- A study by the University of Sydney found that lifestyle support can reduce disability in chronic low back pain patients.
- Participants in the Healthy Lifestyle Program (HeLP) showed greater improvement compared to standard physiotherapy care.
- The program focused on addressing lifestyle factors like weight, diet, and inactivity to alleviate pain and improve overall health.
A new study conducted by the University of Sydney’s Centre for Rural Health reveals that integrating lifestyle support into chronic low back pain management could significantly reduce disability and improve quality of life. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, involved 346 participants with chronic low back pain and at least one lifestyle risk factor.
This innovative approach challenges traditional views of back pain management. Instead of focusing solely on the spine, HeLP aimed to address broader lifestyle issues that may contribute to back pain. T
Lifestyle-Based Care Offers Hope for Chronic Low Back Pain Sufferers
The University of Sydney’s groundbreaking research highlights the value of integrating lifestyle modifications into the treatment of chronic low back pain. The randomized controlled trial included 346 participants who were divided into two groups: one received the Healthy Lifestyle Program (HeLP), and the other received standard physiotherapy care. Participants in the HeLP group were offered guidance on improving their diet, activity levels, and addressing other health challenges such as smoking or poor sleep, aiming to reduce the burden of back pain.
Results showed that those enrolled in the lifestyle program experienced substantial benefits. On average, they scored lower on the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, indicating a reduction in disability. They also lost more weight than those in the control group, with an average of 1.6kg more weight loss observed. These findings suggest that lifestyle interventions can complement traditional physiotherapy to improve patient outcomes.
The research also challenges the conventional approach of focusing solely on spinal treatment for back pain. As Associate Professor Chris Williams pointed out, back pain should not be viewed in isolation but as part of an individual’s overall health ecosystem. This perspective encourages a more holistic approach to back pain management that includes considering lifestyle factors as contributing factors.
This study provides compelling evidence that addressing underlying health habits may be key to reducing disability and improving quality of life for individuals with chronic low back pain. By broadening the scope of treatment, patients may experience more long-term relief and enhanced well-being, rather than relying solely on traditional spinal interventions.
By considering the broader health habits that influence chronic low back pain, this study opens the door for more comprehensive and effective treatments.
“Resolving back pain needs to focus on more than the back. Our bodies are not like machines, we are more like ecosystems where lots of factors interact and determine how we work and feel.” – Associate Professor Chris Williams
