This is a phase 4 study to determine if a semipermeable hydrophilic membrane marketed as Ferris PainWrap can relieve low back pain more effectively than a placebo wrap. In the United States, the prevalence of low back pain of at least 1 month's duration is about 15% and its incidence is 5%. It is one of the two most common pain complaints. Low back pain is thus a major health problem in this country and worldwide. Treatment that relieves low back pain and restores function would be of great benefit to the individual and the community at large, particularly if the treatment is convenient and has no significant adverse effects. Ferris PainWrap was originally developed as a burn dressing and is commercially available for this purpose. The Food and Drug Administration approved the material as Ferris Hydrophilic Dressing for marketing in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments. The material is classified as a medical device. It was found to relieve pain, inflammation, swelling, and bruising over traumatized areas. Subsequently, it appeared to relieve low back pain in informal, open (non-blinded) trials. The proposed mechanism for low back pain relief is by alteration of cutaneous A-beta receptor and possibly cutaneous A-delta fiber function through shifts in sodium and water concentrations in the skin. This study will compare a no dose placebo to a high-dose back wrap. It is a one year pilot study which will be randomized, double-blinded, and controlled, comparing Ferris PainWrap to an identical appearing placebo back wrap in individuals with chronic low back pain of three months duration or longer.
The purpose of this study is to see if the Ferris PainWrap is effective in the treatment of chronic low back pain.