Network meta-analysis finds conservative treatments for chronic low back pain lack long-term benefits

For non-specific low back pain, a range of conservative treatments provided pain relief beyond a minimal clinically important difference in the short term

Clinically important effects in the long term were not apparent, with effects typically lasting little beyond the typical treatment duration

Conservative treatments for chronic radicular low back pain represent an evidence gap

Future policy and research efforts should focus on long term maintenance of patient improvements for people with chronic low back pain

These findings can inform evidence based decisions by healthcare providers and guideline groups on prioritising conservative treatments for chronic low back pain, given their lack of long term benefits and low to very low certainty evidence for short term benefits