Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) has emerged as a promising treatment for chronic back pain, demonstrating significant improvements in pain intensity and disability after one year. A study published in The Lancet involved nearly 500 participants, many of whom had dealt with chronic pain for an average of four years. CFT resulted in substantial reductions in pain and disability, saving over $5,000 per person in healthcare and productivity costs. This whole-person approach combines intensive coaching with lifestyle adjustments to enhance emotional and social well-being.
Lead researcher Associate Professor Peter Kent highlighted how CFT empowers patients by addressing their specific concerns and movement restrictions, contrasting with traditional passive treatments like medication and spinal manipulation. Participants, including severely disabled individuals, attended up to seven sessions over 12 weeks and reported high satisfaction rates. Among them, Volker Rehbocks, who had suffered for 18 months, experienced transformative results, regaining his ability to perform daily activities and even ride his bike pain-free.
The economic implications are significant, suggesting that CFT could alleviate the global burden of lower back pain, which is a leading cause of disability affecting work productivity and early retirement. The treatment’s holistic, patient-centered approach offers new hope for millions suffering from chronic back pain.
