Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a pathological process in which the nutrition of the vertebral discs is disturbed, which leads to their gradual damage. With the further development of this disease, the intervertebral disc loses its shape and stops performing its main function. The ability of the spine to withstand physical stress is lost.
Treatment Methods
Effective treatment of cervical osteochondrosis consists of an integrated approach to the disease, combining drug treatment and physiotherapy. If this method does not achieve a positive effect, they resort to surgical intervention.
Conservative treatment consists of taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins, muscle relaxants. The first is designed to reduce inflammation and pain. If the pain is mild, a topical ointment or gel will help. The use of vitamins helps improve blood circulation, which leads to better brain nutrition.
But any medicine will not be enough when the cause of osteochondrosis lies in a person's lifestyle and remains unchanged. If the disease occurs from continuous work at the computer, it is necessary to include some physical exercises in the work rhythm to warm the neck.
Physiotherapy methods give good results:
- electrophoresis;
- water procedure;
- massage;
- physiotherapy.
Significantly eliminates the discomfort of hirudotherapy and manual therapy.
As a prophylaxis during sedentary work, it is recommended to perform self-massage regularly, dispersing stagnant blood and providing an influx of nutrients to the brain. In addition, you need to eat regularly, get enough rest at night and control your weight.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is well corrected in the early stages, before the onset of vertebral artery syndrome and cardialgia.
Treatment aims to eliminate pain, restore blood supply to the brain and slow the progression of the disease. The patient was treated by a neurologist. Conservative therapy is as follows:
- Applicationnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugslocally and systemically. Ointments, gels, tablets and injections cope well with pain in osteochondrosis.
- In the acute stage of the disease, accompanied by severe pain, it is usedparavertebral block- local administration of drugs (anesthetics and corticosteroids).
- Drug treatment is a combination of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antispasmodics,analgesics and B group vitamin complex.
- With severe pain that affects the patient's nervous and mental state, sedatives can be prescribed. With prolonged pain (more than 4 weeks), they are replacedantidepressants. These drugs allow you to stabilize the patient's mental state.
- In the acute phase, to reduce nerve root compression can be usedmuscle relaxant.
- To maintain the prescribed cerebral circulationvasodilator, as well as ways to increase metabolism in nervous tissue).
With the ineffectiveness of conservative treatment for several months and the development of the disease, sometimes they resort to surgical intervention.
Medical therapy
Drug treatment of cervical spine osteochondrosis includes the use of various drugs.
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (drugs) are used as a symptomatic treatment, to relieve inflammation and relieve pain at the time of exacerbation of the disease.
The course of taking NSAIDs for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine usually does not exceed 6 weeks. Medicines only have a symptomatic effect and after the end of the course, the pain may return again. Often, NSAIDs are used in combination with antispasmodics, which help relieve muscle tension in the paravertebral zone.
Anesthetic
Pain and muscle tension are effectively eliminated with the administration of local anesthetics. Restrictions are widely used from the combination of anesthetics with corticosteroid drugs, which, in addition to the analgesic effect, have an anti-inflammatory effect.
As a local anesthetic, solutions are used, including substances that block the flow of impulses in the irritated nerve endings and block their passage through the innervated area.
Hormones
Therapy with glucocorticosteroids can affect your own hormone production. Therefore, modern medicine is less than before to use drugs of this group in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis and only if there are serious signs.
Hormonal drugs, when ingested, block the inflammatory process in the cells.
Important!With prolonged use, glucocorticosteroids contribute to the destruction of cartilage, so they should be combined with chondroprotectors.
Medicines containing corticosteroids quickly relieve pain, but at the same time have a negative effect on many internal organs. The course of hormone treatment rarely takes more than 7 days, because with longer use, bone loss and the development of osteoporosis are possible.
Local irritants
As a result of the destruction of the intervertebral disc, the displacement of the vertebrae and the inflammatory process, the channels in the body tissues are narrowed. You can improve blood circulation with the help of heating, local irritating ointment.
When using such funds, due to the stimulation of nerve endings, blood flow in the problem area increases, which helps improve the process of tissue nutrition. After using the ointment, the treated skin area becomes red due to active inflow. Since the drug has a tonic effect, it is recommended to use it during the day.
Of the heating ointments, the most popular products are made based on butoxyethyl ether of nicotinic acid. Alternatively, capsaicin and dimethyl sulfoxide ointment is used..
