Osteochondrosis is a typical degenerative-dystrophic disease in which the structure and function of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs are impaired, causing damage to the roots of the intervertebral nerves and thus causing symptoms. Osteochondrosis is a chronic pathology that occurs under the influence of a complex of causes - from the evolutionary and anatomical features of the human skeletal structure to the influence of external factors such as working conditions, lifestyle, overweight, injuries and others. Most commonly, osteochondrosis of the cervical and lumbar spines is diagnosed as the one most exposed to stress. The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is complex and long-term, primarily aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing complications.
Symptoms
Upper spine defeat can manifest itself in a mass of symptoms, depending on the location and severity of the dystrophic process and how much the root structure of the cervical spine is affected. Often, patients ’complaints are reduced to symptoms that are not related at first glance, which can make it difficult to diagnose and further treat the disease.
Usually, the clinic of cervical spinal osteochondrosis is a series of syndromes:
- A vertebra characterized by different types of neck and neck pain.
- Spinal, in which symptoms of motor and sensory innervation are observed, in addition to the disturbed trophism of the cervical zone causing gradual atrophy of the muscles of the shoulder girdle and arm.
- Radical, expressed in pain symptoms in the abdominal cavity and chest organs, which requires further careful diagnosis to distinguish between osteochondrosis and diseases of the internal organs.
- Spinal artery syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis - vestibular disorders with headache, hearing loss, dizziness, loss of consciousness.
These phenomena occur when cerebral ischemia is caused by damage to the vertebral artery and a weakening of the blood supply.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the cervical stage develops gradually, and patients usually seek treatment at the stage of clinical manifestations that affect quality of life, during the period of exacerbation. How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, only after a proper diagnosis is decided by the doctor, self-medication in this case is unacceptable.
Treatment for cervical osteochondrosis is aimed at eliminating pain, inflammation, partial or complete restoration of the affected tissue structures, and prevention of complications.
Treatment should be performed mainly as an outpatient, any home procedure should only be performed in conjunction with medical prescriptions, after instrumental and laboratory diagnostics.
In advanced cases, in the severe developmental stage of neurological changes and associated pathologies, hospitalization and surgical intervention for cervical osteochondrosis may be warranted.
Medication for cervical osteochondrosis
Consists of the distribution of medications to relieve the symptoms of pain and inflammation. In the acute period, the drugs are presented in the form of injections, after the pain has subsided, the patient takes tablets, topical agents in the form of ointments, and continues to receive injections.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are considered the drugs of choice in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis to relieve pain and inflammation. These are medicines based on diclofenacone and indomethacin, which are available in different dosage forms. They reduce the swelling of the soft tissues, thereby reducing the pain, local agents have a warming effect, which improves blood flow in the affected neck 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, and after a few days the patient switches to the tablet formulation. It is worth remembering that long-term treatment with NSAIDs has a negative effect on the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract, so the process of treatment usually does not exceed 10 days.
Sedatives such as persen, glucose, valerian tincture, peony, herbal teas are recommended for long-term pain and to reduce the risk of patient neuroticization, which contributes to the effectiveness of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. They are local irritants. These are topical ointments, gels, rubs that have a warming, irritating and irritating effect. It is not used to treat the acute stage. They contain biologically active substances of plant and animal origin, such as bee or snake venom. This group includes viprosal, apizartrone, menovazin, nayatoks. In the presence of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug and high irritant effect, it is better not to use them so as not to provoke even greater edema. Vitamins. The use of multivitamin complexes is recommended during treatment and further rehabilitation. Usually, this is a group of B vitamins whose representatives are involved in ensuring normal nerve conduction, as well as vitamins A and C to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve blood flow. Taking vitamins reduces vestibular disorders - musculoskeletal syndrome, dizziness, hearing loss.
Chondroprotectors. These are substances that contribute to the restoration of cartilage tissue in the vertebral disc of the cervical segment. These include glycosaminoglycans and chondroitin sulfate. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with chondroprotectors is performed for a long time, 6-12 months.
Orthopedic treatments
Unpleasant symptoms of the cervical spine are often provoked and exacerbated by improper posture during sleep, prolonged stay in a forced position, or trauma. Therefore, the treatment complex also includes methods such as:
Neck collar or Shants collar. It is prescribed separately for each patient, following a medical consultation, as it is available in several versions. The collar is a framed dense cylinder that attaches around the neck and secures the vertebrae in the desired position. The neck therefore does not bend and the head does not turn sideways, which ensures immobilization of the diseased area, which is important during acute periods. The neck collar of the Shants can also be made in the form of two inflatable layer rollers into which air is injected with a rubber boot. Inflation of the interlayer between the cylinders stretches the spine, allowing the cervical spine to increase intercostal fission. The degree of elongation is determined by your doctor, it is not recommended to resolve this issue on your own to avoid damaging the neurovascular bundles in the neck. During the healing period, a fully inflatable collar is used that maintains some mobility of the neck and head.
The collar can be worn at home for up to 3 hours a day, with an overall wear rate of about a month. The final wearing rules are determined by the doctor, depending on the severity of the condition and the symptoms.
