Back Pain: Do Non-Drug Treatments Really Work?
By: MediLeave Editorial Team, Medically Reviewed by Dr Sabrina Campbell BSc MBBS MRCGP FRACGP MSc
Last reviewed on 10th Dec 2025
Back pain is one of the most common reasons for seeking medical care. It can be frustrating, especially when pain limits movement and online advice is overwhelming. Many treatments are advertised as quick fixes, but not all are backed by evidence.
A large Cochrane review of 97,000 people found that bed rest does not help, and the most effective treatment depends on how long the pain has been present.
Is Back Pain Usually Serious?
In most cases, back pain is not caused by a serious condition. It is usually classified by duration:
- Acute: under 6 weeks
- Sub-acute: 6–12 weeks
- Chronic: more than 12 weeks
Around 90–95% of cases are “non-specific” and scans often show age-related changes that do not explain symptoms. Imaging is recommended only when there are red-flag features such as trauma, leg weakness, bladder or bowel changes, or significant systemic symptoms.
Pain medicines and surgery are no longer considered first-line options for most people due to limited benefit and higher risk. Current guidelines highlight movement-based and psychologically informed care.
What Helps for Acute Back Pain (<6 weeks)
Stay active
Gentle movement close to your usual routine helps recovery. Long periods of rest can slow improvement. Activity should be paced, not pushing through severe pain, but avoiding prolonged inactivity.
When Pain Persists (6–12 weeks)
Multidisciplinary care
If symptoms persist, treatment combining physical rehabilitation with attention to psychological and occupational factors is more effective than standard care alone. This approach recognises that pain can be influenced by stress, mood, concern about injury, and job demands.
What Helps for Chronic Back Pain (>12 weeks)
Chronic pain requires ongoing support, but improvement is achievable.
Exercise therapy
Tailored exercise programs can reduce pain and improve mobility. This may include:
- Aerobic exercise
- Strength or conditioning programmes
- Pilates-style core exercises
Consistency matters more than the type of exercise. Early guidance from a physiotherapist can be helpful.
Multidisciplinary treatment
Co-ordinated care addressing both physical and psychological aspects supports function and confidence in movement.
Psychological therapies
These can help modify thoughts and behaviours that contribute to ongoing pain. They may reduce pain intensity, although improvements in physical function can take longer.
Acupuncture
Treatments With Limited Evidence
Some commonly promoted options show little proven benefit:
- Spinal manipulation- uncertain effectiveness
- Traction- unlikely to help chronic pain
- Braces, massage guns, and herbal patches- insufficient evidence
Putting the Evidence Into Practice
- The timing of symptoms guides which treatments are most helpful
- Focus on staying active and gradually returning to normal routines
- Choose interventions supported by clinical evidence
- Work with your healthcare provider to plan an approach that fits your situation
When to Seek Support
If you are concerned about your back pain, struggling to stay active, or if your symptoms are lasting longer than expected, professional guidance can help you recover safely.
You can discuss your symptoms with one of our doctors online to:
- Review your pain pattern and contributing factors
- Provide reassurance and a plan to stay active
- Recommend appropriate next steps, such as physiotherapy or pain management strategies
Book a telehealth consultation with one of our trusted online doctors to get personalised back-pain support for guidance, assessment and next-step care.
The information in this article is of general nature and is not medical advice nor are they a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used or relied on as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional. MediLeave nor its associates accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information provided in this article or links.
