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 many factors, the annulus fibrosus relaxes and the nucleus pulposus penetrates into it.
If not treated at this stage, the pathological process ends with a discovery of the annulus fibrosus and disc herniation occurs. This, in turn, begins to compress the spinal nerves or the spinal cord itself, which causes compression syndromes.
Features and stages of development
A characteristic feature of cervical osteochondrosis is a fairly diverse set of symptoms, which includes headaches and dizziness, blood pressure instability, feeling short of breath, numbness of the upper extremities, etc.
All this not only brings significant discomfort to life, but also complicates the diagnosis, since a person does not immediately turn to a neurologist, but goes to see a cardiologist, orthopedist or therapist. The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is prescribed taking into account two factors - physiological, which involves the natural aging of the body, and pathological - the presence of inflammatory or degenerative processes in the patient.
Physiological changes consist of the replacement of the pulpy nucleus 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 are pain in various locations, tingling and clicking when turning the head, muscle weakness or numbness.
The cervical region is the most mobile and experiences less stress compared to 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 taller, which makes them vulnerable to various injuries and dislocations.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and its duration largely depends on the stage of the disease:
- at the initial stage of development, there are practically no strong symptoms, and only after a heavy load or as a result of a long stay in a static position, intense fatigue and discomfort are felt in the neck muscles.
- the second stage is characterized by a change in the configuration of the discs - they begin to flatten and sag, which leads to instability of the spine. The pain syndrome occurs during movements, 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, which precedes an intervertebral hernia. The nucleus pulposus is gradually displaced and begins to protrude beyond the anatomical limits. Due to pinching of the nerve endings or the spinal cord, the pain syndrome extends not only to the neck area, but also to the entire collar 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 the discs and the formation of bone growths - osteophytes. The pain becomes constant, the movements are limited, the muscles weaken to the point of atrophy. Symptoms become severe: loss of coordination is observed, visual and auditory acuity decreases. It is no longer possible to treat cervical osteochondrosis at this stage and surgical methods are used.
Principles and methods of treatment
Treatment for osteochondrosis is always comprehensive and includes not only medication, but also physical therapy, massage, exercise therapy, and diet. Emergency medicines for severe pain are pain relievers. Drugs from the NSAIDs 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 eliminate inflammation of nerve endings. To enhance the effect, you can use ointments and creams that act directly on the source of the pain and are safer than tablets.
During the period of recession, heating and massage ointments containing bee venom and plant extracts are used. These drugs help relieve muscle spasms, improve blood circulation, and restore nutrition to inflamed tissues.
For the effective treatment of osteochondrosis, drugs of various groups are prescribed:
- Muscle relaxants;
- B vitamins?
- chondroprotectors;
- vasodilators (vasodilators);
- diuretics (diuretics);
- means for improving blood circulation and blood rheological properties.
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 normal standards and thin the blood. As a result, the brain receives nutrition and oxygen in the required amount, which has a positive effect on its functioning.
To relieve the patient from painful symptoms such as dizziness and convulsions, combinations of vasodilator drugs with nootropic or antiplatelet drugs are used. Depending on the stage of the disease and the patient's condition, drugs that improve blood circulation may be prescribed.
For more effective treatment, these drugs are combined with antiplatelet agents, as well as nootropic drugs. In case of severe blood circulation disorder, the doctor may prescribe a short-term course of injections; after the relief of acute symptoms, treatment is continued with oral tablets.
Elimination of muscle spasms
Osteochondrosis is always accompanied by muscle tension where the pathological focus is located. Mobility of the affected area is reduced and pain occurs. Skeletal muscle hypertonicity is commonly thought of as 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.
Carboprotectors
Cartilaginous agents are used to restore and strengthen the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs. It is possible to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with the help of these drugs only in the initial stages, since in advanced cases they will have no 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.
Chondroprotectants contain chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid in various combinations. When taken, it activates the production of your own chondroitin, causing cartilage tissue to become denser and spinal mobility to be 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. Topical products can also be used, but they have a less pronounced effect.
It is worth noting that the effect of treatment with a chondroprotector will be felt only after a few months.
Physiotherapy
Is it possible to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine using physiotherapeutic methods? Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely get rid of the disease and physiotherapy works only in combination with drug therapy. The main goal of the procedures is to stimulate the recovery processes in the body and eliminate pain.
