Osteochondrosis is a common disease of the degenerative-dystrophic type, in which the structure and function of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs are disrupted, causing damage to the roots of the intervertebral nerves and thus causing symptoms. Osteochondrosis is a chronic pathology that occurs under the influence of a complex of causes - from the evolutionary and anatomical features of the structure of the human skeleton to the influence of external factors such as working conditions, lifestyle, overweight, injuries and others. Osteochondrosis of the cervical and lumbar spine is most often diagnosed as the most exposed to stress. The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is complex and long-term, mainly aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing complications.
Symptoms
Upper spinal cord injury can manifest in many symptoms, depending on the location and severity of the dystrophic process, as well as how severely the radicular structures of the cervical spine are affected. Often patients' complaints are reduced to symptoms that at first glance are not related to each other, which can complicate the diagnosis and further treatment of the disease.
In general, the clinic for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is the following series of syndromes:
- Vertebra characterized by various types of pain in the nape and neck.
- Spinal, in which symptoms of impaired motor and sensory innervation are observed, in addition, impaired trophicity of the cervical area causes gradual atrophy of the muscles of the shoulder girdle and arms.
- Radicular, expressed in symptoms of pain in the peritoneal and thoracic organs, which requires additional careful diagnosis to differentiate osteochondrosis and diseases of the internal organs.
- Vertebral artery syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis - vestibular disorders, manifested by headache, hearing impairment, dizziness, to loss of consciousness.
These phenomena occur when the cause of cerebral ischemia due to a violation of the vertebral artery and a weakening of the blood supply.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the cervical segment develops gradually and patients usually seek treatment already at the stage of clinical manifestations that interfere with the quality of life during exacerbation. How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is decided only by the doctor after the appropriate diagnosis, self-medication in this case is unacceptable.
The treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck aims to eliminate pain, inflammation, partial or complete recovery of the affected tissue structures and prevent complications.
Treatment should be mainly outpatient, all procedures at home can be in connection with medical prescriptions, after instrumental and laboratory diagnosis.
In advanced cases, in severe stages of development of neurological lesions and concomitant pathologies, inpatient treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with the possibility of surgery may be indicated.
Drug for cervical osteochondrosis
It consists in prescribing courses of drugs that relieve the symptoms of pain and inflammation. In the acute period, the drugs are shown in injectable form, after some reduction in pain, the patient takes pills, topically applied agents in the form of ointments and continues to receive injections.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are considered the drugs of choice in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis to relieve pain and inflammation. These are drugs based on diclofenac and indomethacin, available in different dosage forms. They reduce the swelling of soft tissues, thus reducing pain, local agents have a warming effect, which improves blood flow to the affected cervical area. These drugs are used for 5-10 days, sometimes up to 2 weeks. In the acute period, NSAIDs are prescribed in the form of injections, after a few days the patient switches to a tablet form of administration. It is worth remembering that long-term treatment with NSAIDs adversely affects the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, so the course of treatment usually does not exceed 10 days.
Sedatives such as ringworm, glycerin, valerian tincture, peony, herbal teas are recommended for prolonged pain and to reduce the risk of neuroticism in the patient, which contributes to the effectiveness of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. Local irritants. These are topically applied ointments, gels, rubs that have a warming, irritating and dissipating effect. They are not used in the treatment of the acute stage. They contain biologically active substances of plant and animal origin, such as bee or snake venom. This group includes viprozal, apizartron, menovazin, naitox. In the presence of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug and with a high irritant effect, it is better not to use them, so as not to provoke even greater swelling. Vitamins. Multivitamin complexes are recommended during treatment and further rehabilitation. This is usually a group of B vitamins, whose representatives are involved in ensuring normal nerve conduction, as well as vitamins A and C, to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve blood flow. Vitamin intake reduces vestibular disorders - seasickness syndrome, dizziness, hearing loss.
Chondroprotectors. These are substances that contribute to the recovery of cartilage tissue of the vertebral discs of the cervical segment. These include glucosaminoglycans and chondroitin sulfate. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with chondroprotectors is carried out for a long time, 6-12 months.
