General hydro galvanic baths in the treatment of patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy

Abstract

Hydrogalvanic baths are a hydrotherapy method based on the combined effect of electric current and fresh water on the body. Scientific evidence and evaluation of the effectiveness of use of general hydrogalvanic baths in the treatment of patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy with the background of degenerative spinal disorder. A randomized comparative clinical trial included 84 patients. The 1st (active) group included 43 patients, the 2nd (control) had 41 patients. Patients of the 1st group received general hydrogalvanic baths. Patients in the control group - drug treatment, including NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants. The assessment was carried out before treatment, at the end of the course (on the 14th day) and 3 months after the end of treatment according to the results of neurological examination, VAS questionnaires, Pain DETECT, Beck scale, Oswestry scale, SF-36 scales, electroneuromyography (nerve conduction study). In patients receiving general hydrogalvanic baths, in comparison with the control group, there was an improvement in sensitivity (the incidence of hypesthesia decreased from 77 to 11%, p=0.008) and conductivity in peripheral sensory fibers. A decrease in pain was observed in both groups, however, a decrease in neuropathic pain was recorded only in patients receiving drug treatment. In the 1st group during therapy, an improvement in the emotional state in patients and a decrease in the level of depression were revealed. An analysis of long-term results showed that the delayed effect of non-drug treatment significantly increased in patients of the 1st group in comparison with the control group (p<0.05). Exposure to general hydrogalvanic baths is an effective way to treat lumbosacral radiculopathy, the main registered effects are: improvement of sensitivity, reduction of pain and stabilization of the emotional background. However, the studied method does not affect neuropathic pain.