Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

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 progression of the disease, the intervertebral discs lose their shape and cease to perform their main functions. The spine's ability 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 physical therapy. If these methods do not achieve a positive effect, they resort to surgical intervention.

Conservative treatment consists of taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins, muscle relaxants. The former are designed to reduce inflammation and pain. If the pain is mild, topical ointments or gels will help. Using vitamins helps improve blood circulation, which leads to better brain nutrition.

But any medication will not be enough when the cause of osteochondrosis is in a person's lifestyle and remains unchanged. If the disease occurs from constant computer work, it is necessary to include some physical exercises in the work rhythm to warm up the neck.

Physiotherapy methods give good results:

• electrophoresis;
• water procedures;
• massage;
• physiotherapy.

Therapeutic exercises will help improve blood supply to damaged joints, reduce pain and improve neck mobility.

Significantly relieves discomfort from hirudotherapy and manual therapy.

As a prophylaxis during sedentary work, it is recommended to periodically do self-massage, dispersing stagnant blood and providing an influx of nutrients to the brain. Also, you should 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 is aimed at eliminating pain, restoring blood supply to the brain, and slowing the progression of the disease. The patient is treated by a neurologist. Conservative therapy is as follows:

1. Enrollmentnon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugslocally and systemically. Ointments, gels, pills, and injections deal well with pain in osteochondrosis.
2. In the acute phase of the disease, accompanied by intense pain, paravertebral block- local administration of medicines (anesthetics and corticosteroids).
3. Drug treatment is a combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antispasmodics,analgesics and group B vitamin complexes.
4. With severe pain that affects the patient's nervous and mental state, tranquilizers may be prescribed. With prolonged pain (more than 4 weeks), they are replacedantidepressants. These drugs make it possible to stabilize the patient's mental state.
5. In the acute phase, to reduce nerve root compression,muscle relaxants.
6. To maintain prescribed cerebral circulationvasodilators, as well as means to improve metabolism in nervous tissue).

With the ineffectiveness of conservative treatment for several months and the progression of the disease, they sometimes resort to surgical intervention.

medical therapy

Drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine includes the use of various drugs.

NSAIDs (NSAIDs)

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (medicines) are used as a symptomatic treatment, to relieve inflammation and eliminate pain at the time of an exacerbation of the disease.

The course of taking NSAIDs for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine usually does not exceed 6 weeks. Drugs have only a symptomatic effect and after the course is over, the pain may return again. Often, NSAIDs are used in combination with antispasmodics, which help relieve muscle tension in the paravertebral area.

anesthetics

Pain and muscle tension are effectively eliminated by the local administration of anesthetics. Blockades are widely used from a combination of anesthetics with corticosteroid drugs, which, in addition to the analgesic effect, have an anti-inflammatory effect.

As a local anesthetic, a solution is used, which includes substances that restrict the flow of impulses in the irritated nerve endings and block their passage through the innervated areas.

hormones

Glucocorticosteroid therapy can adversely affect the production of your own hormones. Therefore, modern medicine is much less likely than before to use drugs from this group in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, and only if there are serious indications.

Hormonal drugs, when ingested, block the inflammatory process within the cells.

Important!With prolonged use, glucocorticosteroids contribute to cartilage destruction, so they must be combined with chondroprotectors.

Medications containing corticosteroids quickly relieve pain, but at the same time adversely affect many internal organs. The course of hormone treatment rarely takes more than 7 days, as with longer use, bone loss and the development of osteoporosis are possible.

local irritants

As a result of the destruction of the intervertebral discs, the displacement of the vertebrae and the inflammatory process, the vessels in the tissues of the body narrow. You can improve blood circulation with the help of warm and locally irritating ointments.

When using such funds, due to the excitation of nerve endings, blood flow to the problem area increases, which helps to improve the process of tissue nutrition. After applying the ointment, the treated area of the skin turns red due to the active flow. As these drugs have a tonic effect, it is recommended to use them during the day.

Of heating ointments, the most popular product is made on the basis of nicotinic acid butoxyethyl ether. Alternatively, capsaicin and dimethyl sulfoxide ointments are used..

