Back pain leads to dysfunction in all human activities - it is difficult for you to concentrate on important matters, you get irritated over trifles and lash out at loved ones.
Most likely, you have a strong spasm of deep muscles, which various massagers are designed to eliminate. There are many options on the market, which we will consider in this article.
Before you buy a back and neck massager, you need to have a good understanding of the topic.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis: effective methods
Among the many known diseases, the most common are diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which is mainly associated with physical inactivity.
In addition, such problems are typical not only for older people, but also for young people. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occupies a special place among pathologies affecting the musculoskeletal system.
What kind of disease is this? What does it threaten to its owner? How does it manifest itself? Are there effective prevention and treatment measures?
Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic progressive disease accompanied by deformation of the intervertebral discs. It requires immediate treatment to prevent irreversible pathological changes.
Among the various forms of osteochondrosis, cervical pathology ranks second, second only to damage to the lumbosacral region.
Stages of the disease
The development of cervical osteochondrosis occurs in stages:
- First stage. The intervertebral discs begin to deteriorate: cracks appear in the fibrous ring, the disc loses strength and elasticity, and becomes smaller in height. As a result, the nerve roots are compressed, which is accompanied by aching pain.
- Second stage. The destruction of the disc continues, which leads to minor dislocations of the vertebrae. The pain intensifies and becomes constant. Falling head syndrome may occur, which is characterized by severe pain that forces you to hold your head in a fixed position.
- Third stage. The fibrous ring is destroyed almost completely, which leads to protrusions and intervertebral hernia. In this case, the pain may decrease, since the source of pain - the cartilage tissue - does not remain. But the pain syndrome does not disappear completely, since the nerve roots remain pinched. Sensitivity may be impaired, headaches and dizziness, nausea, and “lumbago” in the neck area may occur.
At the first stage, the disease is successfully cured. At the second and third stages, irreversible changes occur. Therefore, it will not be possible to completely restore the body.
Justified expectations of using Cordus
- Complete relief from pain
- Smooth posture
- Your back will begin to “listen” to you
- Relaxation
Shape and type of massager
The device has three sides that penetrate deep into the back and relieve tension from the muscles. Light weight and ergonomic design make the Cordus device the most mobile massager.
How does the Cordus massager work?
At home, it can be placed on the floor or carpet to begin the procedure. You need to choose which department you will work on and put it on the appropriate side. Next, lie with your back on the massager and relax for thirty minutes, gradually moving it to different parts of the spine. Working time with one department is 3 minutes.
The tops of the device penetrate into the back up to the spine and hit tense muscles, thereby relaxing them. After the procedure for the entire spine, there is a feeling of lightness and freedom from pain.
With vibration mode you can relax faster.
Additional exercises are needed in order to consolidate the results and be free from pain forever.
Causes of pathological changes
The vertebrae located in the cervical region are the most mobile. They are characterized by their small size and weak muscles. This structure of the vertebrae contributes to the development of degenerative disorders. In addition, the cervical spine is full of nerves and blood vessels, damage to which not only causes unpleasant symptoms, but also causes serious complications.
The main factors leading to the development of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- staying in the same position for a long time;
- metabolic failures;
- salt deposits;
- poor nutrition.
The risk of developing the disease increases if:
- hereditary predisposition;
- old age;
- neck injury;
- prolonged or regular hypothermia of the body;
- hormonal imbalance;
- obesity;
- autoimmune diseases;
- chronic ailments of the musculoskeletal system.
Types of devices for treating the spine and how they differ
Osteochondrosis is a consequence of many reasons, but there are a number of main ones:
- Perturbations in metabolism.
- Insufficient or excessive loads.
- Problems with blood circulation.
The fact is that the spinal column reacts extremely painfully to different loads. cervical osteochondrosis will develop in any case.
and subsequent complications. In turn, excessive physical activity has a significant and negative impact on the condition of the lower back and sacrum. The human body is still structured in the old way; since ancient times, nature has determined that the load should be distributed evenly. Due to overload and other reasons, the structural tissue becomes thinner over time, and the vertebrae become weaker due to wear and tear. If you disassemble a vertebra into its components, it will be divided into a core and a fibrous ring that surrounds it. In turn, it must remain elastic and durable.
To cure osteochondrosis it will take a lot of time, a systematic approach and patience. The disease is poorly treatable with medications. The spinal column, pancreas and liver are also reluctant to respond to medication. The spine is most often treated with physical therapy and physical therapy rather than with medications. For this reason, people buy home devices to treat this disease. Physiotherapy is based on the influence of electric waves and magnetic fields on the human body. When directed to a specific area of the body, electrical waves and vibrations can help activate the secret reserves of the whole organism. The range of such devices is too wide, and advertisers are trying to sell the image of each device as something unique and the best of its kind.
What are the benefits of physical therapy for the spinal column?
There are several types of devices that help cure osteochondrosis, according to the principle of their effect, based on:
- magnetic fields;
- acoustic vibrations;
- electric current.
