Assessment of the Effectiveness of Sanatorium Treatment Resulting in the Decrease of Pain of the Lumbar Spine

Abstract

Introduction. Today, lumbar spine pain is a global problem, as one of the most common health problems in developing countries, including in Poland. One of the main problems of patients with back pain syndromes in the lumbar spine is pain. This disease may be classified as a direct cause of the limitation of physical, social, and professional activities.
Aim. The aim of the study is to assess the impact of sanatorium treatment on the reduction of pain occurring in the pain syndromes of the lumbar spine.
Material and Methods. The survey was conducted among 300 (100%) randomly selected patients, aged from 35 to 65 years. The study was conducted in sanatorium “The Wieniec-Zdrój spa”. The severity of pain in patients with diagnosed pain syndrome of lumbar spine was studied in two stages prior to and following sanatorium treatment using the Oswestry Disability Index Questionnaire. The tests were carried out after obtaining the approval of the Bioethics Committee of Kuyavian-Pomeranian Regional Medical Chamber in Torun (34/KB/2013) and the Medical Director of the institution where the study was conducted.
Results. Analysis of selected components of the Oswestry Questionnaire for comparing the efficiency of patients before and after treatment allows for the assessment of pain intensity. Taking into account the intensity of pain and the use of painkillers it can be determined that after sanatorium treatment because of minor pain patients do not have to take pain medication 89 respondents (30%), 38 patients fewer. The surveyed also responded that painkillers completely/partially remove the pain more than twice as often after treatment.
Conclusions. Sanatorium treatment affected pain in the lumbar spine. After therapy the pain decreased. The respondents stated that after the therapy applied, painkillers partially or completely removed the occurring pain. (JNNN 2016;5(3):99–103)