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🧘 Lower back — Exercises Studied in Research
Real findings from published clinical studies. Not opinions, not ads — just what researchers actually found, with the evidence behind each approach.
Compiled and reviewed by: Milena Orlandić — Licensed Physiotherapist — Specialist in Applied Physiotherapy (Neurorehabilitation) · Nikola Orlandić — Licensed Physiotherapist — Specialist in Applied Physiotherapy (Neurorehabilitation) · Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Technology
Evidence last updated:
Does it work? — what research found
Every approach studied for conditions in this area, sorted by where clinical guidelines stand — not by popularity. Open a condition below for its own evidence summary. Full details and dosing are part of the complete review.
| Approach | Studies | Reviewed by | What science says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Therapydone with a specialistStudies: 48 · Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular Pain, NICE NG59 (2016) +4 | 48 | Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular PainNICE NG59 (2016) +4 | Evidence supports it |
| General Home Exerciseyou can do this at homeStudies: 59 · Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular Pain, NICE NG59 (2016) +4 | 59 | Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular PainNICE NG59 (2016) +4 | Evidence supports it |
| Self-Management Programyou can do this at homeStudies: 9 · WHO 2023, Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder +2 | 9 | WHO 2023Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder +2 | Evidence supports it |
| Spinal Manipulationdone with a specialistStudies: 10 · ACP 2017 (Qaseem), WHO 2023 +2 | 10 | ACP 2017 (Qaseem)WHO 2023 +2 | Evidence supports it |
| Advice to Stay Activeyou can do this at homeStudies: 4 · Zhou et al. 2024 (22-CPG synthesis, BMC Musculoskelet Disord), Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder +1 | 4 | Zhou et al. 2024 (22-CPG synthesis, BMC Musculoskelet Disord)Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder +1 | Evidence supports it |
| McKenzie Method (Home)you can do this at homeStudies: 9 · McKenzie et al. 2025 (22-CPG synthesis, Spine J), Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder +1 | 9 | McKenzie et al. 2025 (22-CPG synthesis, Spine J)Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder +1 | Evidence supports it |
| McKenzie Method (MDT)done with a specialistStudies: 11 · McKenzie et al. 2025 (22-CPG synthesis, Spine J), Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder +1 | 11 | McKenzie et al. 2025 (22-CPG synthesis, Spine J)Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder +1 | Evidence supports it |
| Pain Neuroscience Educationyou can do this at homeStudies: 4 · McKenzie et al. 2025 (22-CPG synthesis, Spine J), Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder +1 | 4 | McKenzie et al. 2025 (22-CPG synthesis, Spine J)Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder +1 | Evidence supports it |
| Pilates (Home)you can do this at homeStudies: 4 · Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder, Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management +1 | 4 | Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorderLow back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management +1 | Evidence supports it |
| Qigong (Home Practice)you can do this at homeStudies: 2 · Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular Pain, NICE NG59 (2016) +1 | 2 | Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular PainNICE NG59 (2016) +1 | Evidence supports it |
| Strengthening (Home)you can do this at homeStudies: 3 · Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular Pain, NICE NG59 (2016) +1 | 3 | Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular PainNICE NG59 (2016) +1 | Evidence supports it |
| Activity Advice / Stay Activedone with a specialistStudies: 2 · Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder, Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | 2 | Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorderLow back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | Evidence supports it |
Show all 102 approaches ↓
| Approach | Studies | Reviewed by | What science says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back School / Back Educationyou can do this at homeStudies: 12 · Zhou et al. 2024 (22-CPG synthesis, BMC Musculoskelet Disord), Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | 12 | Zhou et al. 2024 (22-CPG synthesis, BMC Musculoskelet Disord)Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | Evidence supports it |
| Neurodynamic / Nerve Gliding (Home)you can do this at homeStudies: 3 · Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder, Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | 3 | Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorderLow back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | Evidence supports it |
| Neurodynamic Mobilizationdone with a specialistStudies: 5 · Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder, Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | 5 | Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorderLow back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | Evidence supports it |
