Back pain is one of the most common problems; sooner or later, almost every person, regardless of age, will experience it. The older we get, the stronger and more persistent the pain becomes. Their character and intensity are influenced by many factors: gender, age, profession, habits, heredity and much more.
To treat back pain, many doctors prescribe a variety of injections, droppers, ointments, and tablets. But, in addition to medicinal treatment methods, to solve problems with a large back, physiotherapy methods come to the aid of a neurologist.
It has been scientifically proven that the use of physiotherapy enhances the effect of almost any medicinal substance. Physiotherapeutic intervention stimulates blood flow in the area of action, and it is there that more medicine flows, metabolism in cells improves and the body’s own reserves are stimulated, self-regeneration is activated.
Physiotherapy can help shorten the treatment time for acute diseases, reduce the duration of periods of exacerbation of chronic diseases and increase periods of remission.
In the treatment of diseases of the spine and musculoskeletal system (MSD), physiotherapy is one of the most popular methods in America and Europe. This practice has come to Russia relatively recently, and so far not all doctors use physiotherapy as a tool on the patient’s path to recovery.
Signs of osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is a fairly common pathology of the spine. This is due to the increased load on the lumbar region, which occurs both when walking and when a sedentary lifestyle predominates.
The basis of the vertebral segment is made up of 5 vertebrae, between which there are discs that ensure their mobility. When degenerative changes occur, the thickness of the intervertebral disc decreases, the elasticity of the connective tissue decreases, which leads to contact of adjacent vertebrae and pinching of nerve fibers, accompanied by pain. It is pain in the lumbar region that is the main symptom of the disease. The intensity and duration of pain may vary depending on the load and sensitivity of the patient. Only early consultation with a doctor can reduce the risk of developing severe pathology. The selection of treatment is carried out on the basis of examination data, based on the actual condition of the patient.
Exercise therapy for back and head diseases
In case of stroke and traumatic brain injuries (presence of contusion lesions, subarachnoid hemorrhage, subdural hematomas), physical therapy exercises are necessary after stabilizing the patient’s condition and undergoing primary treatment. Regular exercise according to an individual program allows you to improve the functioning of all body systems, which ultimately reduces headaches, nausea, muscle weakness and spasms.
For deformational and degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the limbs and back, performing special exercises can achieve recovery or stable remission. In particularly advanced cases, when complete recovery is no longer possible, exercise therapy helps to significantly slow down the course of the pathological process. The degree of effectiveness of treatment depends on what kind of disease the patient suffers from and at what stage of the disease development treatment was started.
For arthrosis, osteochondrosis, arthritis, synovitis, scoliosis, habitual subluxation and other pathologies of the joints and spine, regular exercise therapy procedures make it possible to:
- strengthen the muscle corset and osseous-ligamentous apparatus;
- restore healthy anatomy of the musculoskeletal system and proper distribution of load during physical effort;
- relieve compression of the nerve roots, eliminate or reduce pain, spasms and pathological muscle tension;
- normalize metabolic processes;
- improve mobility.
With listhesis and retrolisthesis, performing therapeutic exercises allows you to restore the healthy position of the vertebrae and prevent their re-displacement by strengthening the back muscles.
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The importance of physiotherapy treatment
The pain syndrome accompanying changes in the intervertebral discs can last for several hours or days, seriously complicating the patient’s life. As the disease progresses, the pain becomes longer lasting and more severe. That is why treatment should be started as early as possible.
Physiotherapy for lumbosacral osteochondrosis of the spine is aimed at:
- Localization of the focus of the inflammatory process.
- Reducing pain.
- Stimulation of blood circulation.
- Normalization of the metabolic process.
- Relieving swelling.
- Restoring mobility of the spine in the lumbar region.
Physiotherapy has a beneficial effect on the immune system, strengthening all body systems and improving the patient’s well-being. By enhancing the effect of the medications taken, it becomes possible to gradually reduce their dosage.
Physiotherapy is also prescribed as a prophylactic measure to prevent the development of exacerbations.
