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. As the disease progresses, the intervertebral discs lose their shape and cease to perform their main functions. The spine's ability to withstand physical stress is lost.

Methods of Treatment

Effective treatment of cervical osteochondrosis consists of an integrated approach to the disease, combining drug treatment and physiotherapy. 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, day creams or gels will help. The use of vitamins helps improve blood circulation, which leads to better brain nutrition.

But any medication will not be enough when the cause of osteochondrosis lies in a person's lifestyle and remains unchanged. If the disease appears 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 procedures;
• massage;
• physiotherapy.

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

Hirudotherapy and manual therapy significantly ease the discomfort.

As a prophylaxis during sedentary work, it is recommended to periodically do self-massage, dispersing stagnant blood and ensuring an influx of nutrients to the brain. In addition, you should eat regularly, get enough rest at night and control your weight.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is well corrected in the initial stages, before the onset of vertebral artery syndrome and cardialgia.

The treatment is aimed at eliminating pain, restoring blood supply to the brain and slowing down the progression of the disease. The patient is treated by a neurologist. Conservative therapy is as follows:

1. Applicationnon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugslocally and systematically. Ointments, gels, tablets and injections cope well with pain in osteochondrosis.
2. In the acute phase of the disease, accompanied by severe pain, it is usedparavertebral block- local administration of drugs (anesthetics and corticosteroids).
3. Drug treatment is a combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antispasmodics,analgesics and B vitamin complexes.
4. With severe pain affecting the nervous and mental state of the patient, 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.
5. In the acute phase, it can be used to reduce nerve root compressionmuscle relaxants.
6. To maintain cerebral circulation describedvasodilators, as well as tools to improve metabolism in nervous tissue).

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

Medical therapy

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

NSAIDs

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

The course of taking NSAIDs for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine usually does not exceed 6 weeks. Medicines have only 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 area.

Anesthetics

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

As a local anesthetic, a solution is used, which includes substances that inhibit the flow of the impulse to the irritated nerve endings and block its passage through the innervated areas.

Hormones

Glucocorticosteroid therapy can negatively affect your hormone production. Therefore, modern medicine is much less likely than before to use drugs of 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 the destruction of cartilage, so they must be combined with chondroprotectors.

Medicines containing corticosteroids quickly relieve pain, but at the same time negatively affect many internal organs. The course of hormonal treatment rarely lasts more than 7 days, since with longer use, bone loss and the development of osteoporosis are possible.

Local bullies

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 are narrowed. You can improve blood circulation with the help of local warming, irritating ointments.

When you use such funds, due to the stimulation of nerve endings, blood flow to the problem area increases, which helps to improve the process of tissue nutrition. After applying the oil, the treated area of the skin becomes red due to active penetration. Since such drugs have a tonic effect, it is recommended to use them during the day.

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

In addition to ointments, special patches saturated with active substances are used as local irritants. So, for example, the composition of the well-known pepper patch includes chili pepper extract, belladonna, lanolin oil. These ingredients have an irritating effect, relieving muscle spasm 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 about these drugs. Not all doctors use chondroprotectors in the treatment of osteochondrosis. These drugs contain glycosaminoglycans and chondroitin sulfate, which form the structural basis of the intervertebral discs. It is believed that chondroprotectors prevent the destruction of the cartilage of the spine 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 insignificant, although it differs from the placebo effect, and the result achieved is not comparable to their high price.

Preparations for improving blood microcirculation

This group of drugs promotes the expansion of blood vessels. Medicines improve blood microcirculation, eliminate violations 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 and the degree of their swelling decreases, brain activity is restored.

vitamins

With osteochondrosis, the attending physician may prescribe taking individual vitamins or vitamin complexes. Special attention is usually paid to B vitamins (B1, B6 and B12). Their intake increases the nutrition of nerve fibers, supports metabolic processes in cartilage tissue and gives it 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 great importance. With its regular intake, the process of bone and cartilage tissue regeneration improves, toxins are eliminated, and carbohydrate, protein and mineral metabolism processes are regulated. It can partially reduce the need for additional intake of vitamins B1, B2, A and E.

