Man, as a result of evolution, as one of the versions, stood on two legs to free his hands for work and faster movement. But precisely because of this, he acquired a lot of diseases and health problems. The most common are spinal diseases. Consider how physiotherapy exercises with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine helps to improve the patient's condition.
A few words about osteochondrosis
It is upright that is the cause of osteochondrosis. This disease is characterized by dystrophic disorders in the articular cartilage. The most common place for the appearance of pathologies is the intervertebral discs. Depending on where the osteochondrosis settled, it is divided into:
- Cervical.
- Thoracic.
- Lumbar.
There are several factors that can affect the development of osteochondrosis.
- Genetic predisposition.
- The development of the infectious process, intoxication of the body.
- Impaired metabolism.
- Inadequate nutrition.
- Obesity.
- Significant physical activity or lack of physical activity.
- Flat feet, wearing high heels, uncomfortable shoes.
- Stress.
- Spinal injuries.
- A sharp interruption of training for athletes.
- Not quite comfortable poses at the computer, desk or on the couch by the TV.
With such a large number of provoking factors, it is rarely possible to avoid ailment.
Directions of therapy
When diagnosing this disease, the doctor will prescribe treatment, which may consist of:
- Drug therapy.
- Therapeutic exercise complex.
- Drug blockades.
- Physiotherapeutic techniques.
- Massage.
- Manual therapy.
- Reflexotherapy.
- Spinal traction.
Physiotherapy exercises for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is very popular, as one of the treatments. In combination with other methods, it gives fairly good results. Let's consider it in more detail.
Physiotherapy
Treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system with the help of a special set of exercises is widespread. The exercises are aimed at removing the load from the nerve roots, strengthening muscles, developing flexibility and, of course, preventing complications. For exercises use special simulators.
Developed complexes for problem areas of the spinal column. However, not everyone is shown physiotherapy exercises for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Let's look at who can do it.
Who is recommended LFK
It is impossible to dispute the benefits of exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Exercise is suitable for almost everyone, only contraindications should be taken into account. It is also useful to do exercises:
- For the prevention of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
- To relax and relieve stress from the spine.
- To improve posture.
- To improve blood circulation in the affected spine for faster recovery.
It is worth paying attention to who should not engage in physical therapy.
Contraindications for exercise therapy
There are several reasons why it is not recommended to perform an exercise therapy complex for cervical osteochondrosis:
- High blood pressure.
- Increased eye pressure, severe myopia.
- Heart rhythm disturbance.
- The period of exacerbation of osteochondrosis.
- Exacerbation of chronic diseases.
- Bad feeling.
- After surgery on the spine.
- Diseases of the nervous system with impaired coordination.
It is also necessary to stop classes if there is acute pain, discomfort, nausea or dizziness.
What does exercise therapy begin with?
In order to begin to engage in physical therapy, it is necessary to prepare:
- Comfortable clothes for classes.
- Gymnastic rug, chair or, if necessary, ball.
- Ventilate the room before training.
You can eat 2 hours before class. Do not exercise immediately after eating or on an empty stomach. You need to start practicing with 15 minutes, one approach each exercise. If you feel good at the same time, you can gradually increase the number of approaches and the duration of classes, but not more than 45 minutes a day.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should begin to be performed only after warming up. She will warm up the muscles and prepare the body for gymnastic exercises. If osteochondrosis is diagnosed, then it is forbidden to start doing exercises without a warm-up, you can provoke an exacerbation.
The following exercises are used in the warm-up:
- Walking.
- Smooth body turns.
- Raising hands.
- The rotation of the shoulders and shoulder blades at a slow pace and without sudden movements.
- Slow turns of the head without abrupt casting and turning.
If there is a feeling of warmth in the muscles, then the warm-up was effective and you can proceed to the main set of exercises.
Sitting exercises
Exercise therapy includes exercises that can be performed in different positions. Let's start with the complex from a sitting position.
- We put the palm on the forehead and gently press on the head, while the head must be pressed on the palm of the hand. We do the same on the temporal side, resting our palm against the temple on the left and right side in turn.
- Lower your head down and stretch your chin to your chest. Gently pull the neck muscles, slowly raise your head up and tilt back, while maintaining tension in the neck muscles. A little linger in this position. Complete 10 sets.
- Slowly tilt your head to the sides, while tightening the neck muscles for a few seconds. Do as many repetitions.
- Slowly turn, while tensing the muscles, neck for a few seconds. Movements must be performed smoothly.
- Raise the shoulders up, while straining the muscles of the neck, then lower them.
In the presence of cervical osteochondrosis, it is forbidden to perform head rotations, since there is a danger that the disease will worsen.
Lying exercises
It is best to relax the muscles of the shoulder girdle in the supine position. Such exercises will be necessarily included in the complex, if physiotherapy exercises for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are recommended. Photo, provided below clearly demonstrates one of these exercises.
Settle on a gymnastic mat, arms along the body.
- Raise your head from the floor and hold for a few seconds.
- Raise your hands up and slowly, without bending, lower your head. At the same time, stretch without taking your shoulders off the floor. Repeat 5 times.
- From the starting position, raise the right hand up and pull it to the left side, while straining the muscles of the neck and shoulder. Hold for a few seconds. We do the same with the other hand. Repeat 15 times.
- Bend your knees and pull them to your chest, while reaching for them with your forehead. Repeat 10 times.
When performing exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, shoulder pain may appear when performing some exercises. This is possible due to sudden movements or poor muscle warming. If the exercises are performed correctly and slowly, you can feel how the muscles stretched, relaxed, and the pain was gone.
Stretch the spine
Physiotherapy exercises for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine must necessarily include exercises to stretch the spine. This will improve the condition of the back muscles, activates blood circulation in the lumbar region.
- Stretch your legs in front of you while sitting on the floor. Lean forward and try to reach the tips of your toes with your hands. Do the exercise slowly, concentrating on how the spine is stretched. 10 repetitions are enough.
- To get on all fours, while inhaling, slowly bend the spine up, fix for a while and come back. Repeat 10 times.
- To stand straight, put your feet together. Lean forward and grab the shin with your hands, as close as possible snuggling to your legs.
LFK results
It should be noted that therapeutic exercises, physical education for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should be agreed with the doctor. It is he who will tell you which exercises are best suited. Regular exercises, constant adjustment of exercises to increase effectiveness will give a positive result. If your health worsens, you should cancel the classes and consult a doctor.
What can be achieved by regularly exercising with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?
- The muscles of the cervical region will be strengthened, their plasticity will increase.
- Significantly improved blood circulation in the cervical spine, and this will accelerate recovery processes.
- Gradually, the pain will go away, and motor function will be restored.
- Posture will improve.
Physiotherapy exercises are an excellent means of preventing diseases of various parts of the spine, while improving overall health, raising mood, strengthening muscles and you can get a good boost of energy.