Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis is one of the most effective treatment methods. Thanks to this method, medications are delivered directly to the site of inflammation. Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has no effect on neighboring areas and the body as a whole. That is why, after physiotherapeutic procedures for osteochondrosis, allergic reactions and side effects are not detected.
This method can be used to treat any person, in any age category, in any physical condition. At the Yusupov Hospital, physiotherapy is considered one of the most effective treatment methods.
Goals of physical therapy treatment
The main purpose of physiotherapy prescribed for cervical osteochondrosis is:
- Reducing the manifestations of the inflammatory process.
- Relieving muscle spasms.
- Eliminate pain.
- Stimulation of regenerative processes in tissues.
- Boosting immunity.
- Elimination of compression and pinching of nerve fibers.
Physiotherapy has a complex positive effect on the body, helping to improve metabolic processes, due to which the cure for cervical osteochondrosis proceeds faster and with a lower risk of relapses.
Procedures may be prescribed for preventive purposes.
FAQ
How to provide assistance during acute pain due to lumbar osteochondrosis?
In case of sudden acute pain, it is necessary to immobilize the lower back. This will immobilize the spasmed muscles and remove the load from them. Then, if possible, place the patient on his back with a pillow under his bent knees. To reduce pain, you should take a drug with an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect (NSAID). Additionally, you can use an ointment or gel based on diclofenac or its analogues, or apply a cold compress (for no more than 10 minutes). It is very important to eliminate stress on the spine and consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
- Shock wave therapy. The physiotherapeutic procedure is based on the healing effect of an acoustic wave, which is directed to the cartilage tissue of the cervical region, having a stimulating effect on metabolic processes, helping to remove salt and calcium deposits that interfere with the free movement of joints and vertebrae. This type of physiotherapy is characterized by a gradual accumulation of positive effects, so the first results of treatment are noticeable after 2-3 months of regular repetition of the procedure. The method is aimed at maintaining joint mobility, reducing pain, and preventing the development of osteophytes.
- Acupuncture . The acupuncture method is widely used in the treatment and prevention of cervical osteochondrosis. Positive changes in the condition are possible only with professional performance of the procedure, therefore it should only be performed by qualified doctors. Acupuncture is based on the use of special needles that are placed on acupuncture points that are formed by nerve endings and connective tissue. This effect regulates metabolic processes and promotes the body's production of painkillers. Acupuncture therapy is prescribed by the attending physician as part of a complex of physiotherapy at the stage of remission of the disease.
- Massage. The treatment method is prescribed by a doctor and is aimed at reducing pain and improving the mobility of the cervical segment of the spine. The massaging effect helps improve blood circulation in the affected area, normalize muscle tone and strengthen them, which eliminates the risk of relapse of the disease in the future. The first massage sessions and the day after them, the patient may experience pain, which is associated with increased stress on the muscles. Such consequences are a variant of the norm.
It is practiced to prescribe different types of massage, depending on the general picture of the patient’s condition and the characteristics of the course of the disease. Some methods are suitable for use during an exacerbation - stroking, rubbing. During remission, kneading, vibration, and squeezing are added to the massage. Contraindications to massage therapy may include vascular disease, high blood pressure, traumatic injuries or skin inflammation.
- Kinesitherapy. Complex physical exercises are prescribed for the treatment and prevention of cervical osteochondrosis, ensuring the removal of clamps and pinches from nerve endings, reducing the risk of vertebral displacement. Suitable types of activities and level of load are determined by the doctor based on the patient’s physical condition, stage of the disease, etc. Therapeutic gymnastics provides simple but effective exercises that can be done at home. When performing them, it is important to exclude the occurrence of pain and any discomfort. First, kinesitherapy is carried out under the supervision of a doctor, after which the patient practices independently.
Degenerative changes in the cervical spine are accompanied by unpleasant sensations and are the cause of a serious disease that interferes with a person’s normal life, limiting his mobility.
With timely initiation of treatment, the chances of complete recovery for cervical osteochondrosis increase significantly, even if there was a hernia. Physiotherapy, prescribed in a complex and performed by qualified specialists, helps improve the patient’s general condition and accelerates the recovery of the body.
Indications and contraindications
Indications for physiotherapy in the treatment of osteochondrosis:
- with radicular syndrome (compression of the spinal roots);
- intervertebral hernias;
- limited mobility of the spinal column.
Although physical therapy has a wide range of uses, it should be understood that it is not suitable for all people. Under each type of therapy, we considered contraindications to them, however, general groups can be distinguished:
- cancer patients;
- pregnant women;
- people under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- acute forms of diseases;
- mental disorders;
- skin diseases;
- pathologies of the cardiovascular system.
Despite the huge choice of physical therapy methods, you should not attempt such treatment on your own. Only a doctor is able to assess the feasibility of such measures, as well as analyze the results of treatment.
Exercises from the exercise therapy complex
Physical therapy exercises are prescribed to complement a number of physiotherapeutic techniques in cases where the patient suffers from neuralgia - pain that occurs due to pinched nerve roots. The use of reasonable physical activity helps to combat such symptoms; this method is popular because it is performed at home without any problems and without special devices.
