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 loosens and the nucleus pulposus penetrates into it.
If it is not treated at this stage, the pathological process ends with a rupture of the fibrous ring and a disc herniation occurs. It, in turn, begins to press the spinal nerves or the spinal cord itself, which gives rise to compression syndromes.
Characteristics and stages of development
A distinctive feature of osteochondrosis of the cervical segment is a rather diverse set of symptoms, which includes headaches and dizziness, instability of blood pressure, a feeling of lack of air, numbness of the upper limbs, etc.
All this not only brings significant discomfort in life, but also complicates the diagnosis, since a person does not immediately turn to a neurologist, but goes to a cardiologist, orthopedist or therapist. Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is prescribed taking into account two factors - physiological, which implies the natural aging of the body, and pathological - the presence of inflammatory or degenerative processes in the patient.
The physiological changes consist in the replacement of the pulpous nucleus with fibrous tissue, and the clinical manifestations appear 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, crunching and clicking when turning the head, muscle weakness or numbness.
The cervical region is the most mobile and experiences less stress than 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, the 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 largely 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, severe fatigue and discomfort in the neck muscles are felt;
- 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. Pain syndrome occurs during movements, which is due to compression of the nerve roots due to a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs;
- at the third stage, a bulge is formed, which precedes the intervertebral hernia. The nucleus pulposus gradually shifts and begins to extend beyond the anatomical boundaries. 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. Headache and dizziness are caused by constriction of blood vessels;
- The fourth stage of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae 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 decrease. At this stage, it is no longer possible to treat cervical osteochondrosis, and surgical methods are used.
Principles and methods of treatment
Therapy for osteochondrosis is always comprehensive and includes not only medication, but also physiotherapy, massage, exercise and diet. Emergency medications for severe pain are analgesics. Medicines from the group of NSAIDs 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 the nerve endings. To improve the effect, you can use ointments and creams that act directly on the source of pain and are safer than tablets.
In the period of remission, warming 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 from several groups are prescribed:
- muscle relaxants;
- B vitamins;
- chondroprotectors;
- vasodilators (vasodilators);
- diuretics (diuretics);
- means to improve blood circulation and rheological properties of blood.
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 physiological norms and dilute 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 vasodilators with nootropics or antiplatelet agents are used. Depending on the stage of the disease and the condition of the patient, drugs can be prescribed that improve blood circulation.
For 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 the relief of acute symptoms, the therapy continues by oral administration of tablets.
Eliminate muscle spasms
Osteochondrosis is always accompanied by muscle tension in the place where the pathological focus is located. The mobility of the affected area is impaired and pain appears. Skeletal muscle hypertonicity is generally considered a protective response to pain. Muscle relaxants are prescribed to reduce muscle spasticity.
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 activity requires increased attention, for example, drivers of vehicles.
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 ensures complete hydration of the cartilage. If for some reason the synthesis of chondroitin is disturbed, the cartilage tissue loses moisture and becomes thinner.
Chondroprotectors contain chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid in various combinations. When taken, the production of own chondroitin is activated, as a result of which the cartilage tissue becomes denser and the mobility of the spine is 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. Products for local application can also be used, but they have the least pronounced effect.
It is worth noting that the effect of chondroprotector therapy will become noticeable only after a few months.
Physiotherapy
Is it possible to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae using physiotherapeutic methods? Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely get rid of the disease, and physical therapy works only in combination with drug treatment. 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 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 fed to special plates. There are tampons soaked in medicine under the plates. Since the electrical conductivity of the skin is quite low, the 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 magnetotherapy is improvement of blood circulation and reduction of manifestations of the inflammatory process - swelling and pain. Magnet treatment can be carried out at home, and in some cases it can even partially replace medication. You will need a special device for this.
A low-intensity laser with an infrared spectrum is used to treat back ailments. 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 with directional action by rapidly decaying impulse current. During the procedure, alternating current is applied to the body through a gas-filled glass electrode and promotes:
- increased blood circulation;
- reduction of the 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 vertebrae is undoubtedly the most pleasant, affordable and effective therapeutic method. But it should be entrusted 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 nape of the neck to the upper back. The stroking should also cover the side areas of the neck. 10-12 strokes are made 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 seem to squeeze it. The impact is limited to the soft tissues, the vertebrae are not involved in the process. The squeezing is done very carefully, especially in the first sessions. The movements are parallel to the spine, 5-6 times on each side.
The next technique is kneading. The muscles of the neck and the upper part of the 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 tissues, it is performed in accordance with the patient's diagnosis, so as not to worsen the pathology.
Rubbing is necessary to increase circulation by warming the skin. It is performed with the tips of the fingers or with cutting movements on 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, covering 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 the massage session is 25-30 minutes, the standard number of procedures is 10.
Orthopedic devices
In order to minimize the manifestations of osteochondrosis and improve 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 it is during or after a night's rest that the most unpleasant symptoms are felt - headache, blood pressure spikes, 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. Pillows and square pillows can be used for short-term rest, sleeping on them is strictly not recommended;
- the height should be at least 5 cm, but not more than 10 cm;
- width - slightly wider than the sleeping person's shoulders;
- hardness - medium. Too soft or hard pillows are not suitable. In addition, orthopedic products are mostly produced with medium hardness.
Another useful device is the needle applicator, which can easily be used at home. This device is a studded mat made of elastic material that is applied to the collar area.
The massager should be placed on a small narrow pad or pillow so that the curve of the neck is supported and not too painful. On sale there are also models in the form of rolls, which are also suitable for the treatment of cervical chondrosis.
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 performed 1 or several times a day.
Dietary nutrition is also an important component of complex treatment. Since excess weight is often an obstacle to rapid recovery, it is better to eliminate 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. In the presence of a competent approach to treatment and the patient follows medical recommendations, you can achieve significant improvement and lead a full, comfortable life even inold age. Stay healthy!