Treatment Overview

Summary

• Chronic low back pain treatment follows a stepped approach — starting with the safest, most well-supported methods
• Exercise + education + psychological approaches (Steps 1–3) are strongly recommended by guidelines and are sufficient for most people
• Medications are a supporting tool — on their own, their benefit is limited
• Injections and nerve blocks are temporary pain relief — not a long-term solution
• When conservative treatment has not helped, SCS is an option — but it carries risks (see the SCS page for details)
• Spinal fusion for non-specific chronic low back pain is not supported by strong evidence — outcomes are comparable to comprehensive rehabilitation

Next Steps

• Medications for Chronic Low Back Pain — What the Evidence Says
• The Mind-Body Connection in Pain — Psychological Approaches
• Surgery for Low Back Pain — An Honest Look at the Evidence
• Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) — When Conservative Treatment Has Not Helped
• Living Well with Low Back Pain — Practical Strategies