A double-blinded randomised controlled study of the value of sequential intravenous and oral magnesium therapy in patients with chronic low back pain with a neuropathic component

Persistent mechanical irritation of the nerve root sets up a series of events mediating sensitisation of the dorsal roots and dorsal horns in the spinal cord. Current evidence supports the role of magnesium in blocking central sensitisation through its effect on N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors. We studied the role of sequential intravenous and oral magnesium infusion in patients with chronic low back pain with a neuropathic component. We recruited a cohort of 80 patients with chronic low back pain with a Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Signs and Symptoms pain scale score ≥ 12, who were receiving a physical therapy programme. All patients were treated with anticonvulsants, antidepressants and simple analgesics; in addition 40 patients received placebo for 6 weeks (control group), while the other 40 patients received an intravenous magnesium infusion for 2 weeks followed by oral magnesium capsules for another 4 weeks (magnesium group). Patients were asked to rate their pain using a numerical rating scale. Lumbar spine range of motion was also determined using a long-arm goniometer. In the magnesium group, the patients' numerical rating scales revealed a significant reduction in pain intensity. The mean (SD) pre-treatment value was 7.5 (2.2) compared with 4.7 (1.8) at 6 months (p = 0.034). The reduction in pain intensity was accompanied by significant improvement in lumbar spine range of motion during the follow-up period. The mean (SD) values of flexion, extension and lateral flexion movements before treatment and at 6-month follow up were 22.2 (8.4) vs 34.7 (11.5) (p = 0.018), 11.8 (3.4) vs 16.9 (3.5) (p = 0.039), 11.4 (3.6) vs 17.2 (4.4) (p = 0.035), respectively. Our findings show that a 2-week intravenous magnesium infusion followed by 4 weeks of oral magnesium supplementation can reduce pain intensity and improve lumbar spine mobility during a 6-month period in patients with refractory chronic low back pain with a neuropathic component.