Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic type of disease in which the structure and function of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs are disrupted, causing damage to the roots of the intervertebral nerves and thus symptoms. Osteochondrosis affects everything from the evolutionary and anatomical features of the structure of the human skeleton to working conditions, lifestyle, overweight, injuries, and so on. It is a chronic pathology caused by a number of factors, including the influence of external factors. Osteochondrosis of the cervix and lumbar spine is often diagnosed as the most stressful. Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is complex and long-term, mainly aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing complications.
symptoms
Defeat of the upper spine can manifest itself in many symptoms, depending on the location and severity of the dystrophic process, as well as the extent to which the root structures of the cervical spine are severely affected. Often, patients' complaints are reduced to seemingly unrelated symptoms at first glance, which can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
In general, the clinic of cervical spine osteochondrosis is a series of syndromes:
- It is characterized by different types of pain in the vertebrae, occiput and neck.
- The spine, which shows signs of malignant motor and sensory innervation, in addition, the disturbed trophism of the cervical region causes gradual atrophy of the shoulder girdle and arm muscles.
- Extra careful diagnosis is required to differentiate between radicular, osteochondrosis, and visceral diseases characterized by symptoms of pain in the peritoneum and chest.
- Vertebral artery syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis - vestibular diseases that manifest themselves as headache, hearing loss, dizziness, loss of consciousness.
These phenomena occur when cerebral ischemia is caused by damage to the spinal artery and weakened blood supply.
How is cervical osteochondrosis treated?
Osteochondrosis of the cervical segment develops gradually, and patients generally seek treatment at the stage of clinical manifestations that interfere with quality of life during exacerbations. How to treat cervical spine osteochondrosis is decided only by a doctor after a proper diagnosis, in which case self-medication is unacceptable.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis aims to relieve pain, inflammation, partial or complete recovery of affected tissue structures, and prevent complications.
Treatment should be mainly in an outpatient setting, any procedure at home can only be associated with medical prescriptions after instrumental and laboratory diagnosis.
In advanced cases, in the severe stages of development of neurological lesions and accompanying pathologies, inpatient treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with the possibility of surgical intervention may be indicated.
Medication for cervical osteochondrosis
It consists of prescribing a course of medication to relieve the symptoms of pain and inflammation. In the acute period, the drug is given in the form of injections, after a slight reduction in pain, the patient takes pills, topical substances in the form of ointments and continues to take injections.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are the drugs of choice for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis to relieve pain and inflammation. These are diclofenac and indomethacin-based drugs available in different dosage forms. Reduces swelling of soft tissues, thereby reducing pain, local treatments have a warming effect that improves blood flow in the affected cervical region. These drugs are used for 5-10 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 tablets. It should be noted that long-term treatment with NSAIDs has a negative effect on the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, so the course of treatment generally does not exceed 10 days.
Sedatives such as Persens, glycised, valerian tincture, peony, herbal teas are recommended to reduce long-term pain and the patient's risk of neuroticism, which contributes to the effectiveness of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. Local irritants. These are topical ointments, gels, rubs that have a warming, irritating and distracting effect. It is not used in the treatment of the acute phase. They contain biologically active substances of plant and animal origin, such as bee or snake venom. This group includes viprosal, apizartron, menovazin, nayatox. When there is a high sensitivity to the components of the drug and it has a high irritant effect, it is better not to use them to avoid further edema. Vitamins. The use of multivitamin complexes is recommended during treatment and subsequent rehabilitation. In general, these are group B vitamins and vitamins A and C, whose representatives are involved in ensuring normal nerve conduction to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve blood flow. Vitamin intake reduces vestibular diseases - motion sickness syndrome, dizziness, hearing loss.
Chondroprotectors. These are substances that help to restore the cartilage tissue of the vertebral discs of the cervical segment. These include glucosaminoglycans and chondroitin sulfate. Treatment of cervical spine osteochondrosis with chondroprotectors is carried out for a long time for 6-12 months.
Orthopedic treatment
Unpleasant symptoms in the cervical region are often triggered and aggravated by improper posture during sleep, prolonged stay in a forced position, or trauma. Therefore, the treatment complex includes the following methods:
Neck collar or Shantz collar. As there are several types, it is prescribed individually for each patient after medical consultation. The frame is a tight roller that fastens to the neck and neck and straightens the spine. Therefore, the neck does not bend and does not turn to the side, which ensures the immobility of the diseased area, which is important in acute periods. Shant's neck collar can also be made in the form of two cylinders with a single layer of inflatable air blown with a rubber bulb. Swelling of the interlayer between the cylinders stretches the spine, which allows the gaps in the cervical spine to increase. The degree of elongation is determined by the doctor, it is not recommended to solve this problem alone to avoid damage to the nerve bundles of the neck. During recovery, a completely swollen collar is used that protects some mobility of the neck and head.
The collar can be worn at home no more than 3 hours a day, the total wear is about a month. The final dress code is determined by the doctor depending on the severity of the condition and the symptoms.
