GradedHealth

Back pain

Pain in the lower or upper back that can come and go or last for months.

12 findings across 7 topics. Strongest evidence: Spinal Manipulation (B), Pilates (B), Yoga (B).

Grades show how certain the evidence is, not how big the effect is. How we grade evidence

What helps

Spinal Manipulation

  • Eases acute low back pain — Benefit, grade B: Moderate
  • Eases chronic low back pain — Benefit, grade B: Moderate
  • Improves back function in chronic low back pain — Benefit, grade B: Moderate

Pilates

  • Eases chronic low back pain — Benefit, grade B: Moderate
  • Eases back pain in pregnancy — Benefit, grade C: Limited

Yoga

  • Eases chronic low back pain — Benefit, grade B: Moderate

Strength Training

  • Eases chronic low back pain — Benefit, grade B: Moderate

Massage

  • Eases low back pain — Benefit, grade C: Limited

Mixed evidence

Acupuncture

  • Eases chronic back pain — Mixed results, grade C: Limited
  • Improves back function — Mixed results, grade C: Limited

Heat Therapy

  • Eases acute back pain — Mixed results, grade C: Limited

Pilates

  • Works better than other exercise for back pain — Mixed results, grade C: Limited