Long-Term Effectiveness of Psychotherapy for Chronic Low Back Pain Demonstrated in Three-Year Study
A recent clinical trial demonstrates that cognitive functional therapy (CFT) provides effective relief for chronic low back pain lasting at least three years, offering hope for long-term pain management and improved quality of life.
A groundbreaking randomized controlled trial published in The Lancet Rheumatology has revealed that cognitive functional therapy (CFT), a specialized form of psychotherapy, can provide sustained relief for individuals suffering from chronic disabling low back pain. The research shows that the benefits of CFT extend for at least three years, significantly reducing the disability associated with persistent pain.
Low back pain is a prevalent long-term health issue characterized by unpredictable flare-ups and recurrences. While previous interventions have generally yielded limited and short-term improvements, this study offers promising evidence that CFT can deliver lasting pain management. The trial enlisted 492 Australian patients with chronic low back pain, who were randomly assigned to receive either usual care, CFT, or CFT combined with biofeedback—a technique using sensors to help patients modify physiological functions like heart rate.
Results indicated that both CFT alone and CFT with biofeedback improved patients' participation in physical activities compared to usual care. However, after three years, there was no significant difference between the two CFT approaches, mirroring outcomes from earlier assessments at three months and one year. This suggests that CFT is effective in creating durable improvements in how patients manage and participate in physical activity, which is crucial for reducing the overall burden of chronic pain.
The authors emphasize the importance of scaling up clinician training to make CFT more accessible. They also highlight the need for further research across diverse healthcare systems to confirm these findings and facilitate the broader implementation of this therapy. Ultimately, CFT offers a promising avenue for long-term relief and improved quality of life for those affected by persistent low back pain.
For more details, see the full study in The Lancet Rheumatology: DOI: 10.1016/S2665-9913(25)00135-3. Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-psychotherapy-pain-effective-years-trial.html
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