Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative and dystrophic disease of one section of the spine. With the development of the disease, the intervertebral discs of the neck suffer the most, and the damage spreads to the articular surfaces, ligaments and vertebrae.

Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative and dystrophic disease of one section of the spine. With the development of the disease, the intervertebral discs of the neck suffer the most, and the damage spreads to the articular surfaces, ligaments and vertebrae. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine depends on the current stage of the disease. Pathology is mainly found in patients over 30 years old, but cases are also recorded 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 to the spine, move to the upper limbs, deform into a severe headache. Below we will consider what symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are better to start treatment, find out the causes of the disease and methods used to fight the problem.

Causes and risk factors

The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis in humans is the ability to walk upright acquired by evolution. During 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 goes without the necessary treatment, the less chance there is to stop the degenerative processes. It is almost impossible to restore connective tissue in old age.

Cervical osteochondrosis in old age is mainly 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 increases very quickly, you need to look for the cause of such a disorder.

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

• Lack of physical activity in daily life. In the modern world, a person mainly leads a sedentary lifestyle - he works all day in the office, spends the evening sitting on the couch or at the computer, often drives a car;
• In the process of performing work tasks, the human body often takes an unnatural, tense position (strong forward bending when working at the computer);
• Excessive sports. The opposite reason is playing sports with an uncontrolled load. Not only ordinary citizens face the problem, but also professional athletes;
• Causes of spine misalignment include flat feet, wearing uncomfortable shoes with heels, scoliosis, arthritis, etc. Sh. ;
• Abuse of junk food, obesity;
• severe hypothermia of the cervical spine;
• Nervous strain - frequent stress in everyday life and at work, lack of sleep at night.

Spine syndrome

The complex of symptoms is related to damage to the bones and cartilages of the spinal column. It contains:

• disturbed mobility in the cervical region;
• pain when turning the head;
• X-ray signs of damage to the spine itself and the space between them.

Vertebral artery syndrome

The symptoms are caused by a narrowing or spasm of the vertebral arteries, which are partly responsible for supplying blood to the brain. It is manifested by the following symptoms:

• noise in the ears;
• dizziness;
• jump in blood pressure;
• nausea and vomiting;
• headache;
• vision impairment;
• reduction of working capacity;
• drowsiness;
• Fainting.

Heart syndrome

It resembles a damaged heart muscle and includes:

• Pain or burning sensation behind the breastbone;
• weakness and fatigue;
• rapid pulse.

Radicular syndrome

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

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

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

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

All these risk factors and lifestyle lead to the fact that the intervertebral discs in the cervical region are insufficient. If the problem is not identified and eliminated, the discs will begin to gradually break down, the distance between them will decrease, as a result, this will lead to constant friction of the bones with each other. As the connective tissue wears out, bony growths begin to form on the vertebrae, which tend to grow out of control. In advanced cases, growths begin to press on the surrounding tissues, blood vessels, nerves located in the cervical spine.

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

• Discomfort in the neck, which spreads to the shoulder;
• the appearance of pain in the cervical region during sports;
• stiffness when turning the neck;
• personal headache that is not caused by external factors;
• When you change the position of the head, you hear a characteristic crunch;
• Numbness and loss of sensitivity in some areas of the skin of the back of the head, shoulders, arms, neck;
• hypoxia of troph-dependent organs;
• development of circulatory system pathologies;
• Severe pain causes complete immobilization of the upper shoulder girdle.

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

Diagnosis of cervical spine osteochondrosis

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, it is advisable to seek medical help immediately. The earlier the problem is identified, the more likely it is to be completely corrected. A neurologist deals with the diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

After referring the patient, the neurologist will conduct an interview with the patient and based on his complaints, he will conclude that the disease exists. 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 axilla;
• The location of the line of vertebral processes along the length of the spine.

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

The final diagnosis is not made only on the basis of examination and questioning of the patient. Additional investigations are needed. Most often, the patient is sent for X-ray, computed tomography. If for one reason or another it is impossible to make a final diagnosis, the patient is referred for magnetic resonance imaging. Additional examinations include dopplerography, the procedure allows you to find out the state of the blood circulation system in the cervical region.

Degree of cervical osteochondrosis

The choice of treatment methods for osteochondrosis directly depends on the stage of the disease, which is diagnosed in a particular patient. Usually, 4 stages of osteochondrosis are divided, the division is conditional, since some symptoms can move from one stage to another or not appear at all.

