Mind over painkillers (and MRI) for back pain?
A type of meditation has proven superior to drug treatment when it comes to easing frequently imaging-intensive pain in the lower back.
In a study published March 22 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Daniel Cherkin, PhD, of the Seattle-based Group Health Research Institute, and colleagues describe how patients using a technique called “mindfulness-based stress reduction” or MBSR, showed more meaningful improvements in physical function and pain level than patients under conventional care.
The finding could have ramifications for imaging, as low-back pain has become a poster child for overutilization of MRI in particular, with its attendant contributions to the skyrocketing overall cost of healthcare.
HealthDay has the story on the research from a consumer’s eye view:
Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.