[Spa therapy in osteoarthritis: experience in Cervia].

Aims: Mud-bath treatment has a relevant therapeutic activity in reducing symptoms and disabilities in rheumatic diseases, as studies on inflammation process and clinical symptomatology have shown. Objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of mud therapy by natural limans of Cervia on clinical parameters in patients with lumbar spine osteoarthrosis (OA).
Materials and Methods: 30 patients (20 females and 10 males) suffering from lumbar OA, diagnosed by clinical symptoms and X-Ray findings (osteophytosis, morphological changes of vertrebral somes, tightness of intervertebral spaces, alterated lumbar physiologic lordosis) were studied. All patients were examined first when recruited (T0) and after two weeks of therapy (T1). Interviews were submitted in order to estimate functional restrictions and pain. Statistical analysis was performed via t test for paired data.
Results: On the basis of the statistical analysis a very significant difference was demonstrated between the average values of the tests before and after the treatment. These results confirm the improvement of the symptoms concerning the pain, the articular functionality and the quality of life.
Conclusions: The results of the study demonstrate the efficacy of the mud-bath treatment with natural limans of Cervia on the patients affected by lumbar spine osteoarthrosis (OA).