[The Efficacy of homeopathy in the treatment of chronic low back pain compared to standardized physiotherapy].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this pilot project was to evaluate the efficacy of treatment of chronic low back pain during two months either by homeopathy or by standardised physiotherapy.


METHODS
43 patients suffering from chronic low back pain were included in this controlled, randomised prospective study. They were divided in two treatment groups: homeopathy and standardised physiotherapy. Based on the initial and final clinical investigations, the Oswestry questionnaire and the visual analogue scale, that were assessed at the beginning, at the end and 18.5 months after therapy, the results were statistically evaluated. A further questionnaire documented the acceptance of treatment.


RESULTS
A comparison of the groups from the beginning to the end of treatment reveals a significant decrease of the Oswestry score in patients treated by homeopathy. This tendency could not be confirmed 18.5 months later. Homeopathy was well accepted by most of the patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on these results, nothing can be said against attempting treatment of chronic low back pain by means of homeopathy. Further research is recommended to confirm the results of our investigation, using a larger number of patients, a third treatment group, homeopathy double blinded.
Gmünder
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Abteilung für Physikalische Medizin und Rheumatologie, Orthopädische Universitätsklinik Balgrist, Zürich, Switzerland.
Kissling
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006705:Homeopathy; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies