Overview
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a non-manipulative, very gentle manual treatment method. Although the mechanisms of action have not yet been investigated sufficiently, initial clinical trials support CST efficacy/effectiveness in chronic pain disorders such as back pain, neck pain, and fibromyalgia. In clinical practice, therapists also report pain alleviating effects of CST self-help techniques, offered to patients within a group concept. Yet, the effectiveness of teaching CST self-help techniques to medical laypersons has not yet been scientifically investigated.
Therefore, this study aims at collecting quantifiable data on the effectiveness and safety of a CST self-help group concept, developed for patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. The intervention group will receive 24 lessons of education and practice in CST self-help techniques over 12 weeks, while the control group will receive the same amount of self-help (education and practice) in progressive muscle relaxation. Six and 12 months after randomization, longer-term effects will be investigated.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Chronic non-specific / functional lower back pain for at least 3 months
- Functional impairment: minimal 11 and maximal 41 points on the ODI
- Willingness to participate in the group program and practice at home
Exclusion Criteria:
- Specific back pain due to:
- Severe congenital or acute degenerative diseases
- Severe inflammatory musculoskeletal or rheumatic diseases
- Neurological diseases
- Status after actue trauma/whiplash
- Status after neoplasms in the area of the spinal column
- Acute severe comorbid mental illness or other acute severe comorbid somatic illness
- Pregnancy
- Current pension application
- Regular use of corticosteroids, opiates, muscle relaxants, or antidepressants
- Simultaneous participation in other clinical trials