Straight posture. Orthopedic mattresses and pillows can be used when the body is kept in an anatomically correct position during sleep, as long as the cervical spinal nerves and blood vessels are not compressed. During wakefulness, the patient should manage his body position and choose a table and chair of appropriate height. He stretches. The treatment procedure consists of stretching the lumbar vertebrae to increase the distance between the vertebrae by 1-3 mm. Traction helps to reduce or eliminate the compression of a root disc herniation or vertebral bone growth. The procedure eliminates intervertebral disc herniation, reduces muscle contractures. Traction should be performed by a physician in an inpatient setting, and the cervical spine should be secured with a collar or similar device for several hours after the procedure. The course of treatment with extraction is on average 10-20 sessions.
Massage
Massage for cervical spine osteochondrosis is an important and mandatory part of treatment, along with medication courses. It is prescribed during remission to accelerate recovery and prevent relapse. Massage is used in both classical textbooks and oriental medicine.
A well-performed massage stimulates blood circulation in the neck and neck area, improves the trophism of damaged tissues, relieves muscle and vascular spasms and relaxes the patient. The general course of massage therapy is 10-14 procedures every day or every other day, every 3-6 months. When there is severe pain, osteochondrosis is not treated with massage. At home, you can self-massage the patient's cervical area.
Physiotherapy exercises
Exercise therapy is always available, except during periods of pain exacerbation. Exercises for cervical osteochondrosis can be done at home, although it is advisable to do so under the supervision of an instructor until performed correctly. The training set consists of the following:
Turn your head to the side. The head bends back and forth. Raise your shoulders with stable or comfortable hands, hold for 15-20 seconds in this position. Static loads do not move the head when the flexor and extensor muscles of the cervical region are stretched alternately.
The total number of repetitions is 5-7 times, the session lasts 15-20 minutes. As part of a treatment package, exercise therapy can help speed recovery and increase remission.
Physiotherapy and reflexology
In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, electrophoresis, anesthetics, hormonal drugs are used with NSAIDs, diadynamic currents, laser and shock wave therapy are also effective. In the early stages of development, physiotherapy can lead to complete cure, and in severe cases, increase the duration of remission. These treatments are used during rehabilitation after the treatment of exacerbations.
Reflexology is also used during recovery periods as a method of affecting certain points on the skin of the body where the internal organs are projected, and helps reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, remove tissue blockage, and reduce muscle spasms. The most commonly used treatments are acupuncture, acupressure and hirudotherapy - the application of medicated lotions to the skin of the cervical region.
The use of 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, the manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis can be treated at home. For example, therapeutic exercises can be done at home in the absence of contraindications and without the constant supervision of a specialist. We must not forget that pain and tingling in the neck is a reason to stop the appearance and professional treatment.
The application of topical drugs in the form of ointments, gels, medicinal spots is also carried out at home, according to a medical prescription.
In addition, it is possible to treat at home using some physiotherapy devices - magnetotherapy and ultraviolet rays and reflexology devices.
Folk remedies are also used in the form of compression and wrapping of mashed potatoes, horseradish leaves, propolis, aloe and other herbal substances to the injured cervical region. Traditional methods of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are palliative, temporarily relieve pain, edema, warm the affected area, and you should not limit yourself to them.
For the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, all means must be complementary and carried out in consultation with a physician after a thorough diagnosis.
Medical treatment of cervical spine osteochondrosis involves the use of conservative methods to provide adequate pain relief and there is no risk of serious disruption to the patient's daily activities.
Symptoms of the disease
Continuous bending, lifting, turning and bending for many years, of course, has a negative impact on neck health and the quality of structural parts. With all of these recurrent neck stresses, it's no surprise that about two-thirds of people experience neck pain at some point in their lives. Feelings of pain can be alarming symptoms of a disease such as osteochondrosis.
Attention! Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is one of the most common pathologies. The disease most often affects people of working age who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
The disease is initially asymptomatic. However, in the presence of symptoms such as persistent headache, pain in the heart and under the scapula, the 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 shoulders, arms.
This anxiety and loss of mobility can have a significant impact on your career, family and quality of life.
The cervical spine is made up of seven bones called vertebrae, separated by discs filled with a pillow-like substance. This design provides the ability to stabilize the neck, turn it smoothly from side to side and bend it back and forth.
Over time, these natural shock absorbers wear out and can begin to deteriorate. The space between the vertebrae narrows and the nerve endings are compressed. This process is known as cervical osteochondrosis. Of particular note is that studies show that approximately 25% of asymptomatic people under the age of 40 and 60% of those over the age of 40 have some degree of osteochondrosis. As osteochondrosis progresses, the neck becomes less elastic, and the pain inside increases, especially towards the end of the day. For these reasons, osteochondrosis develops.
Attention! Complications can be life threatening.
Diagnostic and therapeutic features
Diagnosis includes the following general manipulations:
- initial check;
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging);
- X-ray examination.
Drug therapy is the basis for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in addition to massage. Effective treatments include:
- reflexology;
- electrostimulation;
- manual treatment.
