Volume : 2, Issue : 9, SEP 2016

SUBCUTANEOUS SODIUM SALICYLATE THERAPY FOR CERVICAL SPINE PAIN IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Z. Farah, A.S. Smith, C.G. Mackworth-Young

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) frequently causes pain in the cervical spine that is difficult to treat. Anecdotal evidence suggests that subcutaneous sodium salicylate therapy (SSST) may be effective in reducing the symptoms of the condition. This treatment can be administered by nurse practitioners as well as physicians.

Objective: We performed a pilot study to determine if a controlled trial of the therapy is justified.

Method: Seven patients with pain in the neck due to RA were recruited to an open label pilot study of SSST. All patients received 3 weekly subcutaneous sodium salicylate injections. Assessments were made at weeks 4, 8 and 12.

Results: In 4 out of 7 patients there was an improvement in neck pain scores following injection with SSST. There was also a trend towards improved neck rotation and overall pain scores.

Conclusion: Injections of sodium salicylate may help to alleviate cervical spine pain in some patients with RA. The results of this pilot study indicate that a controlled trial of this therapy is justified.

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