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 the patient much discomfort.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 treatment methods, but possibly surgical intervention.Independent attempts to cope with the disease can lead to additional negative consequences.Only specialists will help not only to relieve pain, but also to normalize the functioning of the cervical vertebrae.
Conservative treatment methods
The main task in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is to prevent the further development of the disease and the appearance of various complications.To achieve results, an integrated approach is needed, which correctly combines drugs and physical activity for the neck.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is most often carried out using conservative methods: drugs, exercise therapy, manual therapy, physiotherapy and traction.At the first stage, the actions of doctors 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 physiotherapy and various manual techniques.
Drug treatment
The initial stage of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is aimed at reducing pain and inflammation.Subsequent treatment is aimed at restoring metabolism and blood circulation in the affected area of the spine.
The following categories of drugs are distinguished, which have different directions of action in cervical osteochondrosis:
- analgesics - help to eliminate pain;
- sedatives (valerian);
- anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs;
- antispasmodics;
- drugs that reduce vestibular disorders;
- vasodilators;
- chondroprotective drugs - aimed at improving cartilage metabolism;
- diuretics, which help relieve swelling that occurs in compressed tissues;
- vitamins, minerals and restoratives.
There are four ways of using drugs to treat osteochondrosis: internal, external, intravenous and intramuscular.The most common type are drugs in the form of tablets, which are used for various forms of the disease.In severe pain, the doctor can 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 for mild inflammation.The popularity of the use of ointments for 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 spinal osteochondrosis are based on the use of physical factors: ultrasound, magnetic fields, low-frequency currents, laser, ultraviolet rays.Using phonophoresis or electrophoresis, medicinal substances are administered faster and more effectively than orally or externally.Their effectiveness is explained by the fact that the effect is manifested on foci of inflammation, and healthy tissues and organs are not affected.This method has practically no contraindications and 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 vertebrae.Thanks to the use of physiotherapy methods, the treatment time is accelerated several times.
Manual therapy
At the heart of manual therapy are special physical techniques such as friction, pressure and vibration.One of the most common methods of manual therapy is massage, which should only be performed by specialists.Otherwise, ignorance of the anatomy can lead to undesirable 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 exercises allow you to develop the muscles of the neck, help increase their plasticity, improve blood flow in the tissues, form a muscular corset and significantly reduce 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 is not only an excellent means of treatment, but also for the prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae.They should be done regardless of the appearance of the first signs of the disease.In addition, exercise therapy can significantly slow age-related changes occurring in the cervical spine.The main requirement for achieving a positive result is to conduct classes only under the guidance of a doctor and a trainer who will help you perform the exercises correctly and fix the load.
Traction
One of the effective methods of eliminating pain in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae is traction.It consists of using a load of different strength, 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 the above methods of conservative treatment do not give results, doctors resort to surgical intervention.It helps prevent the progression of spinal diseases.The degree of surgical intervention directly depends on the symptoms of the disease, the characteristics and the degree of damage to the areas of the cervical spine.
Only comprehensive and timely treatment will not only improve the functions of the intervertebral discs, but also restore their normal condition.The duration of treatment is determined individually, based on the existing inflammatory process and the degree of damage to the cervical vertebrae.The effectiveness of overcoming the disease directly depends on the conscientious implementation of all the instructions of the attending physician.