The term "osteochondrosis" refers to a pathological process characterized by the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spinal column. The disease affects both adults and children. In most cases, it is possible to get rid of the pathology using conservative techniques. Physiotherapy with osteochondrosis contribute to a speedy recovery. Some of them are designed to inject the drug directly into the focus of the pathology, which also improves the course of the disease. The following are the most frequently prescribed physiotherapy procedures for osteochondrosis, methods of their conduct and contraindications.
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 focus of the pathology. Active components are able to penetrate the skin, sweat and sebaceous glands.
The advantages of this physiotherapy with osteochondrosis of the spine:
- The minimum consumption of medicines.
- A 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.
- It relieves pain for a long time (up to 15 hours).
This physiotherapy with osteochondrosis (both cervical and lumbar) can be performed at any stage of the development of pathology. Using this technique, the acute stage is stopped, inflammation is eliminated, metabolic processes are normalized, and cartilage tissue regeneration is started.
Electrophoresis algorithm:
- The patient is laid on the couch and frees the necessary part of the body from the clothes.
- Pieces of small tissue are impregnated with the drug. Then they are applied to the affected area.
- Using adhesive tape, electrodes are attached to tissue pieces.
- After turning on the device, impulses begin to flow into the body. At this time, the patient feels a slight tingling sensation.
The duration of the physiotherapy for osteochondrosis of the lumbar is 15 minutes, of the cervical - no more than 17. The strength and frequency of the pulses are determined by the doctor individually.
UHF
Ultra-high-frequency therapy is extremely effective in osteochondrosis. Physiotherapy helps to eliminate spasms and swelling of tissues, improve blood circulation. In addition, after UHF, the severity of pain is reduced. In most cases, a course of physiotherapy is prescribed during the period of remission.
The procedure is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- The patient is placed on the couch. For UHF use only wooden furniture. The room is strictly shielded. This need is dictated by safety rules.
- Capacitor plates are placed on the patient's body. They are installed in such a way as to reduce the rate of energy dissipation.
- The doctor connects the device to power. Dosing of electromagnetic flows is carried out according to the patient's heat sensations.
The duration of physiotherapy with osteochondrosis is from 5 to 15 minutes. By the decision of the doctor, it can be increased.
Vibroacoustic therapy
This physiotherapy is prescribed for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine or lumbar zone if the course of the pathological process is accompanied by the occurrence of neurological manifestations.
The essence of the method is the impact on the affected area of microvibration of sound frequency. The procedure is carried out using the apparatus "Vitafon". The device has several circular emitters (vibrophones) of different diameters. Each of them in contact with the skin during the session, but they do not exert significant pressure on it.
The doctor in the process of treatment can move the vibrophones, but most often they remain motionless. Often, infrared radiation is used during the procedure (it is generated using the Vitafon-IR apparatus).
The mode of frequency exposure is determined by the doctor individually. The specialist takes into account the area of the necessary impact and sensations of the patient. The duration of the procedure should not exceed 5 minutes.
Positive effect of vibroacoustic therapy:
- Reduction of edema.
- Acceleration of metabolic processes.
- Normalization of lymph and blood circulation.
- Relief of pain.
In addition, local immunity is strengthened and the conductivity of neurons is improved.
Magnetotherapy
Most often, this physiotherapy is prescribed for cervical osteochondrosis. The essence of the method is the impact on the affected area of magnetic waves. As a result, the patient ceases headaches and a constant feeling of weakness, spinal mobility improves, and muscles relax.
A similar effect is due to the positive effect of magnetotherapy on the body. After treatment, lymph and blood circulation normalizes, the viscosity of the fluid connective tissue decreases, and blood vessels become stronger.
During the procedure, magnetophores or micromagnets are used. In the first case, the plates are fixed for a rather long time directly above the lesion. Micromagnets are miniature devices that a doctor attaches to painful areas with a patch. Similar devices create an alternating field.
Laser therapy
Currently, this is an extremely popular physiotherapy for osteochondrosis. The reviews of doctors and patients confirm the high degree of effectiveness of the method. Laser therapy is prescribed even with advanced forms of pathology.
The essence of the method is to start the process of self-healing of the body. This is due to the effect of low-power laser beams on the pathology site. They, in turn, provoke the appearance of biochemical reactions, during which the body begins to recover. After the course of treatment, the damaged cartilage tissue is restored, the pain disappears.
Laser rays do not damage the skin, during the session the patient does not experience discomfort. Moreover, the pronounced effect is noticeable after the first session.
