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Patient consensus on mode of use of nettle sting for musculoskeletal pain
Adrian R White1, Colin Randall, Geoffrey Harding
1Institute of Health Services Research, Peninsula Medical School, University of Plymouth, UK. adrian.white@pms.ac.uk
Background:
Many patients with musculoskeletal pain prefer topical treatments because they consider them safer than oral drugs. There is a long history of topical use of nettle sting for pain, but no standard method of application. Our objective was to develop a consensus of the experiences of nettle sting users.
Methods:
A consensus study was conducted using the expert panel method. Media articles resulted in 16 responses and nine users attended a meeting. Participants first responded to questions on how they chose the leaf and how they applied the nettle sting; then discussed their individual responses; and finally responded once more to the same questions. Consensus was defined as 70% agreement. Participants' consensus was developed from the responses and discussions, and modified in response to repeated feedback and to comments of seven other nettle users.
Results:
Consensus was present initially on three questions: 'Important to feel a good strong sting', 'Immediately sting the area again' and 'Sting once a day'. Opinions on the method and site of application, and format of a course of treatment varied. This range of advice was incorporated into a treatment consensus document acceptable to all users in the study.
Conclusions:
The users' consensus document for the use of nettle sting for musculoskeletal pain is published for anyone who wishes to use this self-care approach to treating their pain. The user's consensus document represents an essential step in undertaking further research into the effectiveness of nettle sting as a treatment for musculoskeletal pain.
