Effect of locally applied vibration on pain reduction in patients with chronic low back pain: A pilot study

Background: Locally applied vibration has been recently proposed as a treatment for pain relief. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of specific vibration therapy using the Redcord Stimula device on reduction of pain in patients with chronic low back pain. Methods: The study included 14 subjects aged 16-59 years. Pain was assessed at the baseline and after the therapy using the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire as well as with Oswestry Disability Index, pressure pain thresholds were recorded by a mechanical algometer. All subjects received 8 therapy sessions, each session consisting of 7 proprioceptive exercises adapted for use in the Redcord suspension system with the Redcord Stimula device. Results: After completing the therapy, a statistically significant reduction in the pain score was recorded in both questionnaires. The average values decreased by 8.8% (p = .001) in the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire and by 7.6% (p = .001) in the Oswestry Disability Index. Pain thresholds measured by an algometer showed statistically significant increase in 3 of 5 measured sites. Conclusions: The results of the study suggest that locally applied vibration may be a viable option for treatment of chronic pain.