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 is released and the nucleus pulposus penetrates into it.
If not treated at this stage, the pathological process ends with a penetration of the fibrous ring and a disc herniation occurs. It, in turn, begins to compress the spinal nerves or the spinal cord itself, which causes compression syndromes.
Characteristics and stages of development
A distinctive feature of osteochondrosis of the cervical segment is a fairly diverse set of symptoms, which includes headaches and dizziness, blood pressure instability, a feeling of lack of air, numbness of the upper extremities, etc.
All this not only brings considerable inconvenience 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 described taking into account two factors - physiological, which means the natural aging of the body, and pathological - the presence of inflammatory or degenerative processes in the patient.
Physiological changes consist of replacing 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 are pain in various places, popping and clicking when turning the head, muscle weakness or numbness.
The cervical region is more 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 up to 400 kg. However, cervical vertebrae differ in their structure - they are narrower and higher, which makes them vulnerable to various injuries and dislocations.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and its duration mainly 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, fatigue and severe 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 hang, which leads to instability of the spine. The pain syndrome appears during movements, which is caused by the compression of the nerve roots due to the decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs;
- in the third stage, a protrusion is formed, which precedes an intervertebral hernia. The nucleus pulposus gradually displaces and begins to protrude beyond the anatomical boundaries. Due to the capture of 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 discs and the formation of bone growths - osteophytes. Pain becomes constant, movements are limited, muscles weaken to the point of atrophy. Symptoms become severe: loss of coordination is observed, visual and hearing acuity decreases. At this stage, it is no longer possible to cure cervical osteochondrosis and surgical methods are used.
Principles and methods of treatment
Therapy for osteochondrosis is always comprehensive and includes not only drugs, but also physical therapy, massage, exercise therapy and diet. Emergency medications for severe pain are analgesics. Drugs 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 eliminate inflammation of nerve endings. To increase the effect, you can use ointments and creams that act directly on the source of pain and are safer than tablets.
During the remission period, 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 several 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 circulation 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 rates and thin the blood. As a result, the brain receives food and oxygen in the necessary amount, which has a positive effect on its functioning.
To relieve the patient from 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 patient's condition, medications can be prescribed that improve blood circulation.
For a more effective treatment, these drugs are combined with antiplatelet agents, as well as nootropic drugs. In case of severely impaired blood circulation, the doctor may prescribe a short-term course of injections; after relief of acute symptoms, therapy continues through oral administration of tablets.
Elimination of muscle spasms
Osteochondrosis is always accompanied by muscle tension where the pathological focus is located. The mobility of the affected area is impaired and pain appears. Skeletal muscle hypertonicity is usually considered a protective response to pain. To reduce muscle spasticity, muscle relaxants are prescribed.
During treatment 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, drivers.
Chondroprotectors
Chondroprotective 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 early stages, since in advanced cases they will have no effect.
In a healthy person, chondroitin is produced in sufficient quantities, which provides complete hydration of the cartilage. If for some reason the synthesis of chondroitin breaks down, the cartilage tissue loses moisture and becomes thinner.
Chondroprotectors contain chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid in various combinations. When taken, the production of your chondroitin is activated, as a result of which the cartilage tissue becomes denser and the mobility of the spine is restored.
Medicines of the last generation also contain 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 chondroprotective therapy will become visible only after a few months.
Physiotherapy
Is it possible to cure 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 treatment. The main objective of the procedures is to stimulate recovery processes in the body and eliminate pain.
The most effective methods are:
- electrophoresis, which allows drugs to be delivered 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 supplied to special plates. Under the plates are tampons saturated with medications. 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 manifestations of the inflammatory process - swelling and pain. Magnet treatment can be performed at home, and in some cases it can even partially replace taking medications. For this you will need a special device.
To treat back diseases, a low-intensity laser with an infrared spectrum is used. Laser rays penetrate deep into the tissues 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 with a directed action through a rapidly decaying pulse current. During the procedure, alternating current is supplied 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, accessible and effective therapeutic method. However, it should be trusted 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. The stroke 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 squeezing is done with the thumb and forefinger, which grasp the skin and, so to speak, squeeze it. The impact is limited to soft tissue; beads 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 other technique is boiling. 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 the boil affects the deep layers of tissue, it is done in accordance with the patient's diagnosis, so as not to worsen the pathology.
Rubbing is necessary to increase blood circulation by warming the skin. It is performed using the fingertips or sawing movements of the lateral surfaces of the palms.
Circular rubbing movements are also allowed. The friction starts from the upper part of the neck and gradually moves to the shoulder girdle, catching the trapezius muscle. If the patient experiences pain or discomfort, efforts should be reduced.
The session ends with a bang; you can alternate them with low-intensity squeezes. Finally, vibration is applied. The total duration of a massage session is 25-30 minutes, the standard number of procedures is 10.
Orthopedic equipment
To minimize the manifestations of osteochondrosis and increase the effect of treatment, various orthopedic products are used. Special attention should be paid to the position of the head and neck during sleep, as it is during or after a night's rest that unpleasant symptoms are felt most strongly - headaches, increased 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, you should consider the following parameters:
- The ideal shape for patients with osteochondrosis is rectangular. Square bolsters and 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 are mainly produced with medium hardness.
Another useful device is a needle applicator, which can be easily used at home. This device is a studded mat made of elastic material, which is applied to the collar area.
The massager should be placed on a small narrow pillow or pillow so that the bend in the neck is maintained and there are no very painful sensations. There are also models in the form of rolls on sale, which are also suitable for the treatment of cervical chondrosis.
You can lie on a carpet with needles or on a roller for up to half an hour, but for the first sessions 5-7 minutes are enough. It is recommended to change the position of the body or rotate 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 a quick recovery, it is best to eliminate processed foods and fast foods 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 a competent approach to treatment and the patient follows medical recommendations, you can achieve significant improvements and lead a full and comfortable life even in old age. Be healthy!