Osteochondrosis is a disease that affects the intervertebral discs and causes the development of reactive changes in the paravertebral (paravertebral) structures. Under the influence of a number of factors, the annulus fibrosus is loosened and the nucleus pulposus penetrates it.
If not treated at this stage, the pathological process ends with the rupture of the fibrous ring and a herniated disc occurs. It, in turn, begins to compress the spinal nerves or the spinal cord itself, which causes compression syndromes.
Features and stages of development
A distinctive feature of osteochondrosis of the cervical segment is headache and dizziness, instability of blood pressure, feeling of lack of air, numbness of the upper limbs, etc.
All this not only brings significant inconvenience to life, but also complicates the diagnosis, because a person does not immediately consult a neurologist, but consults a cardiologist, orthopedist or therapist. The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is prescribed taking into account two factors - physiological, which involves the natural aging of the body, and pathological - the presence of inflammatory or degenerative processes in the patient.
Physiological changes consist in the replacement of the pulpous nucleus with fibrous tissue, and clinical manifestations occur 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 include pain in various locations, crunching and clicking when dizzy, 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, and 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 vulnerable to various injuries and dislocations.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and its duration mainly depends on the stage of the disease:
- in the initial stage of development, there are practically no obvious symptoms, and only after a serious load or as a result of a long stay in a static position, severe fatigue and discomfort are felt in the neck muscles;
- the second stage is characterized by a change in the configuration of the discs - they begin to flatten and sag, which causes instability of the spine. Pain syndrome occurs during movements caused by compression of nerve roots due to a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs;
- in the third stage, a protrusion appears before the intervertebral tear. The nucleus pulposus gradually changes and begins to extend beyond the anatomical boundaries. Due to compression of the nerve endings or spinal cord, the pain syndrome spreads not only to the neck area, but also to the entire collar area, as well as to the upper limbs. Headaches and dizziness are caused by compression of blood vessels;
- The fourth stage of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by the destruction of discs and the formation of bone growths - osteophytes. Pain is constant, movements are limited, muscles weaken to the point of atrophy. Symptoms worsen: loss of coordination is observed, visual and hearing acuity decreases. 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 drug therapy, but also physical therapy, massage, exercise therapy and diet. Emergency medications for severe pain are 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 remission, heating and massage ointments with bee venom and plant extracts are used. These drugs help relieve muscle spasms, improve blood circulation, and restore nutrition to inflamed tissues.
Medicines of several groups are prescribed for the effective treatment of osteochondrosis:
- muscle relaxant;
- 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, widen the vascular lumen to physiological norms and thin the blood. As a result, the brain receives the necessary amount of nutrients and oxygen, which has a positive effect on its activity.
Combinations of vasodilator drugs with nootropics or antiplatelet agents are used to relieve the patient from painful symptoms such as dizziness and spasm. Depending on the stage of the disease and the condition of the patient, drugs that improve blood circulation can be prescribed.
For more effective treatment, these drugs are combined with antiplatelet agents, as well as nootropic drugs. In case of severe blood circulation disorders, the doctor can prescribe a short-term course of injections, after the acute symptoms are eliminated, the therapy continues with the oral administration of tablets.
Elimination of muscle spasms
Osteochondrosis is always accompanied by muscle tension at the location of the pathological focus. Mobility of the affected area is impaired and pain occurs. Skeletal muscle hypertonicity is usually considered a protective response to pain. Muscle relaxants are prescribed to reduce muscle spasticity.
During treatment with muscle relaxants, their effect on psychomotor reactions and ability to concentrate should be taken into account. This applies to patients whose professional activity requires increased care, for example, drivers of vehicles.
Chondroprotectors
Chondroprotective agents are used to restore and strengthen the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs. With the help of these drugs, it is possible to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine only in the early stages, because it will not have any effect in advanced cases.
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 its 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 drugs also contain additional substances - vitamins and anti-inflammatory components.