Physical therapy can also help reduce long-term pain. The most commonly used methods include:
- acupuncture;
- electrophoresis;
- micro current electrical stimulation;
- laser therapy.
Generally, this treatment of cervical osteochondrosis takes about 14 days.
Simultaneously with the application of ice or heat, it will be possible to obtain painkillers and manage pain and inflammation with the help of a special drug. In addition, exercises for the neck and shoulder girdle area, performed independently or with the help of a specialist, will also help. Exercise helps maintain elasticity. Exercise, especially stretching the neck as much as possible, is important to maintain elasticity in the neck area. Special exercises should be developed individually by a physician or physiotherapist.
Relaxation medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers.
Attention! You should not use this medication for more than seven days without consulting your doctor, as it can cause serious side effects that can lead to kidney failure.
Steroid-containing medications and muscle relaxants can also be used.
Treatment of exacerbations
In the acute phase of the disease, when unbearable pain dominates the clinical picture, the main goal of medical therapy is to reduce pain. In such cases, for a limited time, you can take analgesics (eg, tramadol, oxadol, orthophene) or more complex drugs (arkoxi) very carefully and competently and only under the supervision of a doctor. They are able to relieve muscle pain and tension.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also eliminate the cause of pain - inflammatory edema that narrows blood vessels and nerve endings.
The use of muscle relaxants allows you to relieve muscle spasms by normalizing the condition of the cervical spine, nerve endings and blood vessels. The use of vitamins is very important.
Doctors recommend anticonvulsants to severely compress the nerve endings. If the pain is not relieved by other means, prevent it with novocaine.
If cervical lumbar osteochondrosis is in an acute stage and is accompanied by severe pain, specialists prescribe local lidocaine, a corticosteroid to relieve muscle tension and reduce pain in the spinal movement segment.
In the treatment of acute pain, drugs are applied with a needle, then it will be possible to continue treatment in pill form and further reduce the state of health using ointments.
Antidepressants are prescribed in addition in certain cases. These drugs help to cope with the characteristics of psychologically very severe pain attacks and diseases of the cervical spine.
Recommendations for treatment in remission
In mild stages, the duration of treatment is as follows:
- Activation of blood circulation in large vessels and surrounding areas;
- improve metabolism;
- Restoration and renewal of bone tissue and cartilage structures.
Best for this:
- anti-inflammatory gels and ointments containing steroids and analgesics;
- Ointments, the effect of which is aimed at warming the diseased area, increasing blood flow to the diseased area, improving tissue nutrition.
Chondroprotectors (chondroxide ointments and tablets) help to regenerate cartilaginous intervertebral discs.
Massage creams and ointments with bee venom and plant extracts have a restorative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic effect. Properly done, it is a therapeutic massage that can be done at home to relieve discomfort. To avoid harm to the body, you need to follow a few simple rules:
- Do not press too much on the neck and back;
- All movements must be from top to bottom.
Local anesthetic creams include capsaicin. Creams are also effective in treating osteochondrosis-related pain. The cream should be applied to the area where the pain is most intense.
Attention! Wash your hands, especially after rubbing with capsaicin, as the cream may irritate the skin of the hands or other parts of the body that touch your hands.
An unpleasant symptom in osteochondrosis, such as dizziness, is caused by vasospasm and inflammation of the nerve tissue. To cope with this, vasodilators and help to improve blood circulation in the vestibular apparatus.
Vitamin B is also included in the complex treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, because it has the following properties:
- restores tissue sensitivity;
- reduces neurological damage.
Although it is a very variable quality medication that helps with osteochondrosis, you should be very careful as taking many of them is often accompanied by material side effects. The condition of the lower back improves, but there are problems in various organs. It turns out that the drugs are only to complete the complex of other methods to combat 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 whole range of therapeutic measures is carried out consistently, regularly and systematically.
Patients often do not pay attention to the pain in the neck, which leads to complications.
Surgical treatment
If the pain persists after six months of taking the authorized medication and daily activities become difficult, doctors may recommend surgery. The operation will focus on stopping the movement of the affected cervical spine. Removal of the disc will also require the insertion of a metal device or bone graft to maintain or restore normal disc height and neck stability and alignment. Special boards can be used to provide any fixation between the two vertebrae.
Attention! Patients should be aware that surgery that results in severe neck pain is less reliable than surgery to relieve pain from osteochondrosis in another part of the body. Thus, if the only or predominant symptom is neck pain, surgery should only be recommended as a last resort, and only after all other tried and tested treatment options have failed.
Prevention
Prophylactic methods to neutralize recurrences are formed by physiotherapy exercises and therapeutic massage complexes. Proper prevention is an important step to success.
To minimize bloating and improve your metabolism, it will also be important to follow a regular daily diet that minimizes the intake of salty and spicy foods and does not completely eliminate it. Doing yoga and swimming will also be helpful. Among the non-traditional methods, acupuncture and hirudotherapy are often used.