Work

Relevance of balneotherapy for back pain—a systematic literature review covering the past 5 years

Year: 2025

Type: review

Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of this systematic review was to focus on the effect of balneotherapy on back pain. METHODS: The review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Peer-reviewed randomized (RCTs) or quasi-randomized (CTs) controlled trials including balneotherapy as an intervention for back pain were included. The PubMed database was screened for trials published from January 2019 to April 2025. The effects on the parameters pain and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) were summarized. RESULTS: In total, 235 relevant studies were identified. Seven articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The PEDro scale ranged from 3 to 9 points, showing that the articles were of poor to excellent methodological quality. The included studies were heterogeneous, both in terms of treatment protocols and outcome parameters. Therefore, pooling of data for meta-analysis was not possible, and we were limited to a discussion of the included studies. In two RCTs and one CT, the effects of healing waters (including peat suspensions etc.) on back pain were examined. Furthermore, one CT investigating a combination of peloids (local compresses) and healing water was identified. In one RCT, hydrotherapy (full bath of tap water) plus peloid (sepiolite clay) was examined. One RCT as well as one CT focused on peloid therapy (heat packs). In summary, the results of the included studies indicate that balneotherapy may alleviate pain and improve HRQOL. CONCLUSION: According to current scientific data, balneotherapy seems to be clinically relevant for treating back pain within state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment concepts.

Source: Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift

DOI: 10.1007/s10354-025-01118-3

Authors: Richard Crevenna, Julian Scheifinger, Mohammad Keilani

Institution: Medical University of Vienna

Language: English

Topic: Therapeutic Uses of Natural Elements

Subfield: Complementary and Manual Therapy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,490