Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of one of the sections of the spine. As the disease progresses, the intervertebral discs in the neck region suffer the most, and the damage also covers the articular surfaces, ligaments and vertebrae.

Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of one of the sections of the spine. As the disease progresses, the intervertebral discs in the neck region suffer the most, and the damage also covers the articular surfaces, ligaments and vertebrae. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae depends on the current stage of the disease. The pathology occurs mainly in patients over 30 years of age, but cases are also registered in young people, especially if a person leads an unhealthy lifestyle and is at risk.

The most common symptom is severe pain in the neck, which can spread down the spine, move to the upper limbs, and become a severe headache. Below we will consider what symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine it is better to start treatment, find out the causes of the disease and the methods that are used to combat the problem.

Causes and risk factors

The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis in humans is the ability to walk upright, acquired through evolution. When walking, the vertebrae put excessive pressure on each other. Every year, this leads to the fact that the amount of intervertebral fluid and connective tissue between the vertebrae decreases, as a result of which the bones begin to rub against each other, causing severe pain.

The longer the osteochondrosis of the cervical region develops without the necessary treatment, the less chance there is to stop the degenerative processes. In old age, it is almost impossible to restore connective tissue.

Cervical osteochondrosis in old age is mostly a natural process that is not related to the influence of external factors. If the problem begins to develop at an early age, if the pain intensifies too quickly, it is necessary to look for the cause of such a disorder.

The development of cervical osteochondrosis at an early age is most often due to the following factors:

• Lack of physical activity in everyday life. In the modern world, a person leads a mostly sedentary lifestyle - all day he works in the office, in the evening he spends time sitting on the sofa or in front of the computer, often driving a car;
• In the process of performing work tasks, the human body often takes an unnatural, strained position (a strong forward bias when working with a computer);
• Too much sport. The opposite reason is sports with uncontrolled loads. The problem is faced not only by ordinary citizens, but also by professional athletes;
• The reasons that provoke the spine to be in an incorrect position are flat feet, wearing uncomfortable shoes with heels, scoliosis, arthritis, etc. ;
• Abuse of junk food, obesity;
• Severe hypothermia of the cervical vertebrae;
• Nervous tension - frequent stress in everyday life and at work, lack of adequate sleep at night.

Vertebral syndrome

The complex of symptoms is associated with damage to the bones and cartilages of the spine. Includes:

• impaired mobility in the cervical region;
• pain when turning the head;
• X-ray signs of damage to the vertebrae themselves and the space between them.

vertebral artery syndrome

The symptoms are caused by a narrowing or spasm of the vertebral arteries, which are partially responsible for the blood supply to the brain. It manifests itself with the following symptoms:

• noise in the ears;
• vertigo;
• spikes in blood pressure;
• nausea and vomiting;
• headache;
• visual impairment;
• reduction of working capacity;
• drowsiness;
• seizure.

Cardiac syndrome

It resembles a condition with damage to the heart muscle and includes:

• pain or burning sensation behind the sternum;
• weakness and fatigue;
• rapid pulse.

radicular syndrome

The condition is associated with damage (compression or pinching) to the nerve roots exiting the spine in the cervical region. Depending on the level of impairment, a person may experience:

• numbness or pain in the back of the head;
• numbness of the tongue;
• collarbone pain, difficulty swallowing, hiccups;
• discomfort in the shoulder area, aggravated by hand movements;
• pain in shoulder blades and forearms;
• numbness of the index and middle finger;
• numbness in ring finger and little finger.

Most often, several nerve roots are involved in the pathological process at once, as a result of which several characteristic symptoms are observed at once.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

All these risk factors and lifestyle features lead to the fact that the intervertebral discs in the cervical region are malnourished. If the problem is not identified and eliminated, the discs will gradually begin to collapse, the distance between them will decrease, as a result, the bones will constantly rub against each other. As the connective tissue wears out, bony growths begin to form on the spikes, which tend to grow out of control. In advanced cases, the growths begin to put pressure on the surrounding tissues, blood vessels, nerves that are located in the cervical spine.

