The role of homoeopathic treatment in women suffering from post-caesarean backache: An open observational clinical trial

Abstract

Context: An open observational trial was carried out at National Institute of Homoeopathy, India, to assess the possible effects of individualised Homoeopathy in individuals suffering from post caesarean backache. Aim: The aim of the study was to find the role of homoeopathic treatment in individuals suffering from post caesarean backache. Methods: Fifty subjects were enrolled. The Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF MPQ) and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (ODQ) were used as the outcome measures, assessed at baseline and after 3 months of treatment. Medicines prescribed followed homoeopathic principles. Non-parametric Wilcoxon signed rank test was applied to compare the dependent observations. P < 0.05 two tailed was considered statistically significant. Results: Five subjects dropped out and 45 completed the trial. Intention to treat sample (n = 50) was analysed. There were statistically significant reductions in pain rating index percentage score (median 83.3 (IQR 66.7 to 100) vs. median 66.7 (IQR 33.3 to 71.1), P < 0.001); visual analogue scale score (median 7.0 (IQR 6.0 to 8.0) vs. median 6.0 (IQR 4.8 to 7.0), P < 0.001); present pain index score (median 3.0 (IQR 2.0 to 3.0) vs. median 2.0 (IQR 2.0 to 3.0), P = 0.019) and ODQ% score (median 44.0 (IQR 39.5 to 50.0) vs. median 39.0 (IQR 31.9 to 44.0), P < 0.001) over 3 months of treatment. Natrum muriaticum (n = 11, 22%); Staphysagria (n = 8, 16%); Bryonia alba and Rhustoxicodendron (n = 6 each, 12%) and Pulsatilla nigricans (n = 4, 8%) were prescribed frequently. Conclusion: Indicated homoeopathic medicines reduced SF MPQ and ODQ scores. Further randomised trials are warranted with enhanced methodological rigour.