The most effective methods are:
- electrophoresis, which allows drugs to be administered directly to the affected area.
- ultrasound;
- magnetic therapy;
- Darsonval?
- laser.
The action of electrophoresis is based on the use of low-power currents that are fed to special plates. Under the plates are tampons soaked in medicine. 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 relieved, and the use of a vasodilator helps to increase blood flow.
The result of magnetic therapy is the improvement of blood circulation and the reduction of the manifestations of the inflammatory process - swelling and pain. Magnet therapy can be performed at home and in some cases can even partially replace taking medication. For this you will need a special device.
For the treatment of back diseases, a low-intensity laser with an infrared spectrum is used. Laser rays penetrate deep into the tissue and affect the deformed area of the spine. As a result, the metabolic processes in the cartilage tissue are activated, the nerve endings are released from compression and the normal functioning of the muscle structures is restored.
Darsonval is a device of directed action by means of a rapidly decaying pulsed current. During the procedure, alternating current is supplied to the body through a gas-filled glass electrode and promotes:
- increased blood circulation;
- reduction of the pain threshold of sensitivity.
- improving the functioning of the nervous system.
- normalization of the tone of blood vessels.
- 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 treatment method. However, it should be left to a qualified specialist. You can massage the collar area while sitting or lying on your stomach. The main thing is that the patient is comfortable and can relax.
The massage begins with stroking movements in the direction from the back of the head to the upper back. Stroking should also cover the side areas of the neck. 10-12 strokes are performed with minimal effort so that the skin does not move relative to the muscles.
Longitudinal compression is done with the thumb and forefinger, which grasp the skin and, as it were, squeeze it. The impact is limited to the soft tissues; the vertebrae are not involved in the process. The wringing 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 muscles of the neck and upper shoulders are warmed up with circular movements of half-bent fingers, first along the spine and then along the sides of the neck. Since kneading affects the deep layers of the tissue, it is done according to the patient's diagnosis, so as not to aggravate the pathology.
Rubbing is essential to increase blood circulation by warming the skin. It is performed using the tips of the fingers or the sawing movements of the lateral surfaces of the palms.
Circular rubbing movements are also allowed. The rub starts at the top of the neck and gradually moves to the shoulder girdle, capturing the trapezius muscle. If the patient feels pain or discomfort, efforts should be reduced.
The session ends with strokes; you can alternate them with low-intensity pressures. Finally vibration is applied. The total duration of a massage session is 25-30 minutes, the standard number of procedures is 10.
Orthopedic devices
To minimize the manifestations of osteochondrosis and enhance the effect of treatment, various orthopedic products are used. Particular attention should be paid to the position of the head and neck during sleep, since during or after a night's rest the unpleasant symptoms - headache, increases in blood pressure, dizziness and discomfort in the shoulders - are more strongly felt.
All these manifestations indicate a violation of blood circulation, and an orthopedic pillow will help correct the situation.
When choosing a product, you should consider the following parameters:
- The ideal shape for patients with osteochondrosis is the rectangle. Supports 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 sleeper's shoulders.
- hardness - medium. Too soft or hard pillows are not suitable. In addition, orthopedic products mainly of medium hardness are produced.
Another useful device is a needle applicator, which can easily be used at home. This device is a sharp mat made of elastic material, which is applied to the collar area.
The massage should be placed on a small narrow pillow or pillow, so that the neck flexion is maintained and there is no too painful sensation. There are also models for sale in the form of rollers, which are also suitable for the treatment of cervical cartilage.
You can lie on a needle mat or roller for up to half an hour, but for the first sessions 5-7 minutes are enough. It is recommended to change your body position or roll during use. The procedure is carried out 1 or more times a day.
Dietary nutrition is also an important component of a comprehensive treatment. Since excess weight is often an obstacle to a quick recovery, it is best to remove processed foods and fast food from the diet and reduce the consumption of salt and sugary soda.
The question "can cervical osteochondrosis be cured" will have a positive answer if the disease is detected at an early stage. With the proper approach to treatment and the patient following medical recommendations, you can achieve significant improvement and live a full, comfortable life even in old age. Be healthy!