In the human neck there is a huge number of nerve bundles and blood vessels that ensure the normal functioning of the brain and sense organs. The most common reason for their pinching is cervical osteochondrosis, a dangerous degenerative disease of the cartilage and bone tissue, which is accompanied by severe pain, deterioration of hearing, vision and cognitive functions, a feeling of numbness in the face and gradual loss of working capacity. to work
If you are worried about pain and stiffness when turning your head, often dizziness or weakness in the hands, it is time to think about the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis has its own characteristics due to the anatomical structure. The vertebrae of the cervical vertebrae are smaller than the lumbar and even the thoracic and also experience a constant static load (the weight of the head). During the day, the load can be expressed in maintaining the same posture - for example, when reading documents, working on a computer. At night, the neck is also often deprived of rest due to an unphysiological sleeping position and an uncomfortable pillow (the head either "hangs" on the pillow or is a reference point and is under pressure). As a result of this pre-pathological condition, the so-called overtraining of muscles. Some muscle groups experience excessive stress and therefore need a longer period of rest and recovery - but you don't get them - because the schedule is not reversed.
All 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 while the head protrudes forward, and the neck forms a characteristic deformation). In this situation, the weight of the head falls onthe atlas, the first cervical vertebra. It is forced to take on that part of the load which the muscles of the neck can withstand in 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 and tear of the intervertebral cartilage in the cervical spine are often:
- age 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 the destruction of bone tissue occurs faster than its growth);
- injuries to the neck and other parts of the spine;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- congenital abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system and acquired posture disorders;
- hypodynamia (after all, the intervertebral joints of the neck are the most mobile and various loads are required for their health);
- smoking and other bad habits.
Stages of cervical osteochondrosis
The stage of cervical osteochondrosis is established based on diagnostic criteria. These include the patient's own sensations, palpation, assessment of neck mobility, as well as the difference between the vertebrae and other indicators of the X-ray. Depending on the stage of the disease, the orthopedist chooses 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 their mild severity. They are attributed to fatigue after a day's work, uncomfortable sleeping position, stress, migraines and various ailments. Patients feel:
- neck stiffness, especially in the morning or after a long stay in the same position;
- pain on sharp turns of the head;
- frequent headaches (including weather changes).
At this stage of the disease, the 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 the child's homework in the evening), as well as to hormonal and anatomical features (lower muscle mass and bone mineral density) At the preclinical stagefor women, pressure spikes, numbness and blanching of the skin (especially on the face), tendency to fainting and dizziness, nausea and some other symptoms of cerebral hypoxia are especially characteristic.
Most often, the symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are faced in patients aged 45 to 65 years, but with chronic fatigue, excessive physical activity and other risk factors, they can appear quite early - from 25 years.
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
At 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. Therefore, microtraumatization of the neck often occurs during sharp turns, jumps or excessive loads. Bulging (bulging) of the intervertebral discs, radicular syndrome (compression of nerve endings) also occur.
These changes cause severe pain - both in the head and in the neck. The ability to concentrate, the speed of thinking, the sensitivity of the face and hands decreases. Patients complain of increased fatigue, irritability. At this stage, effective medical treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is already needed.
3 degree of cervical osteochondrosis
The strong and sharp pain is constant, it can be attributed to the hands, upper back, neck. One or both of the patient's hands tire quickly. The process begins to move to adjacent 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 due to the fact that the cartilage has been replaced by connective tissue. Every movement, if possible, is accompanied by a harsh crunch. The neck loses mobility, its muscles atrophy. Hernias often form, cracks appear on the vertebrae. Noise is heard in the ears.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out complexly, taking into account the patient's age, physique, profession, level of physical training, his lifestyle and the presence of concomitant diseases. Therefore, the appropriateness of specific therapeutic measures in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men should be determined by the attending physician.
