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 annulus fibrosus becomes detached and the nucleus pulposus enters it.
If not treated at this stage, the pathological process ends with breakthrough of the annulus fibrosus and disc herniation occurs. This in turn begins to compress the spinal nerves or the spinal cord itself, giving rise to compression syndromes.
Characteristics and stages of development
A distinctive feature of osteochondrosis of the cervical segment is a fairly diverse set of symptoms, which include headaches and dizziness, instability of blood pressure, a feeling of lack of air, numbness of the upper extremities, etc. .
All this not only brings significant discomfort, 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 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 are pain in various places, cracking and popping 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 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 a significant load or as a result of a long stay in a static position are intense fatigue and discomfort felt in theneck muscles;
- the second stage is characterized by a change in the configuration of the discs - they begin to flatten and sag, which leads to spinal instability. Pain syndrome occurs during movements, caused by compression of the nerve roots due to a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs;
- at the third stage, a protrusion is formed, which precedes an intervertebral hernia. The nucleus pulposus gradually moves and begins to exceed the anatomical limits. Due to pinching of the nerve endings or spinal cord, the pain syndrome extends not only to the neck region, but also to the entire collar 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. The symptoms become severe: a 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.
Principles and methods of treatment
Treatment of osteochondrosis is always comprehensive and includes not only medications, but also physiotherapy, massage, exercise therapy and diet. Emergency medications for severe pain are painkillers. Drugs from the NSAID group are no less effective.
With the help of nonsteroidal 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 massaging 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 relaxers;
- 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. Taking vasodilators is necessary to activate microcirculation, expand the vascular lumen to physiological norms 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 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 medications are combined with antiplatelet agents as well as nootropic medications. In case of severely impaired blood circulation, the doctor may prescribe a series of short-term injections; Once acute symptoms are relieved, treatment continues with oral administration of tablets.
Elimination of muscle spasms
Osteochondrosis is always accompanied by muscle tension where the pathological focus is located. Mobility in the affected area is impaired and pain appears. Skeletal muscle hypertonia is generally considered a protective response 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 should be taken into account. This applies to patients whose professional activities require increased 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 at an early stage, 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 disrupted, the cartilage tissue loses moisture and becomes thinner.
Chondroprotectors contain chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid in various combinations. When taken, the production of your own chondroitin is activated, which makes the cartilage tissue 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 tablet form, but sometimes intramuscular or intra-articular injections are required. Topical products can also be used, but they have the least pronounced effect.
It should be noted that the effect of chondroprotective treatment will become noticeable only after a few months.
Physiotherapy
Is it possible to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine by physiotherapeutic methods? Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely get rid of the disease, and physiotherapy works only in combination with drug treatment. The main goal of the procedures is to stimulate the body's recovery processes 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 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 carried out 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. Magnetic treatment can be carried out at home and, in some cases, it can even partially replace taking medication. For this you will need a special device.
To treat back diseases, a low-intensity infrared spectrum laser is used. The laser beams penetrate deep into the tissues and affect the deformed area of the spine. As a result, metabolic processes in 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 thanks to a rapidly decreasing pulsed current. During the procedure, alternating current is supplied to the body through a glass electrode with gas and promotes:
- increased blood circulation;
- reduce the threshold of pain sensitivity;
- improve the function of the nervous system;
- normalization of blood vessel tone;
- 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, 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 is comfortable and can relax.
The massage begins with stroking movements in the direction from the back of the head to the upper back. Stroking should also cover the side areas of the neck. 10 to 12 movements are performed with minimal effort so that the skin does not move relative to the muscles.
Longitudinal compression is done with the thumb and index finger, which grasp the skin and, as it were, squeeze it. The impact is limited to soft tissues, the vertebrae are not involved in the process. The pressing is carried out with great care, especially during 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 the half-bent fingers, first along the spine, then along the sides of the neck. Since kneading affects the deep layers of the tissues, it is done according to the patient's diagnosis, so as not to aggravate the pathology.
Rubbing is necessary to increase blood circulation by warming the skin. It is carried out with the tips of the fingers or by sawing movements of the side surfaces of the palms.
Circular rubbing movements are also permitted. The friction begins from the upper part of the neck and gradually moves towards the shoulder girdle, capturing the trapezius muscle. If the patient feels pain or discomfort, efforts should be reduced.
The session ends with caresses, you can alternate them with low intensity pressure. 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 a night's rest that unpleasant symptoms are most strongly felt - headaches, increases 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 take into account the following parameters:
- The ideal shape for patients suffering from osteochondrosis is rectangular. Bolsters and square pillows can be used for short-term rest; it is strictly not recommended to sleep on it;
- 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 too hard are not suitable. In addition, orthopedic products are mainly produced in medium hardness.
Another useful device is a needle applicator, which can easily be used at home. This device is a spiked mat made of elastic material, applied to the collar area.
The massager should be placed on a small or narrow cushion so that the curvature of the neck is maintained and there is no overly painful sensation. 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 no more than half an hour, but for the first sessions, 5-7 minutes is enough. It is recommended to change your body position or roll during use. The procedure is carried out 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 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 at an early stage. Provided that a competent approach to treatment is taken and the patient follows medical recommendations, you can achieve significant improvement and lead a full and comfortable life even in old age. To be in a good health!