Abstract
M.Tech. (Homoeopathy)
Chronic pain, such as chronic low back pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA), can disrupt the quality of life by eroding the will to live, disturbing sleep and appetite, creating fatigue, and impairing recovery from illness or injury (Manchikanti et al. 2003:10). Conventional treatment used for OA includes drug therapy and physiotherapy. Homoeopathy has a wide range of remedies that can be useful in the treatment of symptoms, such as pain and stiffness that may be caused by osteoarthritis but there is limited research supporting the evidence of the effectiveness of these remedies (Kansal & Kaushal 2009:505).
The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of a homoeopathic complex (Arnica montana 6cH, Bryonia alba 6cH, Causticum 6cH, Kalmia latifolia 6cH, Rhus toxicodendron 6cH and Calcarea fluorica 6cH) and physiotherapy in the treatment of chronic low back pain (CLBP) due to osteoarthritis (OA).
This study was conducted over a period of six weeks. It was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving thirty participants, males and females, aged 45-75 years, receiving physiotherapy treatment for OA of the lumbar spine. Participants were randomly divided into two groups (A and B), namely the treatment and control groups. Data was collected and recorded during four consultations that were held at an interval of two weeks apart. During each consultation the following were measured; pain without palpation of the lower back, pain during palpation of the area, daily function, range of flexion and extension of the lower back.
Data was statistically analysed. The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test and the Friedman Test were used to analyse change within each group at each consultation. The Mann-Whitney U Test was used to analyse the difference between the treatment and control groups