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| - Last Updated on September 30, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that bee venom therapy can cure back pain. We did the fact check, and our investigation reveals it’s Mostly False.
The Claim
According to a Facebook video, bee venom therapy (BVT) can provide significant relief for back pain and can even cure the same. Supporters of BVT suggest that it can relieve back pain by reducing inflammation and promoting healing through the active compounds in the venom.
Fact Check
Can bee venom therapy cure back pain?
No, bee venom therapy cannot cure back pain. Even though some studies suggest that bee venom acupuncture (BVA) may reduce pain and inflammation, the evidence is scarce and inconclusive. Small trials have shown slight improvements in symptoms when combined with conventional treatments, but these findings aren’t strong enough to support bee venom as a reliable treatment. Back pain occurs due to various causes like muscle strains or disc issues, which bee venom does not directly address. Also, it is important to note that bee venom comes with a significant risk of allergic reactions. As a result, healthcare providers do not recommend it as a cure for back pain.
A 2017 study found that bee venom acupuncture (BVA), combined with standard pain medication, significantly improved chronic low back pain symptoms, such as pain intensity and mobility, compared to a placebo. The study involved 54 patients over three weeks, with minimal side effects reported. However, the small sample size makes it difficult to generalise the results to larger or more diverse populations.
In 2022, a review of 64 Korean studies involving 1,297 patients looked at BVA for lower back pain, particularly for herniated discs. Most studies showed positive effects, but language bias was noted, as Korean studies are often excluded from global research. This highlights the need for standardisation of BVA treatments.
Similarly, a 2008 review analysed 11 clinical trials on BVA for musculoskeletal pain. While the meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in pain when BVA was combined with acupuncture, the small sample size meant the results were not conclusive. The review called for larger, more controlled studies to validate these findings.
We spoke with Senior Physiotherapist Upma Lal, for her expert take on bee venom therapy for pain relief. She says, “Bee venom therapy can be intriguing, but it’s important to know that it cannot cure back pain. Back pain often comes from various issues, like muscle strains or problems with the spine, which require specific treatments. Some studies suggest that bee venom might help reduce pain, but the research is still limited. I encourage you to speak with a healthcare professional to explore proven treatment options that best suit your situation.”
Similar to this, there are viral posts which claim that bee venom can kill breast cancer cells within 30 minutes. While the research is going on and shows promise, it still hasn’t been proven.
Does bee venom have anti-inflammatory properties?
Yes, but its effect on back pain is unproven. Bee venom contains melittin, a substance known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Although lab studies show melittin can reduce inflammation, this doesn’t mean bee venom therapy can effectively treat back pain. Inflammation is a factor in some types of back pain, but many back problems stem from structural issues that inflammation alone doesn’t resolve. The evidence supporting bee venom for back pain is weak, and the risks outweigh the potential benefits. We have also seen posts like bee venom cream for dark spots removal and younger looking skin.
What are the side effects of bee venom for back pain?
Bee venom therapy has several potential side effects, some of which can be serious.
The most common side effects include pain, swelling, and redness at the site of the sting or injection. More serious risks include:
- Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.
- Sensitisation, meaning repeated exposure may trigger allergic reactions even in those not previously allergic.
- Infections due to improper handling of venom or stings.
Because of these risks, we do not recommend using bee venom for back pain, especially when safer and more effective treatments are available.
Is bee venom therapy endorsed by medical professionals for back pain?
No, it is not endorsed by medical professionals. No major health organisations recommend bee venom therapy for back pain. Healthcare professionals consider scientifically proven medical treatments, such as physiotherapy, medication, or surgery for more severe cases, as the standard care for back pain. We still do not have the necessary clinical testing on bee venom therapy to deem it effective or safe for this use.
We also connected with Physiotherapist Prachi Bharwani for gaining insights on this topic. She explains, “I understand that many people are curious about bee venom therapy for back pain, but it’s not something that medical professionals generally recommend. The research on its effectiveness is quite minimal and inconclusive, and there are important safety concerns, particularly with the risk of allergic reactions. As a physiotherapist, I always encourage my patients to explore established treatments, like physical therapy or any ancient healing therapy like cupping, etc., which are both safer and more effective for managing back pain. These options are not only safer but also more effective for managing back pain.”
THIP Media Take
Bee venom therapy is not a reliable or safe treatment approach for back pain as of now. Though it contains compounds like melittin that may reduce inflammation, its effectiveness for treating back pain is unproven, and the risks are significant. We advice prioritising evidence-based treatments like physiotherapy or medication. Always consult a healthcare professional before trying alternative treatments like bee venom therapy.
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