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 various 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 a herniated disc occurs. This, in turn, begins to compress the spinal nerves or the spinal cord itself, which gives rise to compression syndromes.
Features and development stages
A distinctive feature of osteochondrosis of the cervical segment is a rather diverse set of symptoms, which includes headaches and dizziness, instability of blood pressure, a feeling of shortness of breath, numbness in the upper extremities, etc.
All of this not only brings great discomfort to life, but also makes the diagnosis difficult, as the person does not immediately seek out a neurologist, but rather goes to a cardiologist, orthopedist or therapist. Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is prescribed taking into account two factors - physiological, which implies natural aging of the body, and pathological - the presence of inflammatory or degenerative processes in the patient.
Physiological changes consist of the replacement of the nucleus pulposus by fibrous tissue, and clinical manifestations only occur 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 are pain in various locations, popping and clicking sounds when turning the head, muscle weakness or numbness.
The cervical region is the most mobile and experiences less stress compared to 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:
- at the initial stage of development there are practically no pronounced symptoms, and only after an intense load or as a result of a long stay in a static position, severe fatigue and discomfort in the neck muscles are felt;
- the second stage 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 stage, a protrusion forms that precedes an intervertebral hernia. The nucleus pulposus gradually changes and begins to protrude beyond anatomical limits. Due to compression of the nerve endings or spinal cord, the pain syndrome extends not only to the neck region, but also to the entire collar region, as well as the upper limbs. 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 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 hearing acuity decreases. It is no longer possible to cure cervical osteochondrosis at this stage and surgical methods are used.
Treatment principles and methods
Therapy for osteochondrosis is always comprehensive and includes not only medications, but also physiotherapy, massage, exercise therapy and diet. Emergency medications for severe pain are analgesics. Medicines 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 the pain and are safer than pills.
During the period of remission, warming and massage ointments containing bee venom and plant extracts are used. These medications help relieve muscle spasms, improve blood circulation and restore nutrition to inflamed tissues.
For the effective treatment of osteochondrosis, medications from several groups are prescribed:
- muscle relaxants;
- B vitamins;
- chondroprotectors;
- vasodilators (vasodilators);
- diuretics (diuretics);
- means for improving 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. The use of vasodilators is necessary to activate microcirculation, expand the vascular lumen to physiological standards and thin the blood. As a result, the brain receives nutrition and oxygen in the required quantity, which has a positive effect on its functioning.
To relieve the patient of painful symptoms, such as dizziness and spasms, combinations of vasodilator medications with nootropics or antiplatelet drugs are used. Depending on the stage of the disease and the patient's condition, medications that improve blood circulation may be prescribed.
For more effective treatment, these medications are combined with antiplatelet agents as well as nootropic medications. In case of severely impaired blood circulation, the doctor may prescribe a short-term course of injections; After relief of acute symptoms, therapy continues through oral administration of tablets.
Elimination of muscle spasms
Osteochondrosis is always accompanied by muscle tension at the site of the pathological focus. The mobility of the affected area is impaired and pain occurs. Hypertonicity of skeletal muscles is generally considered a protective reaction to pain. To reduce muscle spasticity, muscle relaxants are prescribed.
When treating with muscle relaxants, their effect on psychomotor reactions and ability to concentrate must be taken into account. This applies to patients whose professional activities require extra 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 have no 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, the cartilaginous tissue loses moisture and becomes thinner.
Chondroprotectors contain chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid in various combinations. When taken, the production of chondroitin itself is activated, as a result of which the cartilaginous 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 receive chondroprotectors in tablets, but sometimes there is a need for intramuscular or intra-articular injections. Topical products can also be used, but have a less pronounced effect.
It is important to note that the effect of chondroprotector therapy will become noticeable only after a few months.
Physiotherapy
Is it possible to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with physiotherapeutic methods? Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely get rid of the disease and physiotherapy only works in combination with drug treatment. The main purpose of the procedures is to stimulate the body's recovery processes and eliminate pain.
The most effective methods are:
- electrophoresis, which allows medication to be administered directly to the affected area;
- ultrasound;
- magnetic therapy;
- darsonval;
- laser.
The action of electrophoresis is based on the use of low-power currents that are supplied to special plates. Under the plates are tampons impregnated with medicine. 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 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. Magnetic treatment can be carried out at home and, in some cases, can even partially replace the use of medication. For this you will need a special device.
To treat back diseases, a low-intensity laser with an infrared spectrum is used. Laser rays penetrate deep into the tissue and affect the deformed area of the spine. As a result, metabolic processes in cartilaginous tissue are activated, nerve endings are freed from compression and the normal functioning of muscular structures is restored.
Darsonval is a device with directed action using a pulse current that decays quickly. During the procedure, alternating current is supplied to the body through a gas-filled glass electrode and promotes:
- increased blood circulation;
- reducing the pain sensitivity threshold;
- improving 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, affordable and effective therapeutic method. However, it must 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 gentle movements from the back of the neck to the upper back. 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 compression is done with the thumb and forefinger, which grab the skin and, as it were, squeeze it. The impact is limited to soft tissues, the vertebrae are not involved in the process. Compression is done very carefully, especially in the first sessions. The movements are parallel to the spine, 5 to 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. As the kneading reaches the deep layers of the tissue, it is done according to the patient's diagnosis, so as not to aggravate the pathology.
Rubbing is necessary to increase blood circulation, warming the skin. It is performed with the tips of the fingers or with sawing movements on the lateral surfaces of the palms.
Circular friction movements are also permitted. The friction begins in the upper part of the neck and gradually moves to the shoulder girdle, capturing the trapezius muscle. If the patient feels pain or discomfort, efforts should be reduced.
The session ends with 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 enhance the effect of treatment, various orthopedic products are used. Special attention should be paid to the position of the head and neck during sleep, as it is during or after a night's rest that unpleasant symptoms are most felt - headache, increased blood pressure, dizziness and shoulder discomfort.
All these manifestations indicate a violation of blood circulation, and an orthopedic pillow will help to correct the situation.
When choosing a product, you must consider the following parameters:
- The ideal shape for patients with osteochondrosis is rectangular. Square cushions and pillows can be used for short-term rest, it is strictly not recommended to sleep on them;
- 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. In addition, orthopedic products are mainly produced with medium hardness.
Another useful device is a 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 pillow or cushion so that the curvature of the neck is maintained and there is no too painful 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 few sessions 5 to 7 minutes is enough. It is recommended to change your body position or roll over during use. The 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 food from the diet and reduce the consumption of salt and sweet soda.
The question "can cervical osteochondrosis be cured" will have a positive answer if the disease is detected early. Provided that a competent approach to treatment and the patient follows medical recommendations, it is possible to achieve significant improvement and lead a full and comfortable life even in old age. Be healthy!