The relative effectiveness of manipulation versus a combination of manipulation and oral Traumeel S in the treatment of mechanical neck pain

Abstract

According to the recent literature the application of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) is the mainstay and first line of conventional treatment for many types of pain, including that of spinal origin (DiPalma and DiGregorio 1994; Dabbs and Lauretti 1995; Koes et al. 1997). NSAID therapy has inherent side effects (Goodman and Simon 1994), however, given the risks involved, they are still of value as an adjunct to spinal manipulation (Crawford 1988), which has been shown to have less side effects and be more effective than conventional NSAIDS (Dabbs and Lauretti 1995; Giles and Müller 1999). A homeopathic alternative to NSAIDS is Traumeel S, it fulfils all the criteria for a locally acting therapeutic medication, with promotion of the natural healing process, and minimum side effects (Zell et al. 1989). A study by Hepburn (2000) compared the relative efficacy of Traumeel S against NSAIDS in the treatment of cervical facet syndrome. Hepburn concluded that there was statistically no difference between the two therapies. It could therefore be inferred that Traumeel S may be a valid alternative to NSAID therapy in the treatment of cervical facet syndrome. This study tested this hypothesis by comparing the effectiveness of spinal manipulation with the concurrent administration of oral Traumeel S against spinal manipulation alone in order to assess the potential benefit of combining Traumeel S with manipulation.