Osteochondrosis is a disease that affects the intervertebral discs and leads to the development of reactive changes in the paravertebral (paravertebral) structures. Under the influence of a number of factors, the fibrous ring loosens and the nucleus pulposus penetrates into it.
If it is not treated at this stage, the pathological process ends with the piercing of the fibrous ring and disc herniation occurs. He, in turn, begins to compress the spinal nerves or the spinal cord itself, which leads to compression syndrome.
Features and stages of development
The peculiarity of osteochondrosis of the cervical segment is a rather diverse set of symptoms, which includes headaches and dizziness, instability of blood pressure, a feeling of lack of air, numbness of the upper extremities, etc.
All this not only brings significant discomfort to life, but also complicates the diagnosis, because the person does not immediately turn to a neurologist, but goes to a cardiologist, orthopedist or therapist. Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is prescribed taking into account two factors - physiological, which implies natural aging of the body, and pathological - the presence of inflammatory or degenerative processes in the patient.
Physiological changes consist in the replacement of the nucleus pulposus with fibrous tissue, and clinical manifestations occur only when the nerve roots are irritated. Pathological changes are observed outside the cartilage and are necessarily accompanied by compression of nerve endings and blood vessels. Symptoms include pain in various locations, grinding and clicking when turning the head, muscle weakness or stiffness.
The cervical region is the most mobile and experiences less stress than the thoracic and lumbar regions. In adults, they do not exceed 115 kg, while the lower part of the spine can withstand pressure of up to 400 kg. However, the cervical vertebrae differ in their structure - they are narrower and higher, which makes them susceptible to various injuries and dislocations.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and its duration largely depends on the stage of the disease:
- in the initial stage of development, there are practically no pronounced symptoms, and only after a serious load or as a result of a long stay in a static position, one feels severe fatigue and discomfort in the neck muscles;
- the second stage is characterized by a change in the configuration of the discs - they begin to flatten and descend, which leads to instability of the spinal column. The pain syndrome occurs during movement, which is caused by compression of the nerve roots due to a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs;
- in the third stage, a protrusion is formed that precedes the intervertebral hernia. The nucleus pulposus gradually moves and begins to protrude beyond the anatomical boundaries. Due to the pinching of nerve endings or the spinal cord, the pain syndrome extends not only to the neck area, but also to the entire neck area, as well as to the upper limbs. Headaches and dizziness are caused by constriction of blood vessels;
- The fourth stage of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by the destruction of discs and the formation of bone growths - osteophytes. Pain becomes constant, movements are limited, muscles weaken to the point of atrophy. The symptoms become serious: a loss of coordination is observed, the sharpness of vision and hearing decreases. At this stage, it is no longer possible to cure cervical osteochondrosis, but surgical methods are used.
Principles and methods of treatment
Treatment of osteochondrosis is always comprehensive and includes not only drugs, but also physical therapy, massage, exercise therapy and diet. Emergency medicines for severe pain are analgesics. Medicines from the NSAID group are no less effective.
With the help of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, it is possible not only to relieve pain, but also to relieve swelling, improve blood circulation and remove inflammation of nerve endings. To enhance the effect, you can use ointments and creams that act directly on the source of pain and are safer than tablets.
In the period of remission, ointments are used for heating and massage that contain bee venom and plant extracts. These drugs help relieve muscle spasms, improve blood circulation and restore nutrition to inflamed tissue.
Medicines of several groups are prescribed for the effective treatment of osteochondrosis:
- muscle relaxants;
- B vitamins;
- chondroprotectors;
- vasodilators (vasodilators);
- diuretics (diuretics);
- means for improving blood circulation and rheological properties of blood.
Normalization of blood circulation
Improving blood flow is one of the most important tasks in the treatment of osteochondrosis. Taking vasodilators is necessary to activate microcirculation, expand the vascular lumen to physiological norms and dilute the blood. As a result, the brain receives food and oxygen in the necessary amount, which positively affects its functioning.
In order to relieve the patient of painful symptoms such as dizziness and spasms, combinations of vasodilating drugs with nootropics or antiplatelet agents are used. Depending on the stage of the disease and the condition of the patient, drugs can be prescribed that improve blood circulation.
For more effective treatment, these drugs are combined with antiplatelet agents, as well as nootropic drugs. In the case of serious circulatory disorders, the doctor may prescribe a short course of injections, and after the relief of acute symptoms, therapy continues with oral administration of tablets.
Removal of muscle spasms
Osteochondrosis is always accompanied by muscle tension in the place where the pathological focus is located. The mobility of the affected area is disturbed and pain occurs. Skeletal muscle hypertonia is usually considered a protective response to pain. To reduce muscle spasticity, muscle relaxants are prescribed.
When treating with muscle relaxants, their effect on psychomotor reactions and the ability to concentrate should be taken into account. This applies to patients whose professional activities require increased care, for example, vehicle drivers.
Chondroprotectors
Chondroprotective agents are used to restore and strengthen the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with the help of these drugs is possible only in the early stages, because in advanced cases they will not have any effect.
In a healthy person, chondroitin is produced in sufficient quantities, which ensures complete hydration of the cartilage. If for some reason the synthesis of chondroitin is disturbed, the cartilage tissue loses moisture and becomes thinner.
Chondroprotectors contain chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid in different combinations. When taken, the production of own chondroitin is activated, due to which the cartilage tissue becomes denser and the mobility of the spine is restored.
