Treatments for Back Pain May be Largely Ineffective

Learn why most treatments for both acute and chronic back pain may not actually work.

By Paul Smaglik
Mar 19, 2025 9:30 PMMar 19, 2025 9:34 PM
Back pain treatment
(Image Credit: Lopolo/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

There’s some good news and bad news about treating back pain. The good news is research has identified what actually works. The bad news is, it’s not very much.

Only about 10 percent of common, nonsurgical treatments for lower back pain appear effective, with many therapies working only slightly better than a placebo, according to research in BMJ Evidence Based Medicine.

For acute or temporary lower back pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib provide some relief. For chronic, longer-term issues, people turn to exercise, spinal manipulation, taping, antidepressants, and drugs that turn on the TRPV receptor — a cell “keyhole” that, when activated, has shown efficacy in fighting both pain and inflammation.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2025 LabX Media Group