Why are there so many different treatments advertised for back pain? Is there one “best” treatment method?

Low back pain (LBP) is a common problem the world ’round but it doesn’t have a common cause or a single solution. About 80 percent of LBP in adults is called nonspecific. That means the exact cause is unknown but it’s not a tumor, infection, or a fracture.

Many studies show exercise is the most likely treatment to reduce disability and pain. Researchers haven’t been able to find one specific type of exercise that works better than others.

There is increasing data to show that psychosocial factors are the key to nonspecific LBP. Personal beliefs, fear of pain, and social factors like work and family seem to be the biggest contributors to LBP. Exercise is especially helpful in getting people past avoiding movements that might cause pain.