The potential value of kinesio taping for the management of nonspecific low back pain

Abstract

Background: Kinesio Taping (KT) is a widely used treatment method in the clinical practice that is also largely applied as a therapy for lumbar pain. The method was invented in 1970 by Kenzo Kase et al. and is represented by the application of adhesive tapes on the skin, that are very thin and with elasticity similar to the skin. Although it is frequently used, the efficacy of kinesio taping is still to be proven, and the mechanism it is based upon still remains unclear. Lumbar pain is a very important health issue worldwide; it is pain in the lumbar-sacral region, at the L4-L5 level. Chronic lumbar pain has a high prevalence across the world, affecting especially patients that are over 45 and being associated with high medical and social costs. The aim of this paper is to present a systematic literature analysis regarding the effects of kinesio taping on lumbar pain and on the degree of disability it can lead to. Materials and methods: The research is based on the analysis of relevant scientific studies on the effects of kinesio taping on lumbar pain published in different data basis such as NCBI, PubMed, Crossref, Cochrane Library, Scope Med, Net Journals, and Research Gate between 2012 and 2017. Results: 30 articles were included in the study out of the total number on the topic, articles that correspond with the aim of the study and that present the most recent advancements in the field. Conclusions: KT generally has effects that are similar with those of traditional treatment methods for lower back pain and for the disabilities it can produce, but results appear much faster; moreover, the efficacy is higher when KT is associated with traditional treatment options.