Osteochondrosis is a disease that affects the intervertebral disc and leads to the development of reactive changes in the paravertebral (paravertebral) structure. Under the influence of several factors, the fibrous ring loosens and the nucleus pulposus penetrates into it.
If not treated at this stage, the pathological process ends with the penetration of the fibrous ring, and a herniated disc occurs. It, in turn, begins to compress the spinal cord or the spinal cord itself, which creates a compression syndrome.
Characteristics and stages of development
A distinctive feature of osteochondrosis of the cervical segment is a rather diverse set of symptoms, which include headaches and dizziness, instability of blood pressure, a feeling of lack of air, numbness in the upper part, etc.
All this not only brings significant discomfort to life, but also complicates the diagnosis, because a person does not immediately turn to a neurologist, but goes to see 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 an inflammatory or degenerative process in the patient.
Physiological changes consist of the replacement of the nucleus pulposus with fibrous tissue, and clinical manifestations occur only when the nerve root is irritated. Pathological changes are observed outside the cartilage and must be accompanied by compression of nerve endings and blood vessels. Symptoms are pain in various locations, throbbing and throbbing when turning the head, muscle weakness or numbness.
The cervical region is the most mobile and experiences less pressure 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, cervical vertebrae differ in their structure - they are narrower and higher, which makes them prone 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 early stages of development there are almost no obvious 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 changes in the configuration of the discs - they begin to flatten and sag, which leads to instability of the spinal column. Pain syndrome occurs during movement, which is caused by compression of the nerve root due to a decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc;
- in the third stage, the form of protrusion, which precedes the intervertebral hernia. The nucleus pulposus gradually shifts and begins to protrude beyond the anatomical boundaries. Due to pinching of the nerve endings or spinal cord, the pain syndrome extends not only to the neck area, but also to the entire collar area, as well as the upper limbs. Headaches and dizziness caused by narrowing of blood vessels;
- The fourth stage of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by the destruction of the disc and the formation of bone growths - osteophytes. Pain becomes constant, movement is limited, muscles weaken to the point of atrophy. Symptoms become severe: loss of coordination is observed, visual acuity and hearing decrease. It is no longer possible to cure cervical osteochondrosis at this stage, and surgical methods are used.
Principles and methods of treatment
Therapy for osteochondrosis is always comprehensive and includes not only medication, but also physical therapy, massage, exercise therapy and diet. Emergency medicine for severe pain is 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, 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 of several groups are prescribed:
- muscle relaxants;
- B vitamins;
- chondroprotector;
- vasodilators (vasodilators);
- diuretics (diuretics);
- ways to improve 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 the physiological norm and thin the blood. As a result, the brain receives nutrition and oxygen in the required quantity, which has a positive effect on its function.
To relieve patients from painful symptoms such as dizziness and cramps, a combination of vasodilating drugs with nootropic or antiplatelet agents is used. Depending on the stage of the disease and the condition of the patient, 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 the case of severely impaired blood circulation, the doctor may prescribe a short course of injections; after the acute symptoms are relieved, therapy is continued through oral administration of tablets.
Elimination of muscle spasms
Osteochondrosis is always accompanied by muscle tension where the pathological focus is located. Mobility of the affected area is affected and pain occurs. Skeletal muscle hypertonicity is generally considered a protective response to pain. To reduce muscle spasms, 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 higher care, for example, drivers.
Chondroprotectors
Chondroprotective agents are used to restore and strengthen the intervertebral disc cartilage tissue. It is possible to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with the help of these drugs only in the initial stages, because in advanced cases they will not have an 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 interrupted, cartilage tissue loses moisture and becomes thinner.
Chondroprotectors contain chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid in various combinations. When taken, your own production of chondroitin is activated, as a result of which the cartilage tissue becomes denser and the mobility of the spine is restored.
The latest generation medicine also contains additional ingredients - vitamins and anti-inflammatory components.
In most cases, patients are given chondroprotectors in tablets, but sometimes there is a need for intramuscular or intra-articular injections. Topical products can also be used, but they have the least noticeable effect.
Keep in mind that the effect of chondroprotector therapy will be noticeable 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 this disease, and physiotherapy only works in combination with drug treatment. The main objective of the procedure is to stimulate the recovery process in the body and relieve 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 a low power current supplied to a special plate. Under the plate is a tampon impregnated with medicine. Since the electrical conductivity of the skin is relatively low, the medicinal substance penetrates into the inner layers and alleviates the patient's condition.
If electrophoresis is carried out with an anesthetic, the pain syndrome will be relieved, and the use of vasodilators helps to increase blood flow.
The result of magnetic therapy is better blood circulation and a reduction in the manifestations of the inflammatory process - swelling and pain. Magnetic treatment can be carried out at home, and in some cases it can partially replace taking medication. For this, you need a special device.
To treat back diseases, a low-intensity laser with an infrared spectrum is used. The laser beam penetrates deep into the tissue and affects 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 function of muscle structures is restored.
Darsonval is a directional action device through a rapidly decaying pulse current. During the procedure, alternating current is supplied to the body through glass electrodes with gas and promotes:
- increased blood circulation;
- reduce pain sensitivity threshold;
- improve the function of the nervous system;
- normalization of blood vessel tone;
- increase the body's defenses.
It should be noted that Darsonval is used at any stage of osteochondrosis.
The healing power of massage
Therapeutic massage for cervical spine osteochondrosis is undoubtedly the most pleasant, accessible and effective therapeutic method. However, 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 rest.
The massage begins with a stroking motion in the direction from the back of the head to the upper back. Stroking should also cover the side 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, as it were, squeeze it. The effect is limited to soft tissue; vertebrae are not involved in the process. Squeezing is done very carefully, especially in the first session. Movement 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 inner layers of the tissue, it is performed according to the patient's diagnosis, so as not to aggravate the pathology.
Rubbing is necessary to increase blood circulation by warming the skin. It is carried out using the fingertips or sawing movements of the lateral surface of the palm.
Circular rubbing movements are also allowed. Rubbing starts from the top 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 ended with a bang; you can replace it with low-intensity squats. Finally vibration is used. The total duration of a massage session is 25-30 minutes, the number of standard procedures is 10.
Orthopedic device
To minimize the manifestation 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, because during or after a night's rest, the most unpleasant symptoms are felt - headaches, blood pressure spikes, dizziness and discomfort in the shoulders.
All these manifestations indicate a violation of blood circulation, and orthopedic pillows will help correct the situation.
When choosing a product, you should consider the following parameters:
- The ideal shape for patients with osteochondrosis is a rectangle. Rolls and square pillows can be used for short-term rest; sleeping on it is absolutely not recommended;
- height must be at least 5 cm, but not more than 10 cm;
- width - slightly wider than the shoulders of the sleeping person;
- hardness - medium. Pillows that are too soft or hard are not suitable. In addition, orthopedic products are produced mainly with medium hardness.
Another useful device is the needle applicator, which can be easily used at home. This device is a spiked mat made of elastic material, which is applied to the collar area.
The massager should be placed on a small, narrow pad or cushion so that the bend in the neck is maintained and there is no too painful sensation. There are also models sold in the form of rollers, which are also suitable for the treatment of cervical chondrosis.
You can lie on a needle or roller mat for up to half an hour, but for the first session 5-7 minutes is enough. It is recommended to change body position or roll over during use. This procedure is carried out 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 better to remove 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 an efficient approach to treatment and patients following medical recommendations, you can achieve significant improvement and live a full and comfortable life even in old age. So healthy!