Physiotherapy for cervical osteochondrosis
To relieve pain, relieve inflammation, improve nerve conduction and brain nutrition, the following physiotherapeutic methods are used to treat cervical osteochondrosis:
- ultrasound therapy and phonophoresis - have a warming effect, improve 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 tissue;
- electromyostimulation - improves the mobility and endurance of the neck and arms, relieves pain;
- cold and ozone therapy - reduces pain and inflammation, helps reduce the dose 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 cramps 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 useful - 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 done independently - for example, rubbing the cervical collar, parotid area and shoulders, washing the neck with the fingers and the edge of the palm, patting, stroking and upward movements on the back of the neck. It is not superfluous in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae circular massage of the back of the head, as well as a warming massage of the clavicle area, shoulders and upper back. Massage is especially effective before exercise therapy. You can combine it with the application of ointment for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
Hydromassage is also recommended for osteochondrosis of the neck - a physiotherapy technique that improves metabolism, inhibits fibrous formations, helps to get rid of headaches and improves nerve conduction.
Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis
The lack of adequate physical activity on the muscles of the neck and back 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 exacerbation 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 sudden movements. If you feel pain during the exercise, stop it, and if the whole complex is painful for you, contact an orthopedist for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, and also visit an exercise therapy instructor.
You can perform the following exercises every day (5-7 repetitions):
- Press your palm to your forehead and strain 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 slowly lower it, tucking 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 (of 5 times), then, in the same way, to the other.
Warming up the shoulders, like the "mill", will not be superfluous. Daily exercises in the early stages of the disease help to cope 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, becauseit can be traumatic.
Diet in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region can be classified as the so-called "diseases of the whole organism". Therefore, in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, the diet has two goals: saturating the body with nutrients and limiting substances that contribute to dehydration, mineralization of the jointsand 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 offal. .
- Seafood - fish, shellfish, crustaceans, edible algae.
- Eggs and dairy products.
- Whole grains and legumes - oats, wheat (including sprouted), brown rice, beans, peas.
- Vegetables - carrots, spinach, peppers, broccoli, lettuce, etc.
- Fruits - apricots, bananas, citrus fruits, plums, apples, avocados, peaches, pomegranates.
- Nuts.
- All fruits (fresh, dried, frozen) and dried fruits.
But marinades, salty dishes, fast food, semi-finished products and sausages should be completely excluded. It is also important to reduce the menu of white bread, potatoes, sweets (except for dark chocolate and dried fruits), carbonated drinks and coffee "from bags" - this will reduce the need for drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae.
Preparations for osteochondrosis
Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis includes various therapeutic measures - from massage and diet to therapeutic gymnastics and physiotherapy. All of them help to improve the patient's condition and prevent the development of complications. But the leading method was and remains the use of drugs for osteochondrosis.
Goals of medical treatment
The 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 eliminate the most unpleasant symptoms forever. In the later stages, medical limitation of the disease is possible.
Medicines for osteochondrosis are designed to affect not only the disease symptomatically, but also to systematically eliminate its causes. Therefore, therapy is carried out in the following directions:
- anesthesia of the affected areas;
- removal 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, from free radicals);
- regeneration of cartilage tissue in the intervertebral discs;
- restoring the mobility of the spinal joints.
In cases where the disease is accompanied by depression or emotional stress, the therapy is also aimed at restoring the normal psychological state.
During the period of remission, patients can do without drugs or take them in courses in prophylactic doses.
Medicines for effective treatment of osteochondrosis: form of release
Means for external and internal use are used to treat osteochondrosis. The choice of the release form of the drug 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 on the body.
Tablets should be taken directly with food, usually 2 times 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 should be taken under medical supervision.
Ointments, gels, creams and solutions for compresses
Topical products are great for topical anesthesia, inflammation and swelling. They are considered much safer for the body than tablets, since they do not come into contact with mucous membranes and are absorbed into the blood in small quantities. Preparations for local application do not have a cumulative effect, are easy to use and usually do not require a doctor's 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 throughout the 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.
