Homeopathic Treatment of Chronic Low-Back Pain: A Double-Blind,Randomized,Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objectives:

To detect differences between individualized homeopathic medicinal products (IHMPs) and placebo after 4 months of intervention in patients with chronic low-back pain (LBP).

Design:

Four-month, double-blind, randomized (1:1), placebo-controlled, two parallel arms trial.

Setting:

PG3 and research outpatient department of D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital.

Subjects:

Sixty participants with chronic LBP.

Interventions:

Verum (n = 30; IHMPs plus concomitant care) versus control (n = 30; placebos plus concomitant care).

Outcome Measures:

Primary—Oswestry LBP Disability Questionnaire (ODQ); Secondary—Roland Morris Pain and Disability Questionnaire (RMPDQ); McGill Pain Questionnaire—Short Form (SF-MPQ); measured at baseline, and every month, up to 4 months.

Results:

Group differences achieved significance or near significance in all the specified outcomes—ODQ score (F _{1, 58} = 4.331, p = 0.042), RMPDQ score (F _{1, 58} = 2.939, p = 0.092), and SF-MPQ total score (F _{1, 58} = 6.666, p = 0.012). Rhus toxicodendron (n = 13), Bryonia alba (n = 8), Hypericum perforatum, and Nux vomica (n = 5 each) were the most frequently prescribed medicines. Different repertories were used as per the need of the cases—Kent, Synthesis, Murphy, Pulford, Boericke, Boger Boenninghausen’s Characteristics and Repertory, and Complete. Minor adverse events were reported from either group.

Conclusions:

Thus, homeopathic medicines worked significantly better than placebos in reducing chronic LBP. Independent replications are warranted to substantiate the findings.

Clinical Trial Registration Number:

CTRI/2022/04/041878.