Rehabilitation in scoliosis - an overview of the most important procedures

Introduction: Scoliosis is defined as deformation of the spine and torso in three dimensions. Study show that scoliosis affects 68% of healthy individuals over 65 years of age with no low back pain. The aim of this article is to review the available scoliosis rehabilitation methods, including the newest physical rehabilitation trends. Material and methods: Articles in the Google Scholar, Pub Med database have been analysed using keywords: scoliosis, deformation of the spine and torso, modern methods of rehabilitation, older people. Results: After skeletal maturity, curves less than 30°do not progress, however most curves greater than 50°continue to progress with approximate change of 1°per year. Bracing is one of the most popular options of scoliosis treatment. Braces usage aims to slow the progression of the curve. However, complications resulting from the physical changes caused by the compression of the body and/or psychological effects due to the disturbance of the appearance while wearing the brace may occure. The Lehnert-Schroth three-plane corrective breath method principles are: a proper breathing technique where the ribs are used as levers and the breath is directed to the unstretched parts of lungs allowing correction of the curvature of the spine, and secondly activation of non-working muscles on the side of the concave curvature. Nevertheless, surgical procedure is advised for curves greater than 45° in immature patients and greater than 50° in mature patients. Conclusions: Scoliosis, defined as spinal and torso deformity in three planes. 80% of all cases of this postural defect are juvenile idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, degenerative scoliosis developed during the patient’s life due to the degeneration of the discs of the spine is frequent in people over the age of 65. It often limits daily functioning and can cause severe pain that requires medical intervention. It has been proven that properly selected systematic rehabilitation may lead to significant improvement in the spinal alignment. Nevertheless, in severe cases surgical treatment may be necessary

Insomnia in elderly patients – various ways to manage

Introduction: Impaired duration, rhythm and depth of sleep and wakefulness called insomnia is a common problem in the group of geriatric patients. About 50% of elderly people report insomnia. Material and Methods: The paper reviews literature using the EBSCO and Google Scholar databases. Articles have been analyzed using the keywords insomnia, elderly patients, prevalence and etiology, primary care, treatment, diet, physiotherapy. The article presents various methods to manage insomnia among the elderly. Results: The main treatment for insomnia includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions or a combination of both. A very important aspect is proper dietary, physiotherapy treatment and physical activity. Conclusions: Effective management of sleep disorders improves the quality of life of patients struggling with this disorder and prevents the occurrence of depression and anxiety, which often coexist with insomnia

Changes seen in the body of an elderly patient suffering from diabetes

Background: Diabetes is a foreign disease today. This is a chronic, metabolic disease that is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. There are many types of disease. Each of them has different characteristics. The key in the fight against the disease is to perform appropriate laboratory tests to diagnose diabetes and to introduce appropriate treatment to prevent many complications, e.g. impairment of: vision, kidneys, cardiovascular system or hearing. Material and methods: A proper review of the literature was used, which identifies risk factors, complications and proper management in diagnosing diabetes. Results: The growing problem of diabetes forces us to find the most accurate way to treat the disease. Performing reliable diagnostics is crucial. The reference method (IDMS) and methods used in routine diagnostics, oxidase hexokinase are the basic and necessary laboratory tests used in the diagnosis of diabetes. Conclusions: In the coming years, the number of patients suffering from diabetes will continue to grow. Diagnosis and treatment of this disease is extremely important, because neglecting the disease can have many serious consequences for healthy physical and mental functioning. The basis is the performance of correct tests, which allows for proper treatment

Multiple sclerosis and dizziness in the elderly

Background:The essence of sclerosis disseminated, characteristics of the symptoms of this disease and familiarization with the main difficulties that sick people face. Material and methods:The methods used to treat balance disorders and dizziness are pharmacotherapy, vestibular rehabilitation, lifestyle changes and surgical treatment. Results: The results are not very optimistic, treatment is not too easy symptoms are manifested in motor dysfunction leading to even disability Conclusions:Multiple sclerosis is a disease affecting the nerve center of unknown etiology which makes treating difficult. The onset of the disease is often dizziness or headache

