Physical therapy for cervical spine, or neck, compaction can involve manual therapies such as massage, cervical traction devices, electrical stimulation and laser therapy. While traction is not a new therapeutic method, electrical stimulation and laser therapy are relatively novel treatments. Recent research shows these therapies have potential in treating spine-related disorders. See a physician or chiropractor about your condition.
Cervical Compaction
Compaction of the cervical portion of the spine occurs for a variety of reasons and might affect the spinal cord, leading to cervical spinal stenosis. Injuries and trauma such as whiplash can crush connective tissue or damage bone and cartilage, causing compression of the spine or its nerves. Poor nutrition, lack of oxygen and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis break down the cartilage that cushions vertebrae. Bone itself is weakened by age, excessive wear and tear, lack of exercise and poor nutrition. Degeneration of bone and cartilage leads to pain, numbness and tingling in extremities, loss of strength or motor control and postural abnormalities.
Cervical Traction Devices
Traction is a therapeutic technique that gently pulls your spine in opposite directions to relieve pressure and stabilize or change the position of damaged aspects of the spine. Your chiropractor can apply manual traction in his office, but he might also opt for a traction device. One such contraption is made of a head halter combined with an over-the-door pulley system to gently lift from the base of your skull. Some traction devices also position you on your back with your neck supported by a foam roller. A strap positioned over your forehead applies enough pressure to pull the cervical vertebrae slightly apart. Your doctor or chiropractor will recommend a machine for your condition.
TENS Devices
Transcutaneous electrical stimulation is a therapeutic method that involves transmitting a low electrical pulse through electrodes placed on the skin to potentially relieve pain and encourage tissue growth. A study published in the July 2010 issue of Ortopedia, Traumatologia, Rehabilitacja found that TENS therapy contributed to pain relief and improved function and mobility of the lower spine area. TENS units can also be tapped for use with cervical spine injuries and compression. Approximately the size of a beeper and battery operated, TENS units are portable and easy to use at home with doctor approval.
Laser Therapy
If your neck compression is injury or degeneration-based, laser therapy might help repair damaged tissue and relieve pain. High or low energy lasers are focused on your back in a series of sessions. Recent research suggests high intensity laser therapy, HILT, is useful in managing back or spinal injuries and pain. HILT was more effective than ultrasound therapy in reducing low back pain, according to a June 2011 study featured in the European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. Low energy lasers are also effective in relieving musculoskeletal pain, particularly when compared to ultrasound. Your doctor or specialist will determine which type is right for your condition.
References
- PainNeck.com: Causes of Cervical Spinal Stenosis
- SpineUniverse: Spinal Traction
- SpineUniverse: Therapeutic Spinal Traction
- ArthritisMD; TENS Unit; L. Baldinger, B.S., D.R. Baldinger
- "Ortopedia, Traumatologia, Rehabilitacja"; Effect of TENS ...; T. Pop, et al.; July 2010
- "European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine"; Short-term Effects of High-intensity ...; P.Fiore, et al.; June 2011
