A new study highlights the potential of lifestyle support in reducing the disability associated with chronic low back pain, challenging traditional treatment methods.
This news is significant as it suggests a paradigm shift in chronic back pain management, focusing on holistic patient care rather than conventional medication or surgery.
The University of Sydney conducted a study that indicates lifestyle support, including dietary guidance and physiotherapy, can significantly reduce disability in chronic back pain patients. The randomized controlled trial involved 346 participants, showing that those who received lifestyle support scored lower on the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire and lost more weight compared to the control group. This suggests a move towards integrated care focusing on multiple health factors rather than isolated treatments.
Understanding the scale of back pain issues is crucial for rethinking treatment approaches.
Low back pain affects millions globally and is among the leading causes of disability and work absenteeism. Conventional treatments, such as medication, often fail to provide lasting relief. With a growing need for effective care, exploring alternative management approaches becomes imperative.
"Disability associated with back pain can lead to compensatory unhealthy lifestyle behaviors," noted the study published in JAMA Network Open.
Traditional treatments have focused narrowly on symptom relief rather than holistic care, which may limit their effectiveness. Understanding the widespread impact of lifestyle factors such as diet, inactivity, and obesity on back pain could lead to more comprehensive care strategies.
Lifestyle support reduces chronic back pain disability significantly compared to standard treatments.
The study by the University of Sydney found that participants who received integrated lifestyle support scored significantly lower on disability scales than those who received standard care. The HeLP program provided guidance on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors influencing back pain.
Chief Investigator Associate Professor Chris Williams explained, "Resolving back pain needs to focus on more than the back. Our bodies are not like machines, we are more like ecosystems."
This integrated treatment model suggests a more effective approach, addressing the root causes of back pain rather than just symptoms. Participants also achieved greater weight loss, highlighting the program's dual benefits on both pain and other health metrics.
Current guidelines must evolve to include lifestyle modifications to enhance patient outcomes.
Despite the promising results, widespread adoption of lifestyle modifications in back pain treatment remains limited. Current guidelines often emphasize medication and surgery over holistic approaches, leaving many sufferers without comprehensive care.
Dr. Emma Mudd from the University of Sydney highlighted the program's potential impact, noting that many patients feel "abandoned" by the traditional healthcare system, which prioritizes high-cost treatments over lifestyle-based methods.
"By shifting the focus to include lifestyle changes... patients feel empowered to take control of their pain," emphasized Dr. Emma Mudd, suggesting a move towards patient-centered care.
Mudd, E., Davidson, S. R. E., & Kamper, S. J. (2025). Healthy Lifestyle Care vs Guideline-Based Care for Low Back Pain. JAMA Network Open, 8(1), e2424-53807. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.53807
University of Sydney. (2025). Healthy lifestyle changes shown to help low back pain. Retrieved January 15, 2025, from https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2025/01/13/healthy-lifestyle-changes-shown-to-help-low-back-pain.html
Physio-pedia. (n.d.). Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire. Retrieved January 15, 2025, from https://www.physio-pedia.com/Roland%E2%80%90Morris_Disability_Questionnaire