Comparative evaluation of interferential current and ultrasounds in patients with chronic low back pain in the course o f osteoarthritis

Karolina Szulkowska
Magdalena Fronczek
Bartłomiej Szrajber
Jolanta Kujawa
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Z Kliniki Rehabilitacji Medycznej Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Łodzi
Z Kliniki Rehabilitacji Medycznej Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Łodzi
Z Zakładu Fizjoterapii Społecznej Wyższej Szkoły Przedsiębiorczości i Zarządzania w Łodzi
Klinika Rehabilitacji Medycznej Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Łodzi, Wojewódzkie Centrum Ortopedii i Rehabilitacji Narządu Ruchu im. dr Z. Radlińskiego w Łodzi, Polska

Abstract

Introduction: Low back pain is known for a long time. Probably it has occurred since people have straight posture. According to researches, which were led all over the world, low back pain affects 80– 90% of population. One of the most common reason of pain is intervertebral disc disease. In the course of time there are changes in hydratation, which leads to lesion. The effect of this process is overload, which occurs mainly in cervical and lumbar spine.

Aim: The aim of the study was evaluation of the analgetic efficacy of interferential current, ultrasounds and combined therapy with both methods for patients with chronic low back pain.

Material and methods: In group A patients had 10 procedures with ultrasounds (0,8 W/cm², 10 minutes). In group B patients had 10 procedures with interferential current (15 minutes, frequency = 90–100Hz) and group C – both methods. All volunteers fulfilled questionnaires. Subjective pain evaluation was done by Visual – Analogue Scale of pain (VAS). To evaluate dysfunction of the spine the Oswestr Scale was used.

Results: In group A statistically, mild significant decreased of pain was observed. In group B after therapy with interferential current there was better analgetic effect than in group A. Best pain decrease effect was observed in group C.

Conclusions: The study showed that sonotherapy combined with interferential current caused best reduction of pain in patients with chronic low back pain.

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