TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH LUMBAR SYNDROME WITH CONVENTIONAL AND COMPLEMENTARY METHODS

Abstract

Lumbar syndrome is the most common cause of chronic pain which includes: lumbago, lumbar ischialgia,
lumbar discopathy, lumbosacral radiculitis, spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, etc, as a consequence of a functional
disorder in the lumbar region. Research methods:The research was conducted in Tetovo Clinical Hospital, in the
period from 03.04. until 06.05.2024. 13 patients diagnosed with Lumbar syndrome are included in the research, (8
men and 5 women). Patients are divided into Control and Experimental group. For patients from the Control group,
Physical therapy treatment is applied which includes lumbar traction; manual massage in case of chronic myofascial
pain syndrome; treatment of trigger points; cryotherapy; laser therapy along Valle's points to reduce pain and
compression; For patients from the Experimental group, the are applied: Acupuncture in painful points, Gua sha
therapy and Tuina Chinese massage. Conventional diagnostic methods:The diagnosis is made based on the
anamnesis. This is followed by a clinical examination, functional testing and mobility testing of the spine and lower
extremities, assessment of muscle strength, and nerve root pressure symptoms. Complementary diagnostic methods:
The diagnosis is made according to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Differentiation of the
syndrome; The program and scheme for treatment with TCM is prepared in accordance with the obtained results of
the functional testing. The aim of the research is: To make a comparison of the achieved effects of treatment with
conventional and complementary methods in patients with lumbar syndrome. Тreatment of lumbar syndrome: In the
acute phase, rest and reduced physical activity are recommended. The patient should lie on a firm surface, with hips
and knees flexed (Fowler's or Williams' position or in a position that best suits the patient. Electrotherapy procedures
include: Electrophoresis of drugs (analgesics, NSAIDs and vasodilators); Diadynamic current (CP and LP
modality); Interference currents; Ultrasound and Phonophoresis of medicines; TENS, and Shortwave diathermy in
rare cases. Kinesitherapy treatment includes: treatment with position, passive exercises, actively assisted exercises,
elasticity and stretching exercises, relaxation exercises, breathing exercises; The goal of treatment is to reduce pain
and increase range of motion in the lumbar region. Functional testing is done before starting and at the end of
treatment; Results: After the completion of the treatment in patients with lumbar syndrome, the achieved effects
were summarized and a comparison was made of the achieved changes from the applied conventional and
complementary methods. In patients from the Control and Experimental groups, a visible decrease in pain and an
increase in the range of motion in the lumbar area was observed. In the patients of the Experimental group, where
acupuncture in painful points, guasha therapy and tuina massage are applied, much faster results were achieved
compared to the patients of the Control group. Discussion: Treatment with Physical Therapy causes a decrease in
pain and an increase in the range of motion in the lumbar region. Kinesitherapy exercises strengthen the abdominal
and paravertebral muscles and form a solid muscular corset for proper spine posture. The application of
kinesitherapy has an important role in the treatment of patients with lumbar syndrome, which aims to strengthen the
muscles that support the spine. Conclusion: In Complementary methods of treatment, much faster results are
observed compared to Conventional methods of treatment.