In the human neck there are a large number of bundles of nerves 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, impaired hearing, vision and cognitive functions, a feeling of numbness in the face and loss capacity step. to work.
If when turning your head you are worried about pain and stiffness, frequent dizziness or weakness in your hands, it is time to think about the treatment of 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 ones, and they 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 at a computer. At night, the neck is also often deprived of rest due to an unphysiological sleeping position and an uncomfortable pillow (the head "hangs" on the pillow or is a reference point and is under pressure). As a result of this pre-pathological condition, the so-called. muscle overtraining. Certain muscle groups experience excessive stress and therefore need a longer period of rest and recovery, but do not get it, because the program has not been cancelled.
All this provokes constant tension in some muscle groups and dystrophic changes in others, and often leads to the appearance of a "turtle neck" (a person bends, while the head protrudes forward, and the neck forms a characteristic deviation) . In this situation, the weight of the head falls on the atlas, the first cervical vertebra. It is forced to take on the part of the load that the neck muscles can bear during normal physical development. But the fact is that it is not at all adapted for such a task!
Additional factors that can accelerate the wear of the intervertebral cartilage in the cervical spine are usually:
- hormonal and age-related changes, more often after 45 years (inorganic substances prevail over organic ones, reducing the flexibility of bones and causing their mineralization, and the destruction of bone tissue occurs faster than its growth );
- injuries of the neck and other parts of the spine;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- congenital abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system and acquired postural disorders;
- hypodynamia (after all, the intervertebral joints of the neck are the most mobile, and a variety of loads are needed 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 own sensations, palpation, evaluation of the mobility of the neck, as well as the space between the vertebrae and other indicators on the radiograph. Depending on the stage of the disease, the orthopedist selects treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck, preventive measures and, if necessary, supporting 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 its mild severity. They are attributed to tiredness after a working day, an uncomfortable sleeping position, stress, migraine and various diseases. Patients feel:
- stiff 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 of weather).
At this stage of the disease, cervical osteochondrosis in women is most likely to be treated; after all, its 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 doing the child's homework at night) as well as hormonal and anatomical characteristics (lower muscle mass and bone). mineral density) In the preclinical stage, for women are especially characterized by increased pressure, numbness and paleness of the skin (especially on the face), a tendency to faint and dizziness, nausea and some other symptoms of cerebral hypoxia.
In most cases, patients aged 45-65 years face the symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, 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 with the help of therapeutic exercises, ointments for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, training in the orthopedic regimen and normalization of nutrition.
2 degree of cervical osteochondrosis
In the second stage of the disease, the height of the intervertebral cartilage begins to decrease, which plays the role of a shock-absorbing insert between the vertebrae. Because of this, microtraumatization of the neck often occurs during sharp turns, jumps, or excessive loads. Protrusion (protrusion) of the intervertebral discs, radicular syndrome (compression of the nerve endings) also appear.
These changes cause severe pain, both in the head and neck. The ability to concentrate, the speed of thinking, the sensitivity of the face and hands are reduced. Patients complain of increased fatigue, irritability. At this stage, effective drug treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is already required.
3 degree of cervical osteochondrosis
Severe and acute pain is permanent, it can be given to the arms, upper back and neck. One or both of the patient's arms tire quickly. The process begins to move to neighboring joints due to a violation of the natural compensatory functions of the spine. The patient finds it difficult or cannot turn his head due to the formed bone growths - osteophytes, as well as the fact that cartilage is replaced by connective tissue. Each movement, if possible, is accompanied by a harsh creak. The neck loses mobility, its muscles atrophy. Hernias often form, 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, constitution, profession, physical condition, lifestyle, and the presence of concomitant diseases. Therefore, the treating physician must determine the appropriateness of specific therapeutic measures in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men.
For effective treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck, an integrated approach and the implementation of medical prescriptions are required.
