Deep heating therapy via MF radiowaves versus superficial heating therapy in the treatment of nonspecific chronic low back pain: A double blind randomized trial

BACKGROUND: Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) is a condition difficult to treat due to multiple etiopathogenesis and there is wide consensus on the multidisciplinary approach. In physiotherapy, the Medium Frequencies (MF) diathermy has recently been introduced but without enough evidence of effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of a deep heating therapy (DHT) produced by a MF diathermy for the treatment of CLBP compared with a superficial heating therapy (SHT). The study was a double blind randomized trial. METHODS: Forty-nine patients affected by CLBP were randomly subdivided in 2 groups and treated with either DHT (450 KHz) or SHT via electric resistance applying the same instrument on the lumbar spine. NRS (Numerical Rating Scale) for pain and ODI (Oswestry Disability Index) for disability were used as outcome measures. The follow up was: T1, 15 days (end of the therapy); T2, 30 days; T3, 45 days after T0. RESULTS: Both therapies were effective in reducing pain throughout the follow up with greater improvement in DHT group at T1. DHT resulted to have a higher efficacy with respect to SHT in reducing disability (ODI) throughout all follow ups. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence of the positive effects of MF radio waves diathermy in the treatment of CLBP.