Mindfulness & Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Reduce Pain & Need For Opioids For Adults With Low Back Pain

Among adults with moderate-to-severe chronic low-back pain and functional limitations who were treated with opioids, mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) were equally effective at reducing pain interference and opioid dosages for up to 12 months. MBT and CBT also resulted in improved function and health-related quality of life.

Both interventions consisted of eight weekly therapist-led group sessions and at-home practice. The two approaches were tested in a head-to-head clinical trial. The researchers hypothesized that MBT would have superior outcomes to CBT. Based on the outcomes, they concluded that . . .