Massage and electroacupuncture as a combined method versus epidural analgesia for chronic low back pain management

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a widespread issue, affecting 21 % to 68 % of adults, and holistic management with individualized treatments are recommended.

The aim was to compare the effectiveness of two combined methods, massage and electroacupuncture (MA), versus epidural analgesia (EP) in managing pain, functionality, mood, and quality of life in patients with CLBP.

This study is a prospective randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded, interventional clinical trial. One Hundred and ten (110) participants (age 48.5 ± 2.9, 45M/65F) were randomly divided into two groups: 1) Massage - Electroacupuncture (MA) receiving 8 weekly sessions once a week and 2) Epidural analgesia (EP) receiving 3 epidural injections, every 15 days. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing pain, mood, functionality, and quality of life for four (4) intervals, before and after treatment, 24- and 48-weeks' follow-up respectively.

Statistically significant improvements in pain relief for the MA group compared to EP, as measured by the NRS scale (p < 0.001) were observed. However, both groups exhibited similar outcomes regarding mood, functionality, and quality of life, with the MA group showing slight superiority, especially at the 24-week follow-up. Between-group adjustments over time represented relatively greater or earlier improvements in the MA group, as observed by the negative values obtained by the sample in the measurements.

The MA method could offer a comprehensive and potentially effective approach to pain management in CLBP patients compared to EP. The findings support the integration of combined treatments as part of a holistic approach for the management of CLBP.