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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Noninvasive Nonpharmacological Treatment for Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review Update

About this resource:

Systematic Review

Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Last Reviewed: June 2022

Workgroups: Chronic Pain Workgroup, Injury and Violence Prevention Workgroup

In this systematic review, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found that noninvasive nonpharmacological treatments can improve function and/or pain for people with chronic pain. These treatments include: 

  • Exercise
  • Multidisciplinary rehabilitation
  • Acupuncture
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Mindfulness practices
  • Massage
  • Mind-body practices

Researchers found this improvement as only an immediate effect in the post-treatment period.

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Objectives related to this resource (1)

Reduce the proportion of adults with chronic pain that frequently limits life or work activities — CP‑01
Getting worse

Suggested Citation

1.

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2020). Noninvasive nonpharmacological treatment for chronic pain: A systematic review update. (Comparative Effectiveness Review No. 227). Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. DOI: https://doi.org/10.23970/AHRQEPCCER227