Effect of Imagery Technic on Chronic Low Back Pain

Abstract

Background: Imagery technic is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of imagery therapy on patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Materials and Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial. During three months, 78 participants aged 18-61 with CLBP at least for one year were enrolled. The patients were randomized in two groups. The low back pain intensity (VAS) and the disability index (Oswestry questionnaire) were assessed at the admission time and 12 weeks after the treatment. Results: Of the participants, 36 (46.2%) were female. The mean of pain intensity changed favorably from 7.53 ± 1.07 to 4.2 ± 1.4 in the control group and from 7.45 ± 1.1 to 2.44 ± 1.09 in the case group. The estimated mean difference between the groups was in favor of imagery technic (95% confidence interval (CI), P < 0.001). The mean Oswestry disability index changed favorably from 24.54 ± 1.45 to 7.77 ± 2.05 in the control group and from 24.79 ± 1.52 to 4.51 ± 1.17 in the case group. The estimated mean difference between the groups was in favor of imagery technic (95% CI, P < 0.001). Conclusions: With regard to the low cost of imagery technic and its effectiveness in our study, it is recommended to add this technic to our practice for patient with CLBP.