home Folk remedies Currents for the back. Pulse currents in physiotherapy How many physiotherapy sessions are needed for the spine

Currents for the back. Pulse currents in physiotherapy How many physiotherapy sessions are needed for the spine

A real scourge of our time - osteochondrosis affects its most vulnerable parts - the cervical and lumbar regions and is a common cause of temporary disability. An essential element of the treatment method for such diseases is physiotherapy, which should be considered as a set of measures aimed at relieving pain in the acute period, improving blood circulation and microcirculation in tissues, combating dystrophic disorders and movement disorders.

The arsenal of physiotherapist tools today is extremely wide. There are two large blocks: electrotherapy and physical therapy. The methods of therapeutic massage stand out, they are so in demand that there is even a slight shortage in the provision of the procedure. This is not surprising, since there is little that can compare with therapeutic massage in terms of improving blood circulation in deep tissues and eliminating muscle blocks, which are the main sources of back pain.

Among the most well-known methods of electrotherapy, drug electrophoresis is a very effective means of targeted delivery of drugs to a diseased organ, improving blood supply to tissues and the conductivity of peripheral nerve fibers. Laser radiation is used in the red and near-infrared ranges. Magnetic therapy is used in the form of a constant or alternating magnetic field applied segmentally. Magnetic and laser therapy are used to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Their advantage is the possibility of local action only on the affected area, painlessness, and the ability to carry out procedures when the integrity of the skin is violated.

Darsonval - ozonized French currents perfectly relieve microcirculation disorders and are used to relieve itching and spasms. Phonophoresis - high-frequency mechanical ultrasonic vibrations remarkably relieve inflammation, provide micromassage at the cellular level, resolve scars and make tissues soft and elastic. In addition, ultrasound has a bactericidal effect, promoting rapid wound healing.

A special role in physiotherapy belongs to physical therapy (PT). Its importance is often underestimated, reducing it to standard sets of exercises shown to everyone. Physical therapy acquires particular importance during the recovery period after severe injuries and injuries, and in the postoperative period. However, exercise therapy is directly related to the treatment and prevention of osteochondrosis. To overcome common motor stereotypes, for example: an office worker who spends a significant part of his life in a sitting position, a salesperson who experiences excessive stress on his legs, it is very important to use sets of exercises developed specifically for them that develop weakened muscles and thereby prevent the development of manifestations of osteochondrosis.

An extremely effective way to combat the automatism of movements that is developed through repeated repetition of the same exercises can be learning to dance, using strange at first glance unnatural poses characteristic of Chinese Wushu gymnastics, or performing exercises at a fast pace, characteristic of aerobics complexes. , shaping, etc.

Treatment of osteochondrosis with Bernard currents is prescribed to relieve pain, relieve inflammation and improve general condition. In combination with medications, exercise therapy can lead to stable remission.

Osteochondrosis occurs in people who lead an inactive lifestyle, are overweight, are often in a sedentary position and practically do not engage in sports. The disease can be eliminated using complex therapy.

Today, treatment of osteochondrosis with low-frequency electrical impulses is very popular. The method allows you to reduce pain and relieve inflammation in the area. Bernard currents have the following effects:

copy the pain;
improve tissue condition;
help quickly restore affected areas;
reduce movement disorders;
strengthen the muscle corset and increase its tone;
normalize metabolic processes;
improve immunity;
stimulate microcirculation in the diseased area.

Such physiotherapy can serve as an independent treatment for osteochondrosis or be used in combination. This method is based on the effect of a small current charge on the affected area.

As a result, heat is generated in the tissues, which significantly increases blood circulation. Bernard's impulses affect nerve endings and receptors, reducing pain.

This type of therapy for osteochondrosis has its own characteristics. The procedure should be carried out in specialized centers under the supervision of a doctor or nurse. Modern devices for the treatment of spinal pathologies make it possible to generate pulses of different frequencies for effective impact on damaged areas.

What are Bernard currents and what are their advantages?

For the first time, the treatment of osteochondrosis with electrical impulses was applied and modeled by the French scientist Pierre Bernard. Thanks to low-frequency currents, the tone of the muscle corset increases. When the waves pass, a dynamic contraction of smooth and skeletal muscles occurs, causing stimulation of the vascular networks, muscles of the internal organs, and the muscular corset.