A rehabilitation approach to the falls of geriatric patients

Abstract: Background: Falls of the elderly are not only in themselves one of the most common problems of geriatric patients, but also the cause of many complications that affect permanently or for a shorter period of time affect the quality of life of people over 65 years of age. These changes affect not only the efficiency and motility of the elderly but also may reduce self-esteem, limit social life or cause loss of self-confidence. Material and methods: Analysis of available literature, articles in the Google Scholar database and PubMed using keywords: falls, geriatrics, aging process, problem Results: In clinical practice, many tests and scales are used to prevent the fall of older people and related complications. These include: Timed Up & Go (TUG), Tinetti scale, Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), One Leg Standing (OLS), Four Square Step Test (FSST), Berg test or Functional Reach (FR). Preventing falls can primarily be achieved by the use of appropriate rehabilitation methods, which include, among others, kinesitherapy and properly selected orthopedic equipment. The aim of individually selected kinesitherapy is to restore or maintain the patient's full fitness through the use of physical exercises to improve the balance, increasing mobility and efficiency. In the case of orthopedic supplies, the most common are baby walkers (without wheels, walker with wheels, using a triangular and quadrangular base) and orthopedic balls. Conclusions: Prophylaxis to prevent destructive effects of falls of geriatric patients should be carried out in a comprehensive manner and cover a wide range of activities. There is a further need for research and discussion on the effectiveness of forms of rehabilitation to prevent the falls of older peopl

Degeneration of the lumbar intervertebral discs as a cause of root discomfort in the lumbar spine

Background: The change in the lifestyle of modern man and the related lack of physical activity caused that pain in the spine has become a civilization problem, covering an increasing population regardless of latitude. Degenerative changes of the spine, also in the lumbar region, are the most frequently diagnosed cause of patients' dysfunction. Material and methods: Analysis of available literature, articles in the Google Scholar and PubMed database using keywords: lumbar spine, degenerative changes, dysfunctions Results: Currently, in addition to injuries and mechanical loads, the causes of lumbar spine dysfunction also include abnormal spinal nutritional composition and genetic factors, with the greatest emphasis on genes encoding type 1 collagen. During diagnostics, apart from X-ray imaging, computed tomography and resonance imaging methods should not forget about properly conducted interviews and functional tests. Kinesitherapy assisted by physical treatment methods such as laser therapy or ultrasound should play a major role in rehabilitation. Kinesitherapy should be tailored to the individual patient, and exercises selected so that the patient can also do them at home. Conclusions: In the prevention of degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, there should be a much greater emphasis on patient education related to risk factors or learning ergonomic work. Despite much work on this topic, there is still a need to improve public awareness and further research on prevention

Sciatica - radiating pain affecting an increasing part of society

Introduction: Sciatica is a current and more common problem affecting normal functioning. Along with the development of civilization, the lifestyle has also changed, contributing to spend a large amount of time in a sitting position. Material and Methods: Review of literature data available in the Pubmed, Cochrane and Google Scholar databases. Results: Both in a standing and sitting position, the pressure exerted on the intervertebral discs increases leading to a hernia which, pressing on the roots of the L4-S1 nerves, lead to symptoms characterized by pain in the lumbar region, back of the buttock, thigh, calf, foot and paresthesia of these areas. Due to the progressive changes associated with aging, the frequency of sciatica increases with age. The basis for the diagnosis of sciatica is a carefully collected interview and examination of the patient, while imaging and neurophysiological tests can be helpful in determining the degree of compression on nerve structures. Treatment of sciatica is dependent on the cause and can be both conservative and surgical. Conclusions: Due to the increasing number of cases of sciatica, it seems necessary to expand the knowledge on the diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities of this disease

Sarcopenia as a problem of old age - a form of rehabilitation

Background: Sarkopenia as a disease has relatively recently become the object of research and the work of the academic community. Despite this, sarcopenia is an increasingly serious social problem, it can be seen in a large number of statistics and epidemiological studies. Among geriatric patients, along with their multiformity and the associated use of a large amount of medicines, it causes many negative effects related to the functioning of the whole organism as well as the quality of life of the patient himself. Material and methods: Analysis of available literature, articles in the Google Scholar and PubMed database using keywords: sarcopenia, geriatrics, rehabilitation, loss of muscle mass. Results: Among the studies and recommendations concerning sarcopenia, a continuous lack of clear, transparent and confirmed diagnostic criteria can be stated. At the diagnosis of this disease, an X-ray or a bioelectrical impedance analysis is used. Other methods used are functional tests, including a six-minute walk test or "Timed-Up and Go" test (TUG). In the case of rehabilitation of people with sarcopenia, the most effective form of kinesitherapy is individually selected resistive training, which has a positive effect not only on muscle mass growth, but also the body's protein metabolism and the improvement of the endocrine system. Physiotherapy is the most commonly used method of physical therapy, among other methods of rehabilitation there are also therapeutic massage, aqua aerobics, vibratory training, and Nordic Walking and diet supplementation. Conclusions: Sarcopenia in geriatric patients, especially with ineffective treatment and rehabilitation, has a destructive impact on both the physical and mental sphere of the patient. There is a great need for more extensive research, both on the whole disease process and the effectiveness of forms of assistance to patients