Alpha-lipoic acid helps treat back pain.

 

This trial evaluates the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and the beneficial effect of physical exercise on positive sensory symptoms and neuropathic pain in patients with compressive radiculopathy syndrome from disc-nerve root conflict.

These painful syndromes tend to become chronic syndromes. In these cases proper prevention, based on a maintenance drug therapy and the strengthening exercises of paravertebral muscles, are called for.

In this Observational Cohort, 203 patients were enrolled and divided into two groups, the first, ALA and GLA group, (n = 101) received oral dose of 600 mg of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and 360 mg of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and a rehabilitation program for six weeks, the second (n = 102) treated with only rehabilitation program.

Significant improvements was noted in the ALA and GLA group for paresthesia, stabbing and burning pain. Also, improvements of quality of life has been noted, in the same group. All these outcome measure showed statistically significant decreases. Oral treatment with alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) for six weeks in synergy with rehabilitation therapy improved neuropathic symptoms and deficits in patients with radicular neuropathy.      

 

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SOURCE

 Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2009 Jul-Sep;22(3 Suppl):45-50.