Srinagar, Aug 07: A new study published in The Lancet Rheumatology marks a major milestone in back pain research, confirming that Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) can offer lasting relief for people living with chronic low back pain. This is the first trial to demonstrate that the benefits of CFT can persist for up to three years.
Earlier research, published in The Lancet, had already shown that CFT was more effective than standard care in boosting physical activity levels for up to one year. Now, this latest study provides evidence of the therapy’s sustained impact.
CFT works by helping individuals better understand their pain, challenge unhelpful beliefs and behaviours, and reduce the fear that movement could worsen their condition. It equips them with tools to manage pain, restore function, and build the confidence to return to meaningful activities.
Dr Mayur Kardile, consulting spine surgeon, Jehangir Hospital, Pune, has seen patients with low back pain, who are afraid of any movement that causes pain or aggravates it. That kind of fear leads to inactivity and can worsen the pain worse over time. “With CFT, patients are progressively challenged to undergo better exercises, slowly and safely guided to move again and face the things they’ve been avoiding”, he said.
Dr Anand Gangwal, associate professor, Sancheti College of Physiotherapy, Pune, says self-management skills are extremely important in case of gradual onset pain, especially low back pain and neck pain.
CFT is a form of psychotherapy, and the findings show that long-term benefits are possible through self-management, pain coping strategies, and increased confidence—alongside adopting a healthier lifestyle according to Prof. Mark Hancock from the Spinal Pain Research Centre at Macquarie University, Sydney.
492 patients with chronic low back pain in Australia, who were randomly assigned to receive eight treatment sessions of usual care, CFT, or CFT plus biofeedback . Those who received CFT and CFT plus biofeedback saw improvements in their physical activity participation over usual care.
