Clinical and electromyographic evaluation of the effectiveness of the use of interference currents and traction therapy in the treatment of patients with vertebral radiculopathy

Abstract

Background. Relevance of elaboration of lumbosacral radiculopathy (LSR) treatment methods is сonditioned by widespread of this pathology. Pain syndrome (PS) reducing activity and life quality of workable patients is the most prevailing clinical manifestation of this disease. Сonservative treatment methods of LSR directed to decrease pain, oedema and compression of nerve roots as well as contributing to сonductivity improvement include medication, physiotherapeutic and orthopaedic treatment.
 Aims: Clinical neurophysiological justification of combined use of interference therapy (IT) and spine traction (ST) in complex treatment of vertebral LSR.
 Materials and methods. The first-control group (n=32) who were treated by using ST as a treatment. The second ― treatment group (n=32) included those who were treated by using the IT and ST on the same day. All patients had radicular syndromes. All patients passed the lumbar MRI scan. PS was estimated according to the visual-analogic scale (VAS) and McGills questionnaire. Estimation of life quality of patients was based on Roland-Morris questionnaire. Electromyography registered dynamics of impulse conduction on motor fibres, as well as parametеrs of compound muscle action potential and H-reflex.
 Results. Positive effect of combined use of interference therapy with spine traction in complex treatment of vertebral radiculopathy patients are proved. It has been established that the therapeutic effect of the complex application of IT and ST lies in the improvement in the afferent and efferent links of the neuromotor apparatus, as well as the functional state of the spinal alpha-motoneurons associated with the acceleration of the regenerative processes.
 Conclusion. Results of the clinical neurophysiological investigation, carried out before and after rehabilitative treatment allow to recommend combined therapy of IT and ST for treatment of vertebral LSR.