Osteochondrosis is a common disease of the degenerative-dystrophic type, in which the structure and function of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs are affected, causing the infringement of the roots of the intervertebral nerves and, therefore, causes symptoms. Osteochondrosis is a chronic pathology that arises under the influence of a complex of reasons, from the evolutionary and anatomical characteristics of the structure of the human skeleton to the influence of external factors, such as working conditions, lifestyle, excess ofweight, injuries and others. Most often, osteochondrosis of the cervical and lumbar spine is diagnosed as the most exposed to stress. Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is complex and long-term, primarily aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing complications.
Symptoms
Damage to the upper part of the spine can manifest itself in a mass of symptoms, depending on the location and severity of the dystrophic process, as well as the severity of the involvement of the root structures of the cervical spine. Often, patient complaints are reduced to symptoms that are not at first glance related to each other, which can complicate the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of the disease.
In general, the clinic for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is the following series of syndromes:
- Vertebral, characterized by various types of pain in the occiput and neck.
- Spinal, in which symptoms of altered motor and sensory innervation are observed, in addition, the altered trophism of the cervical area causes a gradual atrophy of the muscles of the shoulder girdle and arms.
- Radicular, expressed in symptoms of pain in the peritoneal and thoracic organs, requiring additional careful diagnosis to differentiate osteochondrosis and diseases of internal organs.
- Vertebral artery syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis: vestibular disorders manifested by headaches, hearing impairment, dizziness, even loss of consciousness.
These phenomena occur when the cause of cerebral ischemia is due to an infringement of the vertebral artery and a weakening of the blood supply.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the cervical segment develops gradually and patients generally seek treatment already at the stage of clinical manifestations that interfere with quality of life, during periods of exacerbation. How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, decides only the doctor after proper diagnosis, self-medication in this case is unacceptable.
The treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck aims to eliminate pain, inflammation, partial or complete restoration of the affected tissue structures and the prevention of complications.
Treatment should be mainly outpatient, any home procedure can only be in conjunction with a medical prescription, after instrumental and laboratory diagnoses.
In advanced cases, in severe stages of development of neurological lesions and concomitant pathologies, hospital treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with the possibility of surgical intervention may be indicated.
Medications for cervical osteochondrosis
It consists in the appointment of courses of drugs that relieve the symptoms of pain and inflammation. In the acute period, the drugs are shown in injectable form, after the pain subsides a little, the patient takes pills, local-acting agents in the form of ointments, and continues to receive injections.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are considered the drugs of choice in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis to relieve pain and inflammation. These are diclofenac and indomethacin-based medications, available in different dosage forms. They reduce the swelling of soft tissues, reducing pain, local remedies have a warming effect that improves blood flow in the affected cervical region. These drugs are used for 5 to 10 days, sometimes up to 2 weeks. In the acute period, NSAIDs are prescribed in the form of injections, after a few days, the patient switches to the form of administration in tablets. It is worth remembering that long-term treatment with NSAIDs adversely affects the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, for this reason, the course of treatment usually does not exceed 10 days.
Sedatives such as persen, wisteria, valerian tincture, peony, herbal infusions are recommended for prolonged pain and to reduce the risk of neuroticization of the patient, which contributes to the effectiveness of the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. Local irritants. These are local-action ointments, gels, and rubs that have a warming, irritating, and distracting effect. They are not used in the treatment of the acute stage. They contain biologically active substances of plant and animal origin, for example, bee or snake venom. This group includes viprosal, apizartron, menovazin, nayatoks. In the presence of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug and with a high irritant effect, it is better not to use them, so as not to provoke even greater edema. Vitamins During the period of further treatment and rehabilitation, the use of multivitamin complexes is recommended. Usually this is a group of B vitamins, representatives of which are involved in ensuring normal nerve conduction, as well as vitamins A and C - to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve blood flow. Taking vitamins reduces vestibular disorders: motion sickness syndrome, dizziness, hearing loss.
