PAIN RELIEF FROM NASAL SALMON-CALCITONIN IN OSTEOPOROTIC VERTEBRAL CRUSH FRACTURES - A DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED CLINICAL-STUDY

We examined the analgesic effect of nasal salmon calcitonin in patient s with acute pain due to recent, nontraumatic osteoporotic vertebral c rush fractures. 32 men and 68 postmenopausal women were studied using a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical design. Men a nd women taking 200 IU of nasal salmon calcitonin daily for a period o f 28 days had a dramatic decrease of spinal pain. This analgesic effec t was accompanied by early mobilization and gradual restoration of the locomotor functions, such as sitting, standing and walking. Patients receiving the placebo nasal spray remained in bed for almost the entir e period of observation. The consumption of high doses of paracetamol did not help placebo patients to get out of bed during the 4 weeks of hospitalization. Nasal salmon calcitonin and early mobilization also r educed hydroxyproline excretion, thus preventing massive bone loss dur ing the period of bedrest.