Any device presented is suitable for the treatment of osteochondrosis. The doctor determines the sequence of its use in accordance with the main objectives of treatment.
What does physiotherapy do?
The physiotherapeutic effect will affect:
- general health;
- blood circulation;
- nourishing the tissue, restoring its usual volume;
- the presence of toxins and breakdown products, removing them from the body;
- activation of metabolism.
Cell regeneration caused by the device to combat osteochondrosis plays a particularly important role. Injured discs become stronger over time, the pain is not so acute, which subsequently leads to an improvement in mood. People suffering from osteochondrosis will be happy with even the slightest reduction in pain, as this returns a feeling of comfort.
The devices are also capable of restoring vascular functions, and this is extremely important in the nutrition of tissue trophism. Thanks to the devices, it is possible to eliminate as much as possible the disorders that have arisen due to insufficient nutrition. This plays a special role for the brain, where lack of nutrition affects it just as painfully as any other organ. A gadget to combat osteochondrosis can eliminate such disorders, which in turn leads to regression of the disease itself.
Often, the combination of physical therapy and physiotherapy results in virtually no need to take medications. However, achieving this will require a sustainable systems approach. The extent of the disease determines how long it will take to stop the progressing disease. It is worth noting that it is impossible to cure osteochondrosis once and for all, but it is possible to prevent it from developing and put it into remission for a long time.
Magnetic field therapy
Economical and most common treatment option. Most often it has an impressive effect. Such devices operate on the principle of a low-frequency magnetic field that penetrates muscles to a depth of up to six centimeters. Magnetic rays have a positive effect on blood flow, arterial pressure, metabolism, reduce pain, and soothe aching areas.
Magnetic therapy is contraindicated in the following situations:
- If there are metals in the body (implants, pacemakers);
- Pregnant women;
- For infections and oncology;
- If the patient has recently had a heart attack.
Vibroacoustics therapy
The operating principle of these devices is based on sound vibrations. The frequency of the outgoing sound changes over and over again, as a result of which the injured tissues are massaged, as a result of which they are restored.
This type of treatment is not dangerous for the patient, but there are situations when it is unacceptable:
- Heat;
- Oncology or the possibility of its development;
- Possibility of heart attack;
- Presence of a pacemaker in the body;
- Thrombophlebitis.
Acoustic vibrations are used not only in the treatment of osteochondrosis, but also in the treatment of scoliosis, arthritis, radiculitis, arthrosis, and ligament diseases.
Neuroadaptive therapy
The treatment is based on special electrodes that come into contact with the skin and have a positive effect on the patient’s tissue. It eliminates inflammatory processes, spasms, promotes better blood circulation, reduces pain, and improves the flexibility of the spinal column.
It is worth mentioning that such devices cannot be used when:
- The presence of metal in the body, for example, implants;
- Oncological diseases;
- Vein thrombosis;
- Epilepsy.
Author: K.M.N., Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences M.A. Bobyr
Symptoms of the disease
The development of cervical osteochondrosis occurs slowly. Signs of the disease depend on how many vertebrae are affected, the degree of damage and the presence of pinched nerves.
The main symptom of the pathology is pain of varying intensity in the neck, radiating to the back of the head, ears, shoulders, forearms, and chest. They intensify when turning the head and with the slightest physical exertion.
In addition to pain, with cervical osteochondrosis:
- headache and heart pain appear;
- dizzy;
- darkens in the eyes;
- arms and legs become numb;
- there is noise in the ears;
- tongue goes numb;
- visual acuity and hearing are weakened;
- a sharp turn of the head causes loss of consciousness;
- rapid fatigue is observed;
- coordination is impaired.
There are several known syndromes of cervical osteochondrosis:
- radicular - pinched nerve endings lead to severe pain in the neck, radiating to the shoulders, forearms, shoulder blades and lower back;
- cardiac - the root of the pectoral muscle or phrenic nerve is damaged, resulting in symptoms reminiscent of a heart attack: prolonged pain in the chest (they do not disappear when taking nitroglycerin), which intensifies with movements and deep breathing;
- vertebral artery - throbbing pain develops in the back of the head and temples;
- irritative-reflex - a burning pain occurs in the neck area, radiating to the shoulders and chest area, aggravated by coughing and turning the head.
Possible complications
Cervical osteochondrosis can cause significant harm to the body. It poses a particular danger due to the fact that deformed vertebrae damage the nerve roots and vessels carrying blood to the brain. As a result, the brain does not receive the required amount of oxygen and nutrients, which can cause disability and even death, as cardiac activity and respiratory function are impaired.
If there is no necessary treatment, the disease can lead to a variety of complications: vertebral artery syndrome, protrusion, herniated intervertebral discs, spinal stroke, cerebral ischemia. Often, cervical osteochondrosis causes radiculopathy. In this case, growths form on the damaged vertebrae, causing the body to partially or completely lose sensitivity and mobility.
