Low back pain remains one of the leading contributors to disability worldwide. Yet in around 90% of cases, no specific structural cause can be identified—commonly referred to as non-specific low back pain.
Despite this uncertainty, there is no shortage of non-surgical and non-medicine approaches aimed at reducing pain and restoring function. The real question is: which ones actually deliver results?
Fortunately, two high-quality systematic reviews have provided strong guidance on what works best.
What the evidence shows
The first major review drew together findings from 31 studies within the Cochrane network, involving more than 97,000 adults living with low back pain (1). The analysis confirmed that several non-medicine, non-surgical interventions can help ease symptoms and improve day-to-day function—with exercise consistently emerging as a key strategy.
Exercise therapy is far from a new idea in back pain management. Decades of research support its role in enhancing physical capacity—building strength, improving flexibility and increasing range of motion—while also reducing pain.
Reflecting this, updated 2022 guidelines from the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care recommend exercise as a first-line treatment for low back pain (LBP), while suggesting that passive approaches like rest and routine use of pain medication offer limited benefit.
Which type of exercise is most effective?
A second systematic review explored whether certain types of exercise outperform others in managing LBP.
This review analysed 45 clinical trials involving over 4,400 adults aged between 30 and 62 (2). Participants were assigned to one of four exercise categories:
- Motor control and stabilisation – targeting balance and coordination
- Strength and resistance training – focusing on major muscle groups
- Aerobic exercise – continuous, cardiovascular-based activity
- Combined programs – incorporating elements such as strength, stretching and aerobic work
Programs ran from 1.5 to 18 weeks, with outcomes compared against control groups continuing usual activity or receiving alternative treatments.
The findings were clear: while exercise in general is beneficial, not all forms are equally effective.
Strength and resistance training delivered the most meaningful improvements, with participants reporting moderate reduction in pain. Stabilisation and co-ordination exercises provided smaller benefits, while aerobic-only and mixed programs showed minimal impact on pain levels.
Building a stronger, more resilient back
Exercise may not eliminate back pain entirely, but it remains one of the most effective non-invasive tools available. Beyond symptom relief, it plays a crucial role in improving mobility, restoring function and building long-term resilience.
The getback approach
The getback program is designed specifically for people experiencing back and neck pain. It focuses on reducing pain while improving strength and mobility in the deep spinal muscles that support and stabilise the spine.
getback™ exercise therapy devices are designed to precisely control load and guide every movement during your personalised treatment program. The devices provide continual feedback to ensure you’re exercising within the safe range, while ongoing measurements track improvements in strength and mobility over time.
Visit getback.middleparkphysio.com.au/ to find out more, or find a clinic in your area at https://getback.com.au/locations/
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