Restorative exercise and physical therapy are common modalities for treating acute low back pain. Most forms of topical heat, including hydroculator packs and electrical heating pads, do not allow the patient to remain mobile during treatment. In addition, little is known about the additive effects of a combination treatment of CLHT with exercise for acute low back pain. Earlier clinical studies have shown that CLHT alone can reduce muscle and joint pain better than the oral analgesics, acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
According to study investigators, at the U.S. Spine and Sport Foundation of San Diego, CA the improved functionality was possibly due to the continuous wear of the heat wrap while exercising, as opposed to wearing it before or after the exercise session. Such a treatment regimen may allow the patient to be more compliant to perform the exercise therapy; thus, enhancing functional outcomes.
"The publication of this study is significant as it is the first time we found that two days after treatment ended subjects who exercised with CLHT had 70% reduction in lower back pain, 139% greater reduction in disability and 95% improvement in functional ability as compared to subjects who exercised without CLHT," said John Mayer, Ph.D., Director of Research at U.S. Spine & Sport Foundation and principal investigator for this study. "Simply wearing a portable heat wrap in conjunction with exercise cut pain and disability approximately in half."
Dr. Mayer also noted "The clinical application for this combination is great, as it provides patients with an option to improve their ability to function in conjunction with rehabilitative exercise."