What question did this study set out to answer?

To assess the effectiveness of individualized homeopathic medicines compared to placebos in managing pain for patients with cervical radiculopathy.

January 16, 2026Open Access

Individualized homeopathic medicines for managing pain in cervical radiculopathy in adults: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Key Points

To assess the effectiveness of individualized homeopathic medicines compared to placebos in managing pain for patients with cervical radiculopathy.
Conducted a 2-month double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial with 117 adults.
Participants received either individualized homeopathic medicines or placebos in a 2:1 ratio.
Administered concomitant care advice like hot fomentations and spinal exercises.
Measured pain using the Numeric Rating Scale, Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, and Neck Disability Index monthly.
No group differences reached significance in pain levels measured by the Numeric Rating Scale and other questionnaires.
Statistically pooled results from previous trials suggested a slight improvement with homeopathy, though not markedly different from control.
Natrium muriaticum was the most commonly prescribed homeopathic medicine.

Abstract

Background: Cervical radiculopathy (CR) results from compression of the cervical nerve roots of the spinal column, resulting in pain, sensory and motor deficits, and diminished reflexes. Objective: To differentiate individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) from identical-looking placebos in the pain management of CR. Methods: This 2-month, double-blind, randomized (2:1; verum: 78, control: 39), placebo-controlled trial was carried out on 117 adults with CR. Concomitant care advice (hot fomentations, spinal extensor exercises, and ergonomic adjustments) was administered mutually. The primary outcome was the 0–10 pain Numeric Rating Scale (NRS); the secondary outcomes were the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) and the Neck Disability Index (NDI), all measured monthly, up to 2 months. Group differences were examined on the intention-to-treat sample. Results: Group differences achieved no significance or near significance; pain NRS ( F 1,115 = 1.164, P = 0.086), SF-MPQ total score ( F 1,115 = 0.467, P = 0.046), and NDI total score ( F 1,115 = 1.331, P = 0.211). Natrium muriaticum ( n = 17) was the most frequently prescribed medicine. While statistically pooling the results of 2 randomized controlled trials of IHMs in neck pain involving 257 participants using a random effect model using mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), compared to the control group, IHMs demonstrated significant improvement: MD −0.57, 95% CI −1.12 to −0.03, P = 0.04. No heterogeneity ( I 2 = 0%), indicated consistency between studies in the magnitude of treatment effects. Conclusion: The trial could not generate any conclusive evidence that the therapy was effective beyond placebos. Trial registration: CTRI/2023/03/050202; UTN: U1111-1288-7475.

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