Introduction: Low back pain could be treated also with balneotherapy. Through their thermal, mechanical and chemical effects, baths are supposed to exert influence to pain reduction, range of motion improvement, improvement of functional mobility and general well-being. Purpose: To determine whether balneotherapy with use of baths is effective in treatment of patients with chronic low back pain. Methods: Based on inclusion criteria, a literature review was conducted in the PubMed, CINALH, PEDro and Cochrane databases. Results: Six randomized controlled trials with PEDro scores between 4 and 7 were included. They were published between 2005 and 2014 and had a total of 386 patients. Effectiveness of balneotherapy as a single (2 studies) or complementary intervention (4 studies) was investigated. Data show that balneotherapy has statistically significant positive effects, greater than control treatments. It was effective on pain reduction, increased spinal range of motion, better functioning and quality of life. Some effects were present also at 3 to 15 weeks follow up (3 studies). Conclusion: Balneotherapy with use of baths might be an effective single or complementary intervention for treatment of patients with chronic low back pain. For firm conclusions, however, additional studies with better design are required.
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