The effect of spa treatment on pain, sleep and quality of life in patients with diabetic neuropathic pain

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of spa therapy on pain, sleep and quality of life of patients with diabetic neuropathic pain. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with diabetic neuropathic pain were included in the study. Neuropathic pain severity was assessed by Visuel Analog Scale (VAS), sleep quality by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PUKI), and quality of life by Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). All evaluations were done twice before and after treatment. 15 sessions of spa treatment were applied. RESULTS: After treatment; the change in severity of pain that was assessed by VAS was statistically significant, although the change was not clinically significant (p=0,033). There was a statistically significant increase in sleep quality assessed by PUKI in patients after treatment (p˂0,001). Statistically significant improvements were observed in the emotional reactions, sleep, social isolation and physical activity subscales of NHP which was used for the assessment of the quality of life (p respectively ˂0,001, 0,002, 0,002, 0,039). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In conclusion, spa treatment may not improve the severity of pain in patients with diabetic neuropathic pain, but may improve the sleep quality and quality of life of patients. The treatment of patients with diabetic neuropathic pain, especially where the problem of sleep is prominent, can be supported by the spa treatment.

Keywords

• spa treatment
• diabetic neuropathic pain
• quality of life
• sleep