Orthopedic treatments
Unpleasant symptoms in the cervical spine are often provoked and aggravated by improper body position during sleep, long stay in a forced position or trauma. Therefore, the treatment complex includes such methods as:
Neck collar or Shants collar. It is prescribed individually for each patient, after a medical consultation, as it is available in several varieties. The collar is a solid frame roller that attaches around the neck and fixes the vertebrae in the required position. Therefore, the neck does not bend and the head does not turn to the side, which provides immobilization of the affected area, which is important in acute periods. The neck collar of the Schantz can also be made in the form of two rollers with an inflatable layer, in which the air is injected with a rubber bulb. Inflation of the intermediate layer between the rollers stretches the spine, which makes it possible to increase the inter-articular gaps in the cervical spine. The degree of elongation is determined by the doctor, it is not recommended to solve this problem yourself to avoid damage to the neurovascular bundles of the neck. During the recovery period, a fully inflatable collar is used, which retains some mobility of the neck and head.
The collar can be worn at home, no more than 3 hours a day, and the total frequency of wearing is about a month. The final rules for wearing are determined by the doctor, depending on the severity of the condition and the symptoms.
Correct posture. During sleep it is necessary to maintain the body in an anatomically correct position, when the nerves and vessels of the cervical spine are not compressed, this can be done with the help of orthopedic mattresses and pillows. During wakefulness, the patient should control the position of his body and choose the right desk and chair with the appropriate height. Stretching. The treatment procedure consists of stretching the ligaments of the spine to increase the distance between the vertebrae by 1-3 mm. Traction helps to reduce or completely eliminate the compression of the disc herniation at the root or bone growths of the vertebrae. The procedure eliminates intervertebral dislocations, reduces muscle contractures. The traction should be performed under stationary conditions by a doctor and after the procedure the cervical spine is fixed with a collar or similar devices for several hours. The course of treatment with extractions is an average of 10-20 sessions.
Massage
Massage for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is an important and mandatory part of treatment, along with medication courses. It is prescribed during periods of remission to speed recovery and prevent recurrence. Massage is used both classical hand and its variants of the methods of Eastern medicine.
A well-done massage stimulates blood circulation in the neck and collar area, improves the trophism of the damaged tissues, relieves muscle and vascular spasm and relieves the patient. The total course of massage treatment is 10-14 procedures, every day or every other day, every 3-6 months. In the presence of severe pain, massage treatment of osteochondrosis is not performed. At home you can do a self-massage of the diseased cervical area.
Physiotherapy exercises
Exercise therapy is always performed, except during periods of exacerbation with pain. Exercises for cervical osteochondrosis can be performed at home, although it is recommended that this be done under the supervision of an instructor until proper performance is achieved. The set of exercises consists of:
Turn the head sideways. The head is tilted back and forth. Lift the shoulders with fixed or relaxed arms, hold for 15-20 seconds in this position. Static loads, when the muscles of the flexor and extensor of the cervical region are tensed in turn, the head does not move.
The total number of repetitions is 5-7 times, the session lasts 15-20 minutes. As part of a treatment complex, exercise therapy helps speed recovery and increase remission.
Physiotherapy and reflexology
Electrophoresis with NSAIDs, anesthetics, hormonal drugs, diadynamic currents, laser and shock wave therapy are also effective in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. Physiotherapy in the initial stage of development can lead to a complete cure, and in difficult cases increase the time of remission. These treatments are used during periods of rehabilitation after treatment of exacerbations.Reflexology as a method of affecting certain points on the skin of the body, where internal organs are designed, is also used during recovery periods and helps to reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, relieve tissue congestion and reduceof muscle spasms. The most commonly used methods of treatment are acupuncture, acupressure and hirudotherapy - placing medicinal leeches on the skin of the cervical region.
Using these methods can shorten the time and amount of medication taken and promote recovery.
Things to do at home
If the patient's condition allows, the manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis can be treated at home. For example, therapeutic exercises can be performed at home, if there are no contraindications and do not require constant monitoring by a specialist. It should be remembered that the appearance of pain and crunch in the neck is a reason to stop and seek qualified treatment.