But the most dangerous thing is compression of the spinal cord, leading to death.
Therefore, timely treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is important, which will help avoid many problems.
First aid
In the event that the patient experiences unbearable pain, painkillers (analgin, tempalgin) will come to the rescue. If they cannot relieve the pain, then they resort to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, ortofen, ibuprofen, nimesil, nimide). But they cannot be taken for a long time, as they have an adverse effect on the intestines.
Anesthetic ointments with a warming effect (finalgon, viprosal, capsicam, apisatron) and pepper patch can effectively relieve pain.
If the patient's limbs are numb, massage and special exercises that activate blood circulation are recommended.
For edema, diuretics are taken.
But all of the above remedies can only have a temporary effect. Therefore, you should not postpone your visit to the doctor to prevent the development of complications.
Massagers that most people use:
Tennis ball type massagers. It can help in some cases and temporarily relieve pain, but it does not eliminate its cause because it does not comply with the principle of deep penetration. It works the muscles at a maximum depth of 6 mm, and spasms are most often located much deeper.
Roller massagers. The principle of operation is similar to tennis ball type massagers, but rollers have some limitations. For example, if you have protrusions or intervertebral hernia, it will aggravate the situation. Despite its cheapness, it is better not to use it without a doctor's prescription.
Mechanical or electric massage chairs. The most expensive option for massagers, which is designed exclusively for relaxation. Even the instructions for many massage chairs indicate the fact that the massager does not have healing properties. In addition, some massage chairs are quite dangerous to health, since the fast, chaotic movement of the rollers can displace the vertebra and increase pain in the back and neck.
Treatment methods
For the fight against the disease to be successful, it is necessary:
- relieve pain syndrome;
- remove swelling;
- restore blood movement;
- strengthen the muscle corset;
- improve tissue nutrition and ensure their regeneration.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis should be comprehensive and include:
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy;
- physical therapy;
- methods of alternative and traditional medicine;
- diet.
Drug treatment involves taking:
- anti-inflammatory drugs - relieve inflammation, relieve pain, activate blood circulation;
- muscle relaxants (mydocalm) - will relieve muscle spasms;
- chondroprotectors - restore cartilage tissue;
- B vitamins (neurovitan, neurobex, magne) - both oral use and intramuscular administration are possible.
Physiotherapeutic procedures are effective for cervical osteochondrosis:
- magnetic therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- water therapy;
- paraffin therapy.
Effective assistance in the fight against the disease will be provided by non-traditional methods (osteopathy, homeopathy, reflexology, hirudotherapy), massage, manual therapy and special exercises. They stimulate blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, which has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the body. But it is necessary to engage in physical therapy under the supervision of a specialist, otherwise you can get the opposite effect.
In addition to drug treatment (but not instead of it), it is recommended to use folk remedies.
For 3-4 months you need to follow a strict diet:
- Avoid foods containing cholesterol: animal fats, fatty meats;
- limit consumption of sugar, salt, flour products;
- exclude alcoholic drinks.
Osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine caused by changes in the intervertebral disc. The most likely cause of osteochondrosis is that the congenital, genetic properties of the spine do not correspond to the imposed load, as a result of which damage (degeneration) of the intervertebral disc and/or cartilage tissue of the intervertebral joints occurs. There are many reasons for the manifestation of the disease: poor physical fitness, poor posture and curvature of the spine, flat feet and excess weight. Complications of osteochondrosis include diseases such as: protrusion, disc herniation (intervertebral hernia, spinal hernia), kyphosis, radiculitis.
Most often, osteochondrosis manifests itself as muscle tension, spasm, which causes pain and limitation of movements - in this way the body tries to help itself, to immobilize the affected segment of the spine. However, spasm of the muscles surrounding the spine (paravertebral muscles) can become a problem in itself, since under these conditions the pressure on the affected part of the spine often increases, which, in turn, increases muscle tension. A vicious circle arises when pain sustains itself. In this case, treatment aimed at normalizing muscle tone and relieving excess tension in the paravertebral muscles will promote recovery. Often, muscle spasms occur on their own, from hypothermia or intense exercise. In this case, muscle tension is an independent disease and it is more appropriate to talk about myositis.
Treatment of osteochondrosis and its complications is carried out using conservative methods (physical therapy, physiotherapy, magnetic therapy, vibration therapy, etc.) aimed at eliminating pain, dysfunction of the spinal roots and preventing the progress of dystrophic changes in the structures of the spine, increasing intervertebral space and restoring anatomically correct spine shapes.
Physiotherapy is a treatment method that is used to relieve pain, inflammation, rehabilitation after injuries and operations. When using physiotherapy methods, the treatment time for osteochondrosis is reduced, the effectiveness of the use of medications increases and their dosage is reduced, and there are no side effects characteristic of drug treatment.
Our Company's products are classified as physiotherapeutic devices that will help you cope with osteochondrosis or myositis, pain in the back, upper and lower extremities.