[A study of logotherapy for chronic low back pain patients]

DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) has many roles in human body as comprehensive vital power, whose metabolite is urine 17-KS-S (abbreviated S), having function of anti-cortisol. The metabolite of cortisol is urine 17-OHCS (abbreviated OH). DHEA-S is produced not only in adrenal glands but in brain. In order to examine the effects of logotherapy, urine S and OH were examined. Subjects were chronic low back pain patients treated by loxoprofen sodium (NSAID). In Group 1 (n = 11) logotherapy was not added, but in Group 2 (n = 10) it was added. Before the treatment, both groups showed low S and high OH. After 3 weeks, Group 2 showed higher S and lower OH than Group 1. After 18 weeks, 4 cases (40%) were relapsed in Group 2, and 10 (90.9%) were in Group 1 (p < 0.05). Group 2 was divided into 2 groups; relapsed group (n = 4) and non-relapsed group (n = 6). S, OH, S/OH were examined between 2 groups of Group 2 and Group 1. Relapsed group of Group 2 and Group 1 showed lower S and higher OH than non-relapsed group of Group 2. [Discussion] Logotherapy is a method to activate comprehensive human vital power. This is the mechanism through stimulating and activating human brain function.