![]() Significant benefits of leech therapy were also found at both time points with respect to physical impairment and function as well as physical quality of life. Results: The mean low back pain score improved from 61.2 ± 15.6 before treatment to 33.1 ± 22.4 on day 28 in the leech therapy group (n = 25) and from 61.6 ± 14.8 to 59.8 ± 16.7 in the exercise therapy group (n = 19) (group difference −25.2 95% confidence interval p = 0.0018). ![]() Trial visits took place before treatment and on days 28 ± 3 and 56 ± 5 after the start of treatment the overall duration of the trial was 56 ± 5 days. Secondary endpoints included functional impairment (Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire, Hannover Functional Ability Questionnaire), quality of life (Short-Form Health Questionnaire ), pain perception (pain perception scale = Schmerzempfindungsskala ), depressivity (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale ), and analgesic consumption (questionnaire/diary). The primary endpoint was a change in average back pain intensity, as measured using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS), after 28 days. Methods: Patients with chronic low back pain were randomized to receive either a single session of local treatment with 4–7 leeches or four weekly sessions of exercise therapy (1 hour each) led by a physical therapist. We therefore conducted the first randomized trial of leech therapy for chronic low back pain. Leeches are also often used empirically to treat chronic low back pain, but data from clinical trials have been lacking to date. Background: Leech therapy has been found to be effective in the treatment of a number of chronic musculoskeletal pain syndromes.
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