Adopting a healthier lifestyle could help manage lower back pain

Low back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and many treatments, such as medications, often fail to provide lasting relief. Researchers at the University of Sydney’s Center for Rural Health have discovered a possible solution. Their study, published In Open JAMA Networkfound that integrating lifestyle support into back pain care could reduce disability and improve quality of life.

The randomized controlled trial included 346 participants from across Australia, all of whom had chronic low back pain and at least one lifestyle risk factor, such as obesity, poor diet, sedentary habits, or smoking. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the “Healthy Lifestyle Program (HeLP)” or standard guideline-based physiotherapy care to manage their low back pain.

HeLP participants received support from physiotherapists, dietitians and telephone health coaches who helped them determine what lifestyle habits might influence their back pain, such as weight, inactivity, poor dietpoor sleep, smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. They then received evidence-based advice over a six-month period to help them tackle the lifestyle challenge.

The approach showed several benefits over standard care, including a reduction in disability, with participants scoring on average 1.3 points lower on the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (higher scores indicate greater disability ). HeLP participants also lost an average of 1.6 kg more than the control group.

Lead researcher Associate Professor Chris Williams explained that the findings challenge traditional views of back pain management. “Resolving back pain doesn’t have to be limited to the back. Our bodies are not like machines, we are more like ecosystems where many factors interact and determine how we work and feel. Back Pain are not different.

“So when someone has back pain that isn’t getting better, they should expect to receive comprehensive care regarding a range of health factors, not just focusing on what’s going on in their body. spine. We should shout this message from the rooftops.”

“More and more studies have shown that conditions such as disc swelling and joint degeneration are rarely the cause of long-term back pain,” Associate Professor Williams said. “The problem is that few people are informed about this, and even fewer receive support to focus on the elements that influence pain and long-term disability. Too many people are referred to surgery or prescribed medications that do not help them, and may even be prescribed. cause more harm. »

The study highlights the need for a change in the treatment of back pain, moving away from pills and procedures, and addressing lifestyle factors that can make all the difference.

Lead author and University of Sydney research director Dr Emma Mudd highlighted the real-world impact the program could have. “Many people with long-term back pain tell us they feel abandoned, often referred to expensive and ineffective treatments without being offered recommended treatments that promote self-management,” Dr Mudd said.

“By shifting the focus to include lifestyle changes and through simple, supportive interventions, patients feel empowered to take control of their pain. This approach not only improves their symptoms but also improves their overall quality of life. »

Researchers believe lifestyle-integrated care, like the HeLP program, could benefit patients beyond pain management, potentially reducing risks of other chronic diseases. However, Dr Mudd noted that global guidelines have not yet fully adopted this approach:

“Our research could influence future updates to back pain guidelines. Patients appreciated the holistic support and the results speak for themselves.”

“Clinicians treating back pain should think about how they integrate lifestyle support into their daily care. There appears to be no right or wrong way to do this, as long as the patient feels empowered. ‘be heard, and they are part of the decision-making,’ Associate Professor Williams said.