Spinal collagen mesotherapy in patients with chronic thoracic back pain: a retrospective analysis of effectiveness and safety in a 3-month follow-up.

INTRODUCTION

Thoracic spine pain syndrome is far less common than lumbosacral or cervical pain. This pathology is often caused by work-related overload, especially sedentary work, lack of regular sport activities, and adopting incorrect postures. Thoracic spine pain may result, for instance, from degenerative joint lesions. In consequence, there is a reflex contraction of the soft, paraspinal tissues (muscles, fascia, ligaments). In this case, one of the treatment methods is spinal mesotherapy. The purpose of the present research was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of thoracic spinal mesotherapy with collagen type I vs. lignocaine.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the results of the treatment of patients with chronic thoracic back pain syndrome using mesotherapy was performed. A total of 130 patients (49 men and 81 women; mean age: 49 ±9 years) were divided into 2 groups: group A ( = 65), treated with collagen type I, and group B ( = 65), treated with lignocaine 1%. Mesotherapy was performed weekly over 5 weeks. Patients were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Laitinen scales before the therapy, after the therapy, and after a 3-month follow-up visit.

RESULTS

A statistically significant improvement was observed after the use of thoracic spinal mesotherapy both with collagen type I and lignocaine, on the VAS and Laitinen scales, with the collagen treatment having better results at the 3-month follow-up visit. No adverse effects were observed after the procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal mesotherapy is an effective and safe method of treating chronic thoracic back pain syndrome using collagen type I and lignocaine. However, in an average observation, collagen mesotherapy seems to be more effective.