The effect of Cupping on nonspecific lumbar pain of the elderly referred to the Iranian Medicine Clinic.

Determining the effect of Cupping on nonspecific lumbar pain of the elderly referred to the Iranian Medicine Clinic of Kerman University of Medical Sciences

This clinical trial was designed with 70 patients in two groups of cupping therapy and placebo by a simple random method for 10 days, into every other day in even or odds day to avoid patients of two groups confronting each other. the patients record their probably complications and pain intensity based on vas questionnaire from 0-10 in checklist.

This study is designed for elderly patients with non-specific low back pain in Kerman traditional Persian medicine clinic.

Inclusion criteria: Willingness and satisfaction of the patient to participate in the study The presence of non-specific musculoskeletal pain in the lower back based on the doctors diagnosis Age>60 years (35) Mild to moderate pain intensity 4-8 on VAS Low back pain>=3 month (8) BMI <35 (34) Exclusion criteria: Back pain caused by trauma inflammatory or malignant disease Presence of coagulopathy disease or anticoagulant agent consumption Existence of radiculopathy symptoms such as radiating pain, paresis, prickling, or tingling of lower limb Serious acute or chronic organic disease such as diabetes, mental disorders Congenital malformation of the spine Treatment with physiotherapy or opiates and other procedures within the last 4 weeks Central Nervous System impairment

This study is an interventional research as a clinical trial. The first group is undergoing cupping therapy and the second group received placebo with slight negative pressure and Double-sided adhesive.

pain intensity VAS Questionnaire (0-10)

Randomization is done in a simple way using a table of random numbers. The collaborator of the Project, who does not intervene in the research process, first prepares pockets according to sample size and numbers them, then based on the table of random numbers, randomly select a number and read the entire column bellow it vertically. The numbers whose right two digits are between 01 to 70 up to 35 numbers are placed in cupping therapy group and the rest are assigned to the placebo group. The type of treatment is written in each envelope and envelopes are closed and sealed. A four-digit code is written on each envelope. Two digits on the left correspond to the order of patient’s entry into the study and completes the informed consent form, are added to the first digits. an envelope is opened and the assigned group and day of visit is specified for that patient.

In order to blind the study, The collaborator of the project, who was not involved in the treatment process or the data analysis process, puts the patients into two groups by a simple random method and using a sealed envelope. The first group is treated with dried cupping, and the second group is treated with placebo (cupping glasses are placed on the skin with a slight negative pressure and use of glue).