In addition to ointments, special adhesives impregnated with active substances are used as a local irritant. So, for example, the composition of the well-known pepper patch includes pepper extract, belladonna, lanolin oil. These components have an irritating effect, relieving muscle spasms and increasing local blood circulation. At the same time, the delivery of oxygen to cells and tissues is accelerated, due to which the pain disappears.

chondroprotectors

There is an active discussion around these drugs. Not all doctors use chondroprotectors in the treatment of osteochondrosis. These drugs contain glycosaminoglycans and chondroitin sulfates, which form the structural basis of intervertebral discs. Chondroprotectors are believed to prevent the destruction of spinal cartilage and joint 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 insignificant, although it is different from the placebo effect, and the result achieved is not comparable to their high price.

Preparations to improve blood microcirculation

This group of drugs promotes the expansion of blood vessels. Drugs improve blood microcirculation, eliminate the violation of venous flow, normalize metabolic processes, stimulate regeneration and increase the frequency of nerve impulses. As a result, blood circulation is normalized, metabolic processes in soft tissues are improved, the degree of swelling decreases, brain activity is restored.

vitamins

With osteochondrosis, the attending physician may prescribe the intake of individual vitamins or vitamin complexes. Particular attention is usually paid to the B vitamins (B1, B6 and B12). Its intake improves the nutrition of nerve fibers, supports metabolic processes in cartilage tissue and gives elasticity, improves blood circulation and the functioning of the central nervous system, and stimulates metabolic processes.

In addition to B vitamins, providing the body with ascorbic acid is of paramount importance. With its regular intake, the process of regeneration of bone and cartilage tissue improves, toxins are eliminated and the processes of carbohydrate, protein and mineral metabolism are regulated. It may partially reduce the need for additional intake of vitamins B1, B2, A and E.

Surgical intervention

It is indicated in the absence of visible effect in the treatment of the disease by conservative methods, as well as in the development of complications.

Indications for the surgical treatment of cervical osteochondrosis:

• spinal stenosis, due to a herniated or protruding disc - a "pinch" of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots, resulting in pain, cramping, weakness or numbness;
• cervical spondylolisthesis - a condition where the vertebrae are displaced along the horizontal axis relative to each other, slipping as they move and causing pressure on the nerve roots and spinal cord;
• herniated disc - depending on the severity of symptoms, the severity of the patient's condition and the effectiveness of conservative therapy.

Massage

Massage is one of the main methods of treatment. In this case, it is not only useful, but also an indispensable procedure. First you need to take a professional course. For the greatest effect, it is desirable to carry out at least 10 sessions. With cervical osteochondrosis, massage can achieve the following effects:

• pain relief and muscle spasm relief;
• reduction of edema;
• muscle strengthening;
• restoration of normal tone;
• improved blood supply and nutrition in the intervertebral discs;
• increased conduction of nerve impulses;
• improvement of metabolic processes;

A course of therapeutic massage of the cervical collar zone can significantly improve the condition of the cartilaginous tissue in the neck.

After a professional course, you can perform simple tricks at home on your own. The peculiarity of the procedure for cervical osteochondrosis is the passive stretching of the muscles from the overtension position in combination with massage elements. It is necessary to apply the technique after heating the spasmodic muscles with a bath, hot compress or kneading.

For self-massage, the same techniques as the professional version are used. These are tapping, kneading, point hits, tapping, rubbing. The massage is performed with warm hands. Massage oil should be used to improve glide. The sequence of the technique is as follows:

• caressing;
• crushing;
• crumple;
• playing.

Ending a self-massage session should also be caressing. It is important that there is no severe pain during the procedure.

Reference.In addition to traditional massage for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, some other techniques are used, for example, acupressure or vacuum massage. In the second case, medical benches or special vacuum devices are used.

Massage is very helpful for cervical osteochondrosis. However, there are a number of factors that are absolute contraindications:

• blood diseases;
• osteomyelitis;
• thrombosis;
• malignant or benign neoplasms;
• aneurysms;
• active stage of tuberculosis;
• the presence of many warts and warts on the body;
• spider veins on the back.

