Homeopathic Treatment of Chronic Low-Back Pain: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objectives: To detect differences between individualized homeopathic medicinal products (IHMPs) and placebo after 4 months of intervention in patients with chronic low-back pain (LBP). Design: Four-month, double-blind, randomized (1:1), placebo-controlled, two parallel arms trial. Setting: PG3 and research outpatient department of D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital. Subjects: Sixty participants with chronic LBP. Interventions: Verum (n = 30; IHMPs plus concomitant care) versus control (n = 30; placebos plus concomitant care). Outcome Measures: Primary-Oswestry LBP Disability Questionnaire (ODQ); Secondary-Roland Morris Pain and Disability Questionnaire (RMPDQ); McGill Pain Questionnaire-Short Form (SF-MPQ); measured at baseline, and every month, up to 4 months. Results: Group differences achieved significance or near significance in all the specified outcomes-ODQ score (F_{1, 58} = 4.331, p = 0.042), RMPDQ score (F_{1, 58} = 2.939, p = 0.092), and SF-MPQ total score (F_{1, 58} = 6.666, p = 0.012). Rhus toxicodendron (n = 13), Bryonia alba (n = 8), Hypericum perforatum, and Nux vomica (n = 5 each) were the most frequently prescribed medicines. Different repertories were used as per the need of the cases-Kent, Synthesis, Murphy, Pulford, Boericke, Boger Boenninghausen's Characteristics and Repertory, and Complete. Minor adverse events were reported from either group. Conclusions: Thus, homeopathic medicines worked significantly better than placebos in reducing chronic LBP. Independent replications are warranted to substantiate the findings. Clinical Trial Registration Number: CTRI/2022/04/041878.

Keywords: homeopathy; low-back pain; placebo; randomized controlled trial.