Australian researchers have discovered a groundbreaking treatment for chronic back pain. The study, which was conducted across 20 clinics in Perth and Sydney, involved 500 participants and yielded positive results. According to the lead author, Curtin School of Allied Health Professor Peter O’Sullivan, the program focuses on teaching participants how to regain their movement and get confidence back into their movements. The cognitive functional therapy program goes against common beliefs about back pain, which often lead to over-protection of the back and contribute to pain and distress. The program involves personalized and intensive coaching over 12 weeks and has shown improvements in both physical and mental health. Participants reported a reduction in pain intensity, improved quality of life, and work productivity savings of over $5,000 per person. The study provides hope to millions of people whose back pain has not responded to other treatments.
