Physiotherapy treatment for cervical syndrome The physio therapy treatment for cervical spine disorders encompasses a wide spectrum of measures; the important ones are as follows.
Measures to Reduce Cervical Pain, Spasm and Inflammation
The aim of these measures is to reduce pain and spasm in the neck and thus provide the all important relaxation of the neck muscles. The modalities are:
Thermotherapy -This is heat therapy and could be either superficial or deep.
- Superficial These are IFT TENS, infrared rays and hydro collator packs.
Deep This is provided by the ultrasound and the SWD, and the microwave.
Cryotherapy This consists of ice packs and ice massage.
Massaging by way of friction circular kneading, etc. to the local area of pain, considerably reduces the pain and induces relaxation.
Measures to Strengthen and Mobilize the Neck
Exercises play a pivotal role in strengthening the neck muscles and mobilizing the neck once the pain has subsided after employing the above methods.
Exercises to strengthen the neck muscles Strong isometrics helps to achieve this when movement is contraindicated. Exercises to improve the weak muscles The weak muscles of the neck could be strengthened by active assisted exercises to the neck.
Exercises to strengthen the neck muscles The active self resisted isometric exercises help considerably to strengthen the neck muscles
Exercises for neck mobilization The relaxed active and passive exercises for all the neck movements helps achieve this goal.
Combination exercises- All the above exercises combine
together in the PNF technique.
Quick Facts
How do exercises help?
Stretches the inelastic soft tissues and muscles. Breaks the contractures
Improves blood supply
Corrects the poor posture and provides a sense of Well-being.
Caution Exercises should not be overdone lest it causes pain to the patients.
Cervical Traction
Whether it is sprain, strain, fractures dislocations, infections, etc. in the neck, cervical traction has a role to play in each of these troublesome neck problems.
The various types of cervical traction and their significance are as follows.
1. Continuous traction Indications
To reduce fractures and dislocation of the cervical vertebrae.
To reduce cervical disk prolapse.
. To relieve pressure on the compressed cord and roots. nerve
Methods It is given 24 hours a day with a weight of 5 to
15 lbs.
2. Static traction
Indications
Minor disk prolapse.
Neurological deficits either due to fractures or disk prolapse.
Method Here the traction is applied for 20-30 min with weights ranging from 10-30 lbs.
3. Intermittent traction
Indications
To relieve pain and spasm.
To prevent and break the adhesions in the joints of the neck.
Methods This is the most popular method of cervical traction. Due to alternating traction and relaxation, it produces an effect of massage and relaxation of the neck muscles, thereby reducing pain, spasm and inflammation.
4. Polyaxial cervical traction This provides a pull on a cular segment of cervical vertebrae.
Importance of neck positions during traction
For upper cervical vertebrae
Traction is given in. hyperextension.
For middle cervical vertebrae
*Traction is given in neutral position of the neck.
For lower cervical vertebrae Traction is given in flexion. Importance of patient position during traction
Supine position This is the ideal position of the patient during cervical traction
Advantages
Relaxation is better.
Intervertebral separation is better.
- Better stability and less muscle guarding.
Sitting position
Though this position is convenient it is not ideal .
Role of Manipulation
It has a limited but definite role in reduction of the intra articular displacement in a mild or moderate cervical spondylosis. Manipulation is usually carried out during strong traction and is maintained by a neck collar.
Cervical Collar
The use of cervical collar is on the decline . But it is indicated in the following situations:
Acute disk prolapse.
Acute pain due to sprain, strain, fractures and dislocations.
Temporarily immobilization during driving, walking,
Role of a Collar
It reduces pain and spasm of the neck muscles.
It provides immobilization to the neck.
etc.
Wearing a cervical collar is a popular method of treatment of cervical spondylosis
.. It helps to do the isometric exercises.
It helps to correct the deformity.
It provides additional support, comfort and psychological well-being.
Note Firm collar for the day and soft collar for the weight.
Drawback of a Cervical Collar
Neck immobilization due to a collar results in wasting of the muscles of the neck leading to the decreased support of the affected structures.
Additional Measures
Maintenance of proper neck posture of straight neck with chin tucked in during sitting, walking, standing and working is of paramount importance.
Proper sized pillows with correct height during sleeping should be used to maintain the neck position of neutral in relation to the shoulders .
Concept of 'Butterfly Pillow' in Cervical Spondylosis
A soft thin pillow is tied loosely in the centre. The constricted central portion supports the head and neck. While the butterfly portion of the pillow supports the neck on either side while sleeping .
No comments:
Post a Comment