Counselling ‘can ease back pain’

Psychological treatment could improve the quality of life for people suffering from back pain ? helping them feel better physically as well as mentally.

Research by the VA Connecticut Healthcare System found cognitive therapies, hypnosis and relaxation techniques and counselling reduced the intensity of pain.

The psychological approach also helped patients suffering from depression and disabilities, and improved their quality of life.

Based on 22 adults with chronic lower back pain, the study found the treatment was most effective in reducing pain intensity.

Psychologist and lead author Robert Kerns said: “Because this analysis was both more inclusive and more conservative than previous reviews, we have the best evidence to date that these interventions are helpful.”

The results were surprising, Mr Kerns added, because when psychological treatments were first developed they were intended to help back pain sufferers of live with their pain rather than reduce it.

According to the American Chiropractic Association, 31 million Americans suffer from lower back pain at any given time. The US also spends at least $50 billion each year on treating back pain.