Forschende Komplementärmedizin und klassische Naturheilkunde = Research in complementary and natural classical medicine
-
Forsch Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd · Aug 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialEffectiveness of balneotherapy in chronic low back pain -- a randomized single-blind controlled follow-up study.
Balneotherapy, a domain of medical science, focuses on utilizing the beneficial effects of medicinal waters. Low back pain is among the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders affecting a large proportion of the population during their lifetime. Although small in number, all controlled studies published on this subject have demonstrated the benefits of balneotherapy. This present study was undertaken to compare the effects of hydrotherapy with mineral water vs. tap water on low back pain. ⋯ Balneotherapy in itself can alleviate low back pain. As demonstrated by this study, the analgesic efficacy and improvement of mobility accomplished by the use of mineral water is significantly superior to that afforded by hydrotherapy with tap water. Our results clearly establish the beneficial effects of mineral water. Moreover, it is a valuable adjunct to other forms of physical treatment as well as to pharmacotherapy.