THE USE OF ANALGESICS TO MANAGE BACK PAIN IN PREHOSPITAL, IN-HOSPITAL AND OUTPATIENT CARE. CONTINUITY AND CONTROL

Ketoprofen («Ketonal») proved to be significantly efficient in pre-hospital care when administered intramuscularly at a dose of 100 mg to treat pain in the neck (n=31), thoracic spine (n=53), and lower back (n=50), according to a visual analogue scale (VAS). During the in-hospital and outpatient care (n=33), a continued use of Ketoprofen in multiple therapy (muscle relaxants and chondroprotective agents) for lower back pain significantly improved the quality of life (Roland–Morris questionnaire) and reduced the pain twice according to VAS. At the end of the 3-week treatment, the maximum deep body temperature (measured by microwave radiothermometry) decreased in the lower back but did not return to normal. High correlation coefficients between the deep and skin temperature did not return to normal after treatment. Stabilometric parameters remained ‘rigid’, except for patient’s overall equilibrium (R) that became reliably normal in all directions. The control methods used indicate the need for a longer therapy.