Effectiveness of manual yumeiho therapy and exercise on depression and neuropathic pain in patients suffering from chronic nonspecific low back pain

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic low back pain is the leading cause of disability, which reduces quality of life and increases the healthcare costs. Psychosocial factors (depression, kinesiophobia and somatization) may also have an important role in the appearance and duration of chronic nonspecific low back pain. Depression may predispose low back pain, while the chronicity of pain affects the degree of disability, which is also related to mental health. Many studies suggest the association between depression and low back pain by explaining a significant physiological link. Different types of manual therapy are used in the treatment of chronic low back pain, but recent studies suggest that a rehabilitation models which combine manual therapy and exercise, provide better results compared to individual (separate) applications. The aim of this research was to examine the effects of the rehabilitation program, which in-cludes manual yumeiho therapy and exercise, on depression in people suffering from chronic nonspecific low back pain. Methods: The study included 21 participants, aged 40 to 60 (M=51.1, SD=5.9) who suffer from chronic nonspecific low back pain. The study included the initial and final depression test and the initial and final neuropathic pain test. Between the initial and the final testing, a three-week therapeutic procedure of yumeiho manual therapy and exercise was performed (15 treatments). Repeated estimates of depression and neuropathic pain were tested 30 and 60 days after the implementation of the rehabilitation protocol. Results: Statistically significant improvements were noted between the initial and the final test in both observed variables. Significant improvements (lower depression and neuropathic pain) have also been noted 30 and 60 days after the implementation of the rehabilitation pro-tocol (in relation to the initial state). Conclusion: The findings indicate that the rehabilitation protocol, involving manual yumeiho therapy and exercise, is an effective method for treating depression and neuropathic pain in people suffering from chronic nonspecific low back pain. Considering the lack of research on the effects of manual therapy by yumeiho technique, the results contribute to a better under-standing of technique which, although used in practice, has not been suficiently explored. Further research is required, on comparing this rehabilitation model to other methods, as well as longer follow-up in the post-rehabilitation period.