Mindfulness-based Interventions for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background & Purpose: Chronic low back pain is one of the most common causes of disability in adults, with many individuals experiencing limited relief from conventional medical treatments. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), such as mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, aim to improve awareness of physical sensations and promote adaptive coping strategies. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined whether MBIs can reduce pain intensity and improve physical function in adults with chronic low back pain compared with usual care or other active treatments.

Methods & Conclusions: The authors searched multiple medical databases up to early 2024 to identify randomized controlled trials involving adults with chronic low back pain who participated in MBIs. Studies were included if they measured outcomes such as pain and functional disability using validated tools. Findings showed that MBIs produced meaningful improvements in both pain and function in the short term, with some benefits maintained at longer follow-up. Combining MBIs with standard physical therapy appeared to enhance these effects. The authors concluded that MBIs represent a promising non-pharmacologic option for managing chronic low back pain, especially when integrated into multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs.