A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY OF AURICULAR THERAPY TO MANAGE PAIN, SELF-RATED DISABILITY, DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, STRESS, AND FATIGUE IN PATIENTS WITH NON-SPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN: STUDY PROTOCOL

Abstract

Background: Non-Specific Low back pain (NSLBP) is a widespread health concern that significantly affects quality of life and incurs considerable economic costs globally. Although there are many pharmacological and therapeutic interventions, yet there exists ambiguity in Non-Specific Low back pain treatment outcomes as seen in high disability rates. Conventional treatments often offer limited relief, leading to increased interest in complementary therapies. This is a study protocol design to assesses the efficacy and clinical applications of auricular therapy in managing Non-Specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP)along with, Self-Rated Disability, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Fatigue.

Methods/design: For this prospective randomized controlled study, participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: (1) Intervention group (Auricular Therapy and Patient Education will be given (2) Control group-1 (Usual Care which comprises of Therapeutic Exercises regimen, Moist Hot packs and Patient Education will be administered). Treatment effects will be measured via Numerical Pain Rating Scale and questionnaires like The Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) in patients’ native language, the 21-question version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21) in patients’ native language and PROMIS measures (Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information system) Fatigue 13a in patients’ native language.

Discussion: This study is expected to provide key information on the effect of Auricular Therapy on Non-specific Low Back Pain.