Correct posture. During sleep, the body should be kept in an anatomically correct position when the nerves and veins of the cervical spine are not compressed, this can be done with orthopedic mattresses and pillows. During wakefulness, the patient should control their body position and choose the correct height of desk and chair. Stretching. The treatment procedure consists in stretching the ligaments of the spine to increase the distance between the vertebrae by 1 to 3 mm. Adhesion helps to reduce or completely eliminate the compression of the root hernia or the bony outgrowth of the vertebrae. The procedure removes intervertebral dislocations, reduces muscle contractures. Towing should be performed by a physician under stationary conditions, and after the procedure, the cervical spine should be secured with a collar or similar device for several hours. The process of treatment with extractions is on average 10-20 times.
Massage
Massaging osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is an important and mandatory part of treatment, along with medication. It is prescribed during remission to speed healing and prevent relapse. The massage uses both the classical manual and versions from the methods of oriental medicine.
A well-performed massage stimulates blood circulation in the neck and collar zone, improves the trophism of damaged tissues, relieves muscle and vascular cramps, and provides relief to the patient. The general process of massage treatment is 10-14 procedures, every day or the next day, every 3-6 months. Massage therapy for osteochondrosis is not performed in the presence of severe pain. You can self-massage the patient’s neck area at home.
Physiotherapy exercises
Exercise is always done, except for periods of aggravation of pain. Exercise of cervical osteochondrosis can also be done at home, although it is advisable to do it under the supervision of an instructor until proper execution is achieved. The exercise sequence consists of:
Turn the head sideways. The head tilts back and forth. Raise your shoulders with your hands fixed or loose, holding this position for 15-20 seconds. Static loads When the flexor and stretching muscles of the neck region are tensed in succession, the head does not move.
The total number of repetitions is 5-7 times, a session lasts 15-20 minutes. As part of the treatment complex, exercise helps speed healing and increase remission.
Physiotherapy and reflexology
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anesthetics and hormonal drugs are used to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, and diadynamic currents, laser and shock wave therapy are also effective. Physiotherapy can lead to complete recovery in the early stages of development and, in severe cases, increase the time to remission. These treatment methods are used in rehabilitation periods after treatment of exacerbations.
Reflexotherapy, as a method of influencing certain points in the body where internal organs appear in advance, is also used during healing periods and helps relieve inflammation, improve blood flow, relieve tissue congestion and reduce muscle cramps. The most common treatment methods are acupuncture, acupressure and hirudotherapy - medicated leeches are placed on the skin of the neck region.
The use of these methods can shorten the time and amount of medications used and promote healing.
Things to do at home
Manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis can be treated at home if the patient's condition allows. For example, therapeutic exercises can be performed at home if there are no contraindications and no need for constant professional supervision. It should be recalled that the appearance of pain and crackling in the neck is a reason to stop and seek professional treatment.
Topical medications in the form of ointments, gels, medicated patches are also used at home, in strict accordance with medical regulations.
In addition, there are options for home treatment with some physiotherapy devices - magnetic therapy and ultraviolet radiation, as well as reflexology devices.
Folk remedies are also used in the form of compresses and wraps of grated potatoes, horseradish leaves, propolis, aloe and other herbal ingredients for the sore neck region. Traditional methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis are palliative, temporarily relieve pain, edema, warm the affected area, and should not be limited to them.
All means of treating osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should be complementary and performed in consultation with a physician after a comprehensive diagnosis.
Medical treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine involves the use of conservative methods to provide adequate pain relief and does not threaten to significantly disrupt the patient’s daily activities.
Symptoms of the disease
Constant bending, lifting, inversion and twisting over many years of life naturally negatively affects neck health and the quality of its structural elements. With all of these recurring neck stresses, it’s no surprise that roughly two-thirds of people experience neck pain at some point in their lives. Painful feelings can be alarming symptoms in a disease like osteochondrosis.
Attention! Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is considered one of the most common pathologies. This disease most often affects able-bodied people and leads a sedentary lifestyle.
The disease is initially asymptomatic. However, for symptoms such as persistent headache and heart and scapular pain, this 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 the shoulders, arms.
This discomfort and loss of mobility can have a significant impact on career, family, and quality of life.
The cervical spine consists of seven bones called vertebrae, which are separated by disks filled with padding gel material. This design allows the neck to be stabilized, flipped smoothly from side to side and tilted back and forth.
Over time, these natural shock absorbers wear out and begin to degrade. The space between the vertebrae narrows and the nerve endings become constricted. This process is known as cervical osteochondrosis. Of particular note, research shows that approximately 25% of asymptomatic people under the age of 40 and 60% over the age of 40 have some degree of osteochondrosis. As osteochondrosis progresses, the neck becomes less flexible, the feeling of pain increases, and a feeling of stiffness is experienced, especially towards the end of the day. For these reasons, osteochondrosis develops.
Attention! Complications can be life-threatening.
Diagnostic and management functions
Diagnosis of the disease involves the following general manipulations:
- initial check;
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging);
- X-ray examination.
Drug therapy is the basis for the combined treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, along with massage. Effective treatments include:
- reflexology;
- electrostimulation;
- manual therapy.
