In the human neck, there are a large number of nerve cords and blood vessels that ensure the normal functioning of the brain and sense organs. The most common cause of their compression is cervical osteochondrosis, a dangerous degenerative disease of cartilage and bone tissue, accompanied by severe pain, deterioration of hearing, vision and cognitive functions, facial numbness and gradual loss of ability. work.
If you are worried about pain and stiffness when turning your head, frequent dizziness or weakness in your hands, it's time to think about cervical osteochondrosis treatment.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis has its own characteristics due to its anatomical structure. The vertebrae of the cervical region are smaller than the lumbar and even the thoracic, and also experience a constant static load (weight of the head). Daytime loads can be expressed by maintaining the same posture - for example, when reading documents, working at the computer. At night, the neck is often deprived of rest due to an unphysiological sleeping position and an uncomfortable pillow (the head either "hangs" on the pillow or is a reference point and is under pressure). As a result of this pre-pathological condition, so-called. muscle overtraining. Certain muscle groups experience extreme stress and therefore need a longer period of rest and recovery - but don't get them - because the schedule is not canceled.
All this leads to constant tension in some muscle groups and dystrophic changes in others, and often leads to the appearance of a "turtle neck" (the person bends, the head protrudes and the neck forms a characteristic bend). In this case, the weight of the head falls on the first cervical vertebra. He is forced to take on that part of the load that the neck muscles can cope with during normal physical development. But the fact is that he is not suited for such a position at all!
There are often additional factors that can accelerate the wear of intervertebral cartilage in the cervical spine:
- age-related and hormonal changes - most often after the age of 45 (inorganic substances prefer organic substances, which reduces the elasticity of bones and causes their mineralization, and the destruction of bone tissue occurs faster than growth);
- damage to the neck and other parts of the spine;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- congenital anomalies of the musculoskeletal system and acquired posture disorders;
- hypodynamia (after all, the intervertebral joints of the neck are the most mobile and various loads are necessary for their health);
- smoking and other bad habits.
Stages of cervical osteochondrosis
The stage of cervical osteochondrosis is established based on diagnostic criteria. These include the patient's own feelings, palpation, assessment of neck mobility, as well as the space between the vertebrae and other indicators on X-ray. Depending on the stage of the disease, the orthopedist chooses the treatment of neck osteochondrosis, preventive measures and, if necessary, supporting orthoses.
1 degree of cervical osteochondrosis
The 1st degree of cervical osteochondrosis is also called the preclinical stage. Patients, as a rule, ignore the first signs of cervical osteochondrosis, and due to their mild severity, treatment is not carried out. They are associated with fatigue after a working day, uncomfortable sleep position, stress, migraines and various ailments. Patients feel:
- stiffness in the neck, especially in the morning or after a long stay in the same position;
- pain with sharp turns of the head;
- frequent headaches (including weather changes).
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women at this stage of the disease is most likely - after all, their symptoms are more obvious. This is related to the characteristics of both work and physical activity (for example, working in an office during the day and bending over the sink or doing the child's homework in the evening), as well as hormonal and anatomical characteristics (low muscle mass and bone). mineral density). In the pre-clinical stage, for women, it is characterized by pressure increases, numbness and whitening of the skin (especially on the face), fainting and dizziness, nausea and some other symptoms of cerebral hypoxia.
Most often, the symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are met by patients aged 45-65 years, but with chronic fatigue, excessive physical activity and other risk factors, they can appear quite early - from the age of 25.
At this stage, the disease can be completely defeated by therapeutic exercises, ointments for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, training in an orthopedic regimen and normalization of nutrition.
Cervical osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree
In the 2nd stage of the disease, the height of the intervertebral cartilage begins to decrease, which acts as a shock-absorbing attachment between the vertebrae. Therefore, microtraumatization of the neck often occurs during sharp turns, jumps or excessive loads. Protrusion (bulging) of intervertebral discs, radicular syndrome (compression of nerve endings) is also seen.
These changes cause severe pain - both in the head and in the neck. The ability to concentrate, the speed of thinking, the sensitivity of the face and hands decreases. Patients complain of increased fatigue and irritability. At this stage, effective drug treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is required.
