Herbal Medicine for Low Back Pain: A Cochrane Review
Gagnier JJ, Oltean H, van Tulder MW, Berman BM, Bombardier C
Published in Spine
Methodology
Cochrane systematic review of 14 randomized controlled trials (2050 participants) of herbal medicines for acute, sub-acute and chronic nonspecific low back pain, with GRADE assessment.
Key Findings
Topical capsicum frutescens showed the most consistent short-term pain reduction; devil's claw and white willow bark showed modest short-term benefit on low to moderate quality evidence.
Conclusions
Some herbal medicines may offer short-term pain relief for nonspecific low back pain, but evidence quality is low to moderate and long-term data are lacking.
Limitations
Small trials, short follow-up, heterogeneous preparations and doses, low to moderate GRADE certainty.
Supplements Studied
Fourteen RCTs (2050 participants) were included.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
Access Study
Disclosures
Funding
Cochrane Back Review Group
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