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 not treated at this stage, the pathological process ends with rupture of the fibrous ring and herniated disc occurs. In turn, it begins to compress the spinal nerves or the spinal cord itself, resulting in compression syndromes.
Characteristics and stages of development
A distinctive feature of osteochondrosis of the cervical segment is a fairly diverse set of symptoms, which includes headaches and dizziness, instability of blood pressure, feeling of lack of air, numbness of the upper extremities, etc.
All this not only brings considerable discomfort to life, but also complicates the diagnosis, since a person does not immediately turn to a neurologist, but turns 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 of the replacement of the nucleus pulposus with fibrous tissue, and clinical manifestations occur only when the nerve roots are irritated. Pathological changes are observed on the outside of the cartilage and are necessarily accompanied by compression of nerve endings and blood vessels. Symptoms are pain in various locations, cracking and clicking sounds 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 of 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 depend 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 are severe fatigue and discomfort felt in the neck muscles;
- the second phase 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, caused by compression of the nerve roots due to a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs;
- in the third phase a protrusion is formed which precedes an 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 to the upper extremities. Headaches and dizziness are caused by constriction of blood vessels;
- The fourth stage of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by the destruction of the discs and the formation of bone growths - osteophytes. The pain becomes constant, movements are limited, muscles weaken to the point of atrophy. Symptoms become severe: loss of coordination is observed, visual and auditory acuity decreases. At this stage it is no longer possible to cure cervical osteochondrosis and surgical methods are used.
Principles and methods of treatment
Therapy for osteochondrosis is always comprehensive and includes not only medications, but also physical therapy, massage, physical 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 the nerve endings. To enhance the effect, you can use ointments and creams that act directly on the source of pain and are safer than tablets.
During 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 of different 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 levels and thin the blood. As a result, the brain receives nutrition 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 vasodilator drugs with nootropics or antiplatelet agents are used. Depending on the stage of the disease and the patient's condition, drugs that improve blood circulation may be prescribed.
For more effective treatment, these drugs are combined with antiplatelet agents and nootropic drugs. In case of severely impaired blood circulation, the doctor may prescribe a short-term course of injections; once the acute symptoms have been alleviated, therapy continues with the oral administration of tablets.
Elimination of 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 occurs. Skeletal muscle hypertonicity is usually considered a protective reaction to pain. To reduce muscle spasticity, muscle relaxants are prescribed.
When dealing with muscle relaxants, it is necessary to take into account their effect on psychomotor reactions and the ability to concentrate. This applies to patients whose professional activities require more care, for example vehicle drivers.
Chondroprotectors
Chondroprotective agents are used to restore and strengthen the cartilaginous tissue of the intervertebral discs. It is possible to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with the help of these drugs only in the initial stages, since in advanced cases they will not have any effect.
In a healthy person, chondroitin is produced in sufficient quantities, ensuring complete hydration of the cartilage. If for some reason the synthesis of chondroitin is interrupted, 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 of medicines also contains additional substances: vitamins and anti-inflammatory components.
In most cases, patients are prescribed chondroprotectors in tablets, but sometimes intramuscular or intraarticular injections are required. Topical products can also be used, but they have the least pronounced effect.
It is worth noting that the effect of chondroprotective therapy will become 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 eliminate the disease, and physiotherapy works only in combination with drug treatment. The main goal of the procedures is to stimulate recovery processes in the body and eliminate pain.
The most effective methods are:
- electrophoresis, which allows drugs to be administered directly to the affected area;
- ultrasound;
- magnetotherapy;
- darsonval;
- laser.
The action of electrophoresis is based on the use of low-power currents supplied to special plates. Under the pads are pads impregnated with drugs. Since the electrical conductivity of the skin is quite low, medicinal substances penetrate into the deep layers and alleviate 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 magnetic therapy is an improvement in blood circulation and a reduction in the manifestations of the inflammatory process - swelling and pain. Treatment with magnets can be carried out at home and in some cases it can even partially replace taking medications. For this you will need a special device.
For the treatment of back diseases, a low-intensity laser with an infrared spectrum is used. The laser beams penetrate deep into the tissue and target the deformed area of the spine. As a result, metabolic processes in the cartilage tissue are activated, nerve endings are freed from compression, and the normal functioning of muscle structures is restored.
Darsonval is a device of direct action through a rapidly decaying impulsive current. During the procedure, alternating current is supplied to the body through a glass electrode with gas and promotes:
- increased blood circulation;
- reduce the pain threshold of sensitivity;
- improve 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 spine 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 feels comfortable and can relax.
The massage begins with stroking movements in the direction from the back of the head to the upper back. The caresses should also cover the lateral areas 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 performed with the thumb and forefinger, which grasp the skin and, as it were, compress it. The impact is limited to the soft tissues, the vertebrae are not involved in the process. Squeezing is performed very carefully, especially in the first sessions. The movements go 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 the half-bent fingers, first along the spine and then along the sides of the neck. Since the kneading affects the deep layers of the tissues, it is carried out based on the patient's diagnosis, so as not to aggravate the pathology.
Rubbing is necessary to increase blood circulation by warming the skin. It is performed using fingertips or sawing movements of the lateral surfaces of the palms.
Circular rubbing movements are also allowed. The rub starts at the top of the neck and gradually moves towards the shoulder girdle, capturing the trapezius muscle. If the patient experiences pain or discomfort, efforts should be reduced.
The session ends with some strokes; you can alternate them with low intensity contractions. Finally, vibration is applied. The total duration of a massage session is 25-30 minutes, the standard number of procedures is 10.
Orthopedic devices
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 night rest that unpleasant symptoms are felt most strongly: headache, changes 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 need to consider the following parameters:
- The ideal shape for patients with osteochondrosis is rectangular. For short-term rest, square bolsters and pillows can be used; it is strictly not recommended to sleep on it;
- the height must be at least 5 cm, but not more than 10 cm;
- width – slightly wider than the sleeper's shoulders;
- hardness – medium. Pillows that are too soft or hard are not suitable. Furthermore, orthopedic products are mainly produced of medium hardness.
Another useful device is a needle applicator, which can easily be used at home. This device is a nailed mat made of elastic material, which is applied in the collar area.
The massager should be placed on a small pad or narrow pillow so that it maintains the bend of the neck and does not feel any pain sensation. Models in the form of rollers are also on sale, 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 more times a day.
Dietary nutrition is also an important component of comprehensive treatment. Since excess weight is often an obstacle to rapid recovery, it is best to eliminate processed foods and fast foods from your diet and reduce your intake of salt and sweet soda.
The question "is it possible to cure cervical osteochondrosis" will have a positive answer if the disease is detected at an early stage. Provided that a competent approach to treatment is followed and the patient follows medical recommendations, it is possible to achieve significant improvements and lead a full and comfortable life even in old age. Be healthy!