July 2005

Low-level heat improves exercise for low back pain

New research published in the August issue of The Spine Journal shows that continuous low-level heat wrap therapy (CLHT) can significantly reduce acute low back pain and improve functional outcomes in patients who use CLHT with exercise as compared to those who do not.

Restorative exercise and physical therapy are common modalities for treating acute low back pain. Most forms of topical heat, including hydroculator packs and electrical heating pads, do not allow the patient to remain mobile during treatment. In addition, little is known about the additive effects of a combination treatment of CLHT with exercise for acute low back pain. Earlier clinical studies have shown that CLHT alone can reduce muscle and joint pain better than the oral analgesics acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

One hundred patients (age 31.2+/-10.6 years) with non-specific low back pain of less than three months duration were randomized to one of four groups: CLHT alone (ThermaCare Heatwraps, n=25); directional preference-based exercise alone (Exercise, n=25); combination of CLHT and exercise (CLHT+Exer, n=24); or control (Instructional Booklet, n=26). Treatments were administered for five consecutive days and included four visits to the study center over one week. Outcome measures, two days after cessation of treatment (day 7), were functional ability assessed by the Multidimensional Task Ability Profile, disability assessed by the Roland- Morris Disability Questionnaire, and pain relief assessed by a six-point verbal rating scale.

Source: U.S. Spine and Sport Foundation, www.spineandsport.com/foundation

Industry News from:
Chiropractic News from: