Abstract
Effects of eperisone hydrochloride (EMPP) were investigated in view of the muscle hemodynamics for patients with chronic low back pain (LBP). Males with chronic LBP (>6 months) were randomized to 3 treatment groups; Group A: physical therapy only (n=25), Group B: administration of EMPP for 4 weeks (n=23), Group C: McKenzie therapy (n=25). JOA-score, VAS, Faces Pain Scale-Revised, and SF-36 were recorded at 2 and 4 weeks. Intramuscular oxygenation was evaluated using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) attached to the paraspinal muscle during lumbar extension and flexion, and oxygenated hemoglobin (Oxy-Hb) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (Deoxy-Hb) were compared. VAS was significantly lower at 4 weeks in group C than in group A. Oxy-Hb in lumbar extension at 4 weeks was significantly higher in group B than in the other 2 groups. NIRS measurements demonstrated significant increases in Oxy-Hb during lumbar extension, which we proposed to be one of the important factors in muscular LBP. The results suggest a combination of EMPP and back exercises may be a desirable approach to conservative treatment for chronic LBP.
