The Effect of Su Jok Application on Pain, Anxiety and Quality of Recovery After Lumbar Disc Surgery

Chronic low back pain has become a common problem today and is seen as a phenomenon that directly affects the daily life of individuals and, in parallel, affects their psychological and socioeconomic status. There are many causes of back pain. The most common problem among these is Lumbar disc herniation (LDH). LDH, which causes low back pain, is a condition in which the nucleus pulposus degenerates the annulus and causes herniation and pain as a result of the deterioration of the structure of the lower lumbar vertebrae that carry the weight of the trunk. Surgical treatment is applied in 15% of individuals diagnosed with LDH. Postoperative nursing care is based on interventions for ensuring homeostasis, preventing the re-development of herniation, preventing complications and early diagnosis, and enabling the patient to perform daily life activities. Post-operative pain affects all systems, prolonging the patient's recovery period and prolonging their quality of life.In pain management, it is essential to try to control it with the aim of preventing and eliminating pain. In addition to being an effective method, pharmacological methods are also reported to be effective in non-pharmacological methods such as relaxation exercises, elimination of painful stimuli, position, touch, and speaking. The role of the nurse in controlling pain is quite large. For this reason, it is necessary to have high-level pain control knowledge by educating himself on non-pharmacological methods . One of the non-pharmacological methods is Su Jok, which is a massage technique. Su Jok is explained by the principle of the "fitness system", in which the hands and feet are a miniature replica of the body. There are tiny swellings called "ball conformity" on the reflection points of the hands and feet of the organ where the disease occurs.As a result of the pressure massage applied to the area where the swelling is located, pain and withdrawal sensation occur in the application area. This feeling shows that the right point for application has been determined . "Diagnostic probe" or "diagnostic stick" is used to determine the correct point.After the correct point is determined, these points are stimulated by using various applicators (rings, metal starlets, magnets, seeds, etc.) and appropriate plant seeds, and the energy flow is maintained. Massage with seeds are the most commonly used natural applicators for Su Jok massage application. Since seeds give life to plants, it is argued that there is a great energy inside them and this energy is a life-giving source that is in constant exchange with the external environment. The application is in the form of massaging the seeds suitable for the determined point on the hand and foot by fixing them with a plaster.The period of use of seeds can last from several hours to a day; For long-term use, daily seed change is required. It is ensured that the applied seed is massaged at certain intervals. Thanks to the door control mechanism, the pain sensation is eliminated with the applied seed massage. Since Su Jok application does not cause any side effects, it can be used in all age groups; The time to create a positive effect can vary from a few minutes to a few days. This application can be used in acute and chronic pain complaints.Although there are limited studies in the literature on Su Jok massage, Cruz and Munoz (2012) reported a decrease in pain frequency and severity as a result of the study conducted with patients with tension-type headache. Gonzales et al. (2011) applied Su Jok to patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and reported a reduction in pain and other symptoms as a result . In another study in which Su Jok massage was applied to cesarean section patients, it was found that the postoperative Su Jok application reduced the level of pain . There is no educational background required for the Su Jok massage application. Anyone who receives training can perform Su Jok massage . After receiving Su Jok training, each individual can manage their pain with this massage technique. When the literature is examined, it is seen that the studies on the application of Su Jok massage are limited. Especially the pain experienced in the post-operative period increases the anxiety level of individuals and affects the healing process. Therefore, it is aimed to eliminate the pain with the Su Jok massage application. In this study, it is aimed to determine the effect of Su Jok massage, which is one of the non-drug methods, in reducing or completely eliminating pain and anxiety after lumbar disc surgery and increasing the quality of recovery.