INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES IN HOMEOPATHY AND GENERAL MEDICINE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is associated with substantial physical, psychological, and socioeconomic burden. Despite the availability of conventional pharmacological and non pharmacological treatments, many patients continue to experience persistent symptoms, leading to increased interest in integrative approaches that combine homeopathy with general medical care. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the safety and efficacy of combining homeopathy with mainstream medicine in the treatment of CMP.  The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards were followed in conducting the review. For original research published between 2015 and 2026, electronic databases were thoroughly explored. Studies evaluating integrative homeopathic and conventional medical interventions were encompassed. A general risk-of bias framework was used to evaluate the risk of bias, and data on research characteristics, treatments, clinical outcomes, and methodological quality were retrieved and synthesised narratively. Nine studies satisfied the requirements for inclusion. Overall, the results showed that integrative methods were linked to increases in patient satisfaction, quality of life, physical function, and pain severity. There was no consistent indication of significant side effects, and the therapies were typically well tolerated. However, direct comparisons between studies were hampered by variations in research design, intervention procedures, and outcome measures. All things considered, combining homeopathy with conventional medicine seems to be a viable supplemental approach for the treatment of CMP. To enhance the present body of evidence, however, more excellent randomised controlled trials with standardised therapies and extended follow-up are needed.