With the help of Bernard currents for osteochondrosis, blood circulation is improved, and an analgesic effect is observed due to irritation of the nerve receptors. A frequency of 100 Hz is enough to dilate arterioles, improve tissue nutrition and activate collateral capillaries.

Low frequency currents help eliminate inflammatory and edematous processes in osteochondrosis. The modern method is widely used in the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Is it possible to be cured this way?

Bernard's method is not inferior in its effectiveness to the drug type of treatment. Physiotherapy is used for the affected areas and segments of the spinal column. Most patients experience a significant reduction in pain after the first session of therapy for osteochondrosis using current.

Doctors recommend using Bernard's electrical impulse treatment in combination with medications for effective results. You can use current as an independent therapy in the initial stages of osteochondrosis.

What are the contraindications for treating the spine with currents?

Physiotherapy is used in the treatment of osteochondrosis. Electrical exposure has a number of contraindications. Bernard's electrical impulse therapy is prohibited:

during exacerbations of the disease;
under drug and alcohol intoxication;
for skin diseases;
with kidney inflammation in the active phase and tuberculosis;
in the presence of malignant tumors;
for disorders of the sensitivity of the skin;
for diseases of the circulatory system and heart;
in case of individual intolerance to the method;
during breastfeeding and pregnancy;
for mental disorders, especially during exacerbation;

The attending physician should prescribe Bernard currents for osteochondrosis, taking into account all possible consequences and problems of the patient.

Before starting a session, it is necessary to undergo diagnostics to identify contraindications in order to avoid negative consequences from treatment.

The procedure using electrical impulses for osteochondrosis is not performed on patients who have metal implants in the cardiac system or throughout the body. The Bernard method is not suitable for patients with a non-immobilized bone fracture. Before the procedure, the doctor must carefully examine the skin in the area where the current is applied. If there is damage, they must be covered with oilcloth or the electrodes must be moved.

Treatment of osteochondrosis using pulses is prohibited for people who have purulent diseases of the subcutaneous fat layer. The procedure can be carried out only after creating an outflow of pus (drainage).

Osteochondrosis requires complex intervention, especially in advanced stages. To achieve results, the doctor prescribes the necessary course of Bernard currents, medications, massage and physical therapy.

Physiotherapy is an important part of the complex therapy of osteochondrosis at any stage of its development. This is due to the fact that it increases the effectiveness of treatment and has its own therapeutic effect. But it is important that the methods of influence are correctly selected by specialists. This material describes how physiotherapy is carried out for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, what effect it has and what contraindications it has.

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Effects of physiotherapy

This treatment has a pronounced beneficial effect, which is expressed in the following:

Removal of the inflammatory process that will accompany osteochondrosis;
Removing edema, which results in compression of nerve tissue and blood vessels;
Reduction of radicular syndrome and pain relief;
Reducing muscle hypertonicity, which can also cause pain and stiffness;
Improving the nutrition of soft tissues and intervertebral discs, due to which the process stops progressing;
Improving tissue permeability, as a result of which medications act more effectively;
Impact directly on disc tissue, reducing the rate of development of destructive processes in it.

Thus, after the first procedure, at the very beginning of treatment, the patient notices such positive effects as pain relief and a decrease in stiffness in the spine, and an increase in its flexibility. As the course progresses, paresis and tingling in the limbs may disappear, and sensitivity at certain points will be restored. The delayed effect is to reduce the rate of progression of the process, reduce the frequency of exacerbations, and the disappearance of negative symptoms.

General contraindications

Although physiotherapeutic procedures are useful for relaxing the spinal muscles, they still have a number of contraindications. Some of them are very specific, and are established by the doctor during a conversation with the patient before prescribing such measures. But there are a number of general limitations under which no type of physiotherapeutic intervention can be used. These are contraindications such as:

Oncological diseases, since it is not clear how education will respond to one or another type of exposure;
Serious mental illness;
The patient is under three years of age - the child’s body is prohibited from being exposed to such effects;
Pregnancy is not a contraindication for all procedures, but for many, therefore therapy must be completed before planning pregnancy;
Lactation - with it, not all types of exposure are also prohibited, but only some;
The presence of some type of implants, artificial internal organs, etc. is a contraindication for many types of exposure;
Chronic diseases of vital internal organs in the stage of exacerbation and/or decompensation (impaired functioning of the liver, kidneys, lungs, heart);
A number of brain diseases;
A number of circulatory and hematopoietic diseases;
Dermatological diseases, violations of the integrity of the skin, in places in contact with devices or solutions.

