Effects of whole body cryo-chamber therapy on pain in patients with chronic low back pain: a prospective double blind randomised controlled trial

Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2015 Apr;51(2):143-8. Epub 2014 Oct 9.

Abstract

Background: It is believed that treatment with low temperature can reduce pain perception in chronic pain patients, including chronic low back pain patients.

Aim: To evaluate the effects of a two-week repeated intervention of -67 °C cryo-chamber in patients with chronic low back pain.

Design: A prospective randomized double blind study design.

Setting: Hospital-based outpatients department

Population: Outpatients with chronic low back pain.

Methods: Comparing intervention group (-67 °C) with higher temperature (-5 °C) which was supposed as a control group in a cryo-chamber.

Results: Similar effectiveness in pain reduction in both intervention and control groups

Conclusion: Cryochamber therapy with -67 °C is not superior to (sham cryo chamber) with -5 °C.

Clinical rehabilitation impact: Cryo chambers therapy show positive effect by improving pain. For the treatment, -5 °C seems to be sufficient for these patients.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Chronic Pain / therapy*
  • Cryotherapy / methods*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Germany
  • Humans
  • Low Back Pain / therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
  • Pain Measurement / methods
  • Prospective Studies