Possibilities of using outpatient physiotherapy in the process of rehabilitation of people with degenerative disc disease in the lumbosacral spine

Abstract

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) in the lumbosacral spine is one of the most common causes of pain and the significant associated limitations in physical activity and daily functioning, with the vast majority of patients requiring long-term physiotherapy. Hence, the significance of proper diagnostics, locating the cause of the ailment, implementation of appropriate therapy and prevention. The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of outpatient physiotherapy on reducing pain and improving the function of the lumbosacral spine. The research group comprised 95 people (50 women and 45 men) with an average age of 53 years, all patients with DDD in the lumbosacral spine. They underwent 3 physical treatments: magnetotherapy, laser therapy, and systemic cryotherapy, as well as gymnastic exercises, aimed at improving physical fitness, and strengthening the muscular corset. The research methods included the Schober test, the Thomayer test (finger-ground test), the Visual Analogue Scale scale, Laitinen's pain questionnaire, and calculation of BMI. Physiotherapeutic treatments significantly reduced the patients' pain symptoms, significantly increased the range of motion in the lumbosacral spine and improved physical fitness. Better results of the therapy were observed in patients with lower BMI.

Keywords

• intervertebral disc
• fibrous annulus
• nucleus pulposus
• spine