2003 Volume 9 Issue 1 Pages 117-120
The author reports on his use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) to treat chronic low back pain in 26 subjects, 10 males, 16 females ranging in ages from 42 years old to 83 years old with an average age of 68 years. Subjects were given paroxetine hydrochloride hydate 20 mg/day. The evaluation went with SDS (Self-rating Depression Scale) and PRS (Pain Release Score). [results] The points of SDS was 24 ∼ 68 (an average of 48.9) before SSRI started. PRS was 3 ∼ 10 points (an average of 6.96) three months after start of SSRI. The correlation between SDS before SSRI started and PRS after three months were analysed. The single recurrence coefficient recognized significant correlation on SDS before the dosage of SSRI and PRS three months later (R=-0.519, p<0.001). In the case where SDS was more than 50 points, average of PRS was 7.7+1.9. In cases where the SDS was less than 50 points, PRS was 6.2+2.2. There is a statistically significant difference between SDS between patients in these two groups. (P<0.01). SSRI can be an effective adjunct when treating patients with chronic low back pain.
