Hands-on back pain treatment: 'Try to keep active if you have just hurt yout back'

A new large-scale study has found that people with chronic pain can benefit as much from massage and acupuncture as from recommended active therapies

Chronic back pain is one of the most common conditions presented with to Irish GPs. Picture: iStock 

Chronic low back pain, defined as lasting for at least 12 weeks, is a condition that accounts for 25% of GP visits in Ireland every year. Painful and debilitating, it can cause reduced activity, low mood, and endless frustration in trying to find an elusive cure.

A recent study published in BMJ Medicine will hopefully help many people prone to chronic back pain.