1 degree

At the initial stage of the problem, at this stage, if pain is felt, then it is often attributed to stress or other disorders (improper sleep, prolonged exposure to an uncomfortable posture). The patient may experience slight stiffness and limitation in movements, especially sudden ones. If you are looking for cervical osteochondrosis treatment at this stage, you can eliminate the symptoms at home. To completely remove the problem, it will be possible to limit yourself to special exercises and visits to physiotherapeutic procedures. For prevention, it will be useful to start an active lifestyle (it is enough to take a 20-minute daily walk in the fresh air), adjust the diet (exclude very fatty, fried, salty foods, give preference to fermented milk products, fruits and vegetables, food with enough calcium and trace elements necessary for connective tissueand for the restoration of cartilage tissue).

2 degrees

The pain intensifies, becomes 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 are distracted because they only think about the pain. Some experience numbness in certain areas of the face.

3 degrees

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

4 degrees

A characteristic process is the destruction of the intervertebral discs, the replacement of "empty spaces" with connective tissue. This leads to nerve damage, the pain becomes unbearable, does not disappear without taking special drugs. The patient experiences dizziness, especially with a sudden turn of the head and a change in body position, ringing in the ears, sleep is disturbed, Quality of life deteriorates significantly, disability is possible without treatment.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

The doctor chooses the appropriate method of treatment of the patient depending on the stage of the disease. The most commonly used drug treatment for cervical osteochondrosis is combined with a visit to physiotherapy. In advanced cases, surgery may be required to remove excess connective tissue and bony processes.

conservative treatment

Most often it is based on taking certain medications. Drug treatment helps reduce pain, relieve muscle tension and localize inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers are used.

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

These drugs are prescribed in the form of injections or tablets. A good therapeutic result is shown by ointments made on the basis of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are rubbed into the affected area, relieving pain in 10-20 minutes. The main advantage of ointments is the local effect on the painful area and minimal effect on other organs.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy procedures have several goals at the same time:

• localization of the inflammatory process;
• removal of muscle spasm;
• Alleviation of pain syndrome;
• initiation of regenerative processes;
• raising general and local immunity;
• Restoring the normal position of nerve fibers, eliminating compression and stretching.

Most often, the following procedures are prescribed for cervical osteochondrosis:

1. Shock wave therapy. With the help of a special tool, the acoustic wave is directed directly to the cartilage tissue of the damaged spine. As a result, metabolic processes begin, salt and calcium deposits are destroyed, which prevents the normal movement of the joints and spine. The procedure is characterized by a cumulative effect, often the first results are 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 encounter not only a lack of effect, but also an aggravation of the existing condition. The essence of the procedure is that special needles are installed on biologically active points, which forces the body to start metabolic processes, stimulates the production of natural painkillers.
3. Massage. The main goal is to reduce pain and improve blood circulation in the damaged area of the cervical spine. With proper massage, the muscles regain their lost tone, as a result of which it is possible to eliminate the risk of recurrence of osteochondrosis in the future. When visiting the first massage sessions, the patient experiences 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 the advanced stages of the disease, when the use of medicines and visits to physical therapy procedures do not bring any results. Indication for surgical intervention is catastrophic narrowing of the spinal canal.

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

Physiotherapy

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

1. Bending and tilting the head in different directions. The exercise is performed in a sitting position, it is important not to move, all movements should be smooth with a gradual increase in the number of repetitions and the amplitude of the incline.
2. He tilts his head to the side in defiance. Body position - sitting at the table, one elbow is on the table, and the hand is pressed on the temple. Bend your head toward your hand with little resistance.
3. Shrugging. Raise your shoulders as high as possible and hold this position for a while.
4. The back of the head and neck with fingertips. It is important that the movements are soft and do not cause pain. You can do self-massage in any comfortable position.

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

Manual therapy of cervical osteochondrosis

Manual therapeutic treatment relieves muscle tension and joint blockages, relieves pain and restores the capabilities of the musculoskeletal system. The doctor evaluates the condition of the muscles, determines the pain points and the degree of dislocation of the spinal joint. In addition, with active and passive movements of the hands, it affects the damaged tendons, ligaments and muscles. Manual therapy treatment is contraindicated in acute inflammation and instability of the spine.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture for cervical osteochondrosis is performed using sterile needles that are inserted into pre-selected points at different depths and left for a certain time. The needles are chosen to be 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 tape

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

Orthopedic collars

In the acute period of the disease, a collar for osteochondrosis of the cervical region is needed. It fixes the bones and joints, reduces the load on the affected segment. The collar also corrects the position of the deformed spine and skeletal bones and relieves pain.

