Weight loss, if necessary, and exercise – stretching, flexibility, and muscle-strengthening exercises – are particularly helpful in treating chronic back pain. A recent study provides insights on the most effective exercise regimens to relieve chronic back pain.

Doctors commonly prescribe exercise for lower back pain. Now a new study reported in the journal Pain (Volume 131, page 31) sheds light on which type provides the greatest pain relief -- at least for the short term. The researchers randomly assigned 240 adults with low back pain for at least three months to one of three groups: general exercise, motor control exercise, or spinal manipulative therapy.

The general-exercise group performed strengthening and stretching exercises as well as exercises to improve cardiovascular fitness. The motor control-exercise group performed exercises aimed at improving the function of specific trunk muscles thought to be involved in movement of the spine. These included the diaphragm, the transversus abdominis, and the pelvic floor muscles. People in the spinal manipulative therapy group were treated with joint mobilization or manipulation techniques applied to the spine or pelvis.

At eight weeks, people in the motor-control group and the spinal manipulative therapy group improved slightly more than those in the general-exercise group, with a better ability to function and a greater perception of benefit from treatment. However, at six and 12 months, there were no differences between any of the groups.

The bottom line: A variety of exercises can provide relief for chronic low back pain. Whichever you choose, you'll likely need to continue it for long-term pain relief.