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 annulus fibrosus loosens and the nucleus pulposus penetrates into it.
If not treated at this stage, the pathological process ends with a rupture of the annulus fibrosus and a herniated disc occurs. This, in turn, begins to compress the spinal nerves or the spinal cord itself, leading to compression syndromes.
Characteristics and stages of development.
A distinctive feature of osteochondrosis of the cervical segment is a fairly diverse set of symptoms, including headaches and dizziness, instability of blood pressure, feeling of shortness of breath, numbness of the upper extremities, etc.
All this not only brings significant discomfort to life, but also complicates the diagnosis, since a person does not immediately turn to a neurologist, but goes to a cardiologist, orthopedist or therapist. 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 of the replacement of the nucleus pulposus by 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, cracking and clicking 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 a 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 depends on the stage of the disease:
- at the initial stage of development there are practically no pronounced symptoms, and only after significant exertion or as a result of a long stay in a static position, intense fatigue and discomfort in the neck muscles is felt;
- The second stage is characterized by a change in the configuration of the discs: they begin to flatten and sink, which leads to instability of the spine. Pain syndrome occurs during movements, which is caused by compression of the nerve roots due to a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs;
- In the third stage, a bulge forms, preceding an intervertebral hernia. The nucleus pulposus gradually shifts and begins to protrude beyond the anatomical limits. Due to pinching of the nerve endings or spinal cord, the pain syndrome spreads not only to the neck area, but also to the entire neck area, as well as 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 discs and the formation of bone growths - osteophytes. The pain becomes constant, movements are limited, the muscles weaken to the point of atrophy. Symptoms become severe: loss of coordination is observed, visual and hearing 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 medication, but also physiotherapy, massage, physiotherapy and diet. Emergency medications for severe pain are pain relievers. 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, ointments and creams can be used that act directly on the source of pain and are safer than pills.
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 from several 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. It is necessary to take vasodilators to activate microcirculation, expand the vascular lumen to physiological norms and dilute 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, medications that improve blood circulation may be prescribed.
For more effective treatment, these drugs are combined with antiplatelet agents, as well as nootropic drugs. In case of severe blood circulation disturbance, the doctor may prescribe a short-term course of injections; Once acute symptoms are relieved, therapy continues by oral administration of tablets.
Elimination of muscle spasms.
Osteochondrosis is always accompanied by muscle tension where the pathological focus is located. Mobility of the affected area is affected and pain occurs. Hypertonicity of skeletal muscles is often 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 the ability to concentrate must be taken into account. This applies to patients whose professional activities require increased attention, for example, vehicle drivers.
Chondroprotectors
Chondroprotective agents are used to restore and strengthen the cartilaginous tissue of the intervertebral discs. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with the help of these drugs is possible only in the early stages, since in advanced cases they will not have any 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 impaired, 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 it is necessary to carry out intramuscular or intra-articular injections. Topical products can also be used, but they have the least pronounced effect.
It is worth noting that the effect of therapy with chondroprotectors will be noticeable only after a few months.
Physiotherapy
Is it possible to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine using physiotherapy methods? Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely get rid of the disease and physiotherapy only works 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 medications 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 medications. 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 under anesthesia, 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. Magnet treatment can be done at home and, in some cases, can even partially replace taking medication. For this you will need a special device.
To treat back diseases, a low-intensity laser with an infrared spectrum is used. The laser rays penetrate deep into the tissue and affect 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 with directed action through a rapidly decaying pulse 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 sensitivity threshold;
- 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, this should be entrusted to a qualified specialist. You can massage the neck area while sitting or lying face down. The main thing is that the patient feels comfortable and can relax.
The massage begins with stroking movements in the direction from the nape of the neck to the upper part of the back. The caress should also cover the lateral areas of the neck. 10 to 12 passes are performed with minimal effort so that the skin does not move in relation to the muscles.
Longitudinal compression is carried out with the thumb and index finger, which grab the skin and, as it were, squeeze it. The impact is limited to soft tissues, the vertebrae do not participate in the process. Compression is done very carefully, especially in the first sessions. 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 up with circular movements of the bent middle fingers, first along the spine, and then along the sides of the neck. Since kneading affects the deep layers of tissue, it is carried out in accordance with 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 the pads of the fingers or sawing movements of the lateral surfaces of the palms.
Circular rubbing movements are also allowed. Rubbing starts from 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 caresses, you can alternate them with low intensity squeezes. Finally the 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 a night's rest that unpleasant symptoms are felt most intensely: headache, surges in blood pressure, dizziness and discomfort in the shoulders.
All these manifestations indicate a violation of blood circulation and an orthopedic pillow will help to correct the situation.
When choosing a product, the following parameters should be considered:
- The ideal shape for patients with osteochondrosis is rectangular. For a short rest, square cushions and pillows can be used, sleeping on them is strictly not recommended;
- the height should 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 made of 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 that is applied to the neck area.
The massager should be placed on a small, narrow pad or cushion so that the curvature of the neck is maintained and the sensation is not too painful. There are also models on sale in the form of rollers, 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 body position or roll during use. The procedure is carried out 1 or several times a day.
Diet nutrition is also an important component of comprehensive treatment. Since excess weight is often an obstacle to rapid recovery, it is better to eliminate processed foods and fast food from the diet and reduce the consumption of salt and sweet sodas.
The question "Can cervical osteochondrosis be cured? " will have a positive answer if the disease is detected at an early stage. With a competent approach to treatment and the patient following medical recommendations, significant improvements can be achieved and a full and comfortable life can be achieved even in old age. Be healthy!