Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and B-group vitamins in the treatment of lumbar ischialgia

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants are used orally or intramuscularly (IM) to treat lumbar ischialgia caused by musculoskeletal disorders or radiculopathy. A comparative study has been conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of the NSAID meloxicam (Amelotex®) injected intramuscularly and into the trigger points in combination with tolperisone and B-group vitamins for lumbar ischialgia.

Patients and methods. The investigation enrolled 62 patients aged 30–60 years with lumbar ischialgia, who were randomized into three equal groups. Group 1 patients were injected with meloxicam 1.5 ml (15 mg of its active ingredient) into the trigger points daily for 3 days, followed by one 15-mg tablet daily for 14 days; Group 2 received IM meloxicam 15 mg daily for 3 days, followed by one 15-mg tablet daily for 14 days; Group 3 had IM meloxicam 15 mg daily for 3 days, followed by one 15-mg tablet daily for 14 days in combination with tolperisone (Calmirex®) as tablets: 150 mg (Day 1 of therapy), 300 mg (Day 2), and 450 mg daily (Day 3 until the end of therapy). All the patients received IM Vitamin B complex (Compligam B®) 2 ml for 5 days. The treatment efficiency was evaluated using the pain visual analogue scale (VAS), the Oswestry disability questionnaire, and the McGill pain questionnaire, the range of motion, and the severity of neurodystrophic syndrome.

Results and discussion. All the patient groups showed a rapid and substantial pain reduction on the VAS and a functional activity improvement according to the Oswestry scale, which made it possible to complete the treatment within an average of 9.6 days. Groups 3 and 1 exhibited a faster improvement and, as a result, a shorter therapy duration on 8.6±1.2 and 9.2±0.9 days than did Group 2 (8.6±1.2 days). On day 2 of treatment, there was a more considerable pain reduction on the VAS in Group 1 that received meloxicam injections into the trigger zones. The administration of meloxicam intramuscularly and into the trigger zones in combination with tolperisone and vitamin B complex was noted to be safe and well tolerated.

Conclusion. The injection of Amelotex into the trigger zones is highly effective and safe in treating lumbar ischialgia. An NSAID (meloxicam) in combination with a muscle relaxant (tolperisone) speeds up recovery and shortens the duration of NSAID intake.

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