Daisaikoto for shoulder stiffness and related changes in stool condition: Retrospective study

Abstract

Aim: Daisaikoto has been used for the treatment of shoulder stiffness and abdominal distention with constipation, which makes stool changes associated with the prescription a concern. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to investigate the effect of daisaikoto on shoulder stiffness and the relation between its effects on stiffness relief and stool condition. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of middle-aged women who were treated with daisaikoto for menopause-like symptoms and shoulder stiffness from December 2014 through November 2015 at Red Cross Maebashi Hospital. Two or 4 weeks after the prescription of daisaikoto, symptoms were evaluated and categorized as improved, no change, or worse. Stool condition was also evaluated and categorized as constipation, normal, or diarrhea. Change in symptoms from before to after treatment was analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The relationship between symptom changes and stool condition was analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Results: Of 24 patients who received daisaikoto, shoulder stiffness was relieved in 79% (P < 0.05). Diarrhea was reported in 8% of patients, all of whom were classified in the non-improvement group, which included depressed patients. Improvement of shoulder stiffness and stool condition had a correlation coefficient of 0.542. Daisaikoto did not worsen stool condition in the patients in whom it was effective. Conclusion: Daisaikoto effectively relieves shoulder stiffness in middle-aged women, and did not worsen stool condition in those with improvement in shoulder stiffness. Daisaikoto without Rhubarb or other formulas may be an alternative treatment choice for diarrhea patients with shoulder stiffness.