Cervical osteochondrosis of the 3rd degree
Severe and sharp pain is permanent, can be given to arms, upper back, neck. One or both arms of the patient get tired quickly. Due to the disruption of the natural compensatory functions of the spine, the process begins to move to neighboring joints. Due to the resulting bone growths - osteophytes, as well as the replacement of cartilage with connective tissue, the patient becomes difficult or unable to turn his head at all. Each movement is accompanied, if possible, by a rough crunch. The neck loses its mobility, its muscles atrophy. Tears are often formed, cracks appear in the vertebrae. Noise is heard in the ears.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out comprehensively, taking into account the patient's age, structure, profession, level of physical fitness, lifestyle and the presence of concomitant diseases. Therefore, the appropriateness of special therapeutic measures in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men should be determined by the attending physician.
Physiotherapy for cervical osteochondrosis
The following physiotherapeutic methods are used to treat cervical osteochondrosis in order to relieve pain, relieve inflammation, improve nerve conduction and brain nutrition:
- ultrasound therapy and phonophoresis - have a warming effect, improve the effect of external drugs;
- electrophoresis - increases the effect of applied drugs, has a stimulating and warming effect;
- shock wave therapy (SWT) - activates blood circulation, eliminates inflammation and improves bone and cartilage tissue regeneration;
- electromyostimulation - improves the mobility and endurance of the neck and arms, relieves pain;
- cold and ozone therapy - reduces pain and inflammation, helps to reduce the dose of corticosteroid drugs;
- physical therapy and kinesitherapy - strengthens neck muscles, improves blood circulation and metabolism, maintains neck mobility;
- manual therapy and mechanical traction (traction) - helps to get rid of cramps and pain;
- acupuncture - helps maintain mobility and nerve sensitivity;
- paraffin applications - stimulate metabolic processes, reduce pain.
Sanatorium methods for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are effective and preferable - for example, balneotherapy (hydrogen sulfide, radon and turpentine baths) hirudotherapy (leech treatment).
Massage in the treatment of neck osteochondrosis
Therapeutic, lymphatic drainage massage and physiotherapy have a positive effect on intervertebral discs, bone tissue, muscles and ligaments of the cervical region. Some movements can be performed independently - for example, rubbing the neck-collar, parotid zone and shoulders, washing the neck with fingers and the edge of the palm, hitting along the back of the neck, stroking and lifting movements. In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebra, there will be a circular massage of the back of the head, as well as a warming massage for the clavicular region, shoulders and upper back. Massage is especially effective before exercise therapy exercises. You can combine it with the application of an ointment for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
Hydromassage is also recommended for neck osteochondrosis - a physiotherapeutic method that improves metabolism, inhibits fibrous growths, helps to get rid of headaches and improves nerve conduction.
Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis
Lack of adequate physical activity in the muscles of the neck and back is the main reason for the development and further progression of cervical osteochondrosis. Therefore, daily gymnastics is used both for the prevention and treatment of this disease (but not for the treatment of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis! ). Remember that exercises should be done at least 3-5 times a day (1 time in the morning after waking up). All movements should be smooth, without jerks. If you feel pain during exercise, stop it, and if the whole complex is painful for you, contact an orthopedist for medical treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, as well as visit an exercise therapy instructor.
You can do the following exercises daily (5-7 repetitions):
- Press your palm to your forehead and strain your neck, try to move your palm with your forehead. Repeat this exercise for the back of the head, and then for the right and left temples.
- Tilt your head back and then slowly lower it, pressing your chin to your chest.
- Stand straight and turn your head as far to the left as possible. Repeat the exercise on the right side.
- Tilt your head back and try to touch your shoulder with your ear. Repeat on both sides.
- Lower your chin to the nape of your neck and turn your head first to one side (5 times) and then to the other side in the same way.
Warming up for the shoulders, for example, "mill" will no longer be. In the early stages of the disease, daily exercises help without pills for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
Please remember: If you have already been diagnosed with osteochondrosis, you should not describe a complete circle with your head, because. can be traumatic.
Diet in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region can be classified as so-called. "diseases of the whole organism". Therefore, the diet in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis has two goals: to saturate the body with nutrients and to limit substances that contribute to dehydration, mineralization of joints and their destruction.
Therefore, in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, a special place in the diet should be:
- Poultry, lean beef, game, liver and offal. .
- Seafood - fish, shellfish, crustaceans, edible algae.
- Eggs and dairy products.
- Whole grains and legumes - oats, wheat (including sprouted), brown rice, beans, peas.
- Vegetables - carrots, spinach, bell pepper, broccoli, lettuce, etc.
- Fruits - apricots, bananas, citrus fruits, plums, apples, avocados, peaches, pomegranates.
- nuts.
- Any berries (fresh, dried, frozen) and dried fruits.
