Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis: how to cope with pain

In the human neck there is a huge number of nerve bundles and blood vessels that ensure the normal functioning of the brain and sensory organs. The most common cause of their pinching is cervical osteochondrosis, a dangerous degenerative disease of cartilage and bone tissue, which is accompanied by severe pain, deterioration of hearing, vision and cognitive functions, feeling of numbness of the face and gradual loss of ability to work.

If, when you turn your head, you are concerned about pain and stiffness, frequent dizziness or weakness in the hands, it is time to think about treating cervical osteochondrosis.

Do not postpone the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis for later.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis has its own characteristics, due to the anatomical structure. The vertebrae of the cervical region are smaller than the lumbar and even thoracic, and also experience a constant static load (the weight of the head). During the day, loads can be expressed by maintaining the same posture, for example, when reading documents, working on the computer. At night, the neck is also often deprived of rest due to a non-physiological sleeping position and an uncomfortable pillow (the head either "hangs" on the pillow, or is a point of reference and is under pressure). As a result of this pre-pathological condition, the so-called. muscle overtraining. Some muscle groups experience excessive stress, and therefore need a longer rest and recovery period - but don't get them - because the program hasn't been canceled.

All of this causes constant tension in some muscle groups and dystrophic changes in others, and often leads to the appearance of a "turtle neck" (a person bends over as the head protrudes forward and the neck forms a characteristic deflection). In this situation, the weight of the head falls on the atlas, the first cervical vertebra. He is forced to take on that part of the load that the neck muscles can withstand during normal physical development. But the fact is, he is not at all suitable for such a task!

Additional factors that can accelerate wear of the intervertebral cartilage in the cervical spine are often:

• age-related and hormonal changes - most often after 45 years (inorganic substances prevail over organic ones, which reduces the flexibility of bones and causes their mineralization and destruction of bone tissue occurs faster than its growth);
• injuries of the neck and other parts of the spine;
• cardiovascular disease;
• congenital abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system and acquired posture disorders;
• hypodynamia (after all, the intervertebral joints of the neck are the most mobile, and a variety of loads are required for their health);
• smoking and other bad habits.

Stages of cervical osteochondrosis

The stage of cervical osteochondrosis is established on the basis of diagnostic criteria. These include the patient's sensations, palpation, assessment of the mobility of the neck, as well as the space between the vertebrae and other indicators on the x-ray. Depending on the stage of the disease, the orthopedist selects the treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck, preventive measures and, if necessary, support orthoses.

1 degree of cervical osteochondrosis

1 degree of cervical osteochondrosis is also called the preclinical stage. Patients, as a rule, ignore the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, and treatment is not carried out due to their mild severity. They are attributed to fatigue after a day's work, an uncomfortable position during sleep, stress, migraines and various diseases. 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 headache (including change in weather).

At this stage of the disease, treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women is most likely - after all, their symptoms are more pronounced. This is due both to the specifics of work and physical activity (for example, working in the office during the day and bending over the sink or child's homework in the evening), and to hormonal and anatomical characteristics (lower muscle mass and bone mineral density ) In the preclinical stage, for women they are particularly characterized by pressure changes, numbness and whitening of the skin (especially on the face), a tendency to fainting and dizziness, nausea and some other symptoms of cerebral hypoxia.

Most often, the symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are faced by patients aged 45 to 65, but with chronic fatigue, excessive physical activity and other risk factors can appear quite early, starting from the age of 25.

At this stage, the disease can be completely defeated with the help of therapeutic exercises, ointments for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, training in the orthopedic regimen and normalization of nutrition.

2nd degree of cervical osteochondrosis

In the 2nd stage of the disease, the height of the intervertebral cartilage begins to decrease, which plays the role of a cushioning insert between the vertebrae. For this reason, microtraumatization of the neck often occurs during tight turns, jumps or excessive loads. Protrusion (protrusion) of the intervertebral discs, radicular syndrome (compression of nerve endings) also appear.
These changes cause severe pain, both in the head and in the neck. The ability to concentrate, the speed of thought, the sensitivity of the face and hands are reduced. Patients complain of increased fatigue, irritability. Effective drug treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is already required at this stage.

