Unfortunately, a hernia on the spine is one of the common diseases that entails loss of working ability and decreased mobility. That is why doctors say that her treatment is very important. But this procedure is quite complicated. In the event of the slightest deterioration in the health situation, you must contact a specialist who will prescribe the correct massage course. He, in turn, must be done by a true professional. It is worthwhile to learn more about massage with a hernia of the cervical spine and reviews about it.
How does it arise?
Due to the fact that external factors act on the spine - there is a lack of movement or, conversely, strong physical exertion - the fibrous ring may crack. Due to the fact that a crack has occurred, a semi-liquid content is released through it. It leads to pinching of the nerve endings in the spinal cord. This pathology is called intervertebral hernia. Based on this, the question arises: is it possible to massage with an intervertebral hernia? There is a discrepancy in this opinion, many believe that manual therapy helps to correct deviations from the norm. But, unfortunately, no massage will help get rid of this kind of problem.
In fact, massage only improves the patient's condition. Since during the session, the spine is properly stretched, as a result of which the disk, which has suffered displacement, is returned to its place by pressure. A pulsating core is drawn through the crack back into the fibrous ring. But, unfortunately, this effect persists for a short time. A positive result is visible almost after the first session.
Massage helps to relieve muscle cramps, relaxes, due to which the pain, stiffness disappear, and fatigue disappears.
During the massage session, blood begins to flow to the site of damage, and thus, blood supply improves, and this is an effective therapy. After all, there is a rapid tissue repair.
In addition, massage will be an excellent prevention of intervertebral hernias.
Massage Rules
In order for massage to bring only benefits, and not harm, you must adhere to certain rules and tips:
- During it, it is necessary to use a special technique that provides maximum relaxation of the back muscles. Also a technique that helps maintain the cervical spine.
- All movements during the massage must be gradual and smooth. No sudden movements - they can lead to complications.
- In no case can you do twisting and sudden movements, as this can lead to a displacement of the spinal disc, and the patient’s condition will become even worse.
- In no case should you massage the neck area if large hernias are present or the patient is in terrible pain.
If the massage is performed according to all the rules, then only 10 sessions will be enough for the patient to feel relief, his health condition will become better, and education will become less disturbed. Due to the extension of the spine, the pain practically disappears, discomfort disappears and the patient’s mood and well-being improves.
Types of massage
If a neck hernia was diagnosed, then in this case, various types of massage are used. But at the same time it is worth paying attention to the technique that is being performed. The masseur should expediently act on the surface of the skin. During the massage, stress relief should occur, but in no case will it be possible to affect the deep muscles and the vertebra itself.
It is necessary to adhere to recommendations for a hernia of the cervical spine and do a relaxing or acupressure massage.
Several varieties are used, such as:
- Swedish massage.
- Shiatsu massage.
- Massage with ice.
- Vacuum massage.
- Hydromassage.
Shiatsu
This technique is widely used around the world. It was invented in Japan. The basis for the massage is the Chinese technique. This type of massage is effective, it affects the cervical hernia, restores the energy of the body. It contributes to the appearance of spiritual harmony, and also leads to a quick recovery of the patient. During the massage procedure, the specialist influences certain points on the back, as a result of which the relaxation of the entire muscular system appears.
Massage with ice
With a hernia of the cervical spine, massage can be done using ice. The technique in which it is used is highly effective. Pain in the hernia, which appeared as a result of the disease, is pathological, therefore, the nerve structures are infringed and an inflammatory process occurs. Ice is an excellent anesthetic. This cold effect helps with the fact that inflammation passes, swelling decreases, as a result of which the pain sensations become an order of magnitude less. The use of ice in massage techniques increases the effectiveness of the procedure, and the result is achieved much faster.
Swedish massage
This type of massage can be done with a hernia of the cervical spine. It is especially popular and has been the main one in the fight against vertebral hernia for more than 2 centuries. It is characterized by the fact that during it a sliding technique of movements is used. This species kneads muscles well and has almost no effect on the entire spinal column.
Vacuum massage
As a result of this massage technique, intervertebral hernia of the cervical spine improves lymphatic drainage. Blood circulation is getting an order of magnitude better. So, the exchange in tissue structures occurs faster. This massage is performed using special medical cans, as well as using the apparatus.
Hydromassage
Water in itself is very useful, it allows you to remove the load from the spine, helps to relax the muscles, and also, during the use of vibration exposure, the patient's condition becomes better. This type of massage is considered the most effective and gentle during the treatment of intervertebral hernias.
Hydromassage improves the condition, also promotes tissue nutrition. This is ensured by good blood circulation. Massage with a hernia of the cervical spine gently relaxes the muscles, relieves pain and fatigue, normalizes lymphatic drainage and helps to reduce swelling.
During this effect, the load on the spine and the intervertebral disc itself are significantly reduced.
The benefits of massage
Massage with a hernia of the cervical spine has a beneficial effect on the whole body:
- Blood circulation accelerates.
- Lactic acid comes out of muscle tissue.
- The pain sensation becomes an order of magnitude less.
- The level of endorphins in the blood increases, as a result of this, the patient's mood becomes positive.
Massage at home
By itself, massage with a hernia of the cervical spine helps to improve the patient’s condition, the stages of recovery become faster. But, unfortunately, the cost of massage is quite high. Therefore, questions arise: is it possible to do the procedure yourself. Many resort to the help of relatives, or using additional devices. But you should be aware of the fact that acting in this way with a hernia of the cervical vertebra is categorically contraindicated, as this can result in serious consequences.
Of course, modern conditions allow you to purchase all the necessary equipment and devices, use the Internet to study the massage technique for a hernia of the cervical spine, and follow the instructions. All this is not a guarantee that massage will bring a positive result. Indeed, in order to do it, you must have a medical education and know all the nuances of the procedure.
Ignorance of a particular scheme, or a violation of any rules can lead to irreversible consequences and complications. That is why experts recommend seeking help from those who have extensive experience behind them. The specialist knows all the nuances and features, as well as the consequences of incorrect actions.
Features of the procedure
The main feature of this kind of procedure must be known at the very beginning. Massage can only be done in the initial stages of the disease. In the event that the protrusion is almost imperceptible. If the impact on the cervical hernia is too large, then this can lead to infringement and cause dangerous consequences, one of which is paralysis. There are even such cases that life ends in death.
That is why, before going on manual therapy, it is necessary to undergo examination by an experienced specialist. Also, the doctor should recommend preventive and therapeutic measures to prevent the disease.
It is also worth recognizing the fact that massage with a neck hernia is not a traditional treatment. This is just an additional technique in the fight against discomfort.
Osteochondrosis is the main harbinger of the appearance of a hernia of the cervical spine. That is why you should be aware that such a massage, which will be carried out incorrectly, can be harmful, which will require additional treatment.
It is worth paying attention to the fact that if a person has not been injured, then the pains that appear in the back indicate that osteochondrosis develops. At the first appearance of this disease, you must consult a specialist for advice. The manifestation of the disease can be the result of multiple harmful factors. That is why, during the selection of treatment methods and massage techniques, individual consultation of the patient with a specialist is necessary. In this situation, do not neglect the help and ignore the advice of doctors. After all, it is not known what the consequences will be if the basic rules of caring for one’s health are not observed. That is why experts will advise you, write recommendations and directions.
It’s worth summing up. Doctors leave different reviews about massage with a hernia of the cervical spine. But it helps only in the initial stages. If the disease is started, then this type of therapy will only bring harm. Therefore, experts advise it to be carried out carefully and only with competent massage therapists.