Peloid Therapy Versus Hot Pack Treatment in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: Effects on Pain, Function, and Quality of Life

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of peloid and hotpack for chronic low back pain (CLBP) due to lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Sixty individuals aged 18–50 years with CLBP due to LDH were randomized into two groups: peloid therapy (n=30) and hot pack therapy (n=30). Treatments were applied five days a week for 15 sessions, and all partici-pants received 20 minutes of lumbar TENS per session. Evaluations were conducted before and after treatment, including pain (VAS), Back Pain Functional Scale (BPFS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), quality of life (SF-36), range of motion, and finger-floor distance (FFD). Peloid group showed significant improvements in BPFS, physical functioning, role limitations due to emotional problems, vitality, emotional well-being, pain, and general health compared to the hot pack group (p<0.05). Both groups showed significant reducti-ons in VAS, ODI and FFD scores (p<0.05), with no significant between-group differences (p>0.05). In conclusion, while both treatments were effective in reducing pain and disabili-ty, peloid therapy provided superior improvements in functional status and quality of life compared to hot pack therapy. © 2025 by the authors.