Osteochondrosis of various parts of the spine is familiar to almost every modern person.Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has become most widespread.The disease begins with mild symptoms that do not cause the patient any particular inconvenience.At this stage, treatment for 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 bring 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 for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is to prevent further development of the disease and the appearance of various complications.To achieve results, an integrated approach is required that correctly 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 blood supply.Only after this can you begin physical therapy and various manual techniques.
Drug treatment
The initial stage of treatment for 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 that have different directions of action for cervical osteochondrosis:
- analgesics - helping to eliminate pain;
- sedatives (valerian);
- anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs;
- antispasmodics;
- drugs that reduce vestibular disorders;
- vasodilators;
- chondroprotective drugs – aimed at improving metabolism in cartilage;
- diuretics that help relieve swelling that occurs in pinched tissues;
- vitamins, minerals and restoratives.
There are four ways to use medications for the treatment of osteochondrosis: internally, externally, intravenously and intramuscularly.The most common type are medications in the form of tablets, which are used for various forms of the disease.For 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 with 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 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 efficiently than taking them 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 virtually no contraindications or 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 use of physiotherapeutic methods, treatment time is accelerated several times.
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 tightness and improving blood circulation.This, in turn, helps reduce pain and other manifestations of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Therapeutic gymnastics
All physical therapy exercises are performed only after the pain has subsided.Regular exercise allows you to develop the neck muscles, help increase their plasticity, improve blood flow in the tissues, form a muscle 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 exercises are not only an excellent means 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 down age-related changes occurring in the cervical spine.The main requirement for obtaining 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 fix the load.
Traction
One of the effective methods for eliminating pain in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is traction.It consists of using a load of varying strength, 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 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 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, 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.