THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COMBINED PHYSICAL THERAPY AND BALNEOTHERAPY TREATMENT ON CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN

Introduction: Low back pain is the most commonly reported individual complaint of musculoskeletal origin. It is generally repetitive, and leads to important socioeconomic outcomes. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of physical therapy involving hot pack (HP), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and therapeutic ultrasound (US) combined with balneotherapy on patients hospitalized due to chronic low back pain. Material and Methods: The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores of 31 patients with chronic low back pain were evaluated before (Day 0) and after (Day 10) treatment. Results: Statistically significant improvements were determined in post-treatment ODI scores when compared with pre-treatment values (p= 0.002). Conclusion: Physical therapy with HP, TENS, and US combined with balneotherapy has a positive effect on disability of patients hospitalized due to chronic low back pain.