Spinal disease is getting younger every year.One of the most common is osteochondrosis, which has recently been considered an exclusively age-related disease.If it attacks the cervical spine, severe pain can occur in the neck, arms and head, significantly reducing the quality of life.It is often accompanied by a number of other disorders and, if left untreated, leads to the formation of intervertebral hernias, which in large numbers require surgical intervention.Therefore, it is important to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis as early as possible and start treatment according to the situation.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease in which degenerative changes occur in the intervertebral discs.Initially, the disc, which is a ring of cartilage filled with jelly-like contents, experiences dehydration.This is most often caused by a sedentary lifestyle, working too long at the computer, poor posture, neck injuries, and a number of other factors.
This causes a decrease in the strength of the collagen fibers that form the annulus fibrosus disc.As a result, its thickness gradually decreases, which becomes the main reason for the development of characteristic symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis:
- neck pain of varying degrees of intensity;
- headache, dizziness, loss of consciousness caused by infringement of the cervical vertebral arteries passing directly through the spine, namely the development of vertebral artery syndrome;
- fluctuations in blood pressure levels;
- radicular syndrome, caused by entrapment of the spinal roots, which is accompanied by pain radiating from the neck to the arms, to the hands and fingers, to the head, shoulders, sensory disturbances in these areas, the appearance of goosebumps, numbness, etc.;
- decreased range of motion of the neck, the appearance or increase of pain when performing certain movements;
- increased fatigue, decreased performance;
- tinnitus, decreased visual acuity, development of difficult-to-treat ENT pathologies.
There are 7 vertebrae in the cervical spine.Most often, osteochondrosis affects the discs located between the 5th and 6th, as well as the 6th and 7th vertebrae.
In such a situation, you need to contact a neurologist who prescribes an MRI.The results of this examination make it possible to accurately identify osteochondrosis at any stage of development, even at the earliest, and select treatment.
Stages of development
In general, there are 4 stages of development of osteochondrosis:
- Grade 1 – new pathological changes begin to appear in the intervertebral discs, so symptoms are mild and only visible from time to time.In such situations, treatment will be as effective and simple as possible.
- Grade 2 - changes in the discs become more pronounced, which leads to the appearance of pain in the neck, which occurs and increases when making head movements.
- Grade 3 – the pain becomes almost constant and can be complicated by the development of vertebral artery syndrome, as well as the formation of intervertebral protrusions and hernias.
- Grade 4 - the disc is so destroyed that the possibility of movement in the affected segment of spinal motion is almost completely excluded.In this case, severe pain is observed, radicular syndrome often develops, and one or both vertebral arteries are pinched, which causes the appearance of characteristic symptoms.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Thus, treatment tactics for cervical osteochondrosis depend on the severity of degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, the patient's age and his individual characteristics.Therefore, it is always developed separately for each patient, but always aimed at solving the following problems:
- elimination of unpleasant symptoms that worsen the patient's quality of life;
- improves the quality of blood circulation in the neck;
- improvement of metabolic processes in the affected area;
- eliminate the causes of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs;
- reduces the risk of complications of osteochondrosis, namely protrusion, intervertebral hernia, spondylosis, etc.
In general, at each stage of the development of the disease, the use of different therapeutic measures is indicated.If at stage 1 it is enough to adjust your lifestyle and carry out exercise therapy, then at stage 2 a wider impact is required, in addition to taking a number of medications, conducting manual therapy sessions, using orthopedic devices, etc.
But the patient should understand that it is impossible to achieve reverse regression of the degenerative-dystrophic changes that have occurred, especially if osteochondrosis stage 2 or more is diagnosed.In such situations, treatment will be aimed at improving the patient's well-being and stopping further progression of the disease.Sometimes it is possible to completely correct the situation only at the first stage of osteochondrosis, however, at this stage of development, pathology is diagnosed very rarely, since patients consider slight discomfort in the neck only as a sign of fatigue and do not consult a doctor.
In more severe cases, treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine will be more complex and lengthy.In any case, it is carried out under the supervision of a neurologist with periodic follow-up examinations and adjustment of therapy depending on changes in the patient's well-being.