| Patient Educationyou can do this at homeStudies: 19 · Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder, Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | 19 | Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorderLow back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | Evidence supports it |
| Advice to Stay Activedone with a specialistStudies: 7 RCTs (as listed in Table 2 for Dahm 2010: '1923 (7 RCTs)') · Zhou et al. 2024 (22-CPG synthesis, BMC Musculoskelet Disord) | 7 RCTs (as listed in Table 2 for Dahm 2010: '1923 (7 RCTs)') | Zhou et al. 2024 (22-CPG synthesis, BMC Musculoskelet Disord) | Evidence supports it |
| Postural Exerciseyou can do this at homeStudies: 3 · WHO 2023 | 3 | WHO 2023 | Evidence supports it |
| CBT Self-Helpyou can do this at homeStudies: 3 · NICE NG59 (2016), ACP 2017 (Qaseem) +3 | 3 | NICE NG59 (2016)ACP 2017 (Qaseem) +3 | May help |
| NSAIDsdone with a specialistStudies: 3 · Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular Pain, NICE NG59 (2016) +2 | 3 | Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular PainNICE NG59 (2016) +2 | May help |
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)done with a specialistStudies: 14 · NICE NG59 (2016), ACP 2017 (Qaseem) +1 | 14 | NICE NG59 (2016)ACP 2017 (Qaseem) +1 | May help |
| Manual Therapydone with a specialistStudies: 6 · Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder, Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management +1 | 6 | Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorderLow back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management +1 | May help |
| Multidisciplinary Rehabilitationdone with a specialistStudies: 3 · Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder, Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management +1 | 3 | Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorderLow back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management +1 | May help |
| Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)done with a specialistStudies: 2 · Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder, Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | 2 | Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorderLow back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | May help |
| Dry Needlingdone with a specialistStudies: 4 · McKenzie et al. 2025 (22-CPG synthesis, Spine J), Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | 4 | McKenzie et al. 2025 (22-CPG synthesis, Spine J)Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | May help |
| Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)done with a specialistStudies: 4 · Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder, Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | 4 | Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorderLow back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | May help |
| Massage Therapydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · ACP 2017 (Qaseem), WHO 2023 | 1 | ACP 2017 (Qaseem)WHO 2023 | May help |
| Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE)done with a specialistStudies: 2 · Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder, Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | 2 | Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorderLow back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | May help |
| Relaxation Techniquesyou can do this at homeStudies: 3 · ACP 2017 (Qaseem), Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | 3 | ACP 2017 (Qaseem)Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | May help |
| Self-Massage / Foam Rollingyou can do this at homeStudies: 2 · ACP 2017 (Qaseem), WHO 2023 | 2 | ACP 2017 (Qaseem)WHO 2023 | May help |
| Yogadone with a specialistStudies: 6 · ACP 2017 (Qaseem), Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | 6 | ACP 2017 (Qaseem)Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | May help |
| Aerobic Exercise (Home)you can do this at homeStudies: 4 · McKenzie et al. 2025 (22-CPG synthesis, Spine J) | 4 | McKenzie et al. 2025 (22-CPG synthesis, Spine J) | May help |
| Cold / Cryotherapydone with a specialistStudies: 2 · Zhou et al. 2024 (22-CPG synthesis, BMC Musculoskelet Disord) | 2 | Zhou et al. 2024 (22-CPG synthesis, BMC Musculoskelet Disord) | May help |
| Cold Therapy (Self-Applied)you can do this at homeStudies: 3 · Zhou et al. 2024 (22-CPG synthesis, BMC Musculoskelet Disord) | 3 | Zhou et al. 2024 (22-CPG synthesis, BMC Musculoskelet Disord) | May help |
| Cupping Therapydone with a specialistStudies: 2 · Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | 2 | Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | May help |
| Epidural Injectionsdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · NICE NG59 (2016) | 1 | NICE NG59 (2016) | May help |
| Fear Avoidance Therapydone with a specialistStudies: 2 · McKenzie et al. 2025 (22-CPG synthesis, Spine J) | 2 | McKenzie et al. 2025 (22-CPG synthesis, Spine J) | May help |
| High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT)done with a specialistStudies: 1 · Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | 1 | Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | May help |
| Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)done with a specialistStudies: 2 · ACP 2017 (Qaseem) | 2 | ACP 2017 (Qaseem) | May help |
| Mindfulness / Meditationyou can do this at homeStudies: 6 · ACP 2017 (Qaseem) | 6 | ACP 2017 (Qaseem) | May help |