In addition to ointments, special patches impregnated with active ingredients are used as local irritants. So, for example, the composition of the well-known pepper patch includes hot pepper extract, belladonna, lanolin oil. This component has an irritating effect, relieves muscle spasms and improves local blood circulation. At the same time, the delivery of oxygen to cells and tissues is accelerated, which causes the pain to disappear.
Chondroprotectors
There is an active discussion about these drugs. Not all doctors use chondroprotectors in the treatment of osteochondrosis. These drugs contain glycosaminoglycans and chondroitin sulfate, which form the basis of the intervertebral disc structure. It is believed that chondroprotectors prevent the destruction of spinal cartilage and articular surfaces.
The composition of such preparations may contain chondroitic acid, mucopolysaccharides, animal cartilage, glycosaminoglycans, etc.
Reference.Some experts believe that the effect of these drugs is not important, although it is different from the placebo effect, and the results achieved are not comparable to the high price.
Preparations to improve blood microcirculation
This group of drugs promotes the expansion of blood vessels. Medicines improve blood microcirculation, eliminate violations of venous outflow, normalize metabolic processes, stimulate regeneration and increase the frequency of nerve impulses. As a result, blood circulation becomes normal, metabolic processes in soft tissues improve and their swelling level decreases, brain activity is restored.
vitamins
With osteochondrosis, the attending physician can prescribe the intake of individual vitamins or vitamin complexes. Special attention is usually given to B vitamins (B1, B6 and B12). Their intake increases the nutrition of nerve fibers, supports metabolic processes in cartilage tissue and provides elasticity, improves blood circulation and central nervous system function, and stimulates metabolic processes.
In addition to B vitamins, providing the body with ascorbic acid is very important. With regular intake, the process of bone and cartilage tissue regeneration improves, toxins are removed, and the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and minerals is regulated. It can partially reduce the need for additional intake of vitamins B1, B2, A and E.
Surgical intervention
It is indicated if there is no visible effect in the treatment of the disease using conservative methods, as well as in the development of complications.
Indications for surgical treatment of cervical osteochondrosis:
- spinal stenosis, caused by a herniated or bulging disc - "pinches" the spinal cord and/or nerve roots, resulting in pain, spasms, weakness or numbness;
- cervical spondylolisthesis - a condition in which the vertebrae are displaced along the horizontal axis relative to each other, sliding when moving and causing pressure on the nerve roots and spinal cord;
- herniated disc - depending on the severity of the symptoms, the severity of the patient's condition and the effectiveness of conservative therapy.
massage
Massage is one of the main treatment methods. In this case, it is not only useful, but also a very necessary procedure. First you need to take a professional course. To get the greatest effect, it is desirable to carry out at least 10 sessions. With cervical osteochondrosis, massage can achieve the following effects:
- relieves pain and relieves muscle spasms;
- reduction of edema;
- muscle strengthening;
- restoration of normal tone;
- increased blood supply and nutrition in the intervertebral disc;
- increased conduction of nerve impulses;
- increased metabolic processes;
After a professional course, you can do simple tricks at home. The peculiarity of the procedure for cervical osteochondrosis is the passive stretching of the muscles from the overstrained position in combination with massage elements. It is necessary to use the technique after the spasmodic muscles are heated by bathing, hot compresses or kneading.
For self-massage, the same technique is used as in the professional version. This is knocking, kneading, hitting the eye, patting, rubbing. Massage is done with warm hands. Massage oil should be used to enhance gliding. The sequence of techniques is as follows:
- stroking;
- trituration;
- kneading;
- tapping
Ending the self-massage session should also wipe. It is important that there is no severe pain during the procedure.
Reference.In addition to traditional massage for cervical spine osteochondrosis, some other techniques are used, for example, acupressure or vacuum massage. In the second case, medical banks or special vacuum devices are used.
Massage is very useful for cervical osteochondrosis. However, there are some factors that are absolute contraindications:
- blood diseases;
- osteomyelitis;
- thrombosis;
- malignant or benign neoplasms;
- aneurysm;
- active stage of tuberculosis;
- the presence of many warts and moles on the body;
- spider veins on the back.
There are also temporary contraindications:
- heat;
- contagious disease;
- exacerbation of chronic processes.
exercise therapy
If the disease has developed and been diagnosed, the first step after the elimination of pain and neurological symptoms with the help of drug therapy is a course of physiotherapy, as an important part of the complex treatment. A moderate load on the neck muscles in remission contributes to the strengthening and formation of a muscular corset that supports the intervertebral disc.
