Clinical efficacy of spa therapy (balneotherapy) for chronic low back pain: A randomized single-blind trial

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The effect of spa therapy, a non-pharmacological treatment for chronic low back pain (CLBP) has been evaluated by several randomized clinical trials. This randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the effect of balneotherapy alone versus balneotherapy with physical exercise. Methods Participants (n\u202f=\u202f60) with low back pain for more than 6 months and attending a musculoskeletal clinic were recruited into this study. They were randomized to either the balneotherapy group (immersion in thermo-mineral water) or to a balneotherapy\u202f+\u202fexercise group (group exercises delivered in addition to balneotherapy). Results Before intervention and 3 and 6 months after intervention, statistically significant decreases were observed according to a visual analog scale of pain intensity (p\u202f Conclusion Although two weeks of spa therapy was beneficial in improving pain and physical function in patients with CLBP, there was no difference between balneotherapy combined with physical exercise therapy and balneotherapy alone. However, this therapeutic approach seemed advantageous in improving mobility and flexibility in these patients.