Magnetic therapy in acute and subacute non-specific back pain: Results of an open multicenter study

Abstract

Magnetic therapy (MT) is a non-drug method that improves the effectiveness of treatment of musculoskeletal pain, including:acute non-specific back pain (NBP). Objective of our study was to evaluate the results of complex treatment of patients with acute/subacute NBP at home using MT. The study group consisted of 339 patients with severe acute/subacute NBP. All patients received nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 166 patients (Group 1) received a course of MT (ALMAG+ device), 173 patients or a control group (Group 2) who did not receive MT. The dynamics of pain was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2. So, the intensity of pain during movement (NRS) decreased from 7 [5;8] and 7 [5;8] to 0 [0;13] and 2 [1;3] after 1 month. (p<0.001). Significant differences between Groups 1 and 2 were observed in the dynamics of pain at rest and at night, overall health assessment (OHA), and sleep function and disorders. The average duration of NSAIDs use in Group 1 was 8.8±3.9, Group 2 – 11.8±5.7 days (p<0.001). The use of MT increases the effectiveness of treatment of acute/subacute NBP and reduces the need for NSAIDs use.