Osteochondrosis of various parts of the spine is familiar to almost every modern person.Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has become the most widespread.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 necessary;you just need to take preventive measures.
With age, cervical osteochondrosis begins to progress and its forms worsen.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 relieve pain, but also normalize the functioning 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 occurrence of various complications.To achieve results, an integrated approach is needed, correctly combining 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.Initially, the actions of doctors are aimed at eliminating the pain syndrome with the help of painkillers, followed by measures aimed at activating the blood supply.Only after this can you start physiotherapy and various manual techniques.
Drug treatment
The first stage of treatment for cervical osteochondrosis is aimed at reducing pain and inflammation.Further treatment is aimed at restoring metabolism and blood circulation in the affected area of the spine.
The following categories of drugs are distinguished that have different directions of action for cervical osteochondrosis:
- pain relievers - helping to eliminate pain;
- sedatives (valerian);
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- antispasmodics;
- medications 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 restoratives.
There are four ways to use drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis: internally, externally, intravenously and intramuscularly.The most common medications come in tablet form, used to treat various forms of the disease.In case of 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 cases of minor inflammation.The popularity of using ointments for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is explained by their availability, low cost, lack of contraindications and an almost unlimited number of courses.
Physiotherapeutic treatment
All physiotherapeutic procedures for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine are based on the use of physical factors: ultrasound, magnetic fields, low-frequency currents, laser, ultraviolet rays.Thanks to 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 occurs on the foci of inflammation and healthy tissues and organs are not affected.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, restore normal blood circulation and relieve swelling in affected areas of the cervical spine.Thanks to the use of physiotherapeutic methods, the duration of treatment is accelerated several times.
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 should only be performed by specialists.Otherwise, ignorance of the anatomy can lead to undesirable consequences, the elimination of which may even require surgical intervention.
Massage aims 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 physiotherapy exercises are performed only after the pain has subsided.Regular exercise helps develop the neck muscles, helps increase their plasticity, improves blood circulation 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.
Physiotherapy exercises are not only an excellent means of treatment, but also prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.They should be carried out regardless of the appearance of the first signs of the disease.Additionally, exercise therapy can significantly slow down age-related changes occurring in the cervical spine.The main condition for obtaining a positive result is to conduct classes only under the guidance of a doctor and a trainer, who will help you correctly perform the exercises and fix the load.
Traction
One of the effective methods of eliminating pain in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is traction.It consists of using a load of variable force, 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 of the above methods of conservative treatment do not bring 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 level 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 state.The duration of treatment is determined individually, depending 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.