Craniosacral Therapy as a Self-help Strategy for Patients With Chronic Non-specific Back Pain

Last updated: November 18, 2025
Sponsor: Universität Duisburg-Essen
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

Chronic Pain

Treatment

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) self-help techniques

Clinical Study ID

NCT04199091
19-8759-BO
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a non-manipulative, very gentle manual treatment method. Although the mechanisms of action have not yet been investigated sufficiently, initial clinical trials support CST efficacy/effectiveness in chronic pain disorders such as back pain, neck pain, and fibromyalgia. In clinical practice, therapists also report pain alleviating effects of CST self-help techniques, offered to patients within a group concept. Yet, the effectiveness of teaching CST self-help techniques to medical laypersons has not yet been scientifically investigated.

Therefore, this study aims at collecting quantifiable data on the effectiveness and safety of a CST self-help group concept, developed for patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. The intervention group will receive 24 lessons of education and practice in CST self-help techniques over 12 weeks, while the control group will receive the same amount of self-help (education and practice) in progressive muscle relaxation. Six and 12 months after randomization, longer-term effects will be investigated.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Chronic non-specific / functional lower back pain for at least 3 months

  • Functional impairment: minimal 11 and maximal 41 points on the ODI

  • Willingness to participate in the group program and practice at home

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Specific back pain due to:

  • Severe congenital or acute degenerative diseases

  • Severe inflammatory musculoskeletal or rheumatic diseases

  • Neurological diseases

  • Status after actue trauma/whiplash

  • Status after neoplasms in the area of the spinal column

  • Acute severe comorbid mental illness or other acute severe comorbid somatic illness

  • Pregnancy

  • Current pension application

  • Regular use of corticosteroids, opiates, muscle relaxants, or antidepressants

  • Simultaneous participation in other clinical trials

Study Design

Total Participants: 76
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)
Phase:
Study Start date:
August 01, 2023
Estimated Completion Date:
September 29, 2025

Connect with a study center

  • Center for Integrative Medicine and Planetary Health, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen

    Essen, NRW 45130
    Germany

    Site Not Available

  • Center for Integrative Medicine and Planetary Health, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen

    Essen 2928810, North Rhine-Westphalia 2861876 45130
    Germany

    Site Not Available

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