Chondroprotectors. These are substances that contribute to the restoration of the cartilaginous tissue of the vertebral discs of the cervical segment. These include glycosaminoglycans and chondroitin sulfate. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with chondroprotectors is carried out for a long time - from 6 to 12 months.
Orthopedic treatments
Unpleasant cervical spine symptoms are often triggered and aggravated by an incorrect body position during sleep, a prolonged stay in a forced position, or trauma. Therefore, the treatment complex also includes methods such as:
Neck Neck or Neck Shants. It is prescribed individually for each patient, after a medical consultation, as it comes in several varieties. The collar is a dense frame roller that is fastened around the neck and fixes the vertebrae in the required position. The neck, therefore, does not bend and the head does not turn to one side, which ensures immobilization of the diseased area, which is important in acute periods. The neck of the Shants can also be made in the form of two rollers with an inflatable layer, into which air is injected with a rubber bulb. Inflation of the middle layer between the rollers stretches the spine, allowing for increased inter-articular spaces in the cervical spine. The degree of elongation is determined by the doctor, it is not recommended to solve this problem on your own, to avoid damage to the neurovascular bundles of the neck. During the recovery period, a fully inflatable collar is used, which preserves some mobility of the neck and head.
The necklace can be worn at home, no more than 3 hours a day, the general use rate is about a month. Final guidelines for use are determined by the physician, based on the severity of the condition and symptoms.
Correct posture. During sleep, it is necessary to keep the body in an anatomically correct position, when the nerves and vessels of the cervical spine are not compressed, this can be done using orthopedic mattresses and pillows. During wakefulness, the patient must monitor his body position and correctly choose a desk and chair with a suitable height. Extension. The treatment procedure consists of stretching the spinal ligaments to increase the distance between the vertebrae by 1-3 mm. Traction helps to reduce or completely eliminate compression of the herniated root disc or bony outgrowths of the vertebra. The procedure eliminates intervertebral dislocations and reduces muscle contractures. Traction must be performed by a doctor in stationary conditions, and after the procedure, the cervical spine is fixed with a collar or similar devices for several hours. The treatment course with extractions has an average of 10 to 20 sessions.
Massage
Massage for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is an important and mandatory part of treatment, along with courses of medication. It is prescribed during periods of remission, to speed recovery and prevent relapses. Massage is used both classical manual and its varieties of oriental medicine methods.
A well-done massage stimulates blood circulation in the neck and neck area, improves trophism of damaged tissues, relieves muscle and vascular spasms and soothes the patient. The general course of massage treatment is 10-14 procedures, every day or every other day, every 3-6 months. In the presence of severe pain, massage treatment of osteochondrosis is not performed. At home, you can do a self-massage of the diseased cervical area.
Physiotherapy exercises
Exercise therapy is always performed, except in periods of exacerbation with pain. Exercises for cervical osteochondrosis can be performed at home, although it is advisable to perform them under the supervision of an instructor until proper execution is achieved. The set of exercises consists of:
Turning his head to the side. The head is tilted back and forth. Lifting the shoulders with the hands fixed or relaxed, holding them for 15-20 seconds in this position. Static loads, when the flexor and extensor muscles of the cervical region are tensed in turn, the head does not move.
The total number of repetitions is 5 to 7 times, a session lasts 15 to 20 minutes. As part of a treatment complex, exercise therapy helps speed recovery and increase remission.
Physiotherapy and reflexology
In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, electrophoresis with NSAIDs, anesthetics, hormonal drugs, diadynamic currents, laser and shock wave therapy are also effective. Physical therapy in the early stage of development can lead to a complete cure and, in difficult cases, increase the time to remission. These treatment methods are used during the rehabilitation periods after the treatment of exacerbations.
Reflexology as a method of influencing certain points on the skin of the body, where internal organs project, is also used during recovery periods and helps reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, relieve tissue congestion andreduce muscle spasms. Of the treatment methods, the most widely used are acupuncture, acupressure and hirudotherapy: placing medicinal leeches on the skin of the cervical region.
Using these methods can shorten the time and amount of medication taken and promote recovery.