Lifestyle correction
All patients diagnosed with cervical osteochondrosis are advised to make certain changes to their lifestyle.In each case, these recommendations vary depending on the characteristics of the person's professional activity and some other things.
Most people are advised to increase physical activity and take breaks from work at least every hour to warm up if they have to sit.In cases where the patient is actively involved in sports, it is recommended that he reduce the load on the cervical spine.Thus, it will be indicated to stop running, jumping, weightlifting and wrestling.
People who are overweight are also advised to take action to reduce it, as well as regulate their diet.When osteochondrosis has occurred, it is important that the diet meets the body's daily needs as much as possible.Therefore, it is worth abandoning fast food and semi-finished products and bringing your diet closer to rational.This means that it is better to make a menu in such a way that half of the food consists of vegetables and fruit, and contains sufficient amounts of protein.
Drug treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Drug therapy is primarily aimed at eliminating the unpleasant symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.As a rule, it is complex and includes the use of drugs from different groups, each of which solves a specific problem.Therefore, it is also developed separately for each patient.
NSAIDs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs are a group of drugs that not only have anti-inflammatory but also analgesic properties.They are available in various dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, ointments, gels and creams, as well as solutions for intramuscular administration.NSAIDs should be used only on demand, i.e. when severe neck pain occurs.
For severe pain, NSAIDs can be given intramuscularly.
The disadvantage of oral drugs from the NSAID group is their irritating effect on the mucous membranes of the stomach and duodenum.This can trigger a worsening of the course of diseases in these organs, especially stomach ulcers and stomach ulcers.To reduce the risk, proton pump inhibitors are prescribed in combination with these drugs.
There are drugs that have a gentler effect on the digestive tract, therefore they are widely prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation in osteochondrosis.In addition, more advanced drugs have been developed, characterized by a selective effect, which are also often prescribed for osteochondrosis, but they are more expensive and not available to all patients.
Corticosteroids and injections (blockade)
Corticosteroids are hormonal drugs prescribed to patients with severe inflammatory processes.They can cause a number of undesirable consequences with long-term use, therefore they are prescribed in short courses in the most difficult cases.As a rule, the use of injection solutions is indicated, since with this method of administration these drugs are more easily tolerated by the body and are less likely to cause side effects.
Corticosteroids are often used in combination with local anesthetics when performing a blockade, that is, to quickly relieve very severe pain by injecting the prepared mixture into special points near the spinal cord pathways.This procedure requires certain skills and dexterity, therefore it can only be performed in medical institutions by specially trained medical personnel.Otherwise, the likelihood of undesirable consequences and complications is very high.
It is recommended to carry out blockades no more than 4 times a year.
Muscle relaxants
Muscle relaxants are a group of drugs used to eliminate reflex muscle spasms caused by acute inflammatory processes.This often occurs in cervical osteochondrosis and causes severe pain in the neck, which further worsens the situation.
Vitamin
Since osteochondrosis creates significant prerequisites for compression of the spinal roots, it is often indicated to take vitamin complexes containing mainly B vitamins. They are directly involved in the transmission of nerve impulses, which is very important in the development of radicular syndrome.
Chondroprotector
Chondroprotectors are drugs that cause a lot of controversy.The basis is a substance used by the body to restore damaged cartilage tissue, which determines the indications for its use in cervical osteochondrosis.But at the same time, there is no convincing evidence regarding its effectiveness in advanced forms of the disease.In the early stages of osteochondrosis, the disease actually has a positive effect on the condition of the intervertebral discs, leading to an improvement in the patient's well-being.And in the later stages, such drugs can only help inhibit the further development of degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs.
Chondroprotectors are produced in the form of powders for the preparation of solutions, capsules, topical products, as well as solutions for intramuscular administration.The biggest positive impact is seen in the latter.
Topical products
It is these drugs that are available in the form of gels, creams or ointments, that patients often use when signs of cervical osteochondrosis appear.They have different effects, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, warming or, conversely, cooling, and local irritation.
Often these products contain NSAIDs, so they help reduce pain, but they are effective especially in the early stages of osteochondrosis.In addition, the components of the drug can be menthol, chili extract, snake or bee venom.
