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 further 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.

Methods of treatment

Effective treatment of cervical osteochondrosis consists of an integrated approach to the disease, which combines drug treatment and physiotherapy. If these methods do not achieve a positive effect, they resort to surgical intervention.

Conservative treatment consists in 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. The use of vitamins helps improve blood circulation, which leads to better brain nutrition.

But any drug will not be enough when the cause of osteochondrosis lies in a person's lifestyle and remains unchanged. If the disease occurs due to constant work on the computer, it is necessary to include some physical exercises in the rhythm of work 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 the discomfort of hirudotherapy and manual therapy.

As a prophylaxis during sedentary work, it is recommended to periodically perform 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. Applicationnon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugslocally and systemically. Ointments, gels, tablets and injections cope well with pain in osteochondrosis.
2. In the acute stage 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 vitamin complexes of group B.
4. With severe pain affecting the patient's nervous and mental state, tranquilizers can be prescribed. With prolonged pain (more than 4 weeks), they are replacedantidepressants. These drugs help stabilize the patient's mental state.
5. In the acute phase, to reduce nerve root compression can be usedmuscle relaxants.
6. To maintain the prescribed cerebral circulationvasodilators, as well as means of improving metabolism in the 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 (drugs) 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 end of the course, pain can recur. 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 local administration of anesthetics. Blocks are widely used by 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 that includes substances that limit the flow of the impulse 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 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 should 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 takes more than 7 days, since 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 shrink. You can improve blood circulation with the help of warming and locally irritating ointments.

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

Among the warming 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 impregnated with active substances are used as a local irritant. So, for example, the composition of the well-known pepper patch includes chili extract, belladonna, lanolin oil. These components have an irritating effect, relieve muscle spasm and increase local blood circulation. At the same time, the oxygen supply 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 sulfates, which form the structural basis of the intervertebral discs. Chondroprotectors are believed to prevent the destruction of the cartilage of the spine 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 differs from the placebo effect, and the result obtained is not comparable to their high price.

Prepared to improve blood microcirculation

This group of drugs promotes the expansion of blood vessels. Drugs improve blood microcirculation, eliminate the violation of venous outflow, 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 can prescribe the intake of individual vitamins or vitamin complexes. Usually special attention is paid to the B vitamins (B1, B6 and B12). Their intake improves the nutrition of nerve fibers, supports metabolic processes in the cartilage tissue and gives it elasticity, improves blood circulation and the functioning of the central nervous system and stimulates metabolic processes.

In addition to the B vitamins, it is of fundamental importance to provide the body with ascorbic acid. With its regular intake, the regeneration process of bone and cartilage tissue improves, toxins are eliminated and the processes of carbohydrate, protein and mineral metabolism 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 a visible effect in the treatment of the disease by conservative methods, as well as in the development of complications.

Indications for surgical treatment of cervical osteochondrosis:

• spinal stenosis, due to a herniated or protruding disc - a "pinching" of the spinal cord and / or nerve roots, resulting in pain, cramps, weakness or numbness;
• cervical spondylolisthesis - a condition in which the vertebrae are displaced along the horizontal axis relative to each other, slipping 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 a useful, but also indispensable procedure. First you need to take a professional course. For maximum effect, it is desirable to conduct 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;
• improvement of 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 neck area can significantly improve the condition of the cartilage tissue of 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 overloaded position in combination with massage elements. It is necessary to apply the technique after the spasmodic muscles have been warmed with a bath, hot compress or kneading.

The same techniques as the professional version are used for the self-massage. These are tapping, kneading, punching, tapping, scrubbing. The massage is performed with warm hands. Massage oil should be used to improve smoothness. The technical sequence is as follows:

• caress;
• shredding;
• knead;
• tapping.

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

Reference.In addition to traditional massage for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, 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 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 moles on the body;
• varicose veins in the back.

There are also temporary contraindications:

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

physical therapy

If the disease has already developed and has 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 integral part of complex treatment. A moderate load on the neck muscles 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 achieve 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 slightly forward and place your hands on your forehead. Then press your palms to your forehead and without moving your 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, shrug your shoulders, trying to bring them to your ears, then lower them to their original position. Then alternately - one shoulder down, the other up. The total duration is 2 minutes.
• Exercise number 4.Join your palms over your head, spreading your elbows to the sides. Press your palms hard against each other for 2-5 seconds, then relax your hands. Repeat 3 times.
• Exercise number 5.Perform soft tilts of the head forward - exhaling, backward - inhaling (3 times).

The gymnastic complex ends with self-massage: rub the neck in circular rotational movements.

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

Manual therapy

It is a set of non-pharmacological 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 few 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 low professionalism of a specialist or misdiagnosis.

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 successful 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 feel no pain. After that, the therapist goes straight to manipulation.

This is the most painful part of the procedure. The doctor with considerable effort presses on the cervical vertebrae, trying to push them back. Often during such manipulations, patients hear a frightening crackle, but this is considered normal. At the end of the session, the chiropractor performs a relaxing massage.

Sudden head movements, inclinations and deflections should be avoided immediately after the session. If possible, it is best to lie down for half an hour.

Manual therapy can restore neck mobility the next day. If you feel stiffness and limitation in your movements, try contacting a chiropractor.

Important!A physician who uses manual therapy techniques must master them perfectly to rule out 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 direct 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, headache, tinnitus, dizziness disappear, and the flow of anti-inflammatory hormone cortisol in the bloodstream increases.

Chinese medicine specialists claim they can cure more than 250 different types of diseases, including those associated with osteochondrosis.

Folk remedies

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 it is not possible to give up other measures.

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

Recipe 1.A blend 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;
• unsalted lard - 50 grams.

Grind and mix the ingredients, then put in a dark place for 9 days. For use, apply a thin layer on whole wheat 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.

Recipe 2.Tincture of calendula.

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 sit for a couple of weeks. The resulting tincture is rubbed into the sore spot.

Osteochondrosis is easier to prevent than to cure. All the results obtained 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 weight. This can again lead to pathologies of the intervertebral discs and exacerbation of osteochondrosis.