The latest generation of drugs also contains additional substances - vitamins and anti-inflammatory components.
In most cases, patients are prescribed chondroprotectors in tablets, but sometimes there is a need for intramuscular or intra-articular injections. Local products can also be used, but they have the least pronounced effect.
It is worth noting that the effect of chondroprotector therapy will become visible only after a few months.
Physiotherapy
Is it possible to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with physiotherapeutic methods? Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely get rid of the disease, and physiotherapy works only in combination with drug treatment. The main goal of the procedures is to stimulate the recovery process in the body and eliminate pain.
The most effective methods are:
- electrophoresis, which enables the delivery of drugs directly to the affected area;
- ultrasound;
- magnetic therapy;
- darsonval;
- laser.
The action of electrophoresis is based on the use of low-power currents fed by special plates. Under the plates are tampons impregnated with drugs. Since the electrical conductivity of the skin is quite low, medicinal substances penetrate into the deep layers and relieve the patient's condition.
If electrophoresis is performed with an anesthetic, the pain syndrome is alleviated, and the use of vasodilators helps to increase blood flow.
The result of magnetic therapy is improved blood circulation and reduction of manifestations of the inflammatory process - swelling and pain. Magnet treatment can be carried out at home, and in some cases it can even partially replace taking medication. You will need a special device for that.
A low-intensity laser with an infrared spectrum is used to treat back pain. Laser rays penetrate deep into the tissue and affect the deformed area of the spine. As a result, metabolic processes in cartilage tissue are activated, nerve endings are released from compression and the normal functioning of muscle structures is restored.
Darsonval is a device of directional action through a rapidly decreasing impulse current. During the procedure, alternating current is delivered to the body through a gas-filled glass electrode and induces:
- increased blood circulation;
- reduction of pain sensitivity threshold;
- improving the function of the nervous system;
- normalization of blood vessel tone;
- increasing the body's defenses.
It is worth noting that Darsonval is used at any stage of osteochondrosis.
The healing power of massage
Therapeutic massage for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is undoubtedly the most pleasant, affordable and effective therapeutic method. However, this should be left to a qualified professional. You can massage the neck area while sitting or lying on your stomach. The most important thing is that the patient is comfortable and can relax.
The massage begins with caressing movements in the direction from the nape of the neck to the upper part of the back. Caressing should also cover the sides of the neck. 10-12 strokes are performed with minimal effort so that the skin does not move in relation to the muscles.
Longitudinal compression is done with the thumb and forefinger, which grab the skin and, so to speak, tighten it. Impact is limited to soft tissues; vertebrae are not involved in the process. The squeezing is done very carefully, especially in the first sessions. The movements go parallel to the spine, 5-6 times on each side.
The next technique is kneading. The neck and upper shoulder muscles are warmed up with circular movements of half-bent fingers, first along the spine and then on the sides of the neck. Considering that kneading affects deep tissue layers, it is done in accordance with the patient's diagnosis, so that the pathology does not worsen.
Rubbing is necessary to increase blood circulation by warming the skin. It is performed with the tips of the fingers or sawing movements of the lateral surfaces of the palms.
Circular rubbing movements are also allowed. The rubbing starts from the upper part of the neck and gradually moves to the shoulder girdle, catching the trapezius muscle. If the patient feels pain or discomfort, efforts should be reduced.
The session ends with moves; you can alternate them with low-intensity squeezes. Finally, vibration is applied. The total duration of the massage session is 25-30 minutes, the standard number of procedures is 10.
Orthopedic devices
In order to minimize the manifestations of osteochondrosis and improve the effect of treatment, various orthopedic products are used. Special attention should be paid to the position of the head and neck during sleep, because unpleasant symptoms are felt most strongly during or after a night's rest - headache, spikes in blood pressure, dizziness and discomfort in the shoulders.
All these manifestations indicate a violation of blood circulation, and an orthopedic pillow will help correct the situation.
When choosing a product, the following parameters should be taken into account:
- The ideal shape for patients with osteochondrosis is rectangular. Pillows and square pillows can be used for short-term rest, sleeping on them is strictly not recommended;
- the height must be at least 5 cm, but not more than 10 cm;
- width – slightly wider than the shoulder of the sleeper;
- hardness – medium. Pillows that are too soft or hard are not suitable. In addition, orthopedic products are produced mostly with medium hardness.
Another useful device is the needle applicator, which can easily be used at home. This device is a pointed mat made of elastic material, which is applied to the collar area.
The massager should be placed on a small narrow cushion or pillow to maintain the bend in the neck and not to feel too painful. Models in the form of rollers are also on sale, which are also suitable for the treatment of cervical chondrosis.
You can lie on the mat or roller for up to half an hour, but 5-7 minutes are enough for the first sessions. It is recommended to change your body position or turn around during use. The procedure is performed 1 or several times a day.
Dietary nutrition is also an important component of comprehensive treatment. Since excess weight is often an obstacle to quick recovery, it is better to eliminate processed food and fast food from the diet, and reduce the consumption of salt and sweet carbonated drinks.
The question "can cervical osteochondrosis be cured" will have a positive answer if the disease is detected at an early stage. With a competent approach to treatment and patient adherence to medical recommendations, you can achieve significant improvement and lead a full, comfortable life even in old age. Be healthy!