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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

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Open Access 01-12-2020 | Research article

Craniosacral therapy for chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Authors: Heidemarie Haller, Romy Lauche, Tobias Sundberg, Gustav Dobos, Holger Cramer

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Objectives

To systematically assess the evidence of Craniosacral Therapy (CST) for the treatment of chronic pain.

Methods

PubMed, Central, Scopus, PsycInfo and Cinahl were searched up to August 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of CST in chronic pain patients were eligible. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for pain intensity and functional disability (primary outcomes) using Hedges’ correction for small samples. Secondary outcomes included physical/mental quality of life, global improvement, and safety. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool.

Results

Ten RCTs of 681 patients with neck and back pain, migraine, headache, fibromyalgia, epicondylitis, and pelvic girdle pain were included. CST showed greater post intervention effects on: pain intensity (SMD = -0.32, 95%CI = [− 0.61,-0.02]) and disability (SMD = -0.58, 95%CI = [− 0.92,-0.24]) compared to treatment as usual; on pain intensity (SMD = -0.63, 95%CI = [− 0.90,-0.37]) and disability (SMD = -0.54, 95%CI = [− 0.81,-0.28]) compared to manual/non-manual sham; and on pain intensity (SMD = -0.53, 95%CI = [− 0.89,-0.16]) and disability (SMD = -0.58, 95%CI = [− 0.95,-0.21]) compared to active manual treatments. At six months, CST showed greater effects on pain intensity (SMD = -0.59, 95%CI = [− 0.99,-0.19]) and disability (SMD = -0.53, 95%CI = [− 0.87,-0.19]) versus sham. Secondary outcomes were all significantly more improved in CST patients than in other groups, except for six-month mental quality of life versus sham. Sensitivity analyses revealed robust effects of CST against most risk of bias domains. Five of the 10 RCTs reported safety data. No serious adverse events occurred. Minor adverse events were equally distributed between the groups.

Discussion

In patients with chronic pain, this meta-analysis suggests significant and robust effects of CST on pain and function lasting up to six months. More RCTs strictly following CONSORT are needed to further corroborate the effects and safety of CST on chronic pain.

Protocol registration at Prospero

CRD42018111975.

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Title: Craniosacral therapy for chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Heidemarie Haller
Romy Lauche
Tobias Sundberg
Gustav Dobos
Holger Cramer
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-019-3017-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Craniosacral therapy for chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Protocol registration at Prospero

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Protocol registration at Prospero

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