Study on mud baths for chronic back pain

Patrizia Manica et al.

January 2024

Back pain

Fango treatment

The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of a therapy with sulphate-arsenic mud packs on pain, function and sleep quality in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP).

The study involved 123 patients who received 12 local mud packs and thermal baths daily at the Levico Spa Center (Italy). Pain intensity, stiffness, mobility of the lumbar spine and functional impairment were measured using visual analog scales (VAS), the Schober test and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

The results showed a significant decrease in VAS scores for pain and stiffness and an improvement in Schober test and RMDQ scores at the end of treatment and three months later. PSQI scores also decreased significantly after treatment and at the 3-month follow-up. Spearman analysis revealed a positive correlation between PSQI scores and VAS pain, VAS stiffness and RMDQ scores.

The study suggests that mud bath therapy has positive and long-term effects on pain, function and sleep quality in patients with CLBP.

The most important information on the study at a glance

Indications: Chronic back pain
Institution: Thermal Resort of Levico and Vetriolo, Levico Terme, Trento, Italy
Title: Study on mud baths for chronic lower back pain
Brief description: The study shows that mud therapy significantly improves pain, stiffness and sleep quality in chronic back pain.
Original title: Efficacy of balneotherapy on pain, function, and sleep quality in patients with chronic low-back pain: a prospective observational study
Link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38285108/