Important conditions for the correct use of this method of therapy:
- carry out exercises in a cool, pre-ventilated room;
- give preference to comfortable sportswear;
- alternate each exercise with breathing exercises;
- increase the load gradually so that performing gymnastics does not harm the heart and blood vessels;
- the appearance of painful sensations is a reason to stop the home session and perform muscle relaxation exercises.
Important: the set of exercises is determined by the attending physician, who draws up a program based on the specific indicators of the individual patient, according to the progress of treatment. It is prohibited to prescribe exercise therapy on your own in addition to physiotherapy or as an independent means of treatment, as well as canceling activities recommended by your doctor, in order to avoid worsening neck problems
Electrophoresis
This method of treatment has been known to medicine for more than 200 years. Its essence is as follows: under the influence of electric current, drugs in the form of ions enter the site of pathology. Active components are able to penetrate the skin, sweat and sebaceous glands.
The advantages of this physiotherapy for spinal osteochondrosis:
- Minimum consumption of medications.
- High degree of effectiveness, since the drug acts directly in the affected area.
- Minimal toxic effects. This is due to the fact that the active substances immediately penetrate the spine, bypassing the digestive tract and liver.
- Relieves pain for a long time (up to 15 hours).
This physiotherapy for osteochondrosis (both cervical and lumbar) can be performed at any stage of the development of the pathology. Using this technique, the acute stage is stopped, inflammation is eliminated, metabolic processes are normalized and the regeneration of cartilage tissue is started.
Algorithm for electrophoresis:
- The patient lies down on the couch and frees the required area of the body from clothing.
- Small pieces of fabric are impregnated with medicine. They are then applied to the affected area.
- Electrodes are secured to pieces of fabric using adhesive tape.
- After turning on the device, impulses begin to flow into the body. At this time, the patient feels a slight tingling sensation.
Combination of several methods
Using several methods at once gives faster results. For example, a combination of laser therapy with acupuncture or magnetotherapy. When using the methods together, the result occurs much faster, which has a positive effect on the condition of the spinal tissues.
With exercise therapy
Most often, exercise therapy is combined with laser therapy, electrotherapy, and balneotherapy. The classic triad is massage, exercise therapy and physiotherapy. Usually combined in the following options:
- Exercise therapy, then massage, after which 30-60 minutes later a physiotherapy procedure is carried out.
- A physiotherapy procedure, followed by exercise therapy 2-3 hours later, then a massage.
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UHF
| How does it work | The method is based on the effect of ultra-high frequency electromagnetic pulses on tissue, which are then converted into heat, dilating blood vessels and improving blood circulation in the affected area. |
| What is it prescribed for? | To speed up the healing of damaged tissue |
| Result from application | The physiotherapy procedure stops degenerative processes (destruction), promotes rapid tissue restoration (activates cells responsible for collagen production and leukocyte activity), improves metabolism at the cellular level, moderate pain relief |
| When not prescribed | For bleeding disorders, for deep vein thrombosis, for persistent hypertension (with high blood pressure) |
| Side effects | Since UHF stimulates the formation of connective tissue at the site of inflammation, its use poses a risk of unwanted scar formation Other side effects from UHF use are skin redness |
UHF-therapy device “UHF-60–Med TeCo”
Electrotherapy
Electrotherapy involves the use of electrical current at varying levels of intensity. There are several effective treatment methods that make it possible to reduce unpleasant symptoms and speed up the recovery process:
- Interference therapy. With this method, the affected areas of the spine are exposed to a current that is constantly and dynamically changing. This helps reduce pain and relieve muscle tension. The procedure does not cause discomfort and gives positive results after the first use.
- DDT (diadynamic therapy). In this case, the affected area is exposed to a wave current, the strength of which gradually increases. During the session, the patient does not feel pain, only tingling and slight vibration. The technique makes it possible to relieve pain and muscle tension, improve mobility after the first session. The full course makes it possible to completely get rid of pain and localize inflammation.
- Transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation. Assumes the use of continuous current with constantly maintained power. Metal plates wrapped in a moistened cloth are placed on the affected areas of the patient. During the session, a slight tingling sensation, warmth and vibration are felt. The course makes it possible to get rid of pain.
REFERENCE. Electrotherapy is not used in the presence of a pacemaker or metal devices.
How does it manifest?
The most basic symptom is pain, which can be severe or appear as discomfort in the neck area. Occurs mainly after physical exertion or a long forced position. The following symptoms are also characteristic:
- radiating pain, shooting in the head, shoulders, arms;
- increased intensity of discomfort in the neck after coughing, sneezing, or when putting stress on the arms;
- headache;
- dizziness (we talked about the causes of dizziness during SHOH and how to relieve an attack here);
- increased fatigue, weakness;
- numbness of the limbs;
- loss of consciousness;
- when moving in the cervical segment, a crunch appears and pain increases;
- the occurrence of tinnitus;
- decreased vision;
- chest pain;
- stiffness in the neck.
Often, during an exacerbation, the upper limbs (or one on the affected side), the soft tissues of the neck and forearms are severely limited in movement due to severe pain and local swelling.
