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 stop performing their main functions. The ability of the spine to withstand physical stress is lost.

Treatment methods

Effective treatment of cervical osteochondrosis consists in an integrated approach to the disease, combining drug treatment and physiotherapy. If these methods do not achieve a positive effect, surgical intervention is resorted to.

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

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.

Chirudotherapy and manual therapy significantly relieve discomfort.

As a prophylaxis for sedentary work, it is recommended to periodically do self-massage, dispersing stagnant blood and ensuring the flow 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.

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

1. Applicationnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugslocally and systemically. Ointments, gels, tablets and injections cope well with the pain of osteochondrosis.
2. In the acute stage of the disease, accompanied by severe pain, it is usedparavertebral block- local application 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. In case of intense pain that affects the nervous and psychological state of the patient, tranquilizers may be prescribed. In case of 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 prescribedvasodilators, as well as a means to improve metabolism in nervous tissue).

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

Medical therapy

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with drugs involves the use of various drugs.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (drugs) are used as symptomatic treatment, to relieve inflammation and relieve pain during exacerbations.

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, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used in combination with antispasmodics, which help relieve muscle tension in the paravertebral zone.

Anesthetics

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

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

Hormones

Glucocorticosteroid therapy can negatively affect the production of 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 inside the cells.

Important!With long-term 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 lasts longer 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 discs, displacement of the vertebrae and the inflammatory process, the vessels in the tissues of the body narrow. You can improve blood flow with the help of warming, locally irritating ointments.

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

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

In addition to ointments, special plasters impregnated with active substances are used as a local irritant. So, for example, the composition of the well-known pepper patch includes hot pepper extract, belladonna, lanolin oil. These components have an irritating effect, relieve muscle spasm and increase local blood circulation. At the same time, the delivery of oxygen to the 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 achieved result 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, remove violation of venous outflow, normalize metabolic processes, promote 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 is reduced, brain activity is restored.

vitamins

In osteochondrosis, the doctor can prescribe the intake of individual vitamins or vitamin complexes. Special attention is usually paid to vitamins of the B group (B1, B6 and B12). Their intake improves the nutrition of nerve fibers, supports metabolic processes in cartilage tissue and gives it elasticity, improves circulation and work of the central nervous system, stimulates metabolic processes.

In addition to B vitamins, it is extremely important to supply the body with ascorbic acid. Its regular intake improves the process of regeneration of bone and cartilage tissue, eliminates toxins, regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and minerals. 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 with conservative methods, as well as in the development of complications.

Indications for surgical treatment of cervical osteochondrosis:

• spinal stenosis, due to a herniated or bulging disc - "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 in relation to each other, sliding during movement 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 a necessary procedure. You must first complete a professional course. In order to achieve the greatest effect, it is desirable to spend at least 10 sessions. With cervical osteochondrosis, massage can achieve the following effects:

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

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

After the expert course, you can perform simple tricks yourself at home. The peculiarity of the procedure in cervical osteochondrosis is the passive stretching of the muscles from the position of overload in combination with massage elements. The technique should be applied after the spasmodic muscles have been warmed by a bath, warm compress or kneading.

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

• caressing;
• trituration;
• kneading;
• tapping.

Ending 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 also 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;
• spider veins on the back.

There are also temporary contraindications:

• heat;
• 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 physiotherapy, as an integral part of complex treatment. Moderate loading of 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 of the cervical region, is to strengthen the neck muscles. This will help therapeutic exercises. To achieve tangible results, you should perform 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 to your forehead and hold the position for 30 seconds without moving your neck.
• Exercise number 2.Throw 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, raise your shoulders, trying to bring them closer to your ears, and then lower them to the original position. Then alternate - one shoulder down, the other up. The total duration is 2 minutes.
• Exercise number 4.Put your palms together above your head, spread your elbows to the side. Press your palms firmly together 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 a self-massage - rub your neck with rotational circular movements.

Do a small set of exercises every day and you'll 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 feel slight pain, which is considered normal. But if the pain does not disappear in the future, you should stop the course. Constant pain indicates either the low professionalism of the specialist, or a wrong diagnosis.

During the first visit, an experienced osteopath always performs a 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 the spasms in the cervical segment. At this stage, the patient should not feel pain. After that, the therapist goes directly to the manipulation.

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

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

Manual therapy can restore neck mobility the very next day. If you feel any stiffness and limited movement, try to see 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, there is a response that is expressed in the directed production of hormones that regulate metabolic processes and the state of immunity. Therefore, inflammatory processes are actively suppressed.

The therapy is effective in cervical osteochondrosis. Under the influence of the procedure, the blood vessels of the neck expand, the blood supply 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 increases.

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 recipes ease the condition, they do not eliminate the cause of the disease, so other measures cannot be omitted.

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;
• unsalted fat - 50 grams.

Grind and mix the ingredients, then put in a dark place for 9 days. To use, apply a thin layer on black bread and apply to the painful area. If burning occurs, the dressing is removed. After the discomfort disappears, 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 one 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 painful 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: he moves little, does not play sports, gains excess weight. This again can lead to pathologies of the intervertebral discs and worsening of osteochondrosis.