A recently published study compared mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for the treatment of chronic low back paint. CBT is a form of psychotherapy that helps re-frame negative thoughts and is considered an evidence-based treatment for chronic pain. MBSR training in the study included meditation and yoga practices. The article concludes, "Among adults with chronic low back pain, treatment with MBSR or CBT, compared with usual care, resulted in greater improvement in back pain and functional limitations at 26 weeks, with no significant differences in outcomes between MBSR and CBT. These findings suggest that MBSR may be an effective treatment option for patients with chronic low back pain."
The full article can be accessed on JAMA's website here.