3rd degree of cervical osteochondrosis

Severe and sharp pain is permanent, it can be given to the arms, upper back, neck. One or both of the patient's arms get tired quickly. The process begins to move to nearby joints due to a violation of the natural compensatory functions of the spine. The patient has difficulty or cannot turn his head at all due to the formed bone growths - osteophytes, as well as the fact that the cartilage is replaced by connective tissue. Every movement, if possible, is accompanied by a rough crunch. The neck loses mobility, its muscles atrophy. Often hernias are formed, cracks appear on the vertebrae. There is noise in the ears.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out comprehensively, taking into account the age, build, profession, level of physical fitness of the patient, his lifestyle and the presence of concomitant diseases. Therefore, the adequacy of specific therapeutic measures in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men must be determined by the attending physician.

For effective treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck, an integrated approach and the implementation of the doctor's prescriptions are required.

Physiotherapy for cervical osteochondrosis

To relieve pain, relieve inflammation, improve nerve conduction and brain nutrition, the following physiotherapeutic methods are used for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis:

• ultrasound therapy and phonophoresis - have a warming effect, enhance the effect of external drugs;
• electrophoresis - enhances the effect of the administered drugs, has a stimulating and warming effect;
• shock wave therapy (SWT) - activates blood circulation, relieves inflammation and improves the regeneration of bone and cartilage tissues;
• electromyostimulation: improves mobility and resistance of the neck and arms, relieves pain;
• cold and ozone therapy - reduces pain and inflammation, helps reduce the dosage 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 clamps 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 beneficial, for example, balneotherapy (hydrogen sulfide, radon and turpentine baths) hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches).

Massage in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck

Therapeutic massage, lymphatic drainage and physiotherapy have a positive effect on the intervertebral discs, bone tissue, muscles and ligaments of the cervical region. Some movements can be performed independently, for example, rubbing the cervical collar, parotid area and shoulders, washing the neck with the fingers and the edge of the palm, tapping, stroking and ascending movements along the back of the neck. Not superfluous in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae 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 physical therapy exercises. You can combine it with the application of ointment for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.

Hydromassage is also recommended with osteochondrosis of the neck: a physiotherapy technique that improves metabolism, inhibits fibrous growths, helps get rid of headaches and improves nerve conduction.

Physical therapy for cervical osteochondrosis

Lack of adequate physical activity on the neck and back muscles 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 exacerbations of cervical osteochondrosis! ). Remember that the exercises should be performed at least 3-5 times a day (including 1 time in the morning, after waking up). All movements should be smooth, without jerks. If you feel pain during the exercise, stop it and if the whole complex is painful for you, contact an orthopedist for medical treatment of cervical osteochondrosis and also visit a physical therapy instructor.

You can perform the following exercises every day (5-7 repetitions):

1. Press the palm of your hand to your forehead and stretch your neck, trying to move the palm of your hand with your forehead. Repeat this exercise for the back of the head and then, in turn, for the right and left temples.
2. Tilt your head back, then slowly lower it, pressing your chin to your chest.
3. Stand straight and turn your head as far to the left as possible. Repeat the exercise on the right side.
4. Tilt your head back and try to touch your shoulder with your ear. Repeat on both sides.
5. Lower your chin to the jugular notch and turn your head first to one side (5 times) then, in the same way, to the other.

The warm-up for the shoulders, like the "mill", will not be superfluous. Daily exercises in the early stages of the disease help to do without pills for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.

Note: If you have already been diagnosed with osteochondrosis, you shouldn't describe a full circle with your head, because. it can be traumatic.

Diet in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the cervical region can be classified as a so-called. "diseases of the whole organism". Therefore, in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, the diet has two goals: to saturate the body with nutrients and limiting substances that contribute to dehydration, mineralization of the joints and their destruction.