Cervical osteochondrosis does not develop instantly, in the absence of appropriate treatment of the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the problem worsens. The entire course of the disease can be divided into 4 stages. The symptoms that the patient experiences directly depend on the current stage of the problem. Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis include:

• Discomfort in the neck that extends to the shoulder area;
• The appearance of pain in the cervical region during sports;
• Stiffness when turning the neck;
• Private headaches that are not caused by external factors;
• When you change the position of the head, you can hear a characteristic crunch;
• Numbness and loss of sensitivity of some areas of the skin on the back of the head, shoulders, arms, neck;
• Hypoxia of troph-dependent organs;
• Development of pathologies of the circulatory system;
• Severe pain leads to complete immobilization of the upper shoulder girdle.

The more advanced the disease, the more discomfort the patient experiences. In the final stages of the problem, the patient's quality of life deteriorates significantly. Common symptoms for all stages of the problem include headache, ringing or ringing in the ears, visual defects, nausea and vomiting with a sudden change in head position.

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, it is recommended that you seek medical attention immediately. The earlier a problem is diagnosed, the more likely it is to be completely fixed. The neurologist deals with diagnosis and treatment of cervico-thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine.

After the patient's complaint, the neurologist will interview the patient and based on his complaints will conclude that the disease is present. Most often, patients complain of pain, discomfort, problems with movement of the upper limbs. After the interview, the doctor will conduct a visual examination of the patient. Will be assessed:

• correct posture;
• At what angle are the shoulder blades, shoulders and iliac bones;
• Location of the line of spinous processes along the length of the spine.

A visual examination allows you to determine what pathological processes have started in the spine, how much they have affected the spine and surrounding tissues.

The final diagnosis is not made only on the basis of examination and questioning of the patient. Further research is needed. Most often, the patient is sent for X-rays, computed tomography. If for one reason or another it is impossible to make a final diagnosis, the patient is referred to a nuclear magnetic resonance. Additional examinations include dopplerography, the procedure allows you to understand the state of the circulatory system in the cervical region.

Degrees of cervical osteochondrosis

The choice of methods for the treatment of osteochondrosis directly depends on the stage of the disease that is diagnosed in a particular patient. It is accepted to divide osteochondrosis into 4 stages, and the division is conditional, since some symptoms can pass from one stage to another or not appear at all.

1 degree

The initial stage of the problem, at this stage, if pain is felt, it is often due to stress or other disorders (improper sleep, prolonged exposure to an uncomfortable position). The patient may feel slight stiffness and limitation of movements, especially sudden ones. If you seek treatment for cervical osteochondrosis at this stage, you can eliminate the symptoms at home. To completely get rid of the problem, it will be possible to limit yourself to special exercises and visits to physiotherapy procedures. For prevention, it will be useful to start an active lifestyle (it is enough to take 20 minutes of daily walks in the fresh air), adjust the diet (exclude too fatty, fried, salty foods, give preference to fermented milk products, fruits and vegetables, foods withsufficient calcium and trace elements necessary for the restoration of connective and cartilage tissue).

2 degree

The pain intensifies, begins to become constant. Sharp movements and turns bring discomfort, the patient faces a severe headache, begins to notice that he is very tired from daily activities. Often patients become distracted because they only think about the pain. Some experience numbness in certain areas of the face.

3 degree

Hernias begin to develop in the area of the damaged discs, which causes dizziness and weakness in the arms. It hurts not only the head and neck, the pain gradually spreads to the entire shoulder girdle.

4 degree

A characteristic process is the destruction of the intervertebral discs, the replacement of "empty places" with connective tissue. This leads to pinching of the nerves, the pain becomes unbearable, it does not disappear without taking special drugs. The patient experiences dizziness, especially with sudden turns of the head and changing the position of the body, ringing in the ears appears, sleep is disturbed, the quality of life deteriorates significantly, damage is possible if not treated.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

The doctor chooses the appropriate method of treatment for the patient depending on the stage of the disease. The most commonly used medical treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in combination with a visit to physiotherapy. In advanced cases, surgical intervention may be required to remove overgrown connective tissue and bone processes.

Conservative treatment

Most often based on taking certain medications. Drug treatment helps reduce pain, relieve muscle tension and localize inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used, as well as pain relievers.

Often, the doctor also includes chondroprotectors in the prescription. This group of drugs activates the recovery of the destroyed tissues in the area of the intervertebral discs.

These drugs are prescribed in the form of injections or tablets. A good therapeutic result is demonstrated by ointments based on NSAIDs. They are rubbed into the damaged area, relieving pain within 10-20 minutes. The main advantage of ointments is a local effect on the painful area and a minimal effect on other organs.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy procedures have several goals at the same time:

• Localization of the inflammatory process;
• Removal of muscle spasm;
• Pain relief;
• Starting regenerative processes;
• Increased general and local immunity;
• Restoring the normal position of nerve fibers, removing compression and pinching.

