Comparative Efficacy of Low Metal Glucosamine Sulphate Iontophoresis in the Management of Lumbar Spondylosis

Low back pain is a major problem worldwide and the annual prevalence and incidence is on the increase. Lumbar spondylosis remains a major cause of a decrease in functional capacities of clients and because of debilitating effect associated with it there is still need to further enhance penetration of drugs through other means such as iontophoresis. Crystalline glucosamine sulphate metal salts either sodium or potassium was recently observed to have significant effect on reducing pain but there is still limited data on it.

The primary aim was to compare the relative efficacy of low metal glucosamine salt iontophoresis, glucosamine cream iontophoresis and methylsalicylate+ ointment (Neurogesic) in the management of lumbar spondylosis. This study involved 30 participants from the out patient, Physiotherapy department of O.A.U.T.H.C, Ile - Ife.

The subjects were randomly assigned into three (3) treatment groups namely the Glucosamine sulphate cream, Glucosamine sulphate with low metal and methylsalicylate group. An equivalent of 3ml of each drug was applied through iontophoresis for 15minutes three times per week for 4weeks. The data was analysed using descriptive statistic and 2-way ANOVA to compare the pain level of the three (3) groups, and paired t-test (dependent) was used to compare the Pre and Post treatment pain level at the first treatment session. The result of the study showed that Group 2 participants who had iontophoretic application of the compounded glucose salt with low potassium had greater significant reduction in the pain after 4 weeks of glucosamine Iontophoresis compared other groups. (F=35.49, P<0.000). Also, the study showed that the iontophoretic application of all the drugs had significant acute effect in reducing pain in a single session immediately after treatment.