RESUMO
<p>Although “coldness” exaggerates chronic pain in the lower back and extremities in patients who experience it, there is no western-style medicine focusing on “coldness” Therefore, we investigated the efficacy and safety of a Kampo medicine that improves “coldness”. In the present study, we retrospectively reviewed medical chart records on the prescription of <i>tokishigyakukagoshuyushokyoto </i>7.5 g/day (dry weight) to patients who had subjective coldness in their lower extremities. We performed pre- to 1 month post <i>tokishigyakukagoshuyushokyoto </i>treatment comparisons with regard to Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), axillary temperature, dorsal foot temperatures, Ankle-Brachial pressure Index (ABI), Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) and patient satisfaction. The records of 21 patients with lower back pain and “coldness” were evaluated. VAS, and both axillary and dorsal foot temperatures were significantly improved, and satisfaction score was increased. Subjective coldness was alleviated in 7 patients ; however, objective temperatures were increased in all patients. In summary, we noted that <i>tokishigyakukagoshuyushokyoto </i>increased axillary and the dorsal foot temperatures, and objectively contributed to pain relief as well as patient satisfaction.</p>