Local irritants work on the principle of irritating the nerve endings of the skin, resulting in a decrease in the severity of pain and an increase in blood flow in the application area.But such treatment is effective only in the early stages of development of cervical osteochondrosis.
Preparations to improve microcirculation
Medicines from this group are used to improve the quality of blood circulation, which is especially necessary for vertebral artery syndrome.A number of drugs have a vasodilating effect, which improves brain nutrition and helps eliminate tinnitus, headaches and dizziness.However, without effectively eliminating the factors that put pressure on the vertebral arteries, such treatment will only provide temporary results.
Exercise therapy
Physical therapy is the basis of treatment for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.Currently, there are many different and generally accepted methods of exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis, but patients should understand that there are no universal exercises.The set of exercises should be selected by a specialist individually, taking into account not only the stage of development of degenerative-dystrophic changes, but also the patient's age, the nature of existing concomitant diseases, the presence of radicular syndrome or compression of the vertebral arteries.Therefore, different exercises may be indicated for the same patient with approximately the same changes in the intervertebral discs.
In general, physical therapy has the following goals:
- strengthens the muscles of the neck and upper shoulder girdle;
- activation of blood circulation in the affected area, which will contribute to the restoration of the fibrous rings of the intervertebral discs;
- normalization of muscle tone.
Exercise therapy needs to be done every day.In the beginning, it is best to attend a special group or work with a sports therapy instructor on an individual basis.This will allow you to 100% master the technique of performing each proposed exercise so that its implementation brings maximum benefit.Specialists will help you choose the optimal load and develop a program to increase it, taking into account the patient's level of physical development.
In the future, patients can carry out exercise therapy independently at home.At the same time, it is important to approach this responsibly, performing the exercises slowly, without haste and in comfortable conditions.However, if pain appears at any time during exercise, you should immediately stop the exercise that triggered its appearance and consult a doctor to find out the cause and improve the exercise therapy program for cervical osteochondrosis.
When carrying out exercise therapy, it is forbidden to make sudden and strong movements, turn the head, or do exercises due to pain.In such a situation, there is a high risk of exacerbating the existing changes on the disk instead of obtaining the expected benefits.
Swimming has a very positive effect on the condition of the spine.This is a type of exercise that does not involve stress on the discs, but actively engages the back and neck muscles.As a result, the muscle corset is effectively strengthened, acting as a natural support for the spine.Therefore, if possible, patients are advised to visit the swimming pool 2-3 times a week.
Manual therapy for cervical osteochondrosis
Manual therapy is one of the most effective methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis, since it allows you to influence not only the muscles and soft tissues, but also the spine itself.But it is very important to take a responsible approach in choosing a chiropractor, because the wrong or too strong influence can worsen the patient's condition and even the development of complications.The specialist must not only have a higher medical education and permission to practice manual therapy, but also have a good understanding of the features of anatomy and osteochondrosis, as well as have sufficient experience.
Don't confuse manual therapy and therapeutic massage.The differences between these types of manual therapy are very significant, because therapeutic massage only involves the soft tissues, whereas during manual therapy the doctor also treats the spine.
So, each manual therapy session begins with stroking, which allows you to prepare the skin for subsequent, more active effects.In the future, rubbing, kneading and squeezing techniques are used, which allow you to activate blood flow in the collar area, neck and upper back.As soon as the skin and muscles are warm enough and the patient is relaxed, the doctor begins mobilization and manipulation techniques.They imply the implementation of turns with oscillatory movements, a push towards the most pronounced restriction of movements, leading to an increase in spinal mobility and the elimination of functional blocks.
So, thanks to quality manual therapy, it is possible to:
- normalizes the position of the spine, thereby eliminating increased pressure on the intervertebral discs and creating favorable conditions for their recovery;
- eliminates pain caused by cervical osteochondrosis and its complications;
- brings overly relaxed muscles to normal tone and relaxes spasmodic muscles;
- improves neck mobility;
- eliminates pressure on the vertebral arteries and thereby normalizes blood flow to the brain;
- eliminates compression of the spinal roots and thereby normalizes the conduction of bioelectric impulses to the organs for which they are responsible, as well as reduces pain.
