Effectiveness of Tuku Ubat compress on lower back pain reduction In Chanae Hospital

Abstract

This quasi-experimental research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the Tuku Ubat herbal compress in treating lower back pain. A purposive sample of 60 patients with lower back pain, diagnosed by both conventional and Thai traditional medicine practitioners, was recruited. Participants were divided into an experimental group (n=30) and a control group (n=30). The experimental group received the Tuku Ubat compress, while the control group received a standard fresh herbal compress, administered once daily for 30 minutes for three consecutive days.

The results demonstrated a significant reduction in lower back pain in the experimental group. The mean difference in pain scores between pre-treatment (Day 0) and post-treatment (Day 3) for the experimental group was 4.47 (SD=1.00), which was significantly higher than the control group's mean difference of 2.13 (SD=0.75). Mann-Whitney U Test showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.001). Furthermore, Tuku Ubat significantly increased muscle flexibility; the mean difference in muscle flexibility scores for the experimental group was 12.03 (SD=3.17), significantly greater than the control group's mean difference of 4.23 (SD=2.66). The analysis also yielded a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001).

In conclusion, the Tuku Ubat compress is highly effective in reducing pain and improving muscle flexibility, making it a viable and efficient alternative treatment for patients with lower back pain. The Tuku Ubat innovation also received high satisfaction ratings regarding efficacy, suitability, safety, and cost-effectiveness, demonstrating its potential to reduce service costs.