Chronic back pain is one of the most common and debilitating health conditions in America, affecting an estimated 16 million adults. A recent study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine has shed light on a troubling reality: many widely used treatments for lower back pain provide little to no relief.
According to the study, only about one in every 10 interventions was found to be truly effective in alleviating lower back pain. Some treatments, such as steroid injections and acetaminophen, were deemed ineffective for acute low back pain, while antibiotics and anesthetics were also found to be unlikely solutions for chronic cases.
Amid the discussion surrounding this new research, Fox News turned to Dr. Stephen Clark, Chief Clinical Officer at Confluent Health. Dr. Clark, a physical therapist with deep expertise in pain science, provided a crucial perspective on why pain management must go beyond isolated interventions.
Pain is More Than Just a Physical Problem
In his commentary, Dr. Clark pointed out that the study primarily evaluated single, isolated treatments rather than comprehensive approaches. “Determining a specific cause of low back pain, particularly when the pain is persistent, is difficult, as the BMJ study points out,” he said. “They excluded studies where it was not possible to isolate the effectiveness of the target intervention.”
Pain, he explained, is a complex condition influenced by numerous factors, including stress, sleep quality, fatigue, fear, social situations, nutrition, sickness, and previous pain history. This biopsychosocial perspective on pain highlights why a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works.
A Multimodal Approach: The Early PT Pathway
Dr. Clark advocates for a multimodal approach to treating back pain—one that tailors treatment to the individual and integrates multiple interventions. “Physical therapy research shows that manual therapy (joint mobilization/manipulation, soft tissue techniques), active interventions like exercise, and education about why you hurt and what to do about it is the ticket,” he stated.
This philosophy aligns perfectly with Confluent Health’s early PT model, which prioritizes evidence-based, non-pharmacologic care strategies to help patients manage pain, improve mobility, and avoid unnecessary surgeries or opioid use. While surgery may be necessary in certain cases, Dr. Clark emphasized that it should be a “last resort” for non-emergency situations. “While surgery is indicated in some cases, it’s almost never the answer in isolation,” he said. “Understanding pain and the complexity around a person’s situation must be in view. In many cases, conservative care can prevent or delay the need for invasive procedures.”
For the full Fox News article featuring Dr. Clark, check out: https://www.foxnews.com/health/just-1-10-back-pain-treatments-work-study-says-what-do-instead