar multifidus characteristics between male and female athletes, with females having larger LMs than males.
1060 million people with ‘other’ musculoskeletal disorders by 2050
A new forecast projects 1060 million people worldwide will live with 'other' musculoskeletal disorders by 2050, increasing healthcare needs and pressures on stretched systems. Research found these conditions are reported higher in females, increase with age, and peak at 60-69 years.
Drug that kills off sleeping bone cells could treat lower back pain
Researchers have identified a potential treatment for lower back pain by targeting senescent osteoclasts in the vertebral column of mice. Using anti-senescent drugs like Navitoclax may relieve spinal sensitivity and reduce pain, according to the study published in eLife.
New study finds racial and ethnic disparities persist in access to chiropractic care and physical rehabilitation for adults with low back pain
A new study found that racial and ethnic disparities persist in access to chiropractic care and physical rehabilitation for adults with low back pain, with Hispanic adults being less likely to use these services. The study also found that policy changes are needed to address these gaps in access, particularly in underserved communities.
New study provides evidence for more effective brain-based treatment of chronic back pain
A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that reattribution of pain to mind or brain processes can lead to significant reductions in chronic back pain intensity. Participants who received pain reprocessing therapy reported being pain-free or nearly so after treatment, compared to those receiving placebo controls.
Race and ethnicity and nonpharmacologic care for chronic low back pain
A study of Medicare beneficiaries with chronic low back pain and opioid use disorder found that physical therapy and chiropractic care were underutilized, particularly among minority groups. The findings underscore the importance of addressing inequities in pain management to improve health outcomes.
Reduced likelihood of gabapentin prescription in U.S. adults receiving chiropractic spinal manipulation for low back pain
A study found that US adults with radicular low back pain receiving chiropractic spinal manipulation for low back pain had significantly lower odds of being prescribed gabapentin. The odds ratio was 0.53, indicating a meaningful reduction in gabapentin use among patients who received chiropractic care.
New saddle-mapping tech can reduce back pain for horses
A new method scans moving horses to produce an enhanced saddle-map, highlighting ideal areas for saddle placement to reduce pain and injury. The research identifies the most mobile areas of a horse's back as the least suitable for distributing pressure.