Osteochondrosis of various parts of the spine is known to almost every modern person.The most common is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.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 severe.In this case, doctors resort to conservative treatment methods, but also surgical interventions if necessary.Independent attempts to deal with the disease can lead to additional negative consequences.Only specialists can not only relieve pain, but also normalize the function of the cervical spine.
Conservative treatment methods
The main task of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is to prevent further development of the disease and the occurrence of various complications.To achieve results, an integrated approach is required that properly combines medications and physical activity for the neck.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is most often carried out using conservative methods: medications, exercise therapy, manual therapy, physiotherapy and traction.At the first stage, doctors' actions are aimed at eliminating the pain syndrome with the help of painkillers, followed by measures to activate the blood supply.Only then can you start physiotherapy and various manual techniques.
Drug treatment
The initial stage of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is aimed at relieving pain and inflammation.The aim of the subsequent treatment is to restore metabolism and blood circulation in the affected area of the spine.
The following categories of drugs are distinguished that have different directions of action in cervical osteochondrosis:
- Analgesics – help eliminate pain;
- sedative (valerian);
- anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs;
- antispasmodics;
- drugs that reduce vestibular disorders;
- vasodilators;
- chondroprotective drugs – aimed at improving metabolism in cartilage;
- diuretics, which help relieve swelling that occurs in trapped tissue;
- Vitamins, minerals and building materials.
There are four ways to use drugs to treat osteochondrosis: internally, externally, intravenously and intramuscularly.The most common type is medication in tablet form, which is used for various forms of the disease.If the pain is severe, the doctor may prescribe intravenous or intramuscular injections that quickly deliver the medicine to the site of inflammation.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with ointments or gels is effective only for mild inflammation.The popularity of the use of ointments for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is explained by their availability, low cost, absence of contraindications and an almost unlimited number of courses.
Physiotherapeutic treatment
All physiotherapeutic procedures for the treatment of spinal osteochondrosis are based on the use of physical factors: ultrasound, magnetic fields, low-frequency currents, lasers, ultraviolet rays.Using phonophoresis or electrophoresis, drugs are administered more quickly and efficiently than when taken orally or externally.Their effectiveness is explained by the fact that the effect occurs on foci of inflammation and healthy tissues and organs are not affected.This method has practically no contraindications or side effects.
The main purpose of these procedures is to relieve pain and inflammation.In addition, physiotherapy helps to activate atrophic muscles, restore normal blood circulation and relieve swelling in the affected areas of the cervical spine.By using physiotherapeutic methods, the treatment time is accelerated many times over.
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 specialists.Otherwise, ignorance of anatomy can lead to undesirable consequences, the elimination 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 relieve pain and other manifestations of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Therapeutic gymnastics
All physiotherapy exercises are performed only after the pain has subsided.Regular exercise allows you to develop the neck muscles, increase their plasticity, improve blood circulation in the tissues, form a muscle corset and significantly reduce the load on the spine.Therapeutic gymnastics consists of a series of exercises specifically aimed at building muscle without affecting the intervertebral discs.
Physiotherapeutic exercises are an excellent tool not only for the treatment, but also for the prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.They should be carried out regardless of the appearance of the first signs of illness.In addition, exercise therapy can significantly slow down age-related changes in the cervical spine.The main condition for a positive result is to conduct classes only under the guidance of a doctor and trainer who will help you perform the exercises correctly and eliminate the load.
Traction
One of the most effective methods of pain relief in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is traction.A load of different strengths is used, which is selected individually.The procedure requires special equipment that increases the intervertebral space, restores the correct shape of the spine and relieves pain.
Surgical treatment
In cases where all of the above methods of conservative treatment do not bring results, doctors resort to surgical intervention.It helps prevent the progression of spinal disease.The extent of surgical intervention directly depends on the symptoms of the disease, the characteristics and the extent of damage to the areas of the cervical spine.
Only comprehensive and timely treatment not only improves the function of the intervertebral discs, but also restores them to their normal state.The duration of treatment is determined individually based on the existing inflammatory process and the extent 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.