Surgical intervention

It is indicated in the absence of an obvious 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, due to a herniated or elongated disc - a "crushing" of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots, resulting in pain, cramping, weakness or numbness;
• cervical spondylolisthesis - a condition in which the vertebrae are displaced along the horizontal axis in relation to each other, sliding when moving and causing pressure on the nerve roots and spinal cord;
• disc herniation - 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 methods of treatment. In this case, it is not only useful, but also a necessary procedure. First you need to attend a professional course. To get the greatest effect, it is desirable to conduct at least 10 sessions. With cervical osteochondrosis, massage can achieve the following effects:

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

A course of therapeutic massage of the cervical area can significantly improve the condition of the cartilage tissue in the neck.

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

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

• petting;
• trituration;
• kneading;
• interception.

The end of a self-massage session should also be pampering. 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 banks or special vacuum equipment are used.

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

• blood disease;
• 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:

• heating;
• infectious diseases;
• worsening of chronic processes.

exercise therapy

If the disease has already developed and 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 of the cervical region, is to strengthen the neck muscles. This will help therapeutic exercises. To get tangible results, you need to perform at least 2-3 exercises 2-3 times a day. Starting position - sitting with a straight back.

• Exercise number 1.Bend your head slightly forward and place your hands on your forehead. Then press the palms on the forehead and without moving the neck hold the position for 30 seconds.
• Exercise number 2.Turn your head back and slowly turn left and right for 1 minute. This exercise improves blood circulation in the veins.
• Exercise number 3.At the same time, raise your shoulders, trying to bring them closer 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.Clasp your palms above your head, spreading your elbows out to the sides. Press your palms firmly against each other for 2-5 seconds, then relax your hands. Repeat 3 times.
• Exercise number 5.Make smooth tilts of the head forward - on exhalation, back - on inhalation (3 times).

The gymnastic complex ends with self-massage - rub the neck with circular, rotating movements.

Do a small set of exercises every day and you'll soon feel much better.

Manual therapy

It is a group of non-drug therapeutic and diagnostic techniques aimed at eliminating some diseases of the spine.

Reference.Usually about 10 sessions are performed with an interval of 2 days. After the first procedures, 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. Constant pain indicates either a low professionalism of a specialist, or a wrong diagnosis.

At the first visit, an experienced osteopath always performs diagnostic palpation of the cervical region. The doctor determines the most painful places, assesses the condition of muscle tissue and skin. The success of further treatment will depend on a properly 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 considerable effort presses the cervical vertebrae, trying to push them back. Often during such manipulations, patients hear a scary crack, but this is considered normal. At the end of the session, the chiropractor gives a soothing massage.

Immediately after the session, sudden head movements, animations and deviations 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 feel any stiffness and limitation in movement, try to contact a chiropractor.

Important!A doctor who uses manual therapy techniques must master them perfectly in order 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 directed production of hormones that regulate metabolic processes and the state of immunity. Because of this, inflammatory processes are actively suppressed.

The therapy is effective for cervical osteochondrosis. Under the influence of the procedure, the blood vessels of the neck expand, blood circulation improves, the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain increases, headaches, tinnitus, dizziness disappear and the flow of the anti-inflammatory hormone cortisol in the bloodstream. grows.

Chinese medicine specialists claim that they can treat more than 250 different types of diseases, including those related to osteochondrosis.

Folk remedies

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

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 put in a dark place for 9 days. To use, apply a thin layer on brown bread and apply to a sore spot. If a burning sensation appears, the compress is removed. After the discomfort subsides, you can repeat the procedure.

Recipe 2.Calendula tincture.

It is necessary to take a glass bottle, pour 50 g of calendula into it and pour a cup of camphor spirit. Then add a glass of cologne and a glass of vodka. Put the closed bottle in a dark place and let it stand for several weeks. The resulting tincture is rubbed into the injured area.

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 lifestyle: move little, do not play sports, gain excess weight. This again can lead to pathology of the intervertebral discs and worsening of osteochondrosis.