But marinades, salty foods, fast food, semi-finished products and sausages should be completely excluded. It is also important to reduce white bread, potatoes, sweets (except for dark chocolate and dried fruits), carbonated drinks and coffee from "bags" in the menu - this will reduce the need for drug treatment of cervical lumbar osteochondrosis.
Preparations for osteochondrosis
Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis includes various therapeutic measures - from massage and diet to therapeutic exercises and physiotherapy. All of them help to improve the patient's condition and prevent the development of complications. But the leading method has been and remains the use of medicinal preparations for osteochondrosis.
Goals of medical treatment
Treatment of osteochondrosis with drugs is so effective in the initial stages of the disease that with the right treatment regimen, osteochondrosis can be completely cured or its most unpleasant symptoms can be permanently eliminated. In the later stages, medical protection of the disease is possible.
Medicines for osteochondrosis are designed not only to have a symptomatic effect on the disease, but also to systematically eliminate its causes. Therefore, therapy is carried out in the following directions:
- anesthesia of the affected areas;
- elimination of inflammation and relief of the acute period of the disease;
- restoration of microcirculation in affected tissues;
- improvement of metabolic processes and protection of cartilage from further destruction (for example, by free radicals);
- restoration of cartilage tissue in intervertebral discs;
- restoration of mobility in vertebral joints.
In cases where the disease is accompanied by depression or emotional stress, therapy is also aimed at restoring the normal psychological state.
During the period of remission, patients can do without medication or take preventive doses in courses.
Medicines for the effective treatment of osteochondrosis: release form
Agents for external and internal use are used for the treatment of osteochondrosis. The choice of the release form of the drug depends on the patient's habits and lifestyle, accompanying diagnoses and the stage of the disease.
Tablets and capsules
Tablets and capsules are the most popular form of release for osteochondrosis. They have high bioavailability and systemic effects on the body.
Tablets should be taken directly with food, usually 2 times a day.
The main drawback of tablets (especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) is that they directly affect the mucous membrane of the digestive system. Constant use of such drugs is not recommended due to the risk of inflammation and stomach ulcers. They should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor.
Ointments, gels, creams and solutions for compresses
Topical products are excellent for local anesthesia, inflammation and swelling. They are considered safer for the body than tablets because they do not come into contact with mucous membranes and are absorbed into the blood in small amounts. Topical preparations do not have a cumulative effect, are easy to use and usually do not require a prescription. They can be used continuously, not in courses. Among the forms of external release, it is worth highlighting patches - they are simply fixed on the affected area of the spine, they can be worn under clothes all day.
Ointments, gels and creams are the best drugs for osteochondrosis for patients with contraindications to taking pills (with steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory components) from the heart and endocrine system.
Solutions for injections
Medicines for intravenous and intramuscular administration have maximum bioavailability and reduce the effect on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, since the active substances enter the blood directly.
Injection drugs for osteochondrosis can quickly stop the exacerbation of the disease, relieve pain, swelling and restore the sensitivity of nerve endings. Injections are an excellent alternative to oral medications for lactose intolerant patients. After all, most NSAIDs in tablets are lactose-containing drugs.
With particularly severe back pain, the drug is applied in the form of a blockade - directly to the nerve. The effect of such an injection lasts up to 3-4 weeks, but due to the proximity of the blockade to the spine, a qualified medical practitioner must perform the procedure.
What drugs should be taken with osteochondrosis?
Medicines for osteochondrosis do not differ only in the form of release. They are also divided into the following pharmacological groups.
Anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis
The work of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in osteochondrosis is based on the suppression of the production of prostaglandins - hormone-like substances that cause inflammation and pain in the affected areas. Non-steroidal drugs for osteochondrosis can quickly relieve pain and heat of the skin, restore local metabolism, relieve swelling, discomfort and deterioration of sensitivity, reduce pressure on the nerve roots of the spine.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis are produced in various dosage forms - capsules and tablets, gels and creams, solutions for intramuscular, intravenous or s / c administration. Treatment of NSAIDs with drugs for osteochondrosis usually involves a combination of different forms. For example, tablets are used as the main therapy, gels and ointments "extinguish" residual inflammation, and injections are needed to relieve pain. Patches help relieve inflammation at all stages of treatment.
Steroid (hormonal) anti-inflammatory drugs are rarely used for osteochondrosis - mainly in the most advanced cases, when other treatments have failed.
