CORRELATION OF KINETIC THERAPY WITH IMAGING INVESTIGATION IN THE TREATMENT OF LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION

Abstract

According to worldwide statistics, the incidence of diagnosed lumbar disc herniation (LDH) among the population is estimated at 15%. Lifestyle changes have led to an accelerated decrease in age for the above-mentioned pathology. In the early stages, a herniated disc may be asymptomatic, which may delay the diagnosis; therefore, the real number of LDH-affected population is considered to be at least double. The complications associated with a herniated disc can have repercussions on the quality of life and can culminate with irreversible spinal cord injuries and functional impotence. Early detection of the condition can prevent the patient’s functional degradation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the main method to confirm suspected LDH, with a diagnostic accuracy of 97%. Through this research, we aim to highlight the importance of clinical imaging investigations (especially MRI), the stages of the rehabilitation programme for LDH patients and the close monitoring of their disease status. The study is conducted on a group of patients diagnosed with LDH and evaluated clinically, functionally and by imaging methods at the time of disease onset. The kinetic programme adapted for LDH recovery is addressed to both patients undergoing conservative treatment and patients undergoing surgery. Therapeutic progress is quantified through new functional clinical evaluations and imaging investigations. The dynamic monitoring of patients allows highlighting the quality/limitations of the kinetic programme. Therefore, we can conclude that imaging investigation is the starting point for establishing an accurate diagnosis and choosing the therapeutic protocol in LDH pathology.