Study #45 · Chapter F
Dead Sea environment and chronic pain
Original title: Multidisciplinary Biopsychosocial Program for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain at the Dead Sea.
- Authors
- Elisabeth Dramsdahl, Dag Gundersen Storla, Marco Harari
- Journal
- Israel Medical Association Journal
- Year
- 2019
Summary
Researchers evaluated a three-week multidisciplinary program at the Dead Sea in 938 Norwegian patients with chronic muscle and joint pain. The group included people with rheumatism, Bechterew, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and other orthopedic complaints. After three weeks, reduced pain, fewer limitations, better joint mobility, less morning stiffness, better walking distance, and reduced use of painkillers or anti-inflammatories were described. The study had no control group.
What was investigated
Researchers examined the results of a three-week treatment program at the Dead Sea in 938 Norwegian patients with chronic muscle and joint pain. The group consisted of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew), osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and other orthopedic complaints. The program combined treatment, guidance, movement, and a stay in the Dead Sea environment.
What were the findings
After three weeks, the researchers observed primarily reduced pain, fewer limitations in daily activities, and better joint mobility. Improvements were also measured in morning stiffness, the doctor's assessment of disease severity, walking distance on the 6-minute walk test, and the use of painkillers/anti-inflammatories. The strongest effects were seen in pain, joint function, and daily activities. Because it was an observational study without a control group, the results must be interpreted with caution.
Why relevant for halotherapy
This is not a direct halotherapy study, but it shows that a mineral-rich treatment environment like the Dead Sea can contribute to recovery, comfort, and functioning. For this catalog, it primarily serves as additional context for salt and mineral environments, well-being, and recovery-oriented therapy.
Original publication
Elisabeth Dramsdahl, Dag Gundersen Storla, Marco Harari. Multidisciplinary Biopsychosocial Program for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain at the Dead Sea. Israel Medical Association Journal, 2019.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31032567/This summary has been prepared for readability and does not replace the original scientific publication. Consult the source via the link for the full context. Halotherapy is a complementary approach to promoting health and does not replace medical treatment or advice from your treating physician.