Therefore, in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, a special place in the diet should be occupied by:

1. Poultry, lean beef, game, liver and offal. .
2. Seafood - fish, shellfish, crustaceans, edible seaweed.
3. Eggs and dairy products.
4. Whole grains and legumes - oats, wheat (including sprouts), brown rice, beans, peas.
5. Vegetables - carrots, spinach, peppers, broccoli, lettuce and others.
6. Fruits: apricots, bananas, citrus fruits, plums, apples, avocados, peaches, pomegranates.
7. Peanuts.
8. Any berries (fresh, dried, frozen) and dried fruit.

But marinades, savory dishes, fast food, semi-finished products and sausages should be completely excluded. It is also important to reduce in the menu white bread, potatoes, sweets (except dark chocolate and dried fruit), carbonated drinks and coffee "from the bags" - this will reduce the need for drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

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 main method was and remains the use of drugs for osteochondrosis.

Preparations for osteochondrosis - the main way to combat the disease.

Goals of medical treatment

Treatment of osteochondrosis with drugs is so effective in the early stages of the disease that, with the right treatment regimen, it can completely cure osteochondrosis or permanently eliminate its most unpleasant symptoms. In the later stages, medical containment of the disease is possible.

Medicines for osteochondrosis are designed to affect the disease not only symptomatically, but also to eliminate its causes on a systemic level. Therefore, therapy is carried out in the following directions:

• anesthesia of the affected areas;
• removal of inflammation and relief from the acute period of the disease;
• restoration of microcirculation in the affected tissues;
• improvement of metabolic processes and protection of cartilage from further destruction (for example by free radicals);
• regeneration of cartilage tissue in the intervertebral discs;
• restoration of mobility of the vertebral joints.

In cases where the disease is accompanied by depression or emotional stress, therapy is also aimed at restoring a normal psychological state.

During the period of remission, patients can do without drugs or take them in courses at prophylactic dosages.

Drugs for effective treatment of osteochondrosis: release form

For the treatment of osteochondrosis, agents for external and internal use are used. The choice of the form of release of the drug depends on the habits and lifestyle of the patient, the concomitant diagnoses and the stage of the disease.

Tablets and capsules

Tablets and capsules for osteochondrosis are the most popular form of release. They have a high bioavailability and systemic effects on the organism.

The tablets should be taken directly with meals, usually twice a day.

The main disadvantage of tablets (especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) is that they act directly on the mucous membrane of the digestive system. Such drugs are not recommended for permanent use due to the risk of inflammation and stomach ulcers. They must be taken under medical supervision.

Treatment with osteochondrosis drugs can only be started after consulting a doctor.

Ointments, gels, creams and solutions for compresses

Topical products are great for local anesthesia, inflammation and swelling. They are considered much safer for the body than tablets, as they do not come into contact with the mucous membranes and are absorbed into the blood in small quantities. 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 external forms of release, it is worth highlighting the 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 osteochondrosis drugs for patients who have 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 the maximum bioavailability and a reduced effect on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, since the active substances enter the blood directly.

Injectable drugs for osteochondrosis can quickly stop the exacerbation of the disease, relieve pain, swelling and restore the sensitivity of nerve endings. Injections are a great alternative to oral medications for patients with lactose intolerance. After all, most NSAIDs in tablets are lactose-containing drugs.

With particularly severe back pain, the drug is administered as a block, directly into the nerve. The effect of such an injection lasts up to 3-4 weeks, but a qualified healthcare professional should perform the procedure due to the proximity of the blockage to the spine.

What drugs to take with osteochondrosis?

Medicines for osteochondrosis differ not 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 eliminate pain and heat of the skin, restore local metabolism, relieve swelling, discomfort and deterioration of sensitivity, relieve pressure on the nerve roots of the spine.

Non-steroidal 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 osteochondrosis drugs usually involves a combination of different forms. For example, tablets are used as the main therapy, gels and ointments "quench" residual inflammation, and injections are needed to relieve pain. The patches help relieve inflammation at all stages of treatment.

Steroid (hormonal) anti-inflammatory drugs for osteochondrosis are rarely used, mainly in more advanced cases, when other treatments have not shown results.