Physical therapy can also reduce pain over a long period of time. The most commonly used methods are:
- acupuncture;
- electrophoresis;
- microwire electrical stimulation;
- laser therapy.
Generally, this treatment of cervical osteochondrosis takes about 14 days.
Simultaneous application of ice or heat, with the help of a special drug, makes it possible to control pain and control pain and inflammation. In addition, exercises for the neck and shoulder area, done alone or with the help of a professional, will help. Exercise helps maintain flexibility. Exercise, especially stretching the neck as much as possible, is essential to maintain flexibility in the neck area. A special set of exercises should be individually developed by a doctor or physiotherapist.
Relief drugs include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics.
Attention! Do not use these medicines for more than seven days without consulting your doctor, as kidney failure is one of the serious side effects they cause.
Steroid drugs and muscle relaxants can also be used.
Treatment in case of exacerbation
In the acute phase of the disease, when excruciating pain dominates the clinical picture, the main goal of medical therapy is to relieve the pain. In such situations, you should take painkillers (such as tramadol, oxadol, orthophen) or more complex medications (arcoxia) very carefully and competently, and only under medical supervision. They are able to relieve muscle pain and tension.
Non-steroidal medications, which are usually taken as painkillers, can also eliminate the cause of the pain - inflammatory edema that constricts blood vessels and nerves.
The use of muscle relaxants allows you to relieve muscle cramps by normalizing the condition of the cervical vertebrae, nerve endings, and blood vessels. The use of vitamins is very important.
For severe compression of nerve endings, doctors recommend anticonvulsants. Unless the pain is otherwise relieved, it is blocked with novocaine.
If osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is in the acute stage and is accompanied by severe pain, experts also prescribe topical use of lidocaine, a corticosteroid, to relieve muscle tension in the movement segment of the spine and reduce pain.
In the treatment of acute pain, medications are given by injection, then treatment can be continued in the form of tablets and ointments can be used to further relieve the condition.
Antidepressants are prescribed as an adjunct in some cases. These drugs help to psychologically tolerate very severe pain and the peculiarities of cervical spine disorders.
Suggestions for dealing with remission
The mild stages of the treatment period suggest the following:
- activation of blood circulation in large vessels and periphery;
- improve metabolism;
- Restoration and renewal of bone tissue and cartilage structures.
Best suited for this purpose:
- anti-inflammatory gels and ointments containing steroids and analgesics;
- ointments, which have the effect of point heating the diseased area and are able to increase blood flow to the diseased area, improve tissue nutrition.
Chondroprotectors (chondroxide ointments and tablets) help restore cartilage discs.
Massage creams and ointments with bee venom and plant extracts have a regenerating, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Therapeutic massage, which, if done properly, can also be used to relieve discomfort. In order not to harm the body, you need to follow some simple rules:
- do not press too hard on the neck and back;
- All movements must be from top to bottom.
Topical anesthetic creams include capsaicin. Creams are also effective in treating the pain associated with osteochondrosis. The cream should be applied to the area where the sensation of pain is most prevalent.
Attention! Be sure to wash your hands after rubbing the cream, especially capsaicin, as the cream may cause irritation to the skin of the hand or other parts of the body that touch the hand.
An unpleasant symptom such as dizziness, osteochondrosis, vasospasm, and inflammation of nerve tissue. To cope with this help, vasodilators and devices to improve blood circulation in the vestibular device.
Vitamin B is also included in the complex therapy of cervical osteochondrosis because it has the following properties:
- restores tissue sensitivity;
- reduces neurological damage.
You need to be very careful about the fact that while there are a wide variety of quality medications to help treat osteochondrosis, many of them are often accompanied by tangible side effects. Sometimes the condition of the back improves, but difficulties appear in various organs. It follows that drugs are only intended to supplement a complex of other methods of controlling the disease.
Thanks to an integrated approach to treatment, positive dynamics in the healing process can only be achieved if the full spectrum of therapeutic interventions is implemented consistently, regularly and systematically.
Patients often do not pay attention to neck pain, which causes complications.
Surgical treatment
If the pain persists after six months, during which the competent medication has been taken, and daily activities become more difficult, doctors may recommend surgery. The purpose of the surgery will be to stop the movement of the affected cervical spine. This involves removing the disc and implanting a metal device or bone to help maintain or restore the disc to normal height, neck stability, and fit. Special plates can be used to provide the desired fixation between the two vertebrae.
Attention! Patients should be aware that surgery that results in severe neck pain is much less reliable than surgery to relieve pain caused by osteochondrosis in another part of the body. So, if the only or predominant symptom is neck pain, surgery should only be recommended as a last resort and after all other tried and tested treatment options have failed.
Prevention
Preventive methods to neutralize relapses consist of complexes of physiotherapy practices and therapeutic massage. Proper prevention is an important step to success.
It will also be very important to pay attention to the fact that you need to follow a regular daily diet that minimizes, if not completely eliminates, the consumption of salty and spicy foods to minimize swelling and improve metabolism. Yoga and swimming will also be useful. Among non-traditional methods, acupuncture and hirudotherapy are often used.