| Mobility Assistive Productsdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · WHO 2023 | 1 | WHO 2023 | May help |
| Operant Therapy / Graded Activitydone with a specialistStudies: 7 · ACP 2017 (Qaseem) | 7 | ACP 2017 (Qaseem) | May help |
| Post-Surgical Rehabilitation (Lumbar)done with a specialistStudies: 3 · Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | 3 | Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | May help |
| Radiofrequency Denervationdone with a specialistStudies: 23 · NICE NG59 (2016) | 23 | NICE NG59 (2016) | May help |
| Return to Work Programdone with a specialistStudies: 2 · Zhou et al. 2024 (22-CPG synthesis, BMC Musculoskelet Disord) | 2 | Zhou et al. 2024 (22-CPG synthesis, BMC Musculoskelet Disord) | May help |
| Spinal Mobilisation (Grade I-IV)done with a specialistStudies: 10 · NICE NG59 (2016) | 10 | NICE NG59 (2016) | May help |
| Tai Chidone with a specialistStudies: 4 · ACP 2017 (Qaseem) | 4 | ACP 2017 (Qaseem) | May help |
| Tai Chi (Home Practice)you can do this at homeStudies: 2 RCTs · ACP 2017 (Qaseem) | 2 RCTs | ACP 2017 (Qaseem) | May help |
| Topical Capsaicin (Cayenne Pepper)done with a specialistStudies: 1 · WHO 2023 | 1 | WHO 2023 | May help |
| Walking Programyou can do this at homeStudies: 5 · ACP 2017 (Qaseem) | 5 | ACP 2017 (Qaseem) | May help |
| Yoga (Home Practice)you can do this at homeStudies: 7 · ACP 2017 (Qaseem) | 7 | ACP 2017 (Qaseem) | May help |
| Aquatic Exercise / Hydrotherapydone with a specialistStudies: 5 · not yet reviewed | 5 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Core Stabilization (Home)you can do this at homeStudies: 10 · not yet reviewed | 10 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Core Stabilization / Motor Control Exercisedone with a specialistStudies: 11 · not yet reviewed | 11 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Electroacupuncturedone with a specialistStudies: 2 · not yet reviewed | 2 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Heat Therapy (Self-Applied)you can do this at homeStudies: nine studies · not yet reviewed | nine studies | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Interferential Current Plus Therapeutic Ultrasounddone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Psychological Therapies (General)done with a specialistStudies: 31 trials · not yet reviewed | 31 trials | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Stabilization Plus Mobilizationdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Traction Plus Exercisedone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Muscle Relaxantsdone with a specialistStudies: 49 trials included in review, 31 quantitatively analysed · Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular Pain, ACP 2017 (Qaseem) +1 | 49 trials included in review, 31 quantitatively analysed | Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular PainACP 2017 (Qaseem) +1 | Not enough research yet |
| EMG Biofeedbackdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | 1 | Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | Not enough research yet |
| Lumbar Surgery (vs Conservative Care)done with a specialistStudies: 1 · McKenzie et al. 2025 (22-CPG synthesis, Spine J) | 1 | McKenzie et al. 2025 (22-CPG synthesis, Spine J) | Not enough research yet |
| PEMFdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | 1 | Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | Not enough research yet |
| Pilatesdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | 1 | Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | Not enough research yet |
| Progressive Relaxationdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | 1 | Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | Not enough research yet |
| Tuina Massagedone with a specialistStudies: 1 · Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | 1 | Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | Not enough research yet |
| Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)done with a specialistStudies: 2 · not yet reviewed | 2 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| ACT Self-Helpyou can do this at homeStudies: 4 · not yet reviewed | 4 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Acupressuredone with a specialistStudies: 1 (secondary analysis of an RCT) · not yet reviewed | 1 (secondary analysis of an RCT) | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Behavioural Therapydone with a specialistStudies: 8 · not yet reviewed | 8 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Biofeedbackdone with a specialistStudies: 21 eligible studies including 23 treatment conditions · not yet reviewed | 21 eligible studies including 23 treatment conditions | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Cannabis-Based Medicinesdone with a specialistStudies: 24 research-controlled trials · not yet reviewed | 24 research-controlled trials | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Cognitive Functional Therapydone with a specialistStudies: 2 · not yet reviewed | 2 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT)done with a specialistStudies: 7 · not yet reviewed | 7 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Intramuscular Electrical Stimulation (IMES)done with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)done with a specialistStudies: 2 · not yet reviewed | 2 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Perturbation Trainingdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)done with a specialistStudies: 6 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) · not yet reviewed | 6 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Stretching / Flexibility Exercisedone with a specialistStudies: 4 · not yet reviewed | 4 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Telerehabilitationdone with a specialistStudies: 6 · not yet reviewed | 6 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Traction Plus Stabilizationdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Virtual Reality Rehabilitationdone with a specialistStudies: 4 · not yet reviewed | 4 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Acupuncturedone with a specialistStudies: 3 · NICE NG59 (2016), ACP 2017 (Qaseem) +3 | 3 | NICE NG59 (2016)ACP 2017 (Qaseem) +3 | Science does not support itdepends on the stage of recovery |
| TENSdone with a specialistStudies: 5 · Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular Pain, NICE NG59 (2016) +3 | 5 | Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular PainNICE NG59 (2016) +3 | Science does not support it |
| Opioidsdone with a specialistStudies: 3 · Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular Pain, NICE NG59 (2016) +2 | 3 | Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular PainNICE NG59 (2016) +2 | Science does not support it |
| Therapeutic Ultrasounddone with a specialistStudies: 4 · Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular Pain, NICE NG59 (2016) +2 | 4 | Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular PainNICE NG59 (2016) +2 | Science does not support it |
| Interferential Current Therapydone with a specialistStudies: 5 · NICE NG59 (2016), Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder +1 | 5 | NICE NG59 (2016)Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder +1 | Science does not support it |
| Paracetamol / Acetaminophendone with a specialistStudies: 4 · NICE NG59 (2016), ACP 2017 (Qaseem) +1 | 4 | NICE NG59 (2016)ACP 2017 (Qaseem) +1 | Science does not support it |
| Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS)done with a specialistStudies: 1 · NICE NG59 (2016), Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder +1 | 1 | NICE NG59 (2016)Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder +1 | Science does not support it |
| Foot Orthotics / Insolesdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular Pain, NICE NG59 (2016) | 1 | Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular PainNICE NG59 (2016) | Science does not support it |
| Lumbar Supports / Bracesdone with a specialistStudies: Sixteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the systematic review, with eight studies analyzed in the meta-analysis · Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular Pain, NICE NG59 (2016) | Sixteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the systematic review, with eight studies analyzed in the meta-analysis | Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular PainNICE NG59 (2016) | Science does not support it |
| Lumbar Tractiondone with a specialistStudies: 1 · Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular Pain, NICE NG59 (2016) | 1 | Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular PainNICE NG59 (2016) | Science does not support it |
| Lumbar Tractiondone with a specialistStudies: 6 · Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder, Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | 6 | Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorderLow back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | Science does not support it |
| Spinal Mobilizationdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder, Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | 1 | Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorderLow back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | Science does not support it |
| Bed Rest (NOT RECOMMENDED)done with a specialistStudies: 3 studies · Zhou et al. 2024 (22-CPG synthesis, BMC Musculoskelet Disord) | 3 studies | Zhou et al. 2024 (22-CPG synthesis, BMC Musculoskelet Disord) | Science does not support it |
| Benzodiazepinesdone with a specialistStudies: Four trials · McKenzie et al. 2025 (22-CPG synthesis, Spine J) | Four trials | McKenzie et al. 2025 (22-CPG synthesis, Spine J) | Science does not support it |
| Electrical Stimulationdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | 1 | Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | Science does not support it |
| Kinesiotapingdone with a specialistStudies: 2 · Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | 2 | Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management | Science does not support it |
| Rocker Sole Shoesdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · NICE NG59 (2016) | 1 | NICE NG59 (2016) | Science does not support it |
| Spinal Fusion (NOT RECOMMENDED)done with a specialistStudies: Four randomized controlled trials · NICE NG59 (2016) | Four randomized controlled trials | NICE NG59 (2016) | Science does not support it |
| Systemic Corticosteroidsdone with a specialistStudies: Thirteen trials · ACP 2017 (Qaseem) | Thirteen trials | ACP 2017 (Qaseem) | Science does not support it |
Conditions in this area
Conditions in this area with published evidence — pick one to see what studies describe.
