Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a pathological process in which the nutrition of the intervertebral discs is disrupted, which leads to their gradual damage. As the disease progresses, the intervertebral discs lose their shape and no longer perform 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 physical therapy. If these methods do not give a positive effect, they resort to surgical intervention.

Conservative treatment consists in taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins and muscle relaxants. The former are said to relieve 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 nutrition of the brain.

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

Physiotherapeutic methods give good results:

• electrophoresis;
• water procedures;
• Massage;
• Physical therapy.

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

Significantly relieve discomfort hirudotherapy and manual therapy.

As a prophylactic measure for sedentary work, it is recommended to periodically self-massage, disperse stagnant blood and nourish the brain. You should also 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 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 drugslocal and systemic. Ointments, gels, tablets and injections cope well with pain in osteochondrosis.
2. It is used in the acute stage of the disease, accompanied by severe painParavertebral Block- local administration of drugs (anesthetics and corticosteroids).
3. Drug treatment is a combination of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antispasmodics,Analgesics and vitamin complexes of group B.
4. With severe pain that affects the nervous and mental state of the patient, sedatives can be prescribed. With persistent pain (more than 4 weeks), they are replacedantidepressants. These drugs allow you to stabilize the mental state of the patient.
5. In the acute phase, compression can be used to reduce the nerve rootmuscle relaxants.
6. Prescribed to maintain 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)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (drugs) are used for symptomatic treatment to reduce inflammation and eliminate pain at the time of exacerbation of the disease.

The course of taking NSAIDs in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine usually does not exceed 6 weeks. The drugs act only symptomatically, and after the end of the course, the pain may return. Often, NSAIDs are used in combination with antispasmodics that help relieve muscle tension in the paravertebral zone.

anesthetics

Pain and muscle tension are effectively eliminated by the local administration of anesthetics. Blockades are often 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 containing substances that restrain the flow of impulses in irritated nerve endings and block its passage through the innervated areas is used.

hormones

Therapy with glucocorticosteroids can affect the production of your own hormones. Therefore, modern medicine uses drugs of this group much less often than before in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis and only when there are serious indications.

When ingested, hormonal drugs block the inflammatory process in the cells.

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

Drugs containing corticosteroids quickly relieve pain, but at the same time have a negative effect on many internal organs. The course of hormonal treatment rarely lasts more than 7 days, since with prolonged 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 body tissues narrow. You can improve blood circulation with warming, locally irritating ointments.

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

Of 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..

As a local irritant, in addition to ointments, special patches impregnated with active substances are also used. So, for example, the composition of the well-known paprika patch includes paprika extract, belladonna, lanolin oil. These components have an irritating effect, relieve muscle spasms and increase local blood circulation. At the same time, the supply 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 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 include chondroitic acid, mucopolysaccharides, animal cartilage, glycosaminoglycans, etc.

Relation. Some experts believe that the effect of these drugs, although different from the placebo effect, is insignificant, and the result achieved cannot be compared with their high price.

Preparations for improving blood microcirculation

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

vitamins

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

In addition to the B vitamins, supplying the body with ascorbic acid is of the utmost importance. With 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 can partially reduce the need for additional intake of vitamins B1, B2, A and E.

Surgical intervention

It is indicated when there is no 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 herniated disc - a "pinching" of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots, causing pain, cramps, weakness, or numbness;
• cervical spondylolisthesis - a condition in which the vertebrae are displaced relative to each other along the horizontal axis, sliding when moving and exerting pressure on the nerve roots and spinal cord;
• Herniated disc - depends 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 most important treatment methods. In this case, it is not only useful, but also an indispensable procedure. First you need to take a professional course. To get the greatest effect, it is desirable to do at least 10 sessions. With cervical osteochondrosis, massage can achieve the following effects:

• Pain relief and muscle spasm relief;
• reduction of edema;
• muscle strengthening;
• restore normal sound;
• improve blood circulation and nutrition of the intervertebral discs;
• increased conduction of nerve impulses;
• improvement of metabolic processes;

A series of therapeutic massages of the cervical collar zone can significantly improve the condition of the cartilage tissue in the neck.

After a professional course, you can independently perform simple tricks at home. The peculiarity of the procedure for cervical osteochondrosis is the passive stretching of the muscles from the overexertion position in combination with massage elements. It is necessary to use the technique after warming up the cramping muscles with a bath, hot compress or kneading.

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

• stroke;
• trituration;
• Knead;
• Tap.

The end of a self-massage session should also be a caress. It is important that during the procedure there is no severe pain.

Relation.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 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 birthmarks on the body;
• Spider veins in the back.

There are also temporary contraindications:

• high temperature;
• infectious diseases;
• Aggravation of chronic processes.

exercise therapy

If the disease has already developed and been diagnosed, then the first step after eliminating pain and neurological symptoms with the help of drug therapy is physical therapy 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 of the cervical spine, is to strengthen the muscles of the neck. This helps with therapeutic exercises. To get tangible results, you should do 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.Tilt your head back and slowly rotate left and right for 1 minute. This exercise improves blood flow in the veins.
• Exercise number 3.At the same time, raise your shoulders and try to bring them 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.Join your palms above your head and spread your elbows to the sides. Press your palms together firmly for 2-5 seconds, then relax your hands. Repeat 3 times.
• Exercise number 5.Make gentle tilts of the head forward - on the exhale, back - on the inhale (3 times).

The gymnastics complex ends with a self-massage - rub the neck with rotating circular movements.

Do a small set of exercises every day and you'll be feeling a lot better in no time.

Manual therapy

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

Relation.As a rule, about 10 sessions are carried out at intervals of 2 days. After the first procedures, the patient may experience slight pain, which is considered normal. But if in the future the pain does not go away, then you should stop the course. Constant pain indicates either low professionalism of a specialist, or an incorrect diagnosis.

At the first visit, an experienced osteopath always performs a diagnostic palpation of the neck region. The doctor determines the most painful places, assesses the condition of muscle tissue and skin. The success of further treatment depends on a properly conducted examination.

The session begins with muscle warm-up and a light massage. Then the doctor stretches the muscles and reduces spasms in the cervical segment. At this stage, the patient should not feel any pain. After that, the therapist proceeds directly to manipulation.

This is the most painful part of the procedure. With great effort, the doctor 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 will give you a soothing massage.

Immediately after the session, sudden head movements, tilts, and distractions 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 experience stiffness and limited range of motion, see a chiropractor.

Important!A doctor who uses manual therapy techniques must master them perfectly in order to rule out harm to the patient.

acupuncture

Acupuncture acts on a specific area of the body by inserting needles into biologically active points. In this case, a reaction occurs, which is expressed in the targeted production of hormones that regulate metabolic processes and the state of immunity. As a result, 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 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 into the bloodstream increases.

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

home remedies

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

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

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

• 3 tablespoons horse chestnut;
• 100 g American agave;
• camphor oil - 50 ml;
• purified turpentine - 30 ml;
• vodka - 200 ml;
• unsalted lard - 50 grams.

Grind and mix the ingredients, then keep in a dark place for 9 days. To use, apply a thin layer to brown bread and apply to a sore spot. If a burning sensation occurs, the compress is removed. After the discomfort has subsided, you can repeat the process.

recipe 2Tincture of calendula.

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

Osteochondrosis is easier to prevent than to treat. All successes in the fight against the disease will be reduced to zero if the patient continues to lead the same way of life: move little, do not play sports, gain excess weight. This, in turn, can lead to diseases of the intervertebral discs and exacerbation of osteochondrosis.