Matteo Bernardotto

University College London Hospitals NHS Trust
United Kingdom

Abstract Title: High-dose Omega-3 in the management of chronic low back pain: an observational study.

Biography: Dr Matteo is a consultant in Musculoskeletal, Sport and Exercise Medicine at University College London Hospitals NHS Trust (UCLH), where he is Clinical Lead for Musculoskeletal Medicine at the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine (RLHIM). He is active in teaching and clinical research as Honorary Clinical Lecturer at University College London (UCL) and an examiner for both UCL Medical School and the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine (FSEM UK). He is the training programme director (TPD) for Sport & Exercise Medicine in London and an elected member of the FSEM UK council. He lectures nationally and internationally on back pain, non-surgical spinal interventions and ultrasound-guided procedures.

Research Interest: Background: Low back pain is the biggest cause of disability globally, with a significant socioeconomic impact on healthcare systems and society. There is no single effective intervention for non-specific low back pain, and in view of demographic trends, the incidence of chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions is set to rise. Aim: This is the first service evaluation assessing the role of high-dose Omega-3 in the management of chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: 23 patients with CLBP received a 2-month course of high-dose Omega-3 supplements (4000mg/day) before commencing standard treatment. Validated pain and quality of life (QOL) scores were measured at baseline and post-intervention, as well qualitative outcomes. Results: 21 patients completed the evaluation, with an average improvement in VAS pain score of 29.8% (p=0.001), and MSK-HQ score of 22.8% (p<0.001). VAS QOL scores improved on average by 43.3% (p<0.001). Participants also reported a 22% improvement in joint stiffness and generalised flexibility, as well as a 30% reduction in the need for breakthrough and regular analgesia. Qualitative data revealed a number of subjective improvements in patients’ health. Conclusions: High-dose Omega-3 appears to confer significant quantitative and qualitative health benefits in patients with CLBP. This small evaluation opens new therapeutic options in the management of low back pain and should encourage further studies to evaluate the role of Omega-3 in musculoskeletal medicine. Keywords: low back pain, omega-3, integrative medicine, nutrition, musculoskeletal medicine