If existing contraindications are neglected, such procedures and manipulations can only cause harm.

Types of procedures

Lumbar osteochondrosis is the most difficult to tolerate compared to its other forms. For this reason, several types of such effects can be prescribed simultaneously, some of which are aimed at stopping the progression of the pathological process, others at relieving severe symptoms that reduce the quality of life. The most appropriate procedure is selected by a physiotherapist, taking into account the patient’s health condition and the characteristics of the pathological process.

Darsonval

Darsonvalization is a physiotherapeutic procedure during which the spine is exposed to pulsed currents of very high frequency. The action occurs precisely, using a special apparatus, only on the affected area. As a result, blood circulation improves and muscle hypertonicity decreases. In most cases, 5-10 procedures of varying durations are sufficient.

Magnetotherapy

Exposure to a magnetic field occurs at home using a special device, or in a physiotherapy room using stationary devices, which is more effective. Such therapy can stop the development of the pathological process. When performed at home, up to 20 procedures may be required, when performed on stationary equipment - up to 10.

Electrophoresis

The procedure is carried out using a constant low-frequency current generator and special medicinal solutions. The patient, with the electrodes attached, is placed in the medicinal solution. Drug ions penetrate tissues faster and more easily in the presence of current, therefore the effectiveness of treatment is higher. For osteochondrosis, 7-12 procedures are sufficient.

Laser therapy

The affected area is directly exposed to coherent or monochrome laser light for several seconds at each specific point. As a result of this effect, inflammation and back pain are relieved. These courses vary greatly in the number of procedures and their duration and are selected individually. Moreover, even the degree of skin sensitivity matters in this case.

Ultrasound

It is performed using special devices that generate ultrasound, inaudible to the human ear. Its waves act as a micro-massage, providing a complex beneficial effect - they relieve pain, inflammation, swelling, improve blood circulation and tissue nutrition, and therefore inhibit the pathological process. Up to 10 similar procedures are carried out.

Detensor therapy

The safest and most pleasant method for the patient is gentle stretching of the spine, which relieves tension in the muscles and also relieves pinched nerve tissue. As a result, the pain goes away quickly. The number of procedures is unlimited and can be performed at home.

To implement it, you need a special mat with large elastic ribs, the same pillow under your neck and a bolster under your feet. The patient lies on the mat, and the elastic ribs gently stretch his spine.

Balneotherapy

This is a treatment using mineral waters and healing mud. Baths are taken with water, applications are made with mud. The effect is anti-inflammatory and analgesic, and also stimulates blood circulation. 15-20 procedures lasting 20-60 minutes are performed.

Diadynamic therapy

Another method of electric shock, but here a double wave or continuous current is used, which is generated by a special apparatus and transmitted to the tissues using special applicators. At least five such procedures are carried out. During them, tissue nutrition improves and blood circulation in the affected areas is stabilized.

Amplipulsetherapy

During the procedure, a modulated sinusoidal current is used. Like any electric shock, this normalizes blood circulation and tissue nutrition, and stimulates regeneration processes. It has quite a lot of contraindications, most of which are associated with diseases of hematopoiesis and circulation. 5-7 procedures are performed.

Short pulse analgesia

This method of exposure uses short pulses of alternating current at a given frequency. They act on certain nerve roots that are the source of pain. As a result, pronounced pain relief is achieved, long-lasting or not very long. The procedure is prescribed as needed, most often in combination with other methods.

Vibration massage (acupressure)

Although uncontrolled vibrations themselves have a negative effect on the condition of the musculoskeletal system, controlled ones can have a positive effect by promoting the release of pinched nerve tissue and thereby relieving pain. They also normalize blood circulation and nutrition of the discs, and relieve swelling. A different number of procedures may be performed. Most often, they are indicated only for the period of exacerbation.

Transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation (TENS)

A painful and unpleasant procedure in which low-frequency current pulses affect the nerve structures in the affected areas. Such impulses can relieve pain and reduce negative processes in the nervous tissue. Manipulation is prescribed quite rarely, and the characteristics of the effect, its duration and frequency are selected strictly individually.