Things to do at home
If the patient's condition allows, manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis can be treated at home. For example, therapeutic exercises can be performed at home if there are no contraindications and constant supervision of a specialist is not required. It should be remembered that the appearance of pain and cracking in the neck is reason to stop and seek qualified treatment.
The application of drugs of local action in the form of ointments, gels, medicinal patches is also done at home, strictly according to medical prescription.
In addition, it is possible to treat at home using some physiotherapy devices, for magnetotherapy and ultraviolet radiation, and devices for reflexology.
Home remedies are also used in the form of compresses and wraps on the sore cervical region made from grated potatoes, horseradish leaves, propolis, aloe, and other herbal ingredients. Traditional methods of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are palliative, temporarily relieve pain, edema, warm the affected section and should not be limited only.
All means of treating osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should be complementary to each other and performed in consultation with the doctor, after a comprehensive diagnosis.
The medical treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine involves the use of conservative methods to provide adequate pain relief and there is no threat of significant interruption of the patient's daily activities.
Symptoms of the disease
Constant bending, lifting, twisting and twisting over many years of life, of course, adversely affects the health of the neck and the quality of its structural components. With all these repetitive stresses on the neck, it is not surprising that approximately two-thirds of people experience neck pain at some point in their lives. Painful sensations can be alarming symptoms of a disease such as osteochondrosis.
Attention! Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is considered one of the most common pathologies. This disease most often affects people of working age who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
The disease is initially asymptomatic. However, in the case of symptoms such as persistent headaches, as well as pain in the heart and under the scapula, this disease requires immediate and effective treatment.
Degenerative processes can lead to the following manifestations:
- acute pain;
- double vision;
- dizziness;
- numbness in the shoulder area;
- weakness in the shoulders, arms.
This discomfort and loss of mobility can have a significant impact on career, family, and quality of life.
The cervical spine is made up of seven bones called vertebrae, which are separated from each other by discs filled with a jelly-like cushioning substance. This design provides the ability to stabilize the neck, gently roll it from side to side, and tilt it back and forth.
Over time, these natural shock absorbers wear out and can begin to degrade. The space between the vertebrae narrows and the nerve endings get pinched. This process is known as cervical osteochondrosis. Notably, research shows that approximately 25% of asymptomatic people under the age of 40 and 60% over the age of 40 have some degree of osteochondrosis. As osteochondrosis progresses, the neck becomes less flexible, the feeling of pain in it increases, there is a feeling of stiffness, especially towards the end of the day. It is for these reasons that osteochondrosis develops.
Attention! Its complications can be life-threatening.
Diagnostic and treatment functions
Disease diagnosis includes the following general manipulations:
- initial inspection;
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging);
- X-ray examination.
Drug therapy is the basis for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in combination, together with massage. Effective treatments include the following:
- reflexology;
- electrostimulation;
- manual therapy.
Physical therapy can also help reduce pain for a long time. Commonly used methods include:
- acupuncture;
- electrophoresis;
- microcurrent electrical stimulation;
- laser therapy.
Usually, the course of this cervical osteochondrosis treatment lasts about 14 days.
Simultaneously with the application of ice or heat, with the help of a special medicine, it will be possible to achieve pain relief and control pain and inflammation. In addition, exercises for the neck and shoulder girdle, performed independently or with the help of a professional, will also help. Exercise helps maintain flexibility. Exercise, especially stretching the neck as much as possible, is essential to maintain flexibility in the neck area. The specific set of exercises must be developed individually by a doctor or physical therapist.
Medications that can provide relief include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers.
Attention! You should not use these medications for more than seven days without consulting your doctor, as kidney failure can be among the serious unwanted side effects they can cause.
Steroid medications and muscle relaxants can also be used.
Treatment during an exacerbation
In the acute phase of the disease, when excruciating pain dominates the clinical picture, the main goal of medical therapy is pain relief. In such situations, for a limited period of time, with great care and competence, and only under the supervision of a doctor, you can take painkillers (for example, tramadol, oxadol, orthophene) or more complex drugs (arcoxia). They are able to relieve pain and muscle tension.
