Individualized homeopathic medicines for managing pain of lumbosacral radiculopathy in adults: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) in managing pain associated with lumbosacral radiculopathy (LSR). Eighty-one patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive either IHMs or identical placebos for three months, along with standardized concomitant care. The primary outcome was the Pain Detect Questionnaire (PDQ), while secondary outcomes included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ). Intention-to-treat analysis demonstrated a statistically significant between-group difference in PDQ scores favoring IHMs. Among secondary outcomes, only the SF-MPQ visual analogue scale showed significant improvement, whereas overall disability and other pain dimensions did not differ significantly between groups. Rhus toxicodendron was the most frequently prescribed remedy. No serious adverse events were reported. The findings suggest that individualized homeopathic medicines may be more effective than placebo in reducing neuropathic pain associated with lumbosacral radiculopathy, though larger and longer-term studies are warranted to confirm these results