A new study published in JAMA Network Open highlights the effectiveness of mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in significantly reducing lower back pain among patients previously treated with opioids.

Conducted by researchers from Penn State College of Medicine and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, this study is the first to analyze these therapies specifically for adults with chronic low back pain who have been on opioids for at least three months.

The randomized clinical trial involved 770 adults from Madison, Boston, and Salt Lake City, all experiencing moderate-to-severe pain.

Participants engaged in eight weeks of therapist-led group sessions, practicing mindfulness or CBT for 30 minutes daily over a twelve-month period.

Results showed that both therapies led to reduced pain levels, decreased opioid use, improved physical function, and enhanced quality of life, with benefits lasting up to twelve months post-treatment.

While neither therapy serves as a complete cure, they empower patients to manage their pain more effectively and potentially lessen their reliance on opioids.

The research emphasizes that chronic pain management should incorporate behavioral therapies as standard care, helping patients develop coping strategies and improve their quality of life.

The complexity of lower back pain, stemming from various potential causes, makes treatments like MBT and CBT appealing as they focus on mental engagement with pain.

CBT aims to change negative thought patterns and behaviors, while MBT combines cognitive strategies with mindfulness practices such as meditation.

Published on April 7, 2025, this study is the largest to compare mindfulness and CBT for chronic low back pain and included long-term follow-up for participants.

In addition to these therapies, other remedies for lower back pain, such as brisk walking and light exercises, have also proven effective in alleviating discomfort.

Most traditional treatments for lower back pain are only slightly more effective than a placebo, highlighting the need for innovative approaches like MBT and CBT.