Osteoarthritic Pain: A Comparison of Homeopathy and Acetaminophen

August 1, 1998

by C. N. Shealy MD

C. N. Shealy, MD, R.P. Thomlinson, V. Borgmeyer,
American Journal of Pain Management, 1998;8:89-91

A double-blinded study to document the relative efficacy of homeopathic remedies in comparison to acetaminophen for the treatment of pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA) among 65 patients. An IRB approved protocol. Results of the study documented better pain relief in the homeopathic group (55% achieved measured relief from homeopathy as compared to 38% from acetaminophen); however, the superiority of this treatment, in comparison with the acetaminophen group, did not reach statistical significance. The investigators conclude that homeopathic treatments for pain in OA patients appear to be safe and at least as effective as acetaminophen, and are without its potential adverse effects including compromise to both liver and kidney function. Many of the patients asked to continue with the homeopathic treatment.