Reflexotherapy in Complex Postoperative Rehabilitation for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

Abstract

Objective. To assess the acupuncture efficiency for conservative treatment and postoperative rehabilitation of patients with spondylolisthesis. Material and Methods. The study group included 42 patients with spondylolisthesis complicated by root syndrome. After surgical intervention the patients underwent treatment consisting of corporal acupuncture and drug therapy (NSAID, diuretics, vitamins, muscle relaxants). The McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), visual analog scale (VAS) and EMG-examinations were used for pain assessment. Results. Drug therapy contributed to pain decreasing in 10 % of patients on the first day of treatment and in 35 % – on the third. Complete relief of pain syndrome occurred in 55 % of patients on the fifth day. The combination of drug therapy and acupuncture provided complete reduction of pain syndrome in 95.4 % of cases during 5 days. Conclusion. It is advisable to apply corporal acupuncture to complex postoperative rehabilitation of patients with spondylolisthesis complicated by root syndrome.