Reduction of chronic non-specific low back pain: A randomised controlled clinical trial on acupuncture and baclofen

• Main Authors: Rastqar Ali (Author), Manaheji Homa (Author), Zaringhalam Jalal (Author), Zaringhalam Maryam (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: BMC, 2010-04-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Chronic non-specific low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent (80%) and multi-dimensional illness. This study aims to test whether acupuncture, baclofen, or combined treatment with acupuncture and baclofen alleviates symptoms of non-specific chronic LBP in men.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Eight-four (84) men aged 50-60 years with non-specific chronic LBP were randomly assigned to four groups: the baclofen group received only baclofen (30 mg/day); the acupuncture group received only acupuncture at selected acupoints; the acupuncture + baclofen group received combined treatment with acupuncture and baclofen treatments; and the control group received no pain reduction treatment. After five weeks of treatment, visual analogue scale (VAS) and self-reported pain disability with the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ) were conducted for outcome measures.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>After treatment, the baclofen, acupuncture and acupuncture + baclofen groups all had lower VAS and RDQ scores. Significantly higher reduction and improvement in VAS and RDQ scores were found in the acupuncture and acupuncture + baclofen groups compared to the baclofen group.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The present study indicates that the combined treatment of acupuncture and baclofen is more effective than baclofen treatment alone to reduce pain in patients with non-specific chronic LBP.</p> <p>Trial registration number</p> <p>ACTRN12609000698279</p>

Item Description

10.1186/1749-8546-5-15
1749-8546