Influence of moderate physical exertion on subacute low back pain, after Symphytum officinale ointment treatment.

Background. Lumbar pain has a medical, psycho-emotional and social importance. At present, more acccent is placed on pain phytotherapy. Of plants, Symphytum officinale (SO) is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions. Aims. The objective of the study is to monitor the influence of moderate physical exertion on some sedentary subjects with subacute low back pain, after their treatment with a phytotherapic ointment containing SO (PSO), compared with non-treated control subjects. Methods. The chosen subjects (n=30) were selected based on the requirements of the study. Exercise consisted of pedaling on the Stepper 130 rpm/0-999 W/RUN 7414-15-T, 8 days, 3 min/test/day, at a strength that was increased by 11 watts/day. The analyzed indicators were local pain sensation (P) and anxiety (A). The chosen phytotherapy preparation was PSO. Statistical evaluation was done based on the Student test. Results. Following PSO administration, P decreased in the period prior to exercise, and P and A were significantly reduced during exercise, compared to the untreated group, at all testing times. Conclusions. 1) At the end of PSO ointment therapy, both after the first and the second period of phytotherapeutic preparation use, the sensation of pain was significantly reduced in subjects with subacute lumbar pain. 2) The pain sensation and anxiety were significantly reduced in subjects treated with PSO ointment compared with untreated subjects, under moderate physical exertion conditions by pedaling on a stepper. 3) OSP ointment phytotherapy provided antalgic and emotional protection in the treated subjects, in moderate exercise by stepper pedaling. 4) Given the results obtained with the PSO ointment, as well as its therapeutic qualities of good tolerance by the body, absence of toxicity and economic accessibility, we propose its use by subjects with subacute low back pain, as a form of pain therapy and antalgic protection, during rest and under moderate exercise conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]