Intravenous colchicine for low-back pain: a double-blind study

Abstract

Colchicine, a drug used for centuries in the treatment of gout, has been reported to be effective for low-back pain due to disc disorders. A prospective, randomized, double-blind study evaluating the therapeutic effect of intravenous colchicine was conducted in a group of patients with low-back pain with symptoms originating less than 6 months previously. Each patient completed a questionnaire and a pain drawing. Laboratory studies including uric acid and sedimentation rate were performed, as was a detailed physical examination and lumbar thermography. All treatment parameters (including physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and instructions) were constant except that each patient received either intravenous colchicine or intravenous saline. Results indicate a significant difference between the two groups, the intravenous colchicine group showing improvement in symptoms for a few hours or days over a 3-week course of treatment. However, the relief was often of short duration.