• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.95-107
• /
• 2015

Objective : To use and its affecting factors of patients' outpatient treatment that have single and multiple chronic illnesses Method : We used the 2011 study by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, "Report on Usage and Consumption of Korean Medicine." This report was conducted on outpatients and inpatients that visited Korean traditional medicine, from August 25th, 2011, to September 30th, 2011. Our research was based on 1729 patients with chronic diseases aged 30 and over who received outpatient treatment during the last three months. Results : There were 1365 patients with non-complex chronic diseases, while there were 364 patients with complex chronis diseases. Patients had 1 - 8 chronic diseases, and the average number (standard deviation) was 1.26 (0.59). There were statistically significant differences by sex(P<0.0001), age(p=0.0045), marriage (p=0.0060), education level(p<0.0001), income level(P=0.0063), and types of health insurance(p=0.0023). The diseases most common among patients with non-complex chronic diseases were: low back pain, arthritis, gastrointestinal disorder, frozen shoulder, side effects from motor accidents, high blood pressure, fracture, stroke, diabetes, cancer, atopic dermatitis, and asthma. The diseases most common among patients with non-complex chronic diseases were: arthritis+low back pain, low back pain+gastrointestinal disorder, low back pain+side effects from motor accidents, low back pain+frozen shoulder, arthritis+gastrointestinal disease, gastrointestinal disease+frozen shoulder, arthritis+low back pain+gastrointestinal disease, high blood pressure+arthritis, arthritis+low back pain+frozen shoulder, arthritis+fracture, and arthritis+side effects from motor accidents. There were statistically significant differences among the usage of medical clinics by: frequently used clinic (p<0.0001), number of treatment (p<0.0001), the cost of outpatient treatment (p=0.0073), the satisfaction rate (p=0.0171), whether the clinic is the preferred clinic (p=0.0040). In model 1, men than women, people who had local benefits instead of type 1 medical aid, and patients with complex chronic diseases were more likely to use Korean medical clinics. In model 2, men than women, people who had local benefits than people with types 1 and 2 medical aids, people who went to pharmacies and Korean medicine pharmacies than people who went to hospitals, people who went to get treatment 1-10 times than people who visited 11-20 times and more than 41 times, and people who spent less than ten thousand Korean won than people who spent 1 to 2 million Korean won, and people without complex chronic diseases were more likely to use Korean medical treatment. Conclusion : There were differences in sociodemographic characteristics and the usage of medical clinics between patients with non-complex chronic diseases and patients with complex chronic diseases. Among patients with complex chronic diseases, women, patients with types 1 and 2 medical aid, patients who used Korean medical clinics, patients who were treated 11-20 times and more than 41 times, and patients who spent 1 million to 2 million Korean won on outpatient treatment used less treatment than patients with non-complex chronic diseases. However, patients with complex chronic diseases used pharmacies and Korean medicine pharmacies more.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
• /
• v.1 no.1
• /
• pp.93-108
• /
• 2006

Purpose : To evaluate effects of McKenzie exercise on the functional recovery and forward head posture of chronic neck pain patients. Methods : The subjects were consisted of fifteen patients who had abnormal neck posture, mild neck pain (28 males, 17 females; mean aged 21.9) from 19 to 33 years of age(mean age 21.9). All subjects were received McKenzie exercise for 35 minutes with clinical massage per day three times a week during 4 weeks period. Neck disability index was used to measure functional disability level. Visual analogue scale(VAS) was used to measure subjective pain level. craniovetebral angle(CVA), cranial rotation angle(CRA) was used to measure forward head posture with digital camera. All measurements of each patients were measured at pre-treatment and after 2 week, after 4 week, post-treatment on 2 week. Result : The VAS of McKenzie exercise was significantly reduced between pre-treatment and post-treatment (p<.05) and effects of pain reduce was continued follow 2 weeks. The Neck Disability Index of McKenzie exercise was significantly reduced between pre-treatment and post-treatment (p<.05) and effects of pain reduce was continued follow 2 weeks. The CVA of McKenzie exercise was significantly reduced between pre-treatment and post-treatment (p<.05) and effects of pain reduce was continued follow 2 weeks. The CRA of McKenzie exercise was not significantly reduced between pre-treatment and post-treatment (p<.05). Conclusion : McKenzie exercise improved pain and function of Chronic neck pain patients.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.29-40
• /
• 2019

