A systematic review of a relatively new treatment for chronic back pain — Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) — has found that it is no better than traditional therapies based on evidence from past studies.

CFT has been growing in popularity and gaining attention among practitioners since the first clinical trial in 2013 based on theory developed in 2005. There have been multiple trials across the world on CFT since. CFT integrates treatments that may be helpful in managing chronic lower back pain, such as pain education, exercise, and lifestyle coaching, into a model of care informed by a contemporary understanding of a person’s entire pain experience. However, there hasn’t yet been a comprehensive analysis of research into this therapy.

So researchers decided to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis, the highest level of evidence, to look at past studies to find out how effective the treatment is on pain, disability and safety.

After examining all the studies that fit the research criteria, the researchers found that ultimately the effectiveness of CFT remains unknown at this stage, and the group calls for future trials featuring blinded participants — those who are unaware whether the therapy being administered is actual or sham — and studies that recruit larger sample sizes.

The results of the study: the researchers’ found that CFT may not reduce pain intensity and disability in people with chronic low back pain. The research did find that manual therapy was more effective. The best source of manual, i.e. hands-on, therapy is in a doctor of chiropractic’s office. Chiropractors are proven experts in relieving low back pain.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com