COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A PHYSIOTHERAPY PROGRAM ON THE MOTOR FUNCTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE IN OSTEOCHONDROSIS

Abstract

Introduction. The modern pace of life, a high level of physical inactivity and the prevalence of sedentary work contribute to the increase in the number of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine, among which cervical osteochondrosis occupies a special place. This pathology is accompanied by pain syndrome, limited mobility, deterioration of the functional state of patients and a decrease in their working capacity. According to scientists, the prevalence of cervical osteochondrosis in working age is from 30 to 50 %, which indicates its significant medical and social impact. Despite the availability of drug and physiotherapeutic treatment methods, one of the leading means in restoring the functions of the cervical spine remains a set of physical exercises aimed at reducing pain, improving mobility and strengthening the musculoskeletal system. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is one of the most common degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which is characterized by progressive changes in the intervertebral discs, joints and ligaments. According to statistics, up to 60–80 % of the working-age population aged 25 to 55 years suffers from manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis, and in recent decades there has been a tendency of “rejuvenation” of this disease.

The aim of the study – to study the effect of a set of physical exercises on the motor function of the cervical spine in patients with osteochondrosis and to assess its effectiveness in restoring the amplitude of movements, reducing pain syndrome and improving functional status.

The main part. The study was conducted on the basis of the Municipal Non-Profit Enterprise “Borshchiv City Hospital” of the Borshchiv City Council (rehabilitation department). The study involved 30 patients aged 30 to 55 years with a confirmed diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis. The average age of the participants was (42.6±6.8) years. The main group (n=15): patients underwent a course of a specially developed physical exercise program aimed at restoring the motor function of the cervical spine. The control group (n=15): received traditional treatment used in the practice of the rehabilitation department: drug therapy, physiotherapy procedures, general therapeutic exercise. During the experiment conducted on the basis of the Borshchiv City Hospital, a 10-week physical exercise program was developed, which included five consecutive phases: anti-pain, mobilization and stabilization, strength endurance, functionalization and consolidation. Its structure was aimed at gradually reducing pain, restoring mobility, strengthening stabilizer muscles and forming correct posture.

Conclusion. Comparative analysis confirmed the statistically and clinically significant advantage of the exercise program over traditional rehabilitation methods (p<0.001). This indicates the high effectiveness of the proposed method and the feasibility of its application in physical therapy practice.