THE EFFECT OF KINESIOTAPING USING THE MUSCLE TECHNIQUE ON THE AMPLITUDE OF MOVEMENTS IN THE THORACIC AND LUMBAR SPINE AND THE INTENSITY OF THE PAIN SYNDROME IN PATIENTS WITH NON-SPECIFIC BACK PAIN

Abstract

Introduction. In the era of complete computerization, a large part of the population, regardless of age, spends more and more time in a sitting position. Long-term static load on the spine increases muscle tension, which leads to back pain. Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine that cause back pain are a serious global health problem. They are one of the most common reasons for referrals to primary care physicians. Back pain is a frequent cause of sick leave and permanent disability among representatives of many professions. This is an interdisciplinary problem, which is often dealt with by doctors of various specialties, physical therapists, and even psychologists. Conservative treatment is usually used, aimed at alleviating pain and returning the patient to activity and participation in social life as soon as possible. In recent years, the effectiveness of some physiotherapeutic methods, mainly physioprocedures in the treatment of spinal pain, has been questioned, and the effectiveness of many kinesiotherapy methods has not been confirmed. This makes it difficult to choose an appropriate therapeutic procedure. Vertebrogenic pain syndrome is considered one of the most common reasons for limiting the professional activity of persons under 45 years of age, and in the age group of 50–64 years it is surpassed only by cardiac and rheumatic diseases. Every year, millions of active people become disabled due to back pain. Pain can take different forms – from short-term pain of moderate intensity to severe chronic pain. Musculoskeletal disorders are caused by long-term effects of such factors as: working conditions, non-professional activities and individual characteristics: age, gender, body structure, physical fitness or susceptibility to stress. Rehabilitation methods are recommended as primary and secondary prevention of back pain. The method of kinesiological taping is one of a number of special physiotherapeutic methods used during episodes of non-specific pain in the spine. We evaluated the effect of using kinesio taping using muscle technique on the mobility of the thoracic and lumbar spine and subjective perception of pain intensity.

The aim of the study – to evaluate the effect of kinesiotaping using the muscle technique on the amplitude of movements in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine and the intensity of the pain syndrome in patients with non-specific back pain.

The main part. The study group consisted of 60 people aged 35–65 years (28 women and 32 men) with complaints of back pain. The Ott and Schober tests were used to assess spinal mobility. Subjective pain perception was assessed using the visual analog scale VAS. The measurements were performed 4 times: before adherence, immediately after adherence, 7 days after adherence, and immediately after removal of the patch. In response to the applied interventions, there was an increase in the mobility of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine in forward and backward flexion and a decrease in pain.

Conclusions. The use of kinesiological muscle taping is an effective method of reducing pain and increasing mobility of the lumbar spine.