Physiotherapy for cervical osteochondrosis
To relieve pain, relieve inflammation, improve nerve conduction and nutrition of the brain, 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 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 endurance of the neck and arms, relieves pain;
- cold and ozone therapy - reduces pain and inflammation, helps reduce the dose of corticosteroids;
- physiotherapy and kinesitherapy - strengthens the neck muscles, improves blood circulation and metabolism, maintains mobility of the neck;
- manual therapy and mechanical traction (traction) - helps to eliminate clamping and pain;
- acupuncture - helps maintain mobility and nerve sensitivity;
- paraffin applications - stimulate metabolic processes, reduce pain.
Sanatorium methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis are effective and advantageous, for example, balneotherapy (hydrogen sulfide, radon and turpentine baths), hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches).
Massage in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck.
Therapeutic lymphatic drainage massage 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 neck, parotid area and shoulders, washing the neck with the fingers and the edge of the palm, hitting, stroking and upward movements along the back By the neck. A circular massage of the back of the head, as well as a warming massage for the clavicular region, shoulders and upper back, will not be superfluous in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae. Massage is especially effective before exercise therapy exercises. You can combine it with the application of an ointment for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
With osteochondrosis of the neck, hydromassage is also recommended - a physiotherapeutic technique that improves metabolism, inhibits fibrous growth, helps get rid of headaches, 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 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 (of which 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 hurts, contact an orthopedist for medical treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, and also visit an exercise therapy instructor.
You can perform the following exercises daily (5-7 repetitions):
- Press your palm against your forehead and tense your neck, trying to move your palm with your forehead. Repeat this exercise for the back of the head and then, in turn, for the right and left temples.
- Tilt your head back and then lower it slowly, pressing your chin to your chest.
- Stand up 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 jugular notch and turn your head first to one side (from 5 times), and then similarly to the other.
Warm-ups 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.
Please note: If you have already been diagnosed with osteochondrosis, you should not 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 one of the 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 to limit 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:
- Poultry, lean beef, game, liver and viscera.
- Seafood: fish, shellfish, crustaceans, edible algae.
- Eggs and dairy products.
- Whole grains and legumes: oats, wheat (including sprouts), brown rice, beans, peas.
- Vegetables: carrots, spinach, peppers, broccoli, lettuce and others.
- Fruits: apricots, bananas, citrus, plums, apples, avocados, peaches, pomegranates.
- Walnuts.
- Any berries (fresh, dried, frozen) and dried fruits.
But marinades, salty dishes, fast food, semi-finished products and sausages should be completely excluded. It's also important to reduce white bread, potatoes, sweets (except dark chocolate and dried fruit), carbonated drinks, and "bag" coffee on the menu; 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 has been and remains the use of pharmaceuticals 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, you can completely cure osteochondrosis or permanently eliminate its most unpleasant symptoms. In the later stages, medical containment of the disease is possible.
Drugs for osteochondrosis are designed to influence the disease not only symptomatically, but also to eliminate its causes systemically. 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 the affected tissues;
- improvement of metabolic processes and protection of cartilage from further destruction (for example, by free radicals);
- regeneration of cartilaginous tissue in the intervertebral discs;
- restoration of mobility in the vertebral joints.
In cases where the disease is accompanied by depression or emotional stress, the therapy also aims to restore a normal psychological state.
During the remission period, patients can do without the drugs or take them in courses in prophylactic doses.
Drugs for the effective treatment of osteochondrosis: form of release.
For the treatment of osteochondrosis, agents for external and internal use are used. The choice of the drug release form depends on the patient's habits and lifestyle, 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 high bioavailability and systemic effects in the body.
The tablets should be taken directly with food, usually 2 times a day.
The main disadvantage of tablets (especially nonsteroidal 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.
Drug treatment for osteochondrosis can only be started after consulting a doctor.
Ointments, gels, creams and compress solutions
Topical products are excellent for local anesthesia, inflammation, and swelling. They are considered much safer for the body than tablets, since 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 generally 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 drugs for osteochondrosis for patients who have contraindications to taking pills (with steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory components) from the heart and endocrine system.
injection solutions
Drugs for intravenous and intramuscular administration have 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 the nerve endings. Injections are an excellent 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 blockade, directly into the nerve. The effect of such an injection lasts up to 3-4 weeks, but a qualified medical worker must perform the procedure due to the proximity of the blockage to the spine.