PURPOSE: Despite the widespread occurrence in the general population, few studies have directly evaluated the effects of shingles on non-specific neck pain (NSNP). This study investigated whether sensory training or therapeutic stretching exercises are more effective in increasing neck mobility and reducing neck pain in chronic NSNP patients. METHODS: Eighty-one subjects aged between 20 and 32 years with chronic neck pain (> six months), were allocated randomly to three groups: sensorimotor training group (STG), therapeutic stretching group (TSG), and home exercise group (HEG). All participants received a half-hour training session, three times weekly for six weeks. The outcomes were evaluated using the neck disability index for measuring neck pain, and a universal goniometer to measure the cervical passive range of motion before and after the six-week intervention. RESULTS: The post-test neck disability index scores in the STG (t = 4.86) and TSG (t = 3.24) were decreased significantly (p < .05). The passive range of motion changes in all cervical movements in the STG was increased significantly (p < .05) after intervention compared to those in the other two groups. CONCLUSION: Sensorimotor training using chin tuck exercises may improve neck pain and mobility in subjects with chronic NSNP.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.15 no.4
• /
• pp.13-23
• /
• 2003

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the change of lordosis according to plantar surface compliance in patients with chronic low back pain. Thirty patients with chronic low back pain aged between 20 and 40 were assigned to 3 groups: control group, experimental groups (FHRS group, FSRH group). The lordosis was examined before and after adaptation with corresponding foam types. The results were as follows : 1. As the result of comparing lordosis before and after test of the control group which any change did not exist in plantar surface compliance, there was not a significant difference(p>0.05). 2. As the result of comparing lordosis before and after test of the FHRS group which forefoot part of plantar surface is hard and rear foot part is soft, there was the significant increase(p<0.05). 3. As the result of comparing lordosis before and after test of the FSRH group which forefoot part of plantar surface is soft and rear foot part is hard, there was the significant decrease(p<0.05). 4. As the result of comparing lordosis of the FHRS group and FSRH group, there was not a significant difference before test(p>0.05). But, there was a significant difference after test(p<0.05).

• The Korean Journal of Pain
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.158-162
• /
• 2007

Background: After burn patients are discharged from the hospital, they may continue to feel pain and paresthetic sensations at the site of a healed burn and these problems may persist for years. This study was designed to describe the characteristics of these symptoms in terms of intensity, frequency, and influencing factors. Methods: Patients that developed paresthetic sensations at sites of a healed burn were recruited from the pain management center from January 2003 to April 2006. Data was collected using a structured interview protocol. Results: Fifty one adults, with a total body surface area burned (TBSA) of $21.1{\pm}16.3%$ aged $42.0{\pm}12.9$ years were studied. A paresthetic sensation was reported to be present every day in 52.9% (27/51) of the subjects. A variation in the intensity was most commonly related to changes in the weather. A tight sensation and itching types of sensations were significantly more frequent in patients with more extensive injuries. Conclusions: Recognition and understanding of the chronic paresthetic sensation that many burn patients continue to experience at sites of a healed burn deserve further attention. Not only do clinicians need to be aware of these problems but also strategies for prevention and alleviation shou\d be explored.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
• /
• v.2 no.2
• /
• pp.113-124
• /
• 2007

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of joint mobilization on the rang of motion and pain of patient with chronic low back pain. Methods : The subjects were consisted of thirty patients with chronic low back pain(19 females, 11 males ; mean aged 59.93) from 50 to 71. All subjects randomly assigned to the modalities treatment group, joint mobilization group. Modalities treatment group received hot pack used thermal therapy for 20minutes and ICT used electrical therapy for 15minutes, joint mobilization group received modalities treatment with sustained natural apophyseal glides(SNAGS) techniques of Mulligan for 10minutes per day and three times a week during 2 weeks period. Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) was used to measure subjective pain level. Remodified Schober test(RST) was used to measure range of motion of lumbar spine. All measurements of each patients were measured at pre-treatment and 2 weeks post-treatment. Results : The results of this study were summarized as follows : 1. VAS was joint mobilization group showed significantly decreased more than modalities treatment group (p<.05). 2. The lumbar flexion range of motion was joint mobilization group showed significantly decreased more than modalities treatment group(p<.05). 3. The lumbar extension range of motion was joint mobilization group showed significantly decreased more than modalities treatment group(p<.05). 4. The lumbar left lateral flexion range of motion was joint mobilization group showed significantly decreased more than modalities treatment group(p<.05). 5. The lumbar right lateral flexion range of motion was joint mobilization group showed significantly decreased more than modalities treatment group(p<.05). Conclusion : These data suggests that SNAGS of Mulligan is beneficial treatment for chronic low back pain.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.292-300
• /
• 2019