Exercise therapy

Physiotherapy exercises play an important role in both the prevention and treatment of osteochondrosis, therefore it is also part of the complex therapy of pathology. It helps strengthen the muscular frame, so that the vertebrae can return to their normal physiological position and become fixed in it. It also relieves muscle spasm, which can cause pain, promotes the release of compressed nerve tissue and blood vessels, improves blood circulation and nutrition of the intervertebral discs and adjacent tissues. As a result, flexibility and mobility of the spine are restored, pain disappears and the development of the pathological process slows down or stops.

But achieving such an effect is possible only if the exercises are correctly selected and performed correctly and regularly. For this reason, the complex should be prescribed by a physical therapy doctor. The complex includes isotonic and dynamic exercises, complexes for stretching and relaxing the spine. It is useful to supplement such complexes with swimming.

Where is the best place to start?

You cannot independently prescribe physical therapy for osteochondrosis of the lumbar region. It is necessary to consult a doctor who will draw up a treatment program. Most often, treatment begins with simple methods with a minimum of contraindications - electrophoresis, ultrasound, magnetic therapy. But if they do not bring the desired effect, then more radical methods can be used.

Conclusion

Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis plays an important role in the treatment of pathology. They not only increase the effectiveness of other ongoing therapy, but also have a therapeutic effect themselves. They will not help you get rid of osteochondrosis on your own, as they are most effective when used in combination with other methods. Methods and methods of influence must be selected correctly, therefore they are prescribed by a doctor.

Today, there are many unique methods for treating various diseases, in which the human body is directly exposed to magnetic fields, current pulses, lasers, etc.

One of the most popular techniques is magnetic therapy, which is effective and indicated for many diseases and pathologies.

To treat various pathological diseases, doctors use pulsed currents in physiotherapy. The effect of currents occurs in a certain rhythm, which is set on a special medical device that corresponds to the rhythms of the work of any internal system or organ of the human body, and the frequency of the supplied pulses also changes.

Low-frequency current pulses may be used for medicinal purposes for a number of the following diseases and manifestations:

electrical stimulation of muscle tissue;
pain relief;
antispastic effect;
action that has a vasodilating effect;
obesity;
diabetes;
damage to the neuromuscular system;
hyperthyroidism;
other diseases of the endocrine system;
cosmetic skin problems;
disturbances of intestinal motility;
diseases of the pelvic organs (genitourinary system).

During the procedure, the effect on the muscles of pulsed currents is replaced by so-called rest phases. With each subsequent action, the amplitude of the pulse current and its rhythm smoothly increase and, thus reaching the highest point, and then also smoothly decrease its value to zero.

Electrodes through which an electric current pulse is applied are placed on certain points on the patient’s body, through which a specific muscle group is affected. The current strength is calculated by the doctor in such a way as to visually see muscle contractions, but at the same time not cause the patient a feeling of discomfort during the procedure. Typically the current can be between 10 and 15 mA. As a rule, the course of treatment consists of 15 to 20 procedures, each of which lasts 15 or 30 minutes.

Pulsed currents are used in different types of physiotherapy:

Contraindications to the use of pulsed current therapy may include:

individual intolerance;
tumors;
second trimester of pregnancy, during which pulse therapy is used very carefully;
bleeding;
fresh hemarthrosis.

The effect of current pulses on the body causes irritating, exciting and stimulating effects that can help in the treatment of various diseases, pathologies and complications.

When current passes through the tissues of the body, it causes tension in the tissues and enhances the functioning of cell membranes.

Thus, it activates their functionality, stimulates cells and improves their vital functions, nourishes muscles, restores the functioning of nerve fibers, blood vessels, and joints. A disease such as prostatitis can also be effectively treated with pulsed currents.

When using therapy, the patient receives the following results:

Blood flow improves, and accordingly, the substances of medications used to treat prostatitis penetrate the prostate tissue faster.
Congestion processes in the pelvis are reduced.
Metabolism improves, which strengthens the entire body.
The synthesis of prostate secretion improves.
The permeability of cell membranes increases.

For effective treatment of prostatitis, electrotherapy with different types of pulsed currents can be used. Galvanization allows you to influence the prostate gland with low-frequency currents with continuous action, this relieves inflammation and relieves pain. Medicinal electrophoresis helps enhance the effect of medications, as it increases tissue permeability at the cellular level.

With electrical stimulation, the function of the pelvic muscle tissue increases, which helps in the treatment of pathologies of the genitourinary system. Thanks to this technique, many patients with prostate problems receive high-quality and effective treatment. Reviews from both doctors and patients indicate that complex therapy with current pulses is one of the most effective methods of treating and preventing prostatitis and many other diseases.