It is important to know
Physiotherapy is not suitable for everyone; it is contraindicated for:
- people with general serious illnesses of the body,
- patients with oncology, at different stages,
- those who have serious problems or changes in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems,
- people with weakened liver and kidney function,
- pregnant women,
- people with skin diseases,
- having mental disorders.
By noticing the disease in time and seeking qualified help, you can eliminate it at the initial stage, before serious problems arise with the spine and the entire body.
Physiotherapy methods for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Treatment of osteochondrosis using physiotherapeutic methods gives positive results in combination with basic therapy. The most effective results are obtained by the following procedures:
- Shock wave therapy . The method of physiotherapy, based on the healing effects of acoustic waves, helps accelerate the process of proliferation of cartilage, improves blood circulation and metabolic processes in tissues. Regular visits to shock wave therapy treatments help eliminate swelling, relieve pain and reduce symptoms of inflammation. Thanks to the method, cell nutrition is normalized, the outflow of lymphatic fluid is improved, collagen synthesis is stimulated, and vertebral mobility is restored.
- Hiwamat therapy . Physiotherapy using this method involves massaging the affected area using a special device Khivamat 200. Its effect is aimed at the deep structures and tissues of the spinal column, which significantly increases the effectiveness of therapy compared to conventional manual massage. The main difference between hardware massage is that when kneading tissues, they are stretched under the action of the applicator, and not pressed, as with manual action. The procedure stimulates tissue regeneration processes, restores blood circulation in the lumbar region, and eliminates pain.
Complex physiotherapeutic treatment may include acupuncture, manual massage, kinesitherapy.
Case from practice
Recently a woman came to me with pain in her shoulder joint. I was surprised that she came to see a neurologist and not an orthopedist. To which the woman answered me that several years ago she had problems with the hip joint, her whole leg hurt, she could not walk, she limped. She received a long and varied treatment with injections and tablets, but the pain persisted. And after my advice (then, several years ago), she underwent a course of physiotherapeutic treatment - and to this day there is no pain in the joint. That's why she came to me again, because she wanted to do the same with her shoulder joint.
This effect is not surprising to me. I have been working as a neurologist for about 15 years, and I began to fully use physiotherapeutic treatment methods in 2014 after appropriate specialized training. The results are amazing.
And this happens for many reasons.
The use of physiotherapeutic methods enhances the effect of almost any medicinal substance. Because when exposed to any physiotherapeutic therapeutic factor, blood flow is always stimulated precisely in the area of action, and it is there that more of the drug comes; the metabolism in the cells that are affected improves, thereby stimulating the own reserves of tissues and organs, and activating self-regeneration.
At the same time, the treatment time for an acute disease is reduced, the duration of exacerbation of a chronic disease is shortened, and the period of remission of the disease is extended.
Recommendations for physical therapy
Procedures using physiotherapeutic methods can only be prescribed by the attending physician, who takes into account the degree of pathological changes in the lumbar spine, the general physical condition and age of the patient, and concomitant diseases.
If you follow the principle of regular visits to physical therapy, a positive effect is observed within a short period of time. There is an improvement in overall well-being, pain goes away, and the mobility of the vertebrae in the affected area increases.
In addition to physical therapy, it is recommended to visit the pool, adhere to a work and rest schedule, and moderate exercise.
Who is indicated for physical therapy?
Exercise therapy classes are especially effective for:
- joint pathologies;
- degenerative-dystrophic diseases, spinal deformities;
- rehabilitation after prosthetics and other surgical interventions;
- rehabilitation after brain diseases;
- physical development disorders;
- exhaustion of the body;
- obesity;
- displacement of internal organs.
The effectiveness of exercise therapy is enhanced by massage, manual therapy, a therapeutic diet and various physiotherapeutic procedures that can only be prescribed by a doctor:
- magnetic therapy;
- ultraphonophoresis;
- electromyostimulation;
- exposure to ultrasound.
For example, ultraphonophoresis allows you to quickly stop inflammatory processes, which helps relieve pain and prevents tissue destruction.
