Devil's Claw Contributions by sshowalter

27. Gobel H, Heinze A, Ingwersen M, et al. Effects of Harpagophytum procumbens LI 174 (devil's claw) on sensory, motor and vascular muscle reagibility in the treatment of unspecific back pain. Schmerz. 2001;15:10-18.

38. Chrubasik S, Junck H, Breitschwerdt H, et al. Effectiveness of Harpagophytum extract WS 1531 in the treatment of exacerbation of low back pain: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 1999;16:118-129.

39. Chrubasik S, Zimpfer CH, Schutt U, et al. Effectiveness of Harpagophytum procumbens in treatment of acute low back pain. Phytomedicine. 1996;3:1-10.

Devil's claw has been used for the treatment of osteoarthritis, and has been tried for back pain as well. When the pain is arthritic in nature, is likely the best time to use devil's claw for the treatment of back pain or sciatica.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 197 individuals with chronic back pain found devil's claw only marginally effective at best.³⁸

Similarly poor results were seen in an earlier 4-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 118 individuals with acute back pain.³⁹

However, a 4-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 63 people with mild to moderate chronic muscular tension in the neck, back, and shoulders did find some benefit.²⁷

Devil's claw has been used for the treatment of osteoarthritis, and has been tried for back pain as well. When the pain is arthritic in nature, is likely the best time to use devil's claw for the treatment of back pain or sciatica.

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In modern Europe, devil's claw is used to treat all types of joint pain, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Devil's claw is also used for soft tissue (muscle-related or tendon-related) pain.

4. European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy. Harpagophyti radix. Exeter, UK: ESCOP; 1996-1997:4. Monographs on the Medicinal Uses of Plant Drugs, Fascicule 2.

The herb devil's claw is sometimes recommended as a pain-relieving treatment for gout based on evidence for its effectiveness in various forms of arthritis.⁴ However, it has not been tested specifically for the treatment of gout.

In modern Europe, devil's claw is used to treat all types of joint pain, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Devil's claw is also used for soft tissue (muscle-related or tendon-related) pain.