Published online Dec 18, 2023. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v14.i12.878
Peer-review started: June 20, 2023
First decision: August 30, 2023
Revised: September 12, 2023
Accepted: November 8, 2023
Article in press: November 8, 2023
Published online: December 18, 2023
Processing time: 177 Days and 18.2 Hours
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a highly prevalent cause of disability worldwide. Of the numerous causes of low back pain, lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a major contributor accounting for around 9% of CLBP in the population. The main symptom of LDH is chronic pain in the lower spine area that can impact the quality of life and heavily burden individuals, their families, and society. Standard treatments include pain management with acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids and anticonvulsants, steroid injections, and spinal surgeries.
Multiple adverse effects of the standard treatment options for low back pain limit their use and highlight the pressing need for a new conservative, safe and effective mode of treatment.
This is the first clinical study that attempts to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of Dr Allen’s Device for Low Back Pain Treatment in patients with chronic low back pain due to lumbar disc herniation (LDH) or non-specific low back pain (NSLBP), as well as the ability of this therapy to improve health-related quality of life.
A total of 55 patients with chronic low back pain were recruited and randomised for the clinical trial. Thermobalancing therapy with Dr Allen’s Device for Low Back Pain Treatment was used as a monotherapy for a 3-month period. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) were used to assess the effectiveness of treatment. The effect on chronic low back pain was assessed as the primary health outcome.
The study showed that most patients in the treatment group experienced a significant pain reduction in the low back area, an improvement in the lumbar function, walking ability, social life, and mental health, with no patients showing worsening of these parameters. It was confirmed that the treatment with Dr Allen’s Device was effective and safe in patients with non-specific low back pain and lumbar disc herniation.
Thermobalancing therapy with Dr Allen’s Device can be recommended for an effective at-home management of chronic low back pain.
The results suggest that this treatment may also be effective and safe for other types of chronic back pain and further research in this direction is needed.