Nonsteroidal drugs, which are taken primarily as pain relievers, can also eliminate the cause of pain: inflammatory edema, which constricts blood vessels and nerves.
The use of muscle relaxants allows you to relieve muscle spasms, normalizing the state of the cervical vertebrae, nerve endings and blood vessels. The use of vitamins is very important.
For severe compression of nerve endings, doctors recommend anticonvulsants. If the pain is not relieved by other means, it is blocked with novocaine.
If the osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is in an acute stage and is accompanied by severe pain, specialists also prescribe the local administration of lidocaine, corticosteroids to relieve muscle tension in the movement segment of the spine and reduce thepain.
In the treatment of acute pain, drugs are administered by injections, then it will be possible to proceed to treatment in the form of pills and further alleviate the health condition with ointments.
Antidepressants are prescribed as a supplement in certain cases. These medications help to psychologically support attacks of very severe pain and specific disorders associated with the cervical spine.
Recommendations for treatment in remission
Mild stage treatment period suggests:
- activation of blood circulation both in large vessels and in the periphery;
- improvement of metabolism;
- restoration and renewal of bone tissue and cartilage structures.
For this purpose, the most suitable:
- anti-inflammatory gels and ointments containing steroids and pain relievers;
- ointments, the action of which is directed at the heating point of the diseased area, capable of increasing blood flow to the diseased area and improving tissue nutrition.
Chondroprotectors (chondroxide ointments and tablets) help restore cartilaginous intervertebral discs.
Massage creams and ointments with bee venom and plant extracts have an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and regenerating effect. A therapeutic massage that, if done correctly, can be done at home to relieve discomfort. In order not to harm the body, you should follow some simple rules:
- do not press too hard on the neck and back;
- all movements must be from top to bottom.
Topical anesthetic creams include capsaicin. Creams are also effective in treating pain associated with osteochondrosis. It is necessary to apply the cream in the area where the pain sensation is most present.
Attention! Be sure to wash your hands after rubbing in the cream, especially capsaicin, as the cream can cause irritation to the skin on your hands or other parts of the body that your hands will touch.
Such an unpleasant symptom as dizziness, with osteochondrosis, occurs due to vasospasm and inflammation of the nervous tissue. To cope with this, vasodilators and means of improving blood circulation in the vestibular apparatus help.
Vitamin B is also included in the complex therapy of cervical osteochondrosis, as it has the following properties:
- restores tissue sensitivity;
- reduces neurological damage.
You should be very careful that although there is a highly variable range of quality medications that help with osteochondrosis, taking many of them is often accompanied by tangible side effects. It happens that the condition of the back improves, but difficulties appear in various organs. From this it follows that the drugs are intended solely to supplement the complex of other methods of combating this disease.
Thanks to an integrated approach to treatment, it will be possible to achieve a positive dynamics of the healing process only if the entire spectrum of therapeutic measures is carried out constantly, regularly and systematically.
Often patients do not pay attention to pain in the neck area, which causes complications.
Treatment with surgery
If pain persists after six months, during which proper medication was carried out, and daily activities become more difficult, doctors may recommend resorting to surgery. The operation will aim to stop the movement of the affected cervical spine segment. It will involve removal of the disc as well as the insertion of a metal device or bone graft to help maintain or restore normal disc height and neck stability and alignment. Special plates can be used to provide the desired fixation between the two vertebrae.
Attention! Patients should know that surgery that produces severe neck pain is much less reliable than surgery for relieving osteochondrosis pain elsewhere in the body. Therefore, if neck pain is the only symptom or the predominant symptom, surgery should only be recommended as a last resort and after all other proven treatment options have failed.
Prevention
The preventive methods to neutralize relapses consist of complexes of physiotherapy exercises and therapeutic massage. Correct prevention is an important step towards success.
It will also be very important to pay attention to the fact that you should follow a regular daily diet that minimizes, if not completely eliminates, the intake of salty and spicy foods to minimize bloating and improve metabolism. Yoga and swimming will also be helpful. Among the unconventional methods, acupuncture and hirudotherapy are often used.