It is important to highlight the author's methods of manual therapy.It involves the use of a special patented impact technique, which makes it possible to obtain noticeable results after the first session, not only on the part of the neck affected by osteochondrosis, but also on the whole body.As a result, not only pain and other symptoms of the disease disappear, but the function of all organs also improves, and the immune system is strengthened.The second and subsequent sessions enhance the positive effect and consolidate it, which guarantees that if other medical recommendations are followed, the remission period will last as long as possible.
Massage yourself
To improve their well-being, patients can perform self-massage on the neck periodically to relieve fatigue and reduce pain.To do this, sit in a comfortable position and try to relax your neck muscles.Then make stroking movements with your palms, slowly moving on to circular rubbing, capturing the shoulder area.All movements are carried out from the spine without sudden and strong pressure.In this case, you can use local anti-inflammatory drugs recommended by your doctor.
Physiotherapy treatment
Physiotherapy is indicated outside of acute inflammatory processes.This allows you to consolidate the achieved treatment results and further improve the patient's condition.As a rule, a course of 10-15 procedures is prescribed, selected separately for each patient.It could be:
- Electrophoresis - involves the use of electric current to ensure deeper penetration of the indicated drugs.
- Magnetotherapy – helps to activate blood circulation in the area of influence and stimulates the course of metabolic processes.In addition, magnetic therapy sessions have an analgesic effect and help eliminate swelling.
- Laser therapy has anti-inflammatory and vasodilating effects, leading to a decrease in the severity of pain.
- Ultrasound therapy is a physiotherapy method based on the positive effect of ultrasonic waves on the body.They help reduce the sensitivity of nerve endings and also have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
- Diadynamic current – the procedure reduces pain, improves tissue nutrition, has a positive effect on the muscles and helps to eliminate inflammation.
Traction therapy
When the vertebrae fuse due to flattening of the intervertebral discs, traction therapy using a Glisson loop is indicated.The essence of this method is to apply a precisely adjusted tensile load to the cervical spine using a special device that fixes the head and has a load on the opposite side.Such procedures help to increase the distance between the vertebrae, which leads to a decrease in pressure on the discs and creates favorable conditions for their recovery.But such therapy can only be prescribed by a doctor.
Needle applicator
The applicator is a simple and affordable reflexology massage tool for the neck area.This can be a plate with spikes that must be placed under the neck, or a similar device, but in the form of a roller.Thanks to the tingling of the thorns, the skin receptors are irritated, which causes more active blood flow to the affected area.
Some patients note a reduction in neck pain after using the applicator, as well as improved performance, improved sleep quality and restoration of neck mobility.However, if you have skin lesions in the affected area or blood vessel disease, you should not use the needle applicator.
Orthopedic devices
To reduce the load on the cervical spine, it is recommended to change the mattress and pillow to an orthopedic mattress, since sleeping on an uncomfortable pillow causes additional compression of the vertebral arteries and nerve trunks during sleep.Orthopedic products are free from these drawbacks and ensure the maintenance of the physiologically correct position of the spine throughout its entire length and thereby reduce the rate of progression of existing osteochondrosis.
However, it is important to choose the right pillow and mattress to suit the individual characteristics of the patient and have the appropriate filling.Thanks to them, the quality of sleep can also be improved and wake up in the morning cheerful and rested.
In addition, some patients are advised to wear a Shants collar.This is a removable orthopedic device that allows you to fix the neck and significantly reduce the load on the cervical spine, for example when working at a computer or after an injury.The collar is applied before the expected load on the neck, but must be removed during sleep and rest.They differ in design, height, degree of fixation, so only the attending physician can choose the best one.
Thus, the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis can be very long and complicated.You should be prepared for this, because there is no other way to stop the development of changes in the intervertebral discs, avoid the development of complications and the need for surgery.But in most cases, the patient's condition improves in the first weeks of treatment.At the same time, it is important not to self-medicate, but to contact a neurologist, because only a qualified specialist can determine the degree of osteochondrosis and choose the most appropriate treatment of the disease for a particular patient.