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in young male patients in South Korea, especially focusing on the association with military service. Methods: From January 2007 to May 2017, we investigated the electronic medical records of 430 consecutive patients, aged 18 to 30 years, who visited Seoul National University Hospital Pain Center, with a suspected diagnosis of CRPS at the initial visit. The following patient details were available for analysis: demographic and disease-related variables, relevance to military service, medications, and the treatment modalities received. Results: Out of 430 patients, 245 (57.0%) were diagnosed with CRPS, of which, 200 were male patients and 45 were female patients. Of the male patients, 95 (47.5%) developed CRPS during military service. CRPS during military service was more likely to result from sprain/strain, and the incidence of CRPS was significantly higher in the lower extremities in patients from the military service group than in those from the non-military service group. During the follow-up period, 37.9% of male CRPS patients (n = 61/161) were treated successfully. Patients with moderate to severe initial pain intensity, and diagnosed during their military service, showed better outcomes. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that manifestation of CRPS in the young Korean population was more common in male and among those male CRPS patients, about half the cases developed during the military service period.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.38 no.5
• /
• pp.338-343
• /
• 2005

Objective : The sacroiliac joint complex is often related with functionally incapacitating pain in old aged people. The purpose of this study is to delineate the investigation strategies and to determine the long-term effect of radiofrequency [RF] neurotomies for pain arising from sacroiliac Joint dysfunction[SIJD]. Methods : Sixteen patients were diagnosed as having chronic pain from SIJD by comparative controlled blocks on L5 dorsal rami, sacroiliac Joints and deep interosseous ligaments. After confirming the positive response [more than 50% of pain relief], sensory stimulation was applied to detect the 'pathological' branches. Subsequently, RF neurotomies were performed on the selected nerve branches. Surgical outcome was graded as successful, moderate improvement, and failure after a 6month follow-up period. Results : Stimulation intensity was 0.45V to elicit pain response in the L5 dorsal rami and lateral sacral branches. The number of RF-lesioned nerve branches was 6per patient. The average number of lesions for each branch was 1.3. Most commonly selected branches were L5 dorsal ramus [88%] and S2-upper division [88%]. Ten patients [63%] reported a successful outcome according to the outcome criteria after 6months of follow-up, and five patients [31%] reported complete relief [100%]. Five patients [31%] showed moderate improvements. One patient reported failure. Conclusion : RF neurotomy of lateral sacral branches is an excellent treatment modality for the pain due to SIJD, provided that comparative controlled block shows a positive response.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.11-22
• /
• 2024

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of lumbar stabilization exercise using a Pilates reformer on the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and quality of life of patients with chronic low back pain. METHODS: The study evaluated individuals aged 30 years and above who had been suffering from persistent back pain exceeding three months. The participants were allocated into two groups: an experimental cohort of 15 individuals utilizing a reformer and a control group of 15 individuals engaging in lumbar stabilization exercises on a mat without a reformer for eight weeks. Each exercise session encompassed a 10-minute warm-up, a 30-minute main exercise, and a 10-minute cool-down, totaling 50 minutes. The lumbar stabilization group using the reformer was also subjected to the same level of resistance provided by the springs. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention using the VAS, ODI, and quality of life evaluations. RESULTS: Significant disparity existed between the experimental group utilizing the reformer and the control group before and after the intervention in terms of the VAS, ODI change, and quality of life change (p < .05). Furthermore, a significant distinction was observed in the comparison between the experimental and control groups (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Both cohorts showed a decrease in pain, a decrease in the ODI, and an improvement in the quality of life. Furthermore, the experimental group exhibited superior outcomes to the control group regarding pain reduction, reduction in the ODI, and improved quality of life.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.363-369
• /
• 2015

Chronic pain is one of the leading causes of hospital visits. It not only affects the patients themselves but also has a major negative impact on their families and society. In this study, we investigated epidemiology of musculoskeletal disorders induced chronic pain among general population based on Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database and also analysed how it influenced on the use of medical services. This study was done by using the data of 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V), taking aged 20 years and over adults as research subjects. The EuroQoL-5 Dimension Index(EQ-5D) was used as a survey instrument. T-test, chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Subjects with chronic pain had a higher likelihood than control group to use medical services(odds ratio : 5.858, confidence interval 3.636-9.438). Controlling for existence of chronic pain, more women were likely to use medical services than men(1.156, 0.707-1.889). Age, gender and household income level did not affect the use of medical services. Proper control of chronic pain is very helpful in improving patient's quality of life and it also accounts for a large proportion in suppressing excessive consumption of medical services. Anesthesia and pain medicine specialists have superior knowledge about analgesics and anticonvulsants than other physicians do and also have specialized skills to perform procedures like nerve blocks in treating chronic pain. Therefore Anesthesia and pain medicine specialists need to play a leading role in managing chronic pain.