Effects of Biofreeze and chiropractic adjustments on acute low back pain: a pilot study☆
Received 14 December 2007; received in revised form 20 February 2008; accepted 24 February 2008.
Abstract
Objective
This randomized controlled study was designed to determine the pain-relieving effect of Biofreeze (Performance Health Inc., Export, PA) body surface application and chiropractic adjustments on subjects with acute low back pain (LBP).
Methods
The data were collected at the baseline, 2 weeks after treatment, and 4 weeks after treatment for final analyses. Diversified manual adjustments were provided by licensed chiropractors twice a week for 4 weeks to both control and experimental groups. Biofreeze was applied to the lower back area 3 times a day for 4 weeks in the experimental group. Outcome assessments included visual analog scale, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, heart rate variability for stress, and electromyography for low back muscle activity.
Results
A total of 36 subjects were recruited in the study (25 male). The average age was 34 years. Significant pain reduction was found after each week of treatment in the experimental group (P < .05). The Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire did not show significant changes in both groups. There were no significant differences for pain reduction in the control group. Heart rate variability analysis showed no significant change (P > .05) in the experimental group after 4 weeks of Biofreeze and chiropractic adjustments. There were no statistically significant changes in the electromyography readings between the 2 groups.
Conclusion
Biofreeze combined with chiropractic adjustment showed significant reduction in LBP.
aAssociate Director of Research, Logan College of Chiropractic, Chesterfield, MO 63017
bInstructor, Logan College of Chiropractic, Chesterfield, MO 63017
cAssociate Professor, Logan College of Chiropractic, Chesterfield, MO 63017
dInstructor, Logan College of Chiropractic, Chesterfield, MO 63017
eDean of Research, Logan College of Chiropractic, Chesterfield, MO 63017
Corresponding author. Logan College of Chiropractic, 1851 Schoettler Rd, Chesterfield, MO 63017, USA. Tel.: +1 636 230 1920.
☆ This study was funded by the Logan College of Chiropractic. Biofreeze was provided by Biofreeze to patients free of charges. No conflicts of interests exist in the study. The main finding of the study supports the use of Biofreeze in patient with acute low back pain.
ABSTRACT