Low-back pain is a very common problem; about 80 percent of adults experience it at some point in their lives. Many complementary health approaches have been studied to see if they can help relieve low-back pain. 

• For acute low-back pain (episodes that last for only a short period of time), there’s low-quality evidence that a few mind and body practices—acupuncture, massage therapy, and spinal manipulation—may be helpful. 
• For chronic (long-lasting) low-back pain, there’s low- or moderate-quality evidence that a variety of mind and body practices, including acupuncture, electromyography biofeedback, low-level laser therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, progressive muscle relaxation, spinal manipulation, tai chi, and yoga, may be helpful. 
• Preparations of the herb cayenne, used topically (applied to the skin), may help to relieve low-back pain.