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Interferential and horizontal therapies in chronic low back pain due to multiple vertebral fractures: a randomized, double blind, clinical study

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Abstract

Summary

Chronic low back pain due to multiple vertebral fractures is of difficult management. Electrical nerve stimulation is frequently used, but its efficacy has never been properly evaluated. In a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial, we have shown that both interferential currents and horizontal therapy are more effective than placebo for functional.

Introduction

Multiple vertebral fractures almost invariably ensue in chronic low back pain that remains of difficult management. Electrical nerve stimulation is frequently used but its efficacy has never been properly evaluated.

Methods

One hundred and fifteen women with chronic back pain due to previous multiple vertebral osteoporotic fractures (CBPMF) were randomly assigned to either interferential currents (IFT), horizontal therapy (HT) or sham HT administered for 30 minutes daily for 5 days per week for two weeks together with a standard exercise program. Efficacy assessment was obtained at baseline and at week 2, 6 and 14 and included a functional questionnaire (Backill), the standard visual analog scale (VAS) and the mean analgesic consumption.

Results

At week 2 a significant and similar improvement in both the VAS and Backill score was observed in the three groups. The two scores continued to improve in the two active groups with changes significantly (p <  0.001) greater than those observed in control patients at week 6 and 14. The use of analgesic medications improved only in the HT group.

Conclusion

This randomized double-blind controlled study provides the first evidence that IFT and HT therapy are significantly effective in alleviating both pain and disability in patients with CBPMF.

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Acknowledgment

We are grateful to Alberto Chiaramonte, the physiotherapist who administered all therapies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rheumatologic Rehabilitation, University of Verona, Verona, Italy

    A. Zambito, D. Bianchini, D. Gatti, M. Rossini, S. Adami & O. Viapiana

  2. Rheumatologic Unit, University of Verona, Ospedale di Valleggio, 37054 Valeggio s/Mincio, Verona, Italy

    S. Adami

Authors
  1. A. Zambito
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  2. D. Bianchini
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  3. D. Gatti
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  4. M. Rossini
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  5. S. Adami
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  6. O. Viapiana
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to S. Adami.

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Zambito, A., Bianchini, D., Gatti, D. et al. Interferential and horizontal therapies in chronic low back pain due to multiple vertebral fractures: a randomized, double blind, clinical study. Osteoporos Int 18, 1541–1545 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-007-0391-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-007-0391-3

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