LONG-TERM SUPERVISION OF VERTEBRAL PHYSIC AL THERAPY IN RHEUMATOLOGY PATIENTS

Aging is often associated with negative effects on the spine in subjec ts without a sufficient level of physical activity started at an early age and pursued on a regular basis. Age-related vertebral deformities are fixed, painful, and difficult to treat. Effective physical therap y (stretching, curvature correction, muscle building exercises) is una cceptably painful and well-tolerated exercises fail to arrest the prog ression of static disorders (scoliosis and kyphosis). Early detection and prevention efforts coupled with programs for increasing physician and general public awareness are therefore essential. Useful principle s include routine examination of the spine during physical evaluations to look for early deformity or mild pain, maintenance exercises as af ter-care to prolong the effects of physical therapy with special atten tion to preserving range of motion in all planes, and regular physicia n visits to promote patient compliance with exercises. Young pain-free individuals should be encouraged to pursue adapted, attractive physic al activities (certain sports, low-impact work-outs) under physician s urveillance.