The application of topically acting drugs in the form of ointments, gels, medicated patches is carried out at home, strictly according to the doctor's prescription.
In addition, it is possible to treat at home with the help of some physiotherapy devices - for magnetic therapy and ultraviolet radiation and reflexology devices.
Folk remedies are also used in the form of compresses and wraps on the inflamed cervical region of grated potatoes, horseradish leaves, propolis, aloe and other herbal ingredients. Traditional methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis are palliative, temporarily relieving pain, swelling, warming the affected area and should not be limited to them.
All remedies for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should be supplemented and performed in consultation with a physician after a complete diagnosis.
Medical treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine involves the use of conservative methods to ensure adequate pain relief and there is no threat of significant disruption of the patient's daily activities.
Symptoms of the disease
Constant bending, lifting, twisting and twisting for many years of life, of course, negatively affects the health of the neck and the quality of its structural components. With all these repetitive stress strains on the neck, it's no surprise that approximately two-thirds of people experience neck pain at some point in their lives. Painful sensations can be alarming symptoms of a disease such as osteochondrosis.
Attention! Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is considered one of the most common pathologies. This disease most often affects people of working age, leading a sedentary lifestyle.
The disease is initially asymptomatic. However, in the case of symptoms such as constant headaches, as well as pain in the heart and under the shoulder blade, this disease requires immediate and effective treatment.
Degenerative processes can lead to the following manifestations:
- acute pain;
- double vision;
- dizziness;
- tingling in the shoulders;
- weakness in the shoulders, arms.
This discomfort and loss of mobility can have a significant impact on career, family and quality of life.
The cervical spine consists of seven bones called vertebrae, which are separated from each other by discs filled with a shock-absorbing jelly. This design provides the ability to stabilize the neck, smoothly rotate it from one side to the other and tilt it back and forth.
Over time, these natural shock absorbers wear out and can begin to degrade. The space between the vertebrae is narrowed and the nerve endings are compressed. This process is known as cervical osteochondrosis. Importantly, studies show that about 25% of asymptomatic people under the age of 40 and 60% over the age of 40 have some degree of osteochondrosis. As osteochondrosis progresses, the neck becomes less flexible, the sensation of pain in it increases, there is a feeling of stiffness, especially at the end of the day. For these reasons, osteochondrosis develops.
Attention! Its complications can be life-threatening.
Diagnostic and treatment functions
The diagnosis of the disease includes the following general manipulations:
- initial check; MRI (magnetic resonance imaging);
- X-ray examination.
Drug therapy is the basis for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in combination with massage. Effective treatments include the following:
- reflexology;
- electrical stimulation;
- manual therapy.
Physical therapy can also help reduce pain over a long period of time. The most commonly used methods include:
- acupuncture;
- electrophoresis;
- microcurrent electrical stimulation;
- laser therapy.
The course of this treatment for cervical osteochondrosis usually takes about 14 days.
Simultaneously with the application of ice or heat, with the help of a special drug it will be possible to achieve pain relief and control of pain and inflammation. Exercises for the neck and shoulder girdle, performed alone or with the help of a professional, will also help. Exercise helps maintain flexibility. Exercise, especially stretching the neck as much as possible, is essential to maintaining flexibility in the neck area. The specific set of exercises should be developed individually by a doctor or physiotherapist.Medications that can provide relief include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers.
Attention! You should not use these medicines for more than seven days without consulting your doctor, as kidney failure can be among the serious side effects they can cause.
Steroid drugs and muscle relaxants can also be used.
Treatment during exacerbation
In the acute phase of the disease, when excruciating pain dominates the clinical picture, the main goal of medical therapy is to relieve pain. In such situations for a limited period of time, very carefully and competently and only under the supervision of a doctor you can take analgesics (eg tramadol, oxadol, orthophene) or more complex drugs (arkoxia). They are able to relieve muscle pain and tension.
