Cognitive Functional Therapy Shows Large and Durable Benefits for Chronic Low Back Pain

Chronic low back pain is the greatest contributor to years lived with disability. Cognitive functional therapy (CFT), which addresses the complex physical and psychological contributors to chronic low back pain through self-management of contributing cognitions, emotions, and behaviors, has shown large and lasting benefits in small trials.

Australian researchers enrolled 500 patients with low back pain (≥4 on a 10-point pain scale) that was present at least 3 months and causing at least moderate interference with usual activities. Patients were randomized to usual care or to CFT with or without biofeedback from wearable motion sensors. Usual care (e.g., medication, injections, physical therapy) was determined by patients and their primary ca…