Evidence-based answer: Yes, it is somewhat effective. Exercise therapy—including general exercise, yoga, Pilates, and motor control exercise—has been shown to modestly decrease pain in chronic low back pain (LBP); levels of benefit in short-([less than or equal to] 3 months) and long- ([grater than or equal to] 1 year) term follow-up range from 4% to 15% improvement (strength of recommendation [SOR] A, based on a systematic review of randomized controlled trials [RCTs]). Exercise therapy may improve function and decrease work disability in subacute and chronic LBP, respectively (SOR A, based on a meta-analysis of RCTs). Exercise therapy has not been associated with improvement in acute LBP (SOR A, based on a meta-analysis of RCTs).Christine Broszko, MD, FAAFP; Krystyna Golden, MD; Cody R. Holmes, MD; Stephanie Fulleborn, MD (Eglin Air Force Base Family Medicine Residency), Carolyn Biglow, MLIS, CAS (Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh)Includes bibliographical reference
