Evaluation of comparative efficacy of Hijama bila shart (dry cupping) and Bukhoor (steam application) in the management of low back pain

Introduction

Low back pain is an important cause of disability. The aim of treatment is to reduce the pain and minimize its consequences. Management includes counseling and reassurance, use of analgesics, non-pharmacological therapies, and regular review.

Method

An open-label, randomized, and parallel-group clinical trial was conducted in which Group A patients received Hijama bila Shart (dry cupping) while group B patients received Bukhoor (medicated steam application); both therapies were given for 5 min in 3 sittings (day 1, 4 and 8).

Result

Oswestry LBP Total Scores in Group A decreased from 20.70 ± 0.49 to 6.77 ± 0.37, while in Group B it decreased from 20.07 ± 3.63 to 5.83 ± 2.36. The pain intensity also decreased from 3.10 ± 0.55 to 1.57 ± 0.57 in group A, while from 2.97 ± 0.61 to 1.30 ± 0.75 in group B. Improvement in disability was also found statistically significant. On comparing the improvement in disability between the group, the difference was significant (p < 0.05), and improvement in group A was a little better as compared to group B.

Discussion

The effect of dry cupping may be due to increased blood circulation; lymphatic channelization and dispersion of inflammatory chemicals from the site of pain. The effect of medicated steam application may be due to the anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxing effects of steam and heat of the steam itself; the drugs used for steam application are reported to reduce inflammation on local application.

Conclusion

Dry cupping and Medicated Steam application both are beneficial, safe, and cost effective treatment modalities for the Low back pain.