ABSTRACT
Chronic sciatica is one of the neuropathic pains which assumed to be effective for pregabalin. However, a recent double-blind placebo-controlled trial reported that pregabalin was no more effective than placebo in patients with acute or chronic sciatica. We retrospectively investigated the effect of Kampo medicine including makyoyokukanto extracts combined with powdered cinnamon bark and processed aconite root (makyoyokukanto plus) which were administered to 14 cases with chronic sciatica in the past year. The efficacy of Kampo medicine for lower leg pain relief was assessed using NRS (numerical rating scale). It was effective in 11 of 14 cases (79%, 6 males and 5 females, the mean age : 69), and not effective in 3 of 14 cases (21%, 2 males and 1 female, the mean age : 77). In 7 of 9 cases, who were given pregabalin before prescribing makyoyokukanto plus, makyoyokukanto plus was more effective than pregabalin. Furthermore, we have continued to observe 10 cases for over a year. Two of 10 cases were completely cured even if makyoyokukanto plus was discontinued. In 5 cases we switched from makyoyokukanto plus to yokuininto extracts combined with powdered cinnamon bark and processed aconite root, which was comparable to makyoyokukanto plus in its effect. Makyoyokukanto or yokuininto extracts combined with powdered cinnamon bark and processed aconite root were effective for chronic sciatica.