Dorothy FarrarConservative therapy
The suffering caused by diseases and injuries can often be contained or even completely eliminated with conservative means (conservative therapy). The risk-benefit ratio does not always speak in favor of using a surgeon. Especially in mild and medium cases, patients benefit in the long term from the renunciation of surgical interventions. However, this path takes time. The following examples show common therapeutic approaches for back and knee problems, osteoarthritis and fractures.
What is conservative therapy?
Conservative therapy relies primarily on the use of medication in the treatment of diseases, pain and injuries. In addition, there are supportive measures such as stabilizing bandages, massages, physiotherapeutic training to strengthen the body.
Physicians must always weigh the benefits of the chosen therapy for their patients. Preference is often given to the most effective and at the same time most tolerable approaches. If there is a risk of possible complications due to surgery, the doctor usually advises a conservative alternative first. There is no clear dividing line between the two variants, as each case of illness has an individual weighting.
The consequences of an unexpected development are usually subject to better control in the conservative approach. A subsequent operation as a last choice is still possible. Targeted exercise training and medicines support the body in its natural regeneration process in conservative therapy.
The personal expectations of patients regarding the duration of treatment also play a role in the choice of procedure. Naturopathy also belongs to this type of therapy in the narrower sense. For the exact demarcation, orthodox physicians speak of an evidence-based treatment.
Surgical and conservative approaches are not necessarily mutually exclusive, but can be combined as desired. To effectively combat cancerous tumors, doctors resort to surgery, for example, followed by chemotherapy. Patients often take a more active role in practicing conservative therapy. The success of the treatment therefore also depends on their participation.
Conservative treatments after diseases
Spinal disc herniation
A disc prolapse is accompanied by massive movement impairments. However, surgery is often not necessary to move the intervertebral discs into their original position.
Conservative treatment is based on two basic elements. Both serve to strengthen the back muscles and to alleviate the quite pronounced pain sensation due to the displaced intervertebral discs. Initially, liberation from acute suffering takes great priority. For this purpose, doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory painkillers for oral ingestion.
In the absence of satisfactory results, a direct injection of painkillers or cortisone is a possible alternative. Cramps in the tense muscles are counteracted by the application of heat.
Irradiation via red light lamps stimulates the blood circulation in the area of action again and leads to a loosening of the muscles. The increased blood circulation promotes the healing process. Hot water bottles are also useful for use in the private environment.
Herniated discs are often associated with a poorly trained back. In addition to targeted training through sporting activities, an adequate supply of vitamin B12, folic acid and uridine monophosphate contributes to the repair of damaged nerve cords in the backbone.
After a herniated disc, doctors prescribe physiotherapy to their patients to build up the back muscles. Massages additionally promote blood circulation and loosen tense areas. Only regular use promises lasting success. Doctors therefore encourage patients to practice the techniques they have learned in their private lives. This makes it possible to reduce the likelihood of a relapse in a targeted manner.
Cruciate ligament rupture
The primary goals of treating a Cruciate ligament rupture include stabilizing the knee and preventing pain and swelling. The painful movement restrictions usually decrease with optimal care. As a first emergency measure, doctors prescribe cooling of the knee and the application of a pressure bandage. Pain therapy using analgesics (painkillers) and non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) relieves the torment of those affected.
The further course of therapy depends on age, physical activity and the location of the cruciate ligament tear. An operation does not necessarily have to be carried out in every case. Those affected without sporting ambitions or older age can be treated well with a conservative approach. In general, the prognosis for ruptured posterior cruciate ligaments is more favorable than for anterior ruptures.
The main measure of conservative treatment is targeted training of the thigh muscles. A gentle posture and sustained strengthening of this area can stabilize the knee joint again in the medium term. Patients have to attend regular sessions with the physiotherapist for this.
In addition, doctors resort to a decongestant therapy using cold exposure. During the healing process, the use of relieving walking aids is advisable. Especially in the first few weeks after the accident, those affected use knee braces and crutches to avoid stress-related pain. The goal of restoring the normal level of exertion in the case of effective pain therapy as soon as possible remains important.
back pain
Back pain has a variety of causes and is usually due to tension, poor posture and overstretched tendons. However, pain tends to manifest itself permanently without a targeted change in everyday life. Acute pain conditions are usually treated with medication. Operations on the spine tend to be considered risky. The administration of pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs ( paracetamol , NSAIDs) often helps with minor ailments .
Too intensive bed rest should generally be avoided. In most cases, lying still without everyday movement even proves to be counterproductive for the back problem. If the pain level allows the pursuit of leisure activities and professional life, patients should pursue them consistently.
Chronic complaints require special active ingredients for long-term use. This also includes antidepressants to reduce the perception of pain. Chiropractors use targeted grips to free patients from blockages in individual vertebrae and specifically look for muscle tension. Massages serve as additional support, especially in the case of non-specific pain.
Physical therapies with a focus on movement coordination and mobilization promote the recovery process and at the same time increase the resilience of the spine.
In many cases, the complaints are considered to be homemade. Back pain caused by incorrect posture at work or while sleeping can be counteracted by purchasing ergonomic furniture and protective mattresses. Concrete instructions for correcting posture in everyday life with the help of a back school raises the patient’s awareness. If you are very overweight, doctors also recommend a Diet to generally relieve the musculoskeletal system.
Arthrosis
Osteoarthritis mainly affects older people. Non-surgical measures aim to reduce pain and slow down the progression of the disease. Maintaining a healthy body weight reduces the stress on already strained joints. Sporting activities with gentle types of movement such as Nordic walking or swimming ensure better blood circulation in the cartilage. However, consultation with the doctor regarding sensible activities remains necessary.
Physiotherapy aims to maintain and promote joint mobility through various exercises. Patients should also repeat these training sessions regularly in their private environment.
The use of heat and electrical stimulation also stimulates the blood circulation in the diseased areas. Cold or the use of clay has a decongestant effect and inhibits inflammatory processes in the articular cartilage. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to treat inflammatory flare-ups and general symptoms.
Specifically, Ibuprofen or acetylsalicylic acid help against pain . For the short-term bridging of inflammations, the administration of cortisone-containing agents is occasionally used for a reasonable period of time. Direct injections of hyaluronic acid into the worn joints are also considered a conservative approach. However, due to unclear effects, the health insurance company does not cover any costs for this operation. Depending on the location, insoles, splints or special footwear protect the musculoskeletal system.
Fractures
Bone fractures require adequate contact for conservative therapy. In addition, proper alignment with one another remains essential to recovery. In functional treatment, the bone itself serves as a stabilizing factor, while the muscles hold the bone in place. A special pressure bandage supports the affected bone and puts additional pressure on the muscles. This keeps the broken ends in their intended place and the healing process can begin. Once the pain subsides, light range of motion exercises will help maintain mobility.
The immobilizing approach prioritizes complete, permanent immobilization of the fracture. This method is appropriate for shifted or shortened fractions. A plaster cast holds the bones in the desired position. In doing so, it includes the neighboring joints.
Immediately after the injury, there is a risk of swelling and thrombosis due to excessive contact pressure. The use of circular plaster casts is therefore sometimes considered contraindicated. Gypsum splints are preferable in problematic cases. Alternatively, splitting the cast and providing adequate padding relieves potentially damaging pressure from the underlying tissues.
To help prevent blood clots, doctors give heparin by injection as judged. Cold ice packs also counteract swelling. Extension bandages are used to align the bone along the long axis and prevent shortening. In the case of fractures in the leg area, walking aids such as crutches are used to relieve the body.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.