A Prospective comparison between the effect of reflexology and steroid injection for relieving of pain in patient with chronic low back pain a clinical randomized trial study
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Keywords
reflexology, steroid, chronic pain, chronic low back pain.
Abstract
Introduction: Reflexology is one of the alternative therapies categorized under hand massage in the treatment of lower back pain. To affect bio-physiological changes in the body, it employs a particular technique of pressing or pushing the reflexology points on the palms and soles. Epidural injection of corticosteroids is one of the most used medical interventions in managing chronic back pain, However, controversy surrounds the appropriate uses of injection therapies.
Aim: In this study we compared reflexology and steroid for their ability to relieve pain in people suffering from chronic pain.
Method and Materials: The study included 60 patients with chronic low back pain. Divided into, reflexology, and corticosteroid injection groups. Reflexology interventions were carried out in intercourse sessions for two weeks, three days a week, for 40 minutes each day (20 minutes for each foot, and one session for injection of corticosteroid exactly in the caudal epidural area.
Result: The study showed significant differences between the two groups in terms of, improvement in pain after the first session, after 1 week, and after 3 months (P=0.0001, 0.0001, 0.013) respectively.
Conclusion: In conclusion, Reflexology therapy is an important and effective non-pharmacological method for chronic lower back pain treatment. And it has higher efficacy and lower side effects than caudal steroid injection.
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