What Does Work

Reminder: If you have not done so, please read the Initial Post and  Blog Information.  At the upper left of this page above my picture click on the button, Initial Post and  Blog Information.

In large scientifically planned studies of individuals with back pain, the following treatments have been found to have some merit statistically, i.e. they appear to be more useful than placebo treatments.  They apparently accelerate the healing process and/or diminish pain while healing occurs.

Rest, but not prolonged bed rest.
Ice, applied to areas of pain.
Heat, applied to areas of pain, muscle spasm.
NSAIDs (aspirin, Aleve, Motrin, etc.) taken as directed.
Muscle relaxing medication taken as directed.
Massage by PT, chiropractor, massage therapist.
Mobilization of joints by PT, chiropractor, or massage therapist.
TENS unit use.
Walking, slowly increasing activity.
Yoga
Instruction on lifting techniques, posture, body mechanics.
Rarely, surgery for severe stenosis, severe spodylolithesis, sequestered herniated disc fragments, intractable pain, neurological deficits, or hemorrhage into the spinal cord.

Compare these to the placebos listed in the previous article.  Most of this stuff is relatively inexpensive (with the exception of the surgeries).  Most of the placebos are expensive and unwarranted.

You might also compare the above listing to the suggested low back pain treatment regimen listed in Chapter 1 of my book, viewable under.Initial Post and Blog Information.