Chondroprotectors

With osteochondrosis, the spring function of the intervertebral discs worsens, which directly depends on the volume of cartilage tissue and its elasticity. To maintain sufficient thickness of the cartilage, the body must regenerate cartilage cells (chondrocytes) at a rate that roughly corresponds to their destruction. But with dehydration, unbalanced nutrition, stress, metabolic or anatomical disturbances, the decay rate of chondrocytes increases and new cells slow down growth or have an insufficient safety margin. To protect cartilage and restore its normal growth rate, it is worth taking special products based on glucosamine and chondroitin - chondroprotectors. Chondroprotective drugs for the effective treatment of osteochondrosis can stabilize the state of the cartilage, prevent its further destruction and, subject to all medical recommendations, even help restore lost chondrocytes.

For a sustainable effect, chondroprotectors (in the form of tablets, injections or external agents) must be taken for life, in cycles of 3-6 months.

Preparations for heating

To eliminate discomfort in osteochondrosis, the so-called. warming drugs. I'm:

• dilate the blood vessels of the skin, which inhibits the transmission of pain impulses to the brain;
• improve blood microcirculation in the connective tissue;
• distract the patient from discomfort.

When applying irritating drugs, the peak effect is observed after half an hour, and the analgesic effect lasts 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 based on:

• camphor (camphor ointment);
• turpentine;
• benzyl nicotinate;
• nonivamide;
• capsaicin (pepper tincture);
• venom of bees and snakes.

Most of these drugs have a combined composition, for example, bee venom and NSAIDs or snake venom, salicylic acid and turpentine. Therefore, before use, it is necessary to make sure that there are no allergies to each of the components.

Local and general analgesics

Pain relievers for osteochondrosis are usually used in the form of tablets and injections. With an average pain syndrome, the usual medications in the first aid kit can help.

In the later stages of osteochondrosis, opioids are prescribed - powerful drugs with a number of contraindications.

For complex anesthesia (for example, blockade), the so-called. "Cocktails" which simultaneously have an analgesic, decongestant, anti-inflammatory, local anesthetic and allergen-reducing effect.

Important! Analgesics only relieve pain without affecting the cause. Therefore, without proper treatment, osteochondrosis continues to progress, requiring a transition to increasingly severe pain relievers.

Vasodilators

Vasodilator medications for osteochondrosis, or vasodilators, help restore normal blood supply to the tissues around the affected intervertebral joints.

Due to pain and muscle tension, the blood vessels narrow. This worsens the nutrition of the tissues, causes oxygen starvation in the brain and accelerates the progression of the disease. Therefore, with cervical osteochondrosis, drugs to normalize blood circulation are especially important.

Vascular drugs for osteochondrosis improve peripheral blood circulation and cell metabolism, relieve pain.

Antispasmodics and muscle relaxants

To eliminate spasms and tension, antispasmodics and muscle relaxants are used. They normalize blood circulation, relieve pain, restore mobility.

To enhance 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 them with caution.

Sedatives

Symptoms of osteochondrosis and drug treatment often result in chronic stress, emotional distress, depression and other psycho-emotional spectrum disorders in patients.

To calm and combat general insomnia, you can use herbal preparations, for example, tincture of valerian, motherwort, peony.

For more severe ailments, antidepressants are recommended.

Vitamin and mineral complexes

Since osteochondrosis is considered a disease of the whole organism, complex vitamin and 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, promotes the renewal of joint tissues.

Vitamins of group Breduce pain, inflammation and numbness of the hands, improve the sensitivity of nerve fibers.

Vitamin Dit is responsible for calcium absorption and helps restore bone lost due to osteochondrosis.

Vitamin Enecessary for the normalization of blood circulation, protection from free radicals and regeneration of cartilage.

Prevention

If you pay attention to the prevention of cervical osteochondrosis, even with the existing changes, their progression will significantly slow down. Doctors advise:

• lead an active lifestyle, avoid hypodynamy;
• minimize or eliminate heavy lifting;
• sleep on an orthopedic mattress and pillow;
• Warm up regularly if you have to work on your computer for a long time.

The ideal sport for osteochondrosis is swimming. Water releases the spine and active movements contribute to the formation of the muscle structure.