Solutions for injections
Medicines 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 nerve endings. Injections are an excellent alternative to oral medications for lactose intolerant patients. After all, most NSAIDs in tablets are lactose-containing drugs.
In case of 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 the procedure must be performed by a qualified medical worker due to the proximity of the blockade 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 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in osteochondrosis is based on suppressing the production of prostaglandins - hormone-like substances that cause inflammation and pain in the affected areas. Nonsteroidal 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.
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 forms. For example, tablets are used as the main therapy, gels and ointments "quench" residual inflammation, and injections are needed to relieve pain. Patches help relieve inflammation at all stages of treatment.
Steroid (hormonal) anti-inflammatory drugs for osteochondrosis are rarely used - mainly in the most advanced cases, when other treatment does not give results.
Chondroprotectors
In osteochondrosis, the spring function of the intervertebral discs deteriorates, 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 that roughly matches their destruction. But with dehydration, unbalanced nutrition, stress, metabolic or anatomical disorders, the rate of chondrocyte disintegration increases and new cells either slow down their growth or have an insufficient margin of safety. To protect the 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 the cartilage, prevent its further destruction and, subject to all medical recommendations, even help restore lost chondrocytes.
To achieve a sustainable effect, chondroprotectors (in the form of tablets, injections or external means) must be taken throughout life, in courses of 3-6 months.
Warming preparations
So-called warming drugs are used to eliminate discomfort in osteochondrosis. They are:
- dilate the blood vessels of the skin, which inhibits the transmission of pain impulses to the brain;
- improvement of blood microcirculation in the connective tissue;
- distract the patient from the 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 (tincture of hot red pepper);
- 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 should make sure that there is no allergy to any of the components.
Local and general analgesics
Painkillers for osteochondrosis are usually used in the form of tablets and injections. For moderate pain syndrome, common 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 (e. g. blockade), so-called "Cocktails", which 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, which requires a transition to more and more serious painkillers.
Vasodilators
Vasodilator drugs for osteochondrosis or vasodilators help to restore normal blood supply to the tissues around the affected intervertebral joints.
Due to the pain and muscle tension, the blood vessels constrict. This worsens tissue nutrition, causes oxygen starvation of the brain and accelerates the progression of the disease. That is why, in 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
Antispasmodics and muscle relaxants are used to eliminate spasm and tension. They normalize blood circulation, silence pain, restore mobility.
To enhance the effect of muscle relaxants in osteochondrosis, they can be prescribed together with clonazepam or diazepam (prescription drugs).
These drugs can be addictive, so use with caution.
Soothing
Symptoms of osteochondrosis and drug treatment often provoke chronic stress, emotional stress, depression and other disorders of the psycho-emotional spectrum in patients.
For general calming and combating insomnia, you can use herbal preparations - for example, tincture of valerian, motherwort, peony.
Antidepressants are recommended for more serious disorders.
Vitamin and mineral complexes
Since osteochondrosis is considered a disease of the whole organism, complex vitamin-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, supports the renewal of joint tissues.
B vitaminsreduce pain, inflammation and numbness of the hands, improve the sensitivity of nerve fibers.
Vitamin Dis responsible for the absorption of calcium and helps restore bone tissue lost due to osteochondrosis.
Vitamin Enecessary for the normalization of blood circulation, protection from free radicals and regeneration of cartilage.
Prevention
If attention is paid to the prevention of cervical osteochondrosis, even with existing changes, their progression will be significantly slowed down. Doctors recommend:
- lead an active lifestyle, avoid hypodynamia;
- minimize or eliminate heavy lifting;
- you sleep on an orthopedic mattress and pillow;
- Do a regular warm-up if you have to work at the computer for a long time.
The ideal sport for osteochondrosis is swimming. Water relieves the spine, and active movements contribute to the formation of the muscular frame.