AIM: To assess the therapeutic potential of Open-Label Placebo (OLP) for chronic low back pain (CLBP). MATERIALS & METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted on 12 September 2024. Data extraction focused on follow-up and change-from-baseline data of the placebo or control groups. The effect sizes were calculated using the inverse variance statistical method. RESULTS: A meta-analysis of four articles involving 171 OLP patients and 161 controls demonstrated a modest reduction in pain on the numerical rating scale (Mean difference = -0.62
95% confidence interval: -1.09 to -0.14
CONCLUSIONS: OLP demonstrated a reduction in pain, with a slightly greater improvement observed during shorter intervention periods. However, the certainty of this evidence remains very low, indicating that these findings should be interpreted cautiously. Future clinical trials are needed to further explore the potential and limitations of this intervention. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero identifier is CRD42024568302.