Dec 11, 2023
PainExam Podcast Show Notes: Exploring Traumeel as an Alternative for Back Pain Relief
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Introduction:
- Today, Long Island Based Pain Physician David Rosenblum, MD delves into the latest advancements and alternative treatments for pain management.
- In today's episode, we shine a spotlight on Traumeel®, a homeopathic alternative gaining traction for its anti-inflammatory properties, with fewer reported side effects compared to corticosteroids.
Understanding Traumeel:
- Traumeel, a fixed combination of diluted plant and mineral extracts, has been available over-the-counter in Europe for over 60 years.
- Contrary to corticosteroids, Traumeel's popularity has surged due to its limited side effect profile, with reported contraindications primarily linked to allergies [9].
Scientific Insights:
- A study by Lussignoli et al. demonstrated Traumeel's efficacy in decreasing systemic interleukin-6 production and reducing edema, countering an unregulated inflammatory response [10].
- In vitro studies revealed Traumeel's inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, TNFα, IL-8) in immune cells, suggesting its potential in stabilizing the immune system [8].
- Notably, Traumeel's effectiveness seems to surpass the sum of its individual components, indicating a synergistic interaction [9-10].
Clinical Applications:
- Traumeel has shown efficacy comparable to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in treating various inflammatory conditions.
- It is available in oral, topical, and injectable preparations, making it a versatile option for pain relief [8-9].
Research Gaps and Potential:
- Despite its established use, current research lacks information on Traumeel's efficacy in epidural injections for short-term back pain relief.
- No studies have compared Traumeel to corticosteroid injections, although the TRARO study protocol proposes a potential avenue for comparison in rotator cuff syndrome patients [11].
Pain Management Board Prep
Clinical Cases:
- Five patients seeking back pain relief opted for Traumeel injections due to either a contraindication to or a preference against steroids.
- This real-world scenario lays the groundwork for further exploration into Traumeel's efficacy in epidural injections, providing additional pain-relieving options for patients unable to tolerate corticosteroid injections.
Conclusion:
- Traumeel presents a promising alternative for pain management, particularly in cases where corticosteroids may be unsuitable, however the FDA has yet to approve it and therefore it has failed to gain traction in the US. [14]
- As we wrap up, stay tuned for future developments in the research landscape surrounding Traumeel and its potential role in enhancing pain relief options.
Disclaimer:
- Consult with a healthcare professional before considering any alternative treatments. The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
David Rosenblum, MD
President, NRAP Academy
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Anesthesiology
SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Director of Pain Management
Maimonides Medical Center
References
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