Modern equipment for physiotherapy
The Central Clinical Hospital of the Russian Academy of Sciences uses advanced achievements in the field of physiotherapy, while prices for treatment remain affordable.
The latest physiotherapeutic equipment at the Central Clinical Hospital of the Russian Academy of Sciences:
- “CryoJet” is a device for local cryotherapeutic effects using a cooled air stream. Helps eliminate pain and inflammation, improves blood microcirculation, and helps restore healthy joint mobility.
- "Khivamat" is a device for treatment using an electrostatic field. Gives a significant analgesic effect, which allows you to reduce the dosage of painkillers. The procedures also increase tissue elasticity, relieve inflammation, and restore mobility of joints and spine. The most effective use of this device is for arthrosis, osteochondrosis, protrusions and intervertebral hernias. Also, “Himavat” is widely used in surgery to improve the condition of patients after operations: mastectomy, cesarean section, osteosynthesis, endoprosthetics.
- "Andro-Gyn" is a modern device for the treatment of gynecological and urological diseases in patients of different ages. Highly effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. In the field of gynecology, it shows good results in restoring reproductive function.
- MDM therapy (mesodiencephalic modulation) is an effect on the central nervous system using a weak electrical signal. The method is effective in the treatment of burns, pulmonary diseases, gastrointestinal pathologies, and in recovery from severe injuries.
- Hardware LPG massage. The vacuum-lymphatic drainage massage method is used to relieve swelling, improve blood circulation and lymphatic fluid. Can be used for preventive and general health purposes. It is used to relieve pain after injuries and in degenerative-dystrophic pathologies of the spine.
Why you can’t do physical therapy on your own
An incorrectly selected course of exercises can cause a deterioration in the patient’s condition. For example, in the presence of degenerative processes in the joints or spine and diseases of the back muscles, excessive loads with jerking movements only accelerate the process of wear of bone tissue. A competent, experienced doctor should draw up a treatment regimen after studying the patient’s history and examination.
Contraindications to exercise therapy are:
- embolism, thrombosis;
- intoxication;
- presence or threat of bleeding;
- oncological diseases;
- arterial hypertension.
Also, physical therapy exercises are contraindicated during the acute phase of the disease, with severe pain and high temperature.
Before starting exercise therapy, you need to consult a specialist.
Physical therapy course in Moscow and the Moscow region
The Central Clinical Hospital of the Russian Academy of Sciences offers high-precision diagnostics of various pathologies and exercise therapy classes using modern techniques and simulators. Our doctors develop effective courses of exercises to treat diseases or carry out rehabilitation measures.
The Central Clinical Hospital of the Russian Academy of Sciences uses the latest simulators for physical therapy exercises
:
- the HUBER system is a patented advanced development by LPG Systems, used to increase physical endurance, increase and restore muscle volume and improve coordination of movements, correct posture, treat pathologies of the joints and spine and rehabilitation after completion of the main treatment course;
- “Motomed” is a device that shows high efficiency in the postoperative period, used for the restoration of tissues of the lower extremities and lumbar region, as well as the prevention of complications caused by prolonged immobility;
- Geragem is a mechanotherapeutic device that provides a relaxing and analgesic effect through acupressure (pressure on active points), roller massage and thermotherapy;
- “Stabilan” is a diagnostic complex based on computer stabilography for diagnosing balance disorders and rehabilitation for motor-coordination disorders.
Patients are offered individual and group classes with instructors and doctors in a comfortable room.
You can sign up for a consultation at the Central Clinical Hospital of the Russian Academy of Sciences by phone or through the website.
WHAT IS DDT
The first to propose this method of treatment was a French doctor named Bernard. Subsequently, these currents were called “Bernard currents” and today are widely used in medicine. This scientist proved the effectiveness of the combined use of half-sinusoidal pulse currents with a frequency of 50 and 100 pulses per minute. When the epidermal layer offers great resistance, the action of diadynamic currents begins, which pass through the excitation of the exeroceptors, thus causing a burning sensation under the sensors.