The main way to prevent cervical osteochondrosis, as well as weakness of the cervical region, is to strengthen the neck muscles. This will help therapeutic exercises. To get significant results, you need to do at least 2-3 exercises 2-3 times a day. Starting position - sitting with a straight back.
- Exercise number 1.Tilt your head slightly forward and place your hands on your forehead. Then press your palms on your forehead and without moving your neck, hold that position for 30 seconds.
- Exercise number 2.Tilt your head back and slowly turn left and right for 1 minute. This exercise increases blood flow in the veins.
- Exercise number 3.At the same time, lift your shoulders, try to bring them to your ears, and then lower them to their original position. Then alternately - one shoulder down, the other up. Total duration is 2 minutes.
- Exercise number 4.Place your palms together above your head, extending your elbows to the sides. Press your palms firmly together for 2-5 seconds, then relax your hands. Repeat 3 times.
- Exercise number 5.Perform a smooth tilt of the head forward - while exhaling, backward - while inhaling (3 times).
The gymnastic complex ends with a self-massage - rubbing the neck with circular movements of rotation.
Manual therapy
It is a set of non-drug therapeutic and diagnostic techniques aimed at eliminating certain diseases of the spine.
Reference.Usually, about 10 sessions are done with an interval of 2 days. After the first procedure, the patient may experience mild pain, which is considered normal. But if the pain does not go away in the future, you should stop the course. Persistent pain indicates either low professionalism of the specialist, or an incorrect diagnosis.
At the first visit, an experienced osteopath always performs a diagnostic palpation of the cervical region. The doctor determines the most painful place, assesses the condition of muscle tissue and skin. The success of further treatment will depend on a correctly performed examination.
The session begins with warming up the muscles and a light massage. Then the doctor stretches the muscles, reducing spasms in the cervical segment. At this stage, the patient should not experience pain. After that, the therapist goes directly to the manipulation.
This is the most painful part of the procedure. The doctor with great effort pressed the cervical vertebra, trying to push it back. Often during such manipulations, the patient hears a frightening sound, but this is considered normal. At the end of the session, the chiropractor does a relaxing massage.
Immediately after the session, sudden head movements, tilts and deflections should be avoided. If possible, it is better to lie down for half an hour.
Important!A doctor who uses manual therapy techniques must master them perfectly to exclude harm to the patient.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture affects the body in specific areas by inserting needles into biologically active points. In this case, a reaction occurs, expressed in the directed production of hormones that control metabolic processes and the state of immunity. Due to this, the inflammatory process is actively suppressed.
This therapy is effective for cervical osteochondrosis. Under the influence of the procedure, neck blood vessels expand, blood flow improves, the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain increases, headaches, tinnitus, dizziness disappear, and the flow of the anti-inflammatory hormone cortisol into the bloodstream. increase
People's recovery
Traditional medicine has many recipes that can relieve pain and unpleasant symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis. However, although these recipes alleviate the condition, they do not eliminate the cause of the disease, so other measures cannot be ruled out.
Compresses and tinctures are the most popular remedies. They warm the muscles, improve blood circulation, relieve pain.
Recipe 1.A mixture of lard, horse chestnut, turpentine, agave and vodka. Cooking method:
- 3 tablespoons of horse chestnut;
- 100 g of American agave;
- camphor oil - 50 ml;
- purified turpentine - 30 ml;
- vodka - 200 ml;
- lard without salt - 50 grams.
Grind and mix the ingredients, then place in a dark place for 9 days. To use, spread a thin layer on brown bread and apply to the sore spot. If a burning sensation occurs, the compress is removed. After the discomfort subsides, you can repeat the procedure.
Recipe 2.Calendula colored.
It is necessary to take a glass bottle, pour 50 g of calendula into it and pour one cup of camphor spirit. Then add a glass of cologne and a glass of vodka. Place the sealed bottle in a dark place and leave for several weeks. The resulting tincture is applied to the sore spot.
Osteochondrosis is easier to prevent than to treat. All achievements in the fight against this disease will be reduced to zero if the patient continues to live the same way of life: move little, do not play sports, gain excess weight. This again can lead to pathology of the intervertebral disc and exacerbation of osteochondrosis.