There are also temporary contraindications:

• Warm;
• infectious diseases;
• exacerbation of chronic processes.

exercise therapy

If the disease has already developed and has been diagnosed, the first step after eliminating pain and neurological symptoms with the help of drug therapy is a course of physiotherapy, as an integral part of the complex treatment. A moderate load on the muscles of the neck in remission contributes to the strengthening and formation of the muscular corset that supports the intervertebral discs.

The main way to prevent cervical osteochondrosis, as well as weakness in the cervical region, is to strengthen the neck muscles. This will help the therapeutic exercises. To get tangible results, you should perform at least 2-3 exercises 2-3 times a day. Starting position - sitting with your back straight.

• Exercise number 1.Tilt your head forward slightly and place your hands on your forehead. Then press the palms of the hands to the forehead and, without moving the neck, hold the position for 30 seconds.
• Exercise number 2.Tilt your head back and slowly turn left and right for 1 minute. This exercise improves blood flow in the veins.
• Exercise number 3.At the same time, lift your shoulders, trying to bring them to your ears, and then lower them to the original position. Then alternately - one shoulder down, the other up. The total duration is 2 minutes.
• Exercise number 4.Bring your palms together above your head, spreading your elbows out to the sides. Press your palms together for 2 to 5 seconds, then relax your hands. Repeat 3 times.
• Exercise number 5.Make gentle tilts of the head forward - on exhalation, backward - on inspiration (3 times).

The gym complex ends with self-massage - rub the neck with circular, rotational movements.

Do a small series of exercises every day and you will soon feel much better.

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 performed with an interval of 2 days. After the first procedures, the patient may have mild pain, considered normal. But if the pain does not go away in the future, then you should stop the course. Constant pain indicates a low professionalism of a specialist or an incorrect diagnosis.

At the first consultation, an experienced osteopath always performs diagnostic palpation of the cervical region. The doctor determines the most painful sites, assesses the condition of muscle tissue and skin. The success of further treatment will depend on a properly performed examination.

The session begins with a warm-up of 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 feel pain. After that, the therapist goes straight to manipulation.

This is the most painful part of the procedure. The doctor with considerable effort puts pressure on the cervical vertebrae, trying to push them back. Often, during these manipulations, patients hear a frightening popping sound, but this is considered normal. At the end of the session, the chiropractor gives you a relaxing massage.

Immediately after the session, sudden head movements, bending and bending should be avoided. If possible, it is better to lie down for half an hour.

Manual therapy can restore neck mobility the next day. If you experience any stiffness and limitation in movement, try contacting a chiropractor.

Important!A physician using manual therapy techniques must master them perfectly to exclude harm to the patient.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture affects the body in a certain area by inserting needles into biologically active points. In this case, a response occurs, expressed in the targeted production of hormones that regulate metabolic processes and the state of immunity. Due to this, inflammatory processes are actively suppressed.

Therapy is effective for cervical osteochondrosis. Under the influence of the procedure, the blood vessels in the neck 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 disappears. increases.

Chinese medicine experts claim they can treat more than 250 different types of ailments, including those associated with osteochondrosis.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine has many recipes that can relieve the pain and unpleasant symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis. However, while these recipes alleviate the condition, they do not eliminate the cause of the disease, so other measures cannot be dispensed with.

Compresses and tinctures are the most popular remedies. They warm the muscles, improve blood circulation, relieve pain.

Revenue 1.A mixture of lard, horse chestnut, turpentine, agave and vodka. cooking method:

• 3 spoons 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. For use, apply a thin layer to wholemeal bread and apply to a sore spot. If a burning sensation occurs, the compress is removed. After the discomfort subsides, you can repeat the procedure.

Revenue 2.Calendula tincture.

It is necessary to take a glass bottle, pour 50 g of marigold and pour a cup of camphor spirit. Then add a glass of cologne and a glass of vodka. Place the closed bottle in a dark place and let it rest for a few weeks. The resulting tincture is rubbed into the sore spot.

Osteochondrosis is easier to prevent than to treat. All achievements in the fight against the disease will be reduced to zero if the patient continues to lead the same way of life: moving little, not playing sports, gaining excess weight. This can again lead to intervertebral disc pathologies and exacerbation of osteochondrosis.