The following procedures are most often prescribed for cervical osteochondrosis:

1. Shock wave therapy. With the help of a special device, an acoustic wave is directed directly at the cartilage tissue of the spine, which is damaged. As a result, metabolic processes are started, salt and calcium deposits are destroyed, which interfere with the normal movement of the joints and vertebrae. The procedure is characterized by a cumulative effect, often the first results become noticeable only 2-3 months after the start of treatment.
2. Acupuncture. Acupuncture is often used for the treatment and prevention of cervical osteochondrosis. It is important that the procedure is performed only by a qualified doctor, otherwise you may not only experience a lack of effect, but also a worsening of the current condition. The essence of the procedure is that special needles are installed on biologically active points, forcing the body to start metabolic processes, stimulating the production of natural pain relievers.
3. Massage. The main goal is to reduce pain and improve blood circulation in the damaged area of the cervical segment of the spine. With proper massage, the muscles acquire lost tone, as a result of which it is possible to eliminate the risk of recurrence of osteochondrosis in the future. When attending the first massage sessions, the patient faces severe pain, it is important not to stop the treatment due to pain, but to go through all the procedures prescribed by the doctor.

surgery

It is mainly prescribed in an advanced stage of the disease, when the use of drugs and visits to physical therapy procedures do not give results. The indication for surgical intervention is catastrophic narrowing of the spinal canal.

Modern methods of surgery allow the patient to be discharged from the hospital after 3-5 days and to proceed to outpatient treatment of the symptoms of cervico-thoracic osteochondrosis. During the next three months, the patient undergoes rehabilitation.

Physiotherapy

A correctly selected set of exercises for osteochondrosis can not only improve the general condition of the patient, but also speed up the treatment process of the disease. There are several effective exercises:

1. Rotations and tilts of the head in different directions. The exercise is performed in a sitting position, it is important not to pull yourself, all movements should be smooth with a gradual increase in the number of repetitions and the amplitude of the incline.
2. The head tilts to the side with resistance. Body position - sitting on the table, one elbow is on the table, while the palm presses the temple. Tilt your head toward your hand while creating slight resistance.
3. Shrug. Raise your shoulders as high as possible and fix in this position for some time.
4. Independent kneading of the nape and neck with the fingertips. It is important that the movements are soft and do not cause pain. You can perform self-massage in any comfortable position.

It is important not to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home without consulting a neurologist, the set of exercises must be agreed with your doctor.

Manual therapy for cervical osteochondrosis

Manual therapy relieves tension in muscles and joint blockage, relieves pain and restores the capabilities of the musculo-articular apparatus. The doctor assesses the condition of the muscles, determines the points of pain and the degree of springing of the spinal joint. In addition, through active and passive movements of the hands, the damaged tendons, ligaments and muscles are affected. Treatment with manual therapy is contraindicated in acute inflammation and instability of the vertebrae.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture for cervical osteochondrosis is performed with sterile needles that are inserted into previously selected points at different depths and left for a certain time. The needles are chosen very thin to minimize discomfort. The procedure relieves pain, activates microcirculation, normalizes metabolic processes, improves overall health and increases the effectiveness of drug treatment.

Kinesiology taping

This is the imposition of an elastic bandage in the form of the letter Y on the area of the cervical area, while maintaining the mobility of the neck. Tapes for cervical osteochondrosis relieve pain, inhibit inflammation and provide support for the paravertebral muscles.

Orthopedic collars

The collar for osteochondrosis of the cervical region is necessary in the acute period of the disease. It fixes the bones and joints, reducing the load on the affected segment. The collar also corrects the position of deformed vertebrae and skeletal bones and relieves pain.

Depending on the degree of fixation, orthopedic collars are of several types:

• soft splint (Schantz collar). This product is made of dense, resilient polyurethane foam in a fabric cover with Velcro, button or plastic fastener fastening. With its help, you can adjust the volume of the collar. Soft rubber is worn from 2 weeks to 4 months, after every two hours of use you need to take a break;
• inflatable collar. It consists of a dense, flexible material. The course of treatment depends on the stage of osteochondrosis. In the early days, it is recommended to wear the collar for five minutes twice a day, gradually increasing the time to 30 minutes. For the prevention of cervical osteochondrosis, an inflatable collar is worn;
• semi-rigid collar. A semi-rigid neck corset is made of polyurethane with a fastener at the back. Compared to a soft splint, it fixes the neck more firmly. Available in various sizes;
• hard collar. Made of thermoplastic material with front and back calipers. It is made according to individual sizes and is recommended to be used during the entire course of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.