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

• Soft pads (shantz collar). This product is made of dense, elastic polyurethane foam, in a fabric cover, in the form of Velcro, buttons or plastic fasteners. With its help, you can adjust the volume of the collar. A soft tire is worn from 2 weeks to 4 months, a break is required after every two hours of use;
• 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 twice a day for five minutes, gradually increasing the time to 30 minutes. They wear an inflatable collar to prevent cervical osteochondrosis;
• Semi-rigid collar. The semi-rigid neck corset is made of polyurethane, with a fastening at the back. Compared to a soft splint, it supports the neck more firmly. It comes in different sizes;
• rigid collar. Made of thermoplastic material with front and rear calipers. It is made according to individual measurements and is recommended during the entire course of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.

Complications of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis causes destruction of the most important structures: blood vessels and nerves. Without treatment, the disease can cause the following complications:

• Ischemic stroke;
• loss of hand sensitivity or motor function;
• difficulty swallowing;
• thyroid disorder;
• Loss or significant reduction of visual acuity.

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

What is dangerous cervical osteochondrosis?

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. It is not always comfortable, so the performance decreases.

As the disease progresses, disc protrusion develops, intervertebral tissues are destroyed, and 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 his head or bend down.

If time does not cure osteochondrosis in the cervical region, it can cause compression of the spinal cord, disability and paralysis.

Prevention

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

1. Watch your posture. Ideal body position - head and back are in one line. Always make sure your shoulders are aligned, your abs are tucked in and your chest is lifted. The gait also plays a role - it should be springy and even. Never give yourself indulgence, in the initial stage it is important to discipline yourself, in the future the correct posture will become a habit.
2. A well-organized workplace. The shoulders should be relaxed while working, the constant tension of the waist belt directly affects the cervical spine. Basic requirements - a chair with a comfortable back and arms, a monitor at eye level, a keyboard below the elbow (the angle between the shoulder and the forearm is about 120 degrees). While working, make it a habit to take breaks every 40-50 minutes with basic stretching exercises.
3. Adjust the car seat correctly. Many drivers are at risk of cervical spine osteochondrosis because they set the driver's seat not according to the rules, but as it suits them. The correct position of the body in the chair - the whole spine touches the back, not just the shoulders. It is advisable to buy special waist pillows that will help the body in the desired position. During a long journey, it is important to go outside after 1, 5-2 hours and warm up.
4. Watch your nutrition. Cervical spine problems are often related to the fact that the patient does not eat properly. Dangerous foods that increase the risk of osteochondrosis include: white bread, rich products, sweets, dishes rich in salt and sugar, fried and fatty foods. The main danger is refined sugar - the substance contributes to the release of calcium from the body. Include legumes and nuts, protein foods, seasonal vegetables and fruits in your daily diet. Low-fat fermented milk products - kefir, fermented baked milk, cottage cheese, natural yogurts - will also have a positive effect. If you are overweight, see a nutritionist.
5. Daily physical activity. Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with the help of physical education at home is an excellent preventive measure against spine diseases. It is important to do exercises at an easy pace, without exceeding the permissible load. If there is no time for a full-fledged set of exercises, make it a rule to take a daily walk.
6. Massage. Correct technique restores muscle tone, relieves tension, starts metabolic and regeneration 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, intervertebral discs experience stress, complete relaxation and rest is possible only during night sleep. For the prevention of osteochondrosis, it is important to organize the right place to sleep and track the time (at least 8 hours).

Sanatorium treatment and its benefits

The sanatorium specializes in identifying the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and treating diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including osteochondrosis of various localizations. Procedures are selected individually for each patient, taking into account the degree of spinal tissue damage, the presence of concomitant diseases, the patient's age and possible contraindications.

An integrated approach is used in practice - a combination of medical treatment with physiotherapy and physiotherapy exercises. This approach helps to forget the problem forever.

A positive effect in the treatment of symptoms of cervical spine osteochondrosis is also shown by mud therapy, manual and machine massage, various physiotherapy.