Osteoarthritis in various parts of the spine is familiar to almost every modern person.Cervical spondylosis has become the most common.The disease begins with mild symptoms that do not cause the patient any special inconvenience.At this stage, there is no need to treat cervical spondylosis;it is enough to take preventive measures.
With age, cervical osteonecrosis begins to progress and its forms become more severe.In this case, doctors use conservative treatment methods but may intervene surgically.Independent attempts to cope with the disease can bring additional negative consequences.Only specialists can help not only relieve pain, but also normalize the function of the cervical spine.
Conservative treatment methods
The main task of cervical spondylosis is to prevent further development of the disease and the appearance of various complications.To achieve results, an integrated approach is needed that correctly combines medication and physical activity for the neck.
Treatment of cervical spondylosis is usually performed using conservative methods: medication, exercise, manual therapy, physical therapy, and traction.At the initial stage, the doctor's actions are aimed at eliminating the pain syndrome with the help of painkillers, followed by measures to activate blood supply.Only then can you begin physical therapy and various manual techniques.
Drug treatment
The first phase of cervical spondylosis treatment is aimed at reducing pain and inflammation.Further treatment is aimed at restoring metabolism and blood circulation in the affected spinal area.
The following drugs are distinguished that have different directions of action on cervical spondylosis:
- painkillers - help eliminate pain;
- sedatives (valerian);
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- antispasmodic drugs;
- drugs that reduce vestibular disorders;
- vasodilators;
- Chondroprotective drugs – aimed at improving cartilage metabolism;
- diuretics help reduce swelling that occurs in compressed tissues;
- vitamins, minerals and restoratives.
There are four ways to use drugs to treat osteoarthritis: internal, external, intravenous and intramuscular.The most common type is medicine in tablet form, which is used for various forms of the disease.For severe pain, your doctor may prescribe intravenous or intramuscular injections to deliver the medication quickly to the site of inflammation.
Treatment of cervical spondylosis with ointment or gel is only effective when there is mild inflammation.The popularity of using ointments for cervical spondylosis is due to their availability, low cost, absence of contraindications and an almost unlimited number of courses.
Physical therapy treatment
All physiotherapeutic procedures for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the spine are based on the use of physical factors: ultrasound, magnetic fields, low-frequency currents, lasers, ultraviolet rays.Using the phonophoretic or electrophoretic method, the medicinal substance is administered faster and more effectively than with oral or external administration.Their effectiveness is explained by the effect that occurs on inflammatory foci and healthy tissues and organs are not affected.This method has almost no contraindications or side effects.
The main purpose of these procedures is to reduce pain and inflammation.In addition, physiotherapy helps activate atrophied muscles, restore normal blood circulation and reduce swelling in the affected areas of the cervical spine.Thanks to the use of physical therapy methods, treatment time is accelerated many times.
Manual therapy
Special physical techniques such as friction, pressure and vibration are the foundation of manual therapy.One of the most popular manual therapy methods is massage, which should only be performed by specialists.On the other hand, ignorance of anatomy can lead to undesirable consequences, their removal may even require surgical intervention.
Massage is aimed at eliminating muscle spasms, reducing muscle tension and improving blood circulation.This, in turn, helps reduce pain and other manifestations of cervical spondylosis.
Exercise therapy
All physical therapy exercises are performed only after pain has subsided.Regular exercise allows you to develop the neck muscles, helps increase their flexibility, improves blood flow in the tissues, forms a muscle corset and significantly reduces the load on the spine.Calisthenics includes a set of exercises aimed at muscle development without affecting the intervertebral discs.
Physical therapy exercises are not only a great treatment method but also help prevent cervical spondylosis.They should be performed, regardless of the appearance of the first signs of the disease.Additionally, exercise therapy can significantly slow age-related changes that occur in the cervical spine.The main requirement to achieve positive results is to conduct classes only under the guidance of a doctor and trainer who will help you perform the exercises correctly and correct the load.
Traction force
One of the effective methods to eliminate pain in the treatment of cervical spondylosis is traction.It consists in using loads of different intensity, selected individually.This procedure requires special equipment, which helps increase the space between the vertebrae, restore the correct shape of the spine and reduce pain.
Surgical treatment
In case all the above conservative treatment methods fail, the doctor will resort to surgical intervention.It helps prevent the progression of spinal diseases.The level of surgical intervention directly depends on the symptoms of the disease, characteristics and level of damage in the cervical spine areas.
Only comprehensive and timely treatment can not only improve the function of the intervertebral disc but also restore its normal state.The duration of treatment is determined individually, based on the current inflammatory process and the degree of damage to the cervical spine.The effectiveness of overcoming the disease directly depends on conscientiously following all the doctor's instructions.