EFFECTIVENESS OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND KINESITHERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH LUMBOSACRAL RADICULITIS

Abstract

Lumbosacral radiculitis: Low back pain can affect people of different age groups, but most often occurs between the ages of 30 and 50. The change in the motor regime, expressed primarily in passive loading of the spine, is indicated as one of the main causes of low back pain and back pain in general, including in students and pupils. Causes leading to the occurrence of lower back pain and clinical picture in patients with lumbosacral radiculitis. Lumbosacral radiculitis is an inflammation of the peripheral nerve roots that exit the spine. It can affect people of all ages, but is most common in the 30 to 50 age range. Recently, there has been a trend of back and neck pain among young people. The main cause is considered to be lack of physical activity and long-term static load on the spine - when assuming a forced position. The main and guiding symptom of lumbosacral radiculitis is pain, which can be expressed in varying degrees – sharp or dull, as well as of varying duration – constant or occurring over a certain period of time. The pain can move to the posterior-lateral surface of the thigh, lower leg and even reach the foot and fingers. The main and guiding symptom of lumbosacral radiculitis is pain, which can be expressed in varying degrees – sharp or dull, as well as of varying duration – constant or occurring over a certain period of time. The pain can move to the posterior-lateral surface of the thigh, lower leg and even reach the foot and fingers. Radiculitis pain is caused by compression of the nerve roots exiting the spine and is often a manifestation of damage to the muscles around the spine, the intervertebral discs, ligaments and vertebral joints - for example, due to a herniated disc, overexertion or occupying an incorrect position for a long time. Research methods: The research was conducted at the PHI "General Hospital" - Strumica, in the departments of Physical Therapy and Kinesitherapy. The research included 23 patients diagnosed with Lumbosacral radiculitis, of which 11 patients were female, and 6 of them were male. The aim of the research is to determine the effectiveness of physical medicine and kinesitherapy in patients with lumbosacral radiculitis. Treatment of Lumbosacral Radiculitis: In the acute phase of the disease, treatment with analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants and vitamins is applied. In this phase, Physical therapy complements and supports the effect of drug therapy. In addition to complete rest, it is necessary to release the "affected area" by relaxing the muscles. This is achieved with the so-called Perl extension which can be applied at home. Results: After completing the treatment with Physical Medicine and Kinesitherapy, the following effects were observed:
 Electrophoresis with novocaine or lidocaine causes pain reduction;
 Local heat treatments with infrared light relax spastic muscles around the site of pain
 Electrical stimulation of damaged nerves and the muscles innervated by them significantly reduces the occurrence of motor symptoms.
Discussion: According to various sources, in 70-90% of cases, with the implementation of an appropriate program of physical therapy to strengthen the muscles, a good healing effect is achieved and the complaints disappear completely.
Conclusion: The role of physical therapy is not only to improve the subjective symptoms of patients, but also to prevent relapses. It finds a place both in the treatment and in the prevention of subsequent acute episodes of the disease. Kinesitherapy maintain joint mobility, relax tight muscles, and at the same time prevent them from weakening.