Effects of whole body cryo-chamber therapy on pain in patients with chronic low back pain: a prospective double blind randomised controlled trial

Background. It is believed that treatment with low temperature can reduce pain perception in chronic pain patients, including chronic low back pain patients. Aim. To evaluate the effects of a two-week repeated intervention of -67 degrees C cryo-chamber in patients with chronic low back pain. Design. A prospective randomized double blind study design. Setting. Hospital-based outpatients department Population. Outpatients with chronic low back pain. Methods. Comparing intervention group (-67 degrees C) with higher temperature (-5 degrees C) which was supposed as a control group in a cryo-chamber. Results. Similar effectiveness in pain reduction in both intervention and control groups Conclusion. Cryochamber therapy with -67 degrees C is not superior to (sham cryo chamber) with -5 degrees C. Clinical Rehabilitation Impact. Cryo chambers therapy show positive effect by improving pain. For the treatment, -5 degrees C seems to be sufficient for these patients.