Non-steroidal drugs, which are taken primarily as painkillers, can also eliminate the cause of the pain - inflammatory swelling that constricts blood vessels and nerves.
The use of muscle relaxants allows you to relieve muscle spasm by normalizing the condition of the cervical spine, nerve endings and blood vessels. The use of vitamins is very important.
In case of severe compression of the nerve endings, doctors recommend anticonvulsants. If the pain is not relieved in any other way, then it is blocked with novocaine.
If osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is in an acute stage and is accompanied by severe pain, specialists also prescribe topical application of lidocaine, corticosteroids to relieve muscle tension in the spinal segment of the movement and reduce pain.
In the treatment of acute pain, drugs are administered by injection, after which it will be possible to proceed to treatment in the form of pills and further alleviate the health condition with the help of ointments.
Antidepressants are prescribed as an adjunct in certain cases. These drugs help to withstand psychological attacks of very severe pain and the specifics of disorders associated with the cervical spine.
Recommendations for treatment in remission
The period of treatment in mild stages suggests:
- activation of blood circulation both in the large vessels and in the periphery;
- improving metabolism;
- restoration and renewal of bone tissue and cartilage structures.
For this purpose, the most appropriate:
- anti-inflammatory gels and ointments containing steroids and analgesics;
- ointments, whose action is aimed at spot heating of the diseased area, able to increase blood flow to the diseased area, improving tissue nutrition
Chondroprotectors (chondroxide ointments and tablets) help to restore cartilaginous intervertebral discs.
Massage creams and ointments with bee venom, plant extracts have a regenerating, anti-inflammatory, analgesic effect. Therapeutic massage, which, if done correctly, can be done at home to relieve discomfort. In order not to harm the body, you need to follow a few simple rules:
- do not press too hard neck and back;
- all movements must be top to bottom.
Topical anesthetic creams include capsaicin. Creams are also effective in treating pain associated with osteochondrosis. You need to apply the cream on the area where the sensation of pain is strongest.
Attention! Be sure to wash your hands after rubbing in the cream, especially capsaicin, as the cream can irritate the skin of the hands or other parts of the body that the hands will touch.
Such an unpleasant symptom as dizziness in osteochondrosis occurs due to vasospasm and inflammation of the nervous tissue. To cope with this help vasodilators and means to improve blood circulation in the vestibular apparatus.
Vitamin B is also included in the complex therapy of cervical osteochondrosis, as it has the following properties:
- restores tissue sensitivity;
- reduces neurological damage.
You need to be very careful about the fact that although there is a very different range of quality drugs that help with osteochondrosis, taking many of them is often accompanied by noticeable side effects. It happens that the condition of the back improves, but there are difficulties in various organs. It follows that the drugs are only intended to supplement the complex of other methods of combating this disease.
Thanks to the integrated approach to treatment, it will be possible to achieve a positive dynamics of the healing process only if the whole spectrum of therapeutic measures is carried out consistently, regularly and systematically.
Often patients do not pay attention to the pain in the neck, which causes complications.
Treatment with surgery
If the pain persists after six months of competent medication and daily activities become more difficult, doctors may recommend surgery. The operation will be aimed at stopping the movement of the affected segment of the cervical spine. This will result in the removal of the disc, as well as the placement of a metal device or bone graft to help maintain or restore normal disc height and neck stability and alignment. Special plates can be used to provide the desired fixation between the two vertebrae.
Attention! Patients should be aware that surgery that results in severe neck pain is much less reliable than surgery to relieve osteochondrosis pain in another part of the body. Thus, if the only or predominant symptom is neck pain, surgery should be recommended only as a last resort and after all other treatment options tried have failed.
Prevention
Preventive methods for neutralization of relapses are formed by complexes of physiotherapeutic exercises and therapeutic massage. Proper prevention is an important step towards success.
It will also be very important to pay attention to the fact that you need to adhere to a daily regular diet that minimizes, if not completely eliminated, the intake of salty and spicy foods to minimize swelling and improve metabolism. . It will also be useful to practice yoga and swimming. Among the unconventional methods, acupuncture and hirudotherapy are often used.