[A role of melatonin in the treatment of low back pain].
OBJECTIVE
To study an analgesic role of melatonin in the treatment of low back pain.


METHODS
A study included 178 patients, aged from 40 to 65 years, with low back pain during at least 12 weeks and the VAS score > 3. Patients were stratified into 6 groups (3 pairs of comparison). In the first pair, patients of the main group (n = 31) received APTPA (a combination of 500 mg of glucosamine hydrochloride and 500 mg of chondroitin sulfate) in dosage 1 tablet twice a day during 1 month and then 1 tablet during 2 months plus melaxen (3 mg of melatonin 30-40 min before sleep), patients of the control group (n = 29) received only APTPA. In the second pair, patients of the comparison group (n = 30) received APTPA in dosage 1 tablet twice a day and diclofenac in dosage 25 mg 2-3 times a day, patients of the main group (n = 30) received additionally melaxen (3 mg of melatonin 30-40 min before sleep). In the third pair, patients of the main group (n = 29) received APTPA in dosage 1 tablet twice a day, diclofenac in dosage 25 mg 2-3 times a day and melaxen (3 mg of melatonin 30-40 min before sleep), patients of the comparison group (n = 29) did not receive melaxen. Treatment results were assessed after 3 months for the first pair and after 1 month for the second and third pairs.


RESULTS
A significant reduction in pain intensity at movement and resting state was noted in the main groups compared to controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Possible mechanisms of analgesic properties of melatonin and world experience in chronic low back pain treatment are discussed.
Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow.
Yu M
YM
Kurganova
Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow.
A B
AB
Danilov
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D013607:Tablets
D000700:Analgesics; D000975:Antioxidants; D013607:Tablets; D004008:Diclofenac; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates; D008550:Melatonin