Patient consensus on mode of use of nettle sting for musculoskeletal pain

Summary Background Many patients with musculoskeletal pain prefer topical treatments because they consider them safer than oral drugs. There is a long history of topical use of nettle sting for pain, but no standard method of application. Our objective was to develop a consensus of the experiences of nettle sting users. Methods A consensus study was conducted using the expert panel method. Media articles resulted in 16 responses and nine users attended a meeting. Participants first responded to questions on how they chose the leaf and how they applied the nettle sting; then discussed their individual responses; and finally responded once more to the same questions. Consensus was defined as 70% agreement. Participants’ consensus was developed from the responses and discussions, and modified in response to repeated feedback and to comments of seven other nettle users. Results Consensus was present initially on three questions: ‘ Important to feel a good strong sting ’, ‘ Immediately sting the area again ’ and ‘ Sting once a day ’. Opinions on the method and site of application, and format of a course of treatment varied. This range of advice was incorporated into a treatment consensus document acceptable to all users in the study. Conclusions The users’ consensus document for the use of nettle sting for musculoskeletal pain is published for anyone who wishes to use this self-care approach to treating their pain. The user's consensus document represents an essential step in undertaking further research into the effectiveness of nettle sting as a treatment for musculoskeletal pain.