The application of high-tone therapy in spinal pain syndromes

Aneta Hak, Kazimierz Arabski, Grzegorz Gałuszka, Renata Gałuszka, Paweł Ochwanowski, Małgorzata Kronenberger, Marcin Oryniak

Aneta Hak, Kazimierz Arabski, Grzegorz Gałuszka, Renata Gałuszka, Paweł Ochwanowski, Małgorzata Kronenberger, Marcin Oryniak – The application of high-tone therapy in spinal pain syndromes. Fizjoterapia Polska 2004; 4(3); 259-264

Abstract

Background. The tasks of rehabilitation for the elderly include improving the efficiency of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, the musculo-skeletal system (increasing the range of joint movement and muscle strength), and the nervous system and kinesthetic analyzer (using exercises to improve equilibrium and coordination). In order to realize these assumptions, combined methods of medical rehabilitation should be used, including kinesitherapy and high-tone therapy, using alternating electromagnetic fields (medium-frequency current in the high-tone range, ca. 4 – 12 kHz. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of kinesitherapy combined with high-tone therapy in patients with spinal pain syndrome. Material and methods. The experimental group consisted of 31 patients (group A) 50-85 years of age. The control group (B) included 31 patients in the same age range. Kinesitherapy was applied in Group A for 16 weeks, twice a week, along with high-tone therapy. Group B received only a program of kinesitherapy, identical to Group A. Results. After treatment was completed, we found increased range of movement in the lumbar and thoracic spine in Group A, measured by plurimeter. The comfort index and dynamic equilibrium were significantly higher. The control group achieved lower values. Conclusions. The favorable effects of high-tone therapy as a supplement to kinesitherapy, associated with stimulation of tissue regeneration processes and improved cell metabolism. The results we obtained justify further research on the effectiveness of a rehabilitation program based on combined procedures in persons with spinal pain syndrome, in order to improve their quality of life.

Key words:
Back Pain, elektrotherapy, exercises
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Epidemiology of back pain among secondary school pupils in Poznań

Kornelia Drozda, Jacek Lewandowski

Kornelia Drozda, Jacek Lewandowski – Epidemiology of back pain among secondary school pupils in Poznań. Fizjoterapia Polska 2011; 11(1); 31-40

Abstract
Non-specific low back pain (LBP) is well documented in the literature as a common health concern among adults, adolescents and even children. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of back pain at the level of different spinal segments (cervical, thoracic and lumbar) among secondary school pupils (15-20 years).A random sample of 468 secondary school pupils aged 15-20 years completed an anonymous questionnaire during a lesson. The results were subjected to a statistical analysis.A total of 374 (79.9%) teenagers reported one or more episodes of back pain, of whom only 33 (8%) had consulted a physiotherapist. 294 (62.8%) respondents had experienced recurrent pain. Most adolescents reported pain in the lumbar region, but 18% had experienced pain in the thoracic spine, and 19% had experienced cervical pain. A total of 6% of the respondents reported that the back pain had prevented them from undertaking physical activity, lifting objects or studying.1. Back pain in adolescents is a functional and social problem as well as a medical one. 2. It considerably impairs the ability to carry out activities of daily living, which may significantly disrupt normal development in adolescence and influence career choices in the future. 3. Our study demonstrated that back pain in adolescents should not be perceived as limited to non-specific low back pain.
Key words:
back pain, adolescents, epidemiology
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Nerve root tests results for diagnosis and prognosis of the pain syndromes in the lumbar spine area treated under spa conditions

Przemysław Minta, Wiesław Tomaszewski, Monika Sobolak

Przemysław Minta, Wiesław Tomaszewski, Monika Sobolak – Nerve root tests results for diagnosis and prognosis of the pain syndromes in the lumbar spine area treated under spa conditions. Fizjoterapia Polska 2012; 12(1); 21-27

Abstract
Disorders associated with low back pain (lbp) are the result of not only affliction of nerve roots, but also nocireceptive innervated structures of the ligaments and joint capsules. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of selected nerve root tests in people selected by the Social Insurance Board (SIB) and the National Health Fund (NHF) for spa treatment due to lbp, and their usefulness for diagnosis and prognosis.The study involved a group of 400 people (200 people recommended by SIB and 200 by the NHF). In questionnaires, beside the basic personal characteristics, the following were taken into consideration: disease duration, pain location and radiation, results of imaging tests, employment status and type of work performed. The questionnaires also carried results of some nerve roots tests carried out. Positive nerve root tests occurred more frequently in people recommended by the SIB for prevention of disability pension award, and their frequency increased with duration of illness and PIT taxable allowance period. SIB patients were recommended for treatment as a result of a disease that was at a more advanced stage than patients from NHF. Analysis of obtained data showed that nerve root tests, in both groups were present in only a quarter of the tested patients, hence this points to their limited diagnostic and prognostic value.
Key words:
Low Back Pain, nerve root tests, spa treatment, prevention of disability pension award
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