Passive physical treatments for nonspecific low back pain
Passive physical treatments alone have a limited role in the management of nonspecific low back pain. Although the evidence to support its use is limited, some patients report temporary pain relief from thermotherapy (application of heat or cold). Some patients also report temporary pain relief from massage, although low-certainty evidence indicates any small benefit is short-lived and some patients experience increased pain.
The following passive physical treatments are not recommended for nonspecific low back pain because evidence does not support a benefit:
- acupunctureFurlan, 2005
- spinal manipulative therapy
- lumbar supports
- transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- laser therapy
- traction
- electromyographic biofeedback
- therapeutic ultrasound or short-wave diathermy.
Preliminary studies of motion-sensor biofeedback, which can help patients to develop an awareness of posture and how they move and their relationship to pain, indicate a benefit in low back pain, but further data are required before this therapy can be recommendedKent, 2015.