A nerve root compression in the cervical spine can be treated conservatively by physiotherapy if the cause allows it. The aim of physiotherapy is then to first make the patient pain-free and to reduce the pressure on the affected nerves. Depending on the cause, this can be achieved by various therapeutic approaches. A patient-specific therapy plan is drawn up in close cooperation between the treating physicians and the physiotherapist, so that the patient can get a grip on the problems as long as possible.
Contents of the physiotherapy
- Medical history
- Manual therapy
- Massages
- Heat Therapy
- Cold therapy
- Physical therapy (electrotherapy, shock wave therapy)
- Mobilization
- Strengthening
- Elongation
What is done in manual therapy?
In manual therapy for nerve root compression in the cervical spine, a detailed examination is first performed to determine the exact location and, if possible, the cause of the compression. In most cases, disc protrusions or a herniated disc are the cause of the compression, but also changes in the facet joints of the spine can be responsible for the nerve compression. Depending on the affected structure and the cause for its incorrect loading, the therapy is designed.
In manual therapy, the aim is to relieve the nerve root. Traction treatments are suitable for this purpose, in which the therapist releases the joint surfaces of the spinal column from each other with light to moderate traction, thus providing relief. To do this, the therapist holds the head of the patient lying on the therapy bed in a supine position and exerts an even traction on the cervical spine.
The traction treatment is usually perceived as very pleasant. If necessary, it can also be performed on a sitting patient. In the case of blockages or malpositions, the manual therapist can release them by adjusting the spine and then mobilizing it in a targeted manner to achieve better function and thus relief. The newly gained joint position should be secured by muscular stabilization exercises.