What drugs to take with osteochondrosis?
Drugs 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 nonsteroidal 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. Nonsteroidal drugs for osteochondrosis can quickly remove pain and heat from the skin, restore local metabolism, relieve swelling, discomfort and impaired sensitivity, relieve 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 ways. For example, tablets are used as the main therapy, gels and ointments "extinguish" 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 cartilage thickness, the body must regenerate cartilage cells (chondrocytes) at a rate roughly matching their destruction. But with dehydration, unbalanced nutrition, stress, metabolic or anatomical disorders, the rate of decomposition of chondrocytes increases, and new cells slow down their growth or have an insufficient margin of safety. 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 condition of cartilage, prevent its further destruction, and, subject to all medical recommendations, even help restore lost chondrocytes.
For a lasting effect, chondroprotectors (in the form of tablets, injections or external agents) should be taken for life, in cycles of 3-6 months.
heating preparations
To eliminate discomfort in osteochondrosis, the so-called. warming drugs are:
- dilate blood vessels in the skin, which inhibits the transmission of pain impulses to the brain;
- improve blood microcirculation in connective tissue;
- distract the patient from discomfort.
When applying irritating drugs, the maximum effect is observed after half an hour, and the analgesic effect lasts 2-4 hours. A local rise 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);
- 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 need to make sure that there is no allergy to each of the components.
Local and general analgesics
Analgesics for osteochondrosis are usually used in the form of tablets and injections. With an average pain syndrome, the usual drugs 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), so called. "Cocktails" that simultaneously have an analgesic, decongestant, anti-inflammatory, local anesthetic and allergen-reducing effect.
Important! Analgesics only relieve pain without affecting its cause. Therefore, without proper treatment, osteochondrosis continues to progress, requiring a transition to more and more serious painkillers.
Vasodilators
Vasodilator drugs for osteochondrosis, or vasodilators, help restore normal blood supply to the tissues surrounding the affected intervertebral joints.
Due to pain and muscle tension, the blood vessels constrict. This worsens the nutrition of the tissues, causes a lack of oxygen 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 spasm and tension, antispasmodics and muscle relaxants are used. They normalize blood circulation, muffle pain, restore mobility.
To enhance the effect of muscle relaxants for osteochondrosis, they can be prescribed together with clonazepam or diazepam (prescription drugs).
These medications can be addictive, so use them with caution.
sedatives
Symptoms of osteochondrosis and drug treatment often lead to chronic stress, emotional stress, depression and other disorders of the psycho-emotional spectrum in patients.
To calm and combat insomnia in general, you can use herbal preparations, for example, tincture of valerian, motherwort, peony.
For more severe disorders, antidepressants are recommended.
Complexes of vitamins and minerals.
Since osteochondrosis is considered a disease of the whole organism, complex vitamin-mineral therapy is of great importance. Preparations of vitamins A, groups B, C, D, E, calcium and phosphorus help to significantly improve the condition.
Vitamin Aa natural antioxidant that stimulates collagen production and reduces the destruction of chondrocytes, promotes the renewal of joint tissues.
B vitaminsreduce pain, inflammation and numbness of the hands, improve the sensitivity of nerve fibers.
Vitamin Dit is responsible for the absorption of calcium and helps restore bone tissue lost due to osteochondrosis.
Vitamin Enecessary for the normalization of blood circulation, protection against free radicals and cartilage regeneration.
Prevention
If attention is paid to the prevention of cervical osteochondrosis, even with existing changes, its progression will be significantly slowed down. Doctors recommend:
- lead an active lifestyle, avoid hypodynamia;
- minimize or eliminate heavy lifting;
- sleep on an orthopedic mattress and pillow;
- Do regular warm-ups if you need to work on the computer for a long time.
The ideal sport for osteochondrosis is swimming. Water unloads the spine, and active movements contribute to the formation of the muscular structure.