Complications of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis leads to disruption of the most important structures: blood vessels and nerves. Without treatment, the disease can lead to the following complications:

• Ischemic Stroke;
• loss of sensation or motor function of the hand;
• difficulty swallowing;
• thyroid disorder;
• loss or significant reduction in visual acuity.

In addition, damage to the intervertebral discs and joints leads to significant limitation of neck mobility.

Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?

Many patients complain that their neck and head hurt at the same time. Patients should choose a certain position in which the pain subsides or seems less acute. This is not always convenient, so performance is reduced.

As the disease progresses, bulging of the disc develops, the intervertebral tissues are destroyed and the gaps decrease. In the last stage of the disease, the disc is completely destroyed and connective tissue is formed in its place. Because of this, the patient has limited mobility: for example, he cannot turn or tilt his head.

If you do not treat osteochondrosis in the cervical region in time, it can lead to compression of the spinal cord, damage and paralysis.

Prevention

The basic rule of preventive measures is that they must be comprehensive and constantly observed. Only in this way will they bring the expected result. Prevention is indicated for people who are at risk.

1. Watch your posture. The ideal position of the body - head and back are in one line. Always make sure your shoulders are straight, your stomach is tucked in and your chest is up. The gait also plays a role - it should be springy and level. Never indulge yourself, in the initial stage it is important to discipline yourself, in the future the correct posture will become a habit.
2. Well organized workplace. During work, the shoulders should be relaxed, the constant tension of the lumbar belt has a direct effect on the cervical spine. Basic requirements - a chair with a comfortable backrest and armrests, a monitor at eye level, a keyboard under the elbows (the angle between the shoulder and the forearm is about 120 degrees). During your work, make it a habit to take a break every 40-50 minutes with basic stretching exercises.
3. Adjust the car seat correctly. Many motorists face osteochondrosis of the cervical spine due to the fact that they adjusted the driver's seat not according to the rules, but in a way that they like. The correct position of the body in the chair - the entire spine touches the back, not just the shoulders. It is recommended to purchase special lumbar pillows that will help you maintain the body in the desired position. With a long ride, it is important to go outside after 1. 5-2 hours and warm up.
4. Watch your diet. Problems with the cervical vertebrae are often associated with the fact that the patient does not eat properly. Dangerous foods that increase the risk of osteochondrosis include: white bread, rich products, sweets, dishes with a high salt and sugar content, fried and fatty foods. The main danger is refined sugar - the substance contributes to the washing of calcium from the body. Include legumes and nuts, high protein foods, seasonal vegetables and fruits in your daily diet. Low-fat fermented milk products - kefir, fermented baked milk, cottage cheese, natural sour milk - will also have a positive effect. If you have a problem with excess weight, see a nutritionist.
5. Daily physical activity. Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home with the help of physical education is an excellent prevention against diseases of the spine. It is important to do exercises at a light pace without exceeding the permissible load. If there is no time for a full set of exercises, take daily walks as a rule.
6. Massage. Correct techniques restore muscle tone, relieve tension, start metabolic and regenerative processes in the body. It is not necessary to visit specialists, the correct massage of the cervical spine can be performed independently.
7. Proper sleep. During the day, the intervertebral discs experience increased stress, complete relaxation and rest can only be achieved during night sleep. For the prevention of osteochondrosis, it is important to organize the right place to sleep and monitor the time (at least 8 hours).

Sanatorium treatment and its benefits

The sanatorium specializes in identifying symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and treating diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including osteochondrosis of different localization. The procedures are selected individually for each individual patient, taking into account the degree of damage to the spinal tissues, the presence of concomitant diseases, the patient's age and possible contraindications.

An integrated approach is practiced - a combination of drug treatment with physiotherapy and physical therapy. This approach helps to forget about the problem forever.

A positive effect in the treatment of the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervico-thoracic spine is also demonstrated by mud treatment, manual and hardware massage, various physiotherapeutic procedures.