Heat therapy/effect | Physiotherapy for nerve root compression in the cervical spine

Heat therapy/effect

Heat applications is a simple therapy method, which is used correctly but very useful. It is important to apply the heat correctly. Hot hot water bottles or grain cushions primarily warm the uppermost skin layers but rarely penetrate deep into the skin.

However, the heat should lead to increased blood circulation in the muscles. It is better to use moderate heat over a longer period of time. In the musculature, the heat widens the blood vessels and improves the metabolic situation. The muscle can relax. After a long period of moderate heat application, the pores of the skin are dilated, sweat should be dabbed off and the corresponding area should be protected from draughts by scarves or warm sweaters, as otherwise tension can reappear immediately after the application.

Cold therapy/effect

Cold is effective in relieving acute inflammation. In the long term it can also increase the blood circulation. Short, strong cold stimuli can relieve pain and have an anaesthetic effect.

In the case of long-term cold, the temperature should not be too cold, 8-10 degrees should be sufficient to ensure lymph drainage and blood circulation. With short, strong cold stimuli, the vessels first contract and then open again after a while, resulting in increased blood circulation. Whether cold or heat is better for the patient is an individual decision. In the case of acute inflammation or injury, or acute irritation of the nerve root in the case of nerve root compression in the cervical spine, cold can have a pleasant effect. in most cases, however, heat is chosen for this chronic clinical picture.

Electrotherapy/effect

Electrotherapy is often used for diseases of the spine, including nerve root compression in the cervical spine. By applying different forms of current, different goals can be pursued. There are forms of current that are primarily intended to relieve pain, there are forms of current that are especially designed to increase the metabolic state and blood circulation and there are forms of current that aim to relax the muscles.

Which type of current is suitable for the patient depends on the current symptoms or possible accompanying diseases. A session usually lasts about 20 minutes and the patient should be in a comfortable position. For most dosage forms, the sensation of current should not exceed a subliminal tingling sensation. Pain or burning sensation should not occur under any circumstances.