Osteochondrosis of various parts of the spine is known to almost every modern person.Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has become the most common.The disease begins with mild symptoms that do not cause much discomfort to the patient.At this stage, there is no need to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine;enough to take preventive measures.
With age, cervical osteochondrosis progresses and its forms become more severe.In this case, doctors use conservative treatment methods, but possibly surgical intervention.Independent attempts to cope with the disease can have additional negative consequences.Only specialists can help not only to relieve pain, but also to normalize the function of the cervical spine.
Conservative treatment methods
The main task of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is to prevent the further development of the disease and the appearance of various complications.Achieving results requires an integrated approach that properly combines medications and physical activity of the neck.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is most often carried out with conservative methods: drugs, gymnastics, manual therapy, physiotherapy and traction.In the first stage, the actions of doctors are aimed at eliminating the pain syndrome with the help of painkillers, and then with measures aimed at activating the blood supply.Only then can you begin physical therapy and various manual techniques.
Drug treatment
The initial stage of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is aimed at reducing pain and inflammation.The aim of subsequent treatment is to restore metabolism and blood circulation in the affected area of the spine.
We distinguish the following drug categories, which have different directions of action in cervical osteochondrosis:
- pain relievers - help eliminate pain;
- sedatives (valerian);
- anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs;
- anticonvulsants;
- drugs that reduce vestibular disorders;
- vasodilators;
- chondroprotective drugs - aimed at improving cartilage metabolism;
- diuretics, which help relieve swelling in pinched tissues;
- vitamins, minerals and restorative substances.
Four types of drugs can be used to treat osteochondrosis: internally, externally, intravenously, and intramuscularly.The most common types are medicines in tablet form, which are used for different forms of the disease.In case of severe pain, the doctor may prescribe intravenous or intramuscular injections, which quickly deliver the medicine to the site of inflammation.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with ointments or gels is effective only in case of minor inflammation.The popularity of the use of ointments in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is explained by their availability, low cost, lack of contraindications and an almost unlimited number of courses.
Physiotherapy treatment
All physiotherapy procedures for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine are based on the use of physical factors: ultrasound, magnetic fields, low-frequency currents, lasers, ultraviolet rays.Using phonophoresis or electrophoresis, medicinal substances are administered faster and more efficiently than orally or externally.Their effectiveness is explained by the fact that the effect occurs at the foci of inflammation and does not affect healthy tissues and organs.This method has practically no contraindications or side effects.
The main goal of these procedures is to relieve pain and inflammation.In addition, physiotherapy helps activate atrophied muscles, restores normal blood circulation and relieves swelling in the affected areas of the cervical spine.Thanks to the use of physiotherapy methods, the treatment time is several times faster.
Manual therapy
Special physical techniques such as friction, pressure and vibration form the basis of manual therapy.One of the most common methods of manual therapy is massage, which can only be performed by a specialist.Otherwise, anatomical knowledge may lead to undesirable consequences, the elimination of which may even require surgical intervention.
The purpose of the massage is to eliminate muscle spasms, relieve muscle tension and improve blood circulation.This, in turn, helps to reduce pain and other manifestations of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Therapeutic gymnastics
All physical therapy exercises are performed only after the pain subsides.Regular physical exercise enables the development of the neck muscles, helps to increase their plasticity, improves the blood flow of the tissues, forms muscle ligaments and significantly reduces the load on the spine.Therapeutic gymnastics consists of a series of exercises specifically aimed at muscle development without affecting the intervertebral discs.
Physiotherapy exercises are not only an excellent tool for treatment, but also for the prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.It should be done regardless of the appearance of the first signs of the disease.In addition, exercise therapy can significantly slow down age-related changes in the cervical spine.To achieve a positive result, the main requirement is to do the classes only under the guidance of a doctor and trainer, who will help you perform the exercises correctly and fix the load.
Traction
In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, traction is one of the effective methods of pain relief.It consists in the use of a load of variable strength, which is selected individually.The procedure requires special equipment that increases the space between the vertebrae, restores the correct shape of the spine and relieves pain.
Surgical treatment
In cases where the above conservative treatment methods do not bring results, doctors resort to surgical intervention.It helps prevent the progression of spinal disease.The degree of surgical intervention depends directly on the symptoms of the disease, the characteristics of the areas of the cervical spine and the extent of its damage.
Only comprehensive and timely treatment not only improves the functions of the intervertebral discs, but also restores their normal state.The duration of treatment is determined individually, based on the existing inflammatory process and the degree of damage to the cervical spine.The effectiveness of overcoming the disease directly depends on the conscientious implementation of all the instructions of the attending physician.