In most cases, patients are prescribed chondroprotectors in tablets, but sometimes intramuscular or intra-articular injections are needed. Topical products can also be used, but they have the least noticeable effect.
It should be noted that the effect of chondroprotector therapy will be noticeable only after a few months.
Physiotherapy
Is it possible to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with physiotherapeutic methods? Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely get rid of the disease, and physiotherapy works only in combination with drug treatment. The main purpose of the procedures is to stimulate recovery processes 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 low-power currents supplied to special plates. Under the plates are tampons impregnated with drugs. Since the electrical conductivity of the skin is extremely low, medicinal substances penetrate deep layers and alleviate the patient's condition.
If electrophoresis is performed under anesthesia, the pain syndrome is eliminated, and the use of a vasodilator helps to increase blood flow.
The result of magnetic therapy is the improvement of blood circulation and the reduction of manifestations of the inflammatory process - swelling and pain. Magnetic therapy can be performed at home and in some cases can even partially replace taking medication. You will need a special device for this.
A low-intensity laser with an infrared spectrum is used to treat back diseases. Laser rays penetrate deep into the tissue and affect the deformed area of the spine. As a result, metabolic processes in cartilage tissue are activated, nerve endings are freed from compression, normal activity of muscle structures is restored.
A darsonval is a motion device directed through a rapidly decaying pulse current. During the procedure, alternating current is supplied to the body through a gaseous glass electrode and helps:
- increased blood circulation;
- reduce the pain threshold of sensitivity;
- improving the functioning of the nervous system;
- normalization of the tone of blood vessels;
- 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 osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is undoubtedly the most pleasant, accessible and effective therapeutic method. However, this should be left to a qualified professional. You can massage the collar area while sitting or lying on your stomach. The main thing is that the patient is comfortable and able to rest.
The massage begins with strokes from the back of the head to the back. Stroking should also cover the side areas of the neck. 10-12 strokes are performed with minimal effort so that the skin does not move relative to the muscles.
Longitudinal compression is done with the thumb and forefinger, holding the skin and squeezing it. The effect is limited to soft tissues, the vertebrae are not involved in the process. Especially in the first sessions, squeezing is done very carefully. The movements are 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 by 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 the tissue, it is done according to the patient's diagnosis in order not to aggravate the pathology.
It should be rubbed to increase blood circulation by warming the skin. It is performed by sawing movements of the tips of the fingers or the side surfaces of the palms.
Circular rubbing movements are also allowed. The friction starts at the top of the neck and gradually moves towards the shoulder girdle, engaging the trapezius muscle. Efforts should be reduced if the patient feels pain or discomfort.
The session ends with strokes, you can replace 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
Various orthopedic products are used to minimize the manifestations of osteochondrosis and increase the effect of treatment. Special attention should be paid to the position of the head and neck during sleep, because unpleasant symptoms are most noticeable during or after night rest - headache, increase in blood pressure, 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 a rectangle. For short-term rest, you can use supports and square pillows, it is absolutely not recommended to sleep on them;
- height at least 5 cm, but not more than 10 cm;
- width - slightly wider than the shoulders of the sleeper;
- hardness - medium. Too soft or hard pillows are not suitable. In addition, orthopedic products are mainly produced in medium hardness.
Another useful device is a needle applicator that can be easily used at home. This device is a studded mat made of flexible material that is applied to the collar area.
The massager should be placed on a small narrow pillow or pillow so that the bend in the neck is maintained and there are no too painful sensations. On sale there are models in the form of a roller, 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 5-7 minutes are enough for the first sessions. It is recommended to change the body position or roll during use. The procedure is performed 1 or more times a day.
Diet food is also an important component of complex treatment. Since excess weight often hinders recovery, it is better to eliminate processed foods and fast foods from the diet, and reduce the consumption of salt and sweet soda.
If the disease is detected at an early stage, it will give a positive answer to the question "can cervical osteochondrosis be treated? "With a competent approach to treatment and the patient's compliance with medical recommendations, you can achieve significant improvement and lead a full, comfortable life even in old age. Bless you!