What science does not support
These approaches are widely offered, but published research found they do not help for at least one condition in this area. Listed so you know — not as advice about any individual case.
- TENSNot supported by research
Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular Pain · NICE NG59 (2016) · Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder · Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management · Belgian Guideline 2020 (Nielens)
- OpioidsNot supported by research
Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular Pain · NICE NG59 (2016) · ACP 2017 (Qaseem) · WHO 2023
- Therapeutic UltrasoundNot supported by research
Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular Pain · NICE NG59 (2016) · Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management · Belgian Guideline 2020 (Nielens)
- Interferential Current TherapyNot supported by research
NICE NG59 (2016) · Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder · Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management
- Paracetamol / AcetaminophenNot supported by research
NICE NG59 (2016) · ACP 2017 (Qaseem) · WHO 2023
- Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS)Not supported by research
NICE NG59 (2016) · Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder · Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management
- Foot Orthotics / InsolesNot supported by research
Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular Pain · NICE NG59 (2016)
- Lumbar Supports / BracesNot supported by research
Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular Pain · NICE NG59 (2016)
- Lumbar TractionNot supported by research
Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular Pain · NICE NG59 (2016)
- Lumbar TractionNot supported by research
Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder · Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management
- Spinal MobilizationNot supported by research
Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder · Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management
- Bed Rest (NOT RECOMMENDED)Not supported by research
Zhou et al. 2024 (22-CPG synthesis, BMC Musculoskelet Disord)
- BenzodiazepinesNot supported by research
McKenzie et al. 2025 (22-CPG synthesis, Spine J)
- Electrical StimulationNot supported by research
Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management
- KinesiotapingNot supported by research
Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management
- Rocker Sole ShoesNot supported by research
NICE NG59 (2016)
- Spinal Fusion (NOT RECOMMENDED)Not supported by research
NICE NG59 (2016)
- Systemic CorticosteroidsNot supported by research
ACP 2017 (Qaseem)
Whether any of this applies to your situation is something your physiotherapist or doctor can assess after examining you.
Frequently asked
What works for Lower back according to research?
Research supports: Exercise Therapy, General Home Exercise, Self-Management Program, Spinal Manipulation, Advice to Stay Active, McKenzie Method (Home). Based on Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular Pain; NICE NG59 (2016); ACP 2017 (Qaseem).
What does not work for Lower back according to research?
Research found no benefit from routine use of: TENS, Opioids, Therapeutic Ultrasound, Interferential Current Therapy, Paracetamol / Acetaminophen, Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS). Based on Belgian KCE 2020 (Van Wambeke) — LBP and Radicular Pain; NICE NG59 (2016); Conservative management for lumbar radiculopathy based on the stage of the disorder.
How much research is this based on?
For Lower back, 102 approaches were evaluated, of which 77 have been reviewed by research bodies. Every data point traces to a published source.
Educational Information — PhysioSense is an educational reference tool based on published research. It does NOT replace a medical examination or physiotherapy assessment. If you have severe pain, new symptoms, or are unsure — see a doctor or physiotherapist. You always make the final decision about your exercise. Pain is a signal to stop.