“Shooting”, dull aching pain in the back and a sharp limitation of movement are the most common symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. In the treatment of this disease, it is important to adhere to an integrated approach that combines the use of powerful anti-inflammatory drugs, chondroprotectors, and B vitamins. Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a method of local influence that effectively relieves exacerbation and has virtually no effect on the functioning of other organs and systems.

Physiotherapy involves the use of physical means (current, vibration, light, etc.) for medical purposes. The mechanism of its action is associated with improved blood supply and tissue regeneration of the affected area.

Important! The additional use of physiotherapy methods makes it possible to reduce the dosage of medications, which reduces their negative impact on the digestive and urinary system.

Types of physiotherapy that are most often used for osteochondrosis at the lumbar level:

Exposure to electric field and current up to 100 mA. This type causes heat to form in the soft tissues of the lower back. This leads to improved blood circulation and reduced pain. Active delivery of drug components to damaged discs of the lumbar spine also occurs.

Attention! The use of electric current is strictly prohibited for persons who have undergone operations involving the installation of pacemakers and other metal devices in the body.

Amplipulse for osteochondrosis is an effective treatment method associated with the influence of sinusoidal modulated currents (SMC). They are able to penetrate deeply into tissues and act at the level of nerve roots and plexuses. Session duration is 15-30 minutes. Course – 8-15 sessions (as prescribed by a doctor).

The method involves exposing diseased areas of the spine to high-frequency pulsed current.

This technique is due to the fact that the affected area is exposed to a double wave or continuous current. Thanks to this, muscle tightness is reduced and radicular syndrome is eliminated. Session duration is 3-20 minutes. Course – up to 8 sessions.

With the help of direct galvanic current, medicinal substances (novocaine, magnesia, aminophylline, etc.) are delivered deep into damaged tissues without mechanical damage. Session duration is 10-15 minutes. Course – 10-20 sessions.

The positive effect is associated with the radiation of a helium-neon laser. Activation of the bioelectric potentials of the spinal cord roots leads to a reduction in pain and inflammation. Impact on paravertebral (right and left of the spinal column) points causes restoration of the thickness of thinned intervertebral discs. Session duration is 5-15 minutes. Course – 3-15 sessions.

This type is based on exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet light stimulates the production of vitamin D and normalizes calcium metabolism, warms up and soothes pain. Session duration is up to 20 minutes. Course – 10-15 sessions.

This technique is associated with the creation of an active magnetic field over the affected part of the spine. The lower back is exposed to an induction magnet with a power of 28-35 mT, which accelerates regeneration processes at the cellular level. The duration of a magnetic therapy session is 25 minutes. Course – 7-15 procedures.

This method of spinal column traction is performed using a special functional mat. The patient, positioned horizontally on it in a special system of angles, achieves maximum stretching of the spasming muscles and improvement of trophism of the intervertebral discs. Session duration is 40-60 minutes. Course – up to 20 sessions.

You should know! In detensor therapy, only the patient’s own weight is used, without the use of weights. This provides individual training and reduces the risk of injury.

This treatment method is carried out using a vibrating band massager and is a mechanical effect on the affected area, relieving pain and swelling. Session duration is 25 minutes. Course – 15-20 procedures.

Attention! Like any other type of massage, vibration therapy is prohibited during exacerbation of osteochondrosis and is used only during remission.

A relatively new technique associated with pulsed exposure to an acoustic wave. According to research, this accelerates the proliferation of cartilage tissue and improves microcirculation in tissues.

Balneotherapy is a treatment method using mineral waters and healing mud. Taken in the form of compresses, applications, general and local baths, they can cause blood flow to the affected area of the lumbar region. Minerals that penetrate the skin have a stimulating and restorative effect. Session duration is 20-60 minutes.

Although physiotherapy procedures are highly specific and localized at the local level, they have a number of contraindications:

malignant formations;
chronic diseases of the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs in the stage of decompensation;
pregnancy and lactation;
dermatological diseases, damage to the integrity of the skin (wounds) and rashes on the body;
children under 3 years of age;
mental illness.

In general, the course of physiotherapeutic procedures in combination with drug treatment quickly relieves pain, stimulates the processes of restoration of organs and tissues, and has a general strengthening effect.