Chondroprotectors
With osteochondrosis, the spring function of the intervertebral discs deteriorates, which directly depends on the volume and elasticity of the cartilage tissue. To maintain sufficient cartilage thickness, the body must regenerate cartilage cells (chondrocytes) at a rate roughly matching their destruction. However, with dehydration, unbalanced nutrition, stress, metabolic or anatomical disorders, the rate of decay of chondrocytes increases, and the growth of new cells either slows down or does not have a sufficient margin of safety. To protect cartilage and restore normal growth rate, it is worth taking special products based on glucosamine and chondroitin - chondroprotectors. For the effective treatment of osteochondrosis, chondroprotective drugs can stabilize the condition of cartilage, prevent its further destruction and help to restore lost chondrocytes in accordance with all medical recommendations.
For a lasting effect, chondroprotectors (in the form of tablets, injections or external agents) should be taken for life, in courses of 3-6 months.
Warm-up preparations
So-called to relieve discomfort in osteochondrosis. warming drugs. They are:
- expand the blood vessels of the skin, which prevents the transmission of pain impulses to the brain;
- improve blood microcirculation in the connective tissue;
- distracting the patient from anxiety.
When irritant drugs are applied, the peak effect is observed after half an hour, and the analgesic effect lasts for 2-4 hours. A local increase in skin temperature is normal.
The list of drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis includes ointments, creams, gels and tinctures:
- camphor (camphor ointment);
- turpentine;
- benzyl nicotinate;
- unreliable;
- capsaicin (tincture of red pepper);
- bee and snake venom.
Most of these drugs have a combined composition - for example, bee venom and NSAIDs or snake venom, salicylic acid and turpentine. Therefore, before use, you should make sure that you are not allergic to any of the components.
Local and general analgesics
Painkillers for osteochondrosis are usually used in the form of tablets and injections. With moderate pain syndrome, common medicines in the first aid kit can help.
In the later stages of osteochondrosis, opioids are prescribed - strong drugs with a number of contraindications.
For complex anesthesia (for example, blockade), so-called. At the same time, "cocktails" that have an analgesic, decongestant, anti-inflammatory, local anesthetic and allergen-reducing effect.
It is important! Analgesics only relieve pain without affecting the cause. Therefore, without proper treatment, osteochondrosis continues to progress, requiring a transition to more and more serious pain relievers.
Vasodilators
Vasodilator drugs or vasodilators for osteochondrosis help to restore normal blood supply to the tissues around the affected intervertebral joints.
Blood vessels constrict due to pain and muscle tension. This worsens tissue nutrition, causes oxygen starvation of the brain and accelerates the progression of the disease. Therefore, drugs to normalize blood circulation with cervical osteochondrosis are especially important.
Vascular drugs for osteochondrosis improve peripheral blood circulation and cell metabolism, relieve pain.
Antispasmodics and muscle relaxants
Antispasmodics and muscle relaxants are used to relieve spasm and tension. They normalize blood circulation, relieve pain, restore mobility.
To increase the effect of muscle relaxants for osteochondrosis, they can be prescribed together with clonazepam or diazepam (prescription drugs).
These drugs can be addictive, so use with caution.
Tranquilizers
Symptoms of osteochondrosis and drug treatment often cause chronic stress, emotional stress, depression and other disorders of the psycho-emotional spectrum in patients.
For general sedation and insomnia, you can use herbal preparations - for example, valerian, motherwort, peony tincture.
Antidepressants are recommended for more serious disorders.
Vitamin and mineral complexes
Since osteochondrosis is considered a disease of the whole body, complex vitamin-mineral therapy is of great importance. Vitamins A, groups B, C, D, E, calcium and phosphorus preparations help to significantly improve the condition.
Vitamin Aa natural antioxidant that stimulates the production of collagen and reduces the destruction of chondrocytes, helping to regenerate joint tissues.
B vitaminsreduces pain, inflammation and numbness of the hands, improves sensitivity of nerve fibers.
Vitamin Dis responsible for the absorption of calcium and helps restore bone tissue lost as a result of osteochondrosis.
Vitamin Eit is necessary for the normalization of blood circulation, protection from free radicals and cartilage regeneration.
Prevention
If attention is paid to the prevention of cervical osteochondrosis, even with the existing changes, their progression will be significantly slowed down. Doctors recommend:
- lead an active lifestyle, avoid hypodynamia;
- minimize or eliminate heavy loads;
- sleeping on an orthopedic mattress and pillow;
- If you need to work at the computer for a long time, do regular warm-up exercises.
The ideal sport for osteochondrosis is swimming. Water relaxes the spine, and active movements help build a muscular frame.