Immediate Effects of Thai Herbal Hot Pack Treatment on Pain and Lower Back Flexibility: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this pilot study was to investigate immediate effects of Thai herbal hot pack on pain and muscle flexibility in person with chronic low back pain. Material and Methods: Twenty-two subjects with low back pain received the Thai herbal hot pack treatment which was heated by microwave oven on lower back for 30 minutes. Subjects were assessed pain and flexibility using visual analog scale and sit and reach test, respectively. Both parameters were measured at baseline and immediately after treatment. Results: The results showed that there were statistically significant difference in pain and flexibility immediately after 30 minutes of using Thai herbal hot pack (p-value<0.001 and p-value<0.050, respectively). The microwave oven-heated Thai herbal hot pack showed positive effect on pain and flexibility. Heat conduction and herbal ingredients of Thai herbal hot pack may be the main reasons that effects on parameters. Conclusion: Thai herbal hot pack may be considered as an alternative treatment for pain relieving and flexibility improving in low back pain patients.

Keywords

• flexibility
• pain
• thai herbal hot pack