What are the methods of physical therapy for cervical spine pathology?
Disease description:
I have been feeling stiffness in my neck and soreness in my shoulders lately. Sometimes I also experience dizziness and numbness in my hands. After visiting the hospital, I was diagnosed with cervical spondylosis. I would like to ask what physical therapy methods are available for treating cervical spondylosis?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Physical treatments for cervical spondylosis mainly include the following:
1. Heat and cold compresses: Heat compresses can improve blood circulation and relieve muscle tension and pain; cold compresses help reduce acute inflammation and swelling.
2. Physical therapy: Includes high-frequency electrotherapy, iontophoresis, and others, which can improve local blood circulation and promote recovery. For example, high-frequency electrotherapy promotes blood circulation in tissues around the cervical spine through thermal effects.
3. Ultrasound therapy: Utilizes mechanical vibrations of ultrasound to act on tissues, promoting local blood circulation and relieving muscle tension.
4. Magnetotherapy: Applies magnetic fields to the body, providing pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and improved blood circulation. It is suitable for patients with chronic cervical spondylosis.
5. Traction therapy: Expands the space between cervical vertebrae through external traction to alleviate compression symptoms. Suitable for radiculopathy-type cervical spondylosis.
6. Rehabilitation exercises: Such as neck stretching and rotation exercises, to strengthen neck muscles and improve cervical stability.
7. Massage and manipulation: Can relax neck muscles and improve blood circulation. However, massage should be avoided in patients with myelopathy-type cervical spondylosis to prevent worsening of the condition.
