Osteochondrosis of different 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 any particular inconvenience to the patient.At this stage, treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is not required;it is enough to take preventive measures.
With age, cervical osteochondrosis begins to progress, and its forms become more serious.In this case, doctors use conservative methods of treatment, but also possible surgical intervention.Independent attempts to deal with the disease can bring additional negative consequences.Only specialists will help not only to relieve pain, but also to normalize the work of the cervical spine.
Conservative methods of treatment
The main task of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is to prevent the further development of the disease and the appearance of various complications.An integrated approach that properly combines medication and physical activity for the neck is needed to achieve results.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is most often carried out by conservative methods: drugs, exercise, manual therapy, physiotherapy and traction.In the first phase, the doctor's actions are aimed at eliminating the pain syndrome with the help of painkillers, followed by measures to activate the blood supply.Only after that you can start physical therapy and various manual techniques.
Drug treatment
The initial phase of cervical osteochondrosis treatment is aimed at reducing pain and inflammation.Subsequent treatment aims to restore metabolism and blood circulation in the affected area of the spine.
The following categories of drugs with different directions of action for cervical osteochondrosis are distinguished:
- analgesics - help relieve pain;
- sedatives (valerian);
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- antispasmodics;
- drugs that reduce vestibular disorders;
- vasodilators;
- chondroprotective drugs - aimed at improving cartilage metabolism;
- diuretics that help relieve swelling that occurs in pinched tissues;
- vitamins, minerals and regenerative.
There are four ways of using drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis: internal, external, intravenous and intramuscular.The most common type are drugs in the form of tablets, which are used for various forms of disease.For severe pain, the doctor may prescribe intravenous or intramuscular injections, which quickly deliver the drug to the site of inflammation.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with ointments or gels is effective only in minor inflammations.The popularity of the use of ointments for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is explained by their availability, low price, lack of contraindications and an almost unlimited number of courses.
Physiotherapy treatment
All physiotherapeutic procedures in 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 given faster and more efficiently than oral or external intake.Their effectiveness is explained by the fact that the effect occurs at the foci of inflammation, and healthy tissues and organs are not affected.This method has practically no contraindications and side effects.
The main purpose 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 application of physiotherapeutic methods, the treatment time is several times faster.
Manual therapy
Special physical techniques such as friction, pressure and vibration are the basis of manual therapy.One of the most common methods of manual therapy is massage, which should only be performed by experts.Otherwise, not knowing the anatomy can lead to unwanted consequences, the removal of which may even require surgical intervention.
The massage is aimed at eliminating muscle spasms, relieving muscle tension and improving 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 exercise allows you to develop neck muscles, helps increase their plasticity, improves blood flow in the tissues, forms a muscular corset and significantly reduces the load on the spine.Therapeutic gymnastics consists of a set of exercises aimed specifically at muscle development, without affecting the intervertebral discs.
Physical therapy exercises are not only an excellent tool for treatment, but also for the prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.They should be done regardless of the appearance of the first signs of the disease.In addition, exercise therapy can significantly slow the age-related changes that occur in the cervical spine.The main condition for achieving a positive result is to perform classes only under the guidance of a doctor and trainer, who will help you perform the exercises correctly and improve the load.
Traction
One of the effective methods for pain relief in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is traction.It consists of using a load of different power, which is selected individually.The procedure requires special equipment, which increases the intervertebral space, restores the correct shape of the spine and relieves pain.
Surgical treatment
In cases where all the above methods of conservative treatment do not give results, doctors resort to surgical intervention.It helps prevent the progression of spinal diseases.The extent of surgical intervention directly depends on the symptoms of the disease, characteristics and degree of damage to the cervical spine area.
Only comprehensive and timely treatment will not only improve the functions of the intervertebral discs, but also restore their normal state.The duration of the 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 doctor's instructions.