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Skelly AC, Chou R, Dettori JR, et al. Noninvasive Nonpharmacological Treatment for Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review Update [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2020 Apr. (Comparative Effectiveness Review, No. 227.)
Purpose of Review
To assess noninvasive nonpharmacological treatments for common chronic pain conditions.
Key Messages
- Interventions that improved function and/or pain for ≥1 month:
- Low back pain: Exercise, psychological therapy, spinal manipulation, low-level laser therapy, massage, mindfulness-based stress reduction, yoga, acupuncture, multidisciplinary rehabilitation (MDR)
- Neck pain: Exercise, low-level laser, mind-body practices, massage, acupuncture
- Knee osteoarthritis: Exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Hip osteoarthritis: Exercise, manual therapies
- Fibromyalgia: Exercise, CBT, myofascial release massage, mindfulness practices, tai chi, qigong, acupuncture, MDR
- Tension headache: Spinal manipulation
- Some interventions did not improve function or pain.
- Serious harms were not observed with the interventions.