Receiving preferred treatments may improve low back pain outcomes: a non-randomized comparative study
Tareq I Alshyab1, Ahmad Alrawashdeh1, Nizar Mohammad Audat1
1Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
Frontiers in Pain Research (Lausanne, Switzerland)
|March 9, 2026
Summary
Patients receiving preferred treatments for low back pain (LBP) experienced significant improvements in pain, function, and psychological well-being compared to those receiving non-preferred options. Tailoring LBP care to patient preferences enhances health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent condition impacting millions globally.
- Current LBP management often overlooks patient preferences, potentially affecting treatment adherence and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare health-related outcomes in individuals with chronic LBP based on whether they received preferred or non-preferred treatments.
- To evaluate the impact of treatment preference alignment on pain, disability, and psychological distress.
Main Methods:
- A non-randomized, multicenter comparative study involving 205 chronic LBP patients from Jordanian military hospitals.
- Treatment preferences were assessed using the LBP Treatment Beliefs Questionnaire (TBQ).
- Outcomes including pain ratings, Oswestry Disability Index, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) scores were analyzed pre- and post-treatment.
Main Results:
- 63.9% of participants received their preferred treatment.
- The preferred treatment group showed statistically significant reductions in pain (numeric rating scores), disability (Oswestry Disability Index), and psychological distress (DASS-stress, DASS-anxiety, DASS-depression) compared to the non-preferred group.
- Adjusted mean differences favored the preferred group across all measured outcomes (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Aligning LBP treatments with patient preferences is associated with superior improvements in pain and functional status.
- Incorporating patient preferences may enhance psychological well-being in individuals with chronic low back pain.
- This study supports a patient-centered approach in managing chronic LBP.
