Background: Mind body therapies are being used increasingly to manage chronic musculoskeletal pain. We aimed to systematically review studies to explore the effectiveness of these mind-body therapies (MBTs).

Method: The following databases were searched MEDLINE, Psychinfo, AMED and CINAHL. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and case series studying adults with chronic musculoskeletal disorders were included. MBTs of interest were biofeedback, hypnosis, guided imagery, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation. Papers of any language were included. Selection, data extraction and methodological evaluation of the studies were done independently. Narrative and meta-analyses were conducted where appropriate.

Results: The search identified 766 articles, 15 were selected for review, three were before and after studies, 12 were either RCTs or clinical controlled trials. The majority of the studies were of a low quality methodologically, with few participants. Fifteen of the studies reported MBTs reduced pain, this was significant for 7 studies post treatment and for five at follow up. MBTs generally had a positive effect on depression, quality of life, acceptance of pain, use of health care and medication. MBTs were as effective as active interventions such as CBT or education and superior to passive control groups.

Conclusion: MBTs may have the potential to reduce pain, depression and improve quality of life. There is not enough evidence to conclude that MBTs are more effective than standard medical care or which type of MBT is more effective. Data suggests that a bio-psychological approach may be beneficial in the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

Conflicts of Interest: None

Source of Funding: Queen Mary University of London