Noninvasive Nonpharmacological Treatment for Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review Update (April 16, 2020). Andrea C. Skelly, Ph.D., M.P.H., Roger Chou, M.D., Joseph R. Dettori, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.P.T., Judith A. Turner, Ph.D., et al. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2020 (Apr)

This section was compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C.
Send all comments or additions to:   Frankp@chiro.org

Key Messages

Purpose of Review

To assess noninvasive nonpharmacological treatments for common chronic pain conditions.

• 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.

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