581 - The use of alternative and complementary medicine by patients treated for osteoarthritis

Objectives: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an approach to healthcare based on treatments that differ from those of conventional medicine. The use of CAM has developed considerably in recent years.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the trend in the use of alternative medicine and its effectiveness on pain, functional status of patients suffering from degenerative diseases (common low back pain, cervicarthrosis and Knee osteoarthritis).

Design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study including patients followed in our consultation for degenerative diseases (gonarthrosis, common low back pain and cervicarthrosis). Patients were questioned about their use of alternative medicines, the types of therapies used, the reasons for using these medicines and the factors associated with their use.

Results: Forty-three patients were included in this study, 55.9% of whom had used CAM at least once in their lives, and 47.4% of whom said they had started using CAM before their illness was declared. Sixty-three per cent of patients said they used alternative medicine to relieve pain, while 36.8% hoped for a cure. In terms of types of CAM, 52.6% of patients used cupping therapy, 47.4% essential oils, 9% phytotherapy and 5% acupuncture. Ninety five per cent of patients thought that CAM could not have adverse effects and the majority (89.4%) thought that CAM was effective.

Conclusions: In our study, the prevalence of alternative medicine use remains high, with different types of medicine used, namely cupping therapy, acupuncture and essential oils.