Physical therapy provides modest improvement for chronic low back pain
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- Reviewed by Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Low back pain, which can be a symptom of many different illnesses and conditions, is one of the most common health complaints. Initial treatment often includes over-the-counter pain relievers, application of heat or ice, and physical therapy. While back pain usually resolves within a few days or weeks, sometimes it continues for more than three months; this is called chronic back pain, and it's more difficult to treat.
A study published online April 21, 2026, by Annals of Internal Medicine compared physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness meditation for chronic low back pain. The study included 749 adults whose low back pain had lasted at least three months and was not related to pregnancy or a serious condition such as cancer or bone fracture. Each participant was randomly assigned to eight weeks of either physical therapy or CBT. Those who did not improve were switched to the other treatment or underwent eight weeks of instruction in mindfulness meditation.
After 10 weeks, those who started with physical therapy experienced the greatest improvements in physical function, although improvement was minimal. There was no difference in pain levels between treatment groups.
The study supports modest benefits of physical therapy for chronic low back pain. To potentially prevent low back pain from becoming a chronic problem, seek care early.
Image: © gilaxia/Getty Images
About the Author
Lynne Christensen, Staff Writer
About the Reviewer
Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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