The course of laser therapy consists of several stages. The task of the initial period is to “awaken” the body, set it up for active work. A month later, the second stage begins. This is a direct treatment. The final stage is a few laser therapy sessions aimed at consolidating a positive result.
Balneotherapy
This term refers to the treatment of mineral waters. The latter can be used in different ways, but with lumbar osteochondrosis, physiotherapy involves the external use of fluid.
Mineral water differs from ordinary water in that its composition is represented by gases and chemical elements. Such a liquid has a number of physical qualities, so that its use significantly speeds up the healing process.
Baths, body wraps and showers can be:
- Cold. Under the influence of low temperatures, irritation of nerve cells and blood vessels occurs. The body experiences a peculiar shock, due to which internal organs are oversaturated with liquid connective tissue and metabolic processes are activated.
- Warm and hot. The impact of medium and high temperatures accelerates metabolic processes, helps relieve spasms, eliminates pain.
There are many mineral waters of various composition. In osteochondrosis, in most cases, calcareous and earthy are used. They are rich in gypsum and sulphate (or carbon dioxide) chalk, against the background of which the healing process accelerates.
Detensor Therapy
This is a German technique, the essence of which is the extension of the spine. The patient rests on a special design that looks like a regular bed. However, instead of a mattress, it has movable rollers.
Many patients are interested in what physiotherapy with cervical osteochondrosis is most effective. Detensor therapy is an advanced technique that experts consider one of the most effective. With cervical osteochondrosis, headaches and other uncomfortable sensations disappear after a course of treatment.
The main advantage of detensor therapy is that the method has practically no contraindications, and the degree of its effectiveness is considered as high as possible.
Shock wave therapy
UVT is a method of influencing the pathology focus, during which an electrical impulse is converted into an ultrasonic acoustic wave. In this case, the skin and muscle tissue are not damaged.
After the first procedures, patients notice a significant decrease in the intensity of pain and good mobility of the spine. Most often, UVT is prescribed for cervical osteochondrosis.
Diadynamic therapy
The method involves exposure to the pathological focus with Bernard currents. These are diadynamic pulsed currents of low frequency and voltage. They have a pronounced analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, so that painful sensations disappear after the first session.
Physiotherapy is performed using diadynamics. This is a device that is implemented even in a portable form, so that it can be used at home.
Conducting algorithm: electrodes of various sizes and shapes are attached to the patient’s body. After that, the doctor connects the device to power, the current supply begins. The strength of the latter is regulated by a specialist taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.
Acupuncture
This is a proven over the years method of treating osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Its essence is the introduction of stainless steel needles into acupuncture points, thereby improving the course of the disease and recovering faster.
A similar effect is due to the sharp production of endorphin in the body, which is also a potent analgesic. After the course of treatment, painful sensations significantly weaken or completely recede.
At the same time as endorphin, the process of cortisol production starts. This is a hormone that helps stop inflammation.
Therapy duration
Treatment of osteochondrosis with physiotherapy is an effective but long process. The disease does not recede after one session, only the intensity of clinical manifestations is weakened.
The course of treatment includes from 5 to 10 procedures. At the discretion of the doctor, the patient can be assigned up to 20 sessions.
Contraindications
The effect of physiotherapy will be maximum if you do not ignore the doctor’s recommendations. They consist in the fact that the patient takes into account all the available restrictions on the conduct of therapy. Otherwise, the procedures will not only not be beneficial, but will also cause significant damage to health.
The main contraindications to the physiotherapy of osteochondrosis:
- Pregnancy.
- Infectious diseases.
- Severe general condition of the patient.
- The presence of malignant neoplasms.
- Pathology of the heart.
- Propensity to develop bleeding.
- Tuberculosis.
- Epilepsy.
- High blood sugar.
- Thyrotoxicosis.
- Purulent processes.
- Severe diseases of the respiratory system.
The list of contraindications can be expanded in the process of consultation with the attending physician. It is important to consider all the features of the patient’s health in order to prevent the development of complications.
Finally
Osteochondrosis is a pathology, the course of which is accompanied by the progression of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine. Cartilage tissue becomes thinner, resulting in a pronounced inflammatory process. The main clinical manifestations of the disease are intense pain and poor spinal mobility.
Currently, there are many ways to treat osteochondrosis. One of the most effective is physiotherapy. Its use, along with drug treatment, significantly speeds up the healing process.
In order to maximize the effectiveness of the course of treatment, it is necessary to take into account all available contraindications and to be responsible for the implementation of all recommendations of a specialist. Only a doctor decides what physiotherapy can be prescribed for cervical osteochondrosis or a lesion of the lumbar region.