Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, feasibility trial of individualizedhomeopathic medicines in sciatica pain

Sciatica is a debilitating condition in which the patient experiences pain and/or paresthesia in the distribution of the sciatic nerve or associated lumbo-sacral nerve root. Sciatica is a relatively common condition with a lifetime incidence varying from 13-40%. The different treatment methods are bed rest (trade-off), analgesics or NSAIDS, acupuncture, epidural steroid injections, spinal manipulation, traction therapy, physical therapy, behavioral treatment, surgical intervention etc. with various results. There are number of studies for the treatment of LBP in homeopathy, including the cases of sciatica pain. But, till date, there is no controlled trial of individualized homeopathy in sciatica pain. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial at D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, 42 patients suffering from sciatica will be randomized to receive either individualized homeopathic medicines (verum; n=21) or identical-looking placebo (control; n=21). We aim to address the feasibility issues of conducting a definitive efficacy trial of individualized homeopathic medicines in the treatment of sciatica pain and disability, and to investigate whether there are any differences in outcomes between these two groups over 2 months of intervention. Roland Morris pain and disability questionnaire (RMPDQ), McGill pain questionnaire (MPQ), and Oswestry LBP questionnaire will be used as the primary and secondary outcome measures respectively. Feasibility issues will be checked and comparative analysis will be carried out to examine group differences, if any. Results will be published in scientific journals.