When Back Pain Becomes Chronic: New Drug and Old-Fashioned Remedies Hold Promise
18.06.2026 - 00:51:51 | boerse-global.de
For millions of Germans over 55, a stiff back in the morning is a familiar complaint. Yet experts warn that pain persisting beyond six weeks demands medical attention—and a new cannabis-based pharmaceutical could soon offer relief. On 9 June 2026, Germany’s Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) approved Exilby, the first ready-made cannabis medicine in Europe developed specifically for chronic back pain. The drug, created by Munich-based Vertanical, uses a THC-rich full-spectrum extract and targets patients whose pain has a neuropathic component.
A phase?3 trial involving 820 participants recorded an average pain reduction of 1.9 points on the standard scale, compared with 1.4 points for the placebo group. The manufacturer says Exilby shows no detectable potential for dependence. Market launch is set for September 2026 in Germany and Austria.
Yet medication is only part of the picture. Public-health specialist Dr. Murat Yayc? stresses that once acute pain has been ruled out, prevention through movement is the most effective long?term strategy. Muscle strength naturally declines after 55 and spinal discs lose fluid, making short daily routines especially valuable. Experts recommend 10?minute evening sessions featuring pelvic tilts, cat?cow stretches, and glute bridges.
Yayc?’s advice for acute flare?ups: moderate activity such as 30?minute daily walks, swimming, or yoga. Even small ergonomic tweaks help—a pillow between the knees for side sleepers, for example.
Stress reduction also plays a proven role. The Jacobson method of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) has solid scientific backing. Meta?analyses published in 2024 and 2025, covering 2,277 patients, show that PMR significantly improves sleep quality. Older research synthesising 27 studies from 1997 to 2007 found it clearly reduces anxiety. The technique involves tensing muscle groups for five to ten seconds, then releasing—activating the parasympathetic nervous system and lowering heart rate and cortisol. PMR is now commonly used for stress, sleep problems, and neck or back pain.
Practical options are expanding fast. In Karben, a specialised postpartum yoga course led by a midwife started in mid?June, combining functional pelvic?floor exercises with postnatal yoga. Göttingen launched a free weekly yoga session on the Schiller meadows on 17 June. Böblingen offers a Pilates beginners’ class in its orchard garden on 19 June. Bernau near Berlin hosts gentle gymnastics and Pilates on 22 June, followed by a core?strengthening yoga session on 24 June.
Facial muscle training is gaining attention too. Specialist Constanze Sixt points out that consciously relaxing the forehead muscles brings lasting effects without invasive methods—particularly relevant for people aged 30 to 60.
