Cervical osteochondrosis. Symptoms and treatment at home. Exercises, massages, pills

Osteochondrosis of the neck is a pathology whose symptoms negatively affect a person's quality of life. Timely treatment of the disease will not lead to the destruction of the vertebrae and spinal stenosis.

What is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Cervical osteochondrosis is a metabolic disorder of the human axial skeleton. The painful process involves the vertebrae (responsible for mobility), as well as the nervous and vascular systems.

Why is neck osteochondrosis dangerous?

The cervical vertebrae are the smallest of all 34 vertebrae of the human axial skeleton.They perform the most mobile function in the body - turning the neck with the head. There is a minimal change in the structure of the articular body, arch or process of the vertebrae and there is a displacement, which leads to disorders of the neurovascular system and spinal stenosis.

Causes of the development of cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology of the spine that has the following causes:

• physical inactivity;
• unbalanced diet;
• increased formation of uric acid salts;
• metabolic disorder;
• psychoemotional stress;
• sedentary work (driver, typing operator);
• consequences of acute respiratory infections, ARVI;
• excess weight;
• damage to the axial skeleton;
• spinal hypothermia;
• endocrine disorders;
• strain on the neck;
• distorted body position during night rest;
• autoimmune diseases.

Stages of development of osteochondrosis

The course of the pathological process in the cervical spine is accompanied by changes that should be divided into 4 phases:

• Phase no. 1.At the beginning of the development of osteochondrosis of the neck, the manifestations are mild. A person may not attach much importance to small painful changes that occur in nature. At this stage, cartilage elasticity is not lost, but changes are just beginning.
• Phase no. 2.This stage of the disease is characterized by damage to the cartilage tissue of the vertebrae. The process gradually moves to the body's joints, muscles and vascular system. The pain occurs due to pinched nerves that react to the arms, shoulders and subscapular region (on the affected side). Which very often, at this stage of the disease, can be confused with other pathologies of the body.
• Phase no. 3.This stage of the pathological process is characterized by the destruction of the disc without rupture of the annulus, which should be called protrusion.
• Phase no. 4.At this stage, surgery is inevitable - the process goes very far: the disc moves, which compresses the spinal canal - disc herniation. Manifestations in the form of displacement of 2 mm threaten human life.

Symptoms

Cervical osteochondrosis (symptoms and treatment do not depend on gender) affects both men and women equally. The manifestations of the disease will correspond to the stage of the pathological process.

Phase no. 1 – this stage is not manifested by severe symptoms:

• neck pain;
• paresthesia on the side of the injury (numbness of the hand);
• fatigue;
• prostrate.

Phase no. 2 – the nature of the pathology becomes more visible to the patient:

• pain in the affected area of a painful nature;
• numbness (transient) in the cervical region;
• migraine (due to vasospasm);
• hypertension;
• reduced physical activity;
• prostration;
• pain in the back, shoulder blade and arm (from the pathological process);
• chest pain.

Phase no. 3 is characterized by the manifestation of symptoms that must be treated very seriously:

• the appearance of protrusions (protrusion of the fibrous ring into the spinal canal);
• strong painful sensations radiating to the shoulder, arm;
• neck numbness.

Phase no. 4 differs from the third in ring rupture with its inherent symptoms:

• the neck is bent;
• the neck muscles lose the ability to hold the head;
• paresthesia of neck and head muscles;
• severe pain in hands and neck;
• numbness of the tongue;
• insomnia.

In the fourth stage, the neurologist recommends surgical intervention.

Syndromes caused by osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

The pathological course of osteochondrosis in the neck of the human axial skeleton should be divided into syndromes - based on a set of symptoms with characteristic signs.

Cervicovestibular complex:

• hearing is impaired;
• the vertebral artery undergoes pathological changes.

Radicular-vertebral syndrome:

• C2- pain in the back of the head, weakening of the mylohyoid muscles;
• C3- tongue hyperemia, slurred speech, incomplete jaw muscle paralysis, neck numbness;
• C4– pain and weakening of the clavicle muscles, breathing problems, pain of unknown etiology in the hepatobiliary system, numbness of the cervical and neck area;
• C5– the syndrome is manifested by stiffness in the shoulder, weakness and a decrease in the volume of the surface muscle of the shoulder;
• C6 –the main manifestation of the pathology is pain from the neck to the shoulder, numbness of the thumb;
• C7- it is characterized by pain from the neck under the shoulder blade, numbness of the index finger and middle finger (on the side of the injury);
• C8– pain manifests from the neck to the elbow and little finger, paresthesia of the shoulder, scapula and the affected finger.

Reflex-irritative syndromes:

• painful:cervicalgia (morning); pain in the neck and occipital region; neck pain, which causes shoulder pain;
• muscle tonic:muscle tension; nagging pain in the back of the head; pain in the subscapular region; spasm of the cervical neck area; shoulder joint deformity; shoulder muscle atrophy.

SPA:

• the consequence of mechanical damage is narrowing of the arterial vessel;
• organic impairment of brain activity;
• migraine;
• rotating pain in the back of the head;
• neurological pain of the skin on the head;
• hearing loss;
• gait instability;
• feeling of visibility of sea waves;
• fainting.

Compressive myelopathy:

• pain and numbness in limbs;
• sensitivity disorders;
• minor pelvic organ disorders;
• facial numbness.

Craniovertebral anomaly:

• stunning;
• intracranial hypertension;
• disorder of psycho-emotional balance;
• pain in the head in the parietal and occipital region;
• vomiting reflex;
• pallor of the optic nerve;
• dizziness;
• disorder of oculomotor reflexes;
• asthenia;
• depressed state.

Diagnostics

Cervical osteochondrosis - symptoms depend on the course and form of the disease. To start the therapy of the pathological process, it is necessary to make a correct diagnosis.

A neuropathologist and a vertebrologist are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of pathologies of the spinal column. In order to make a correct diagnosis, you need to contact the above-mentioned doctors, and during a personal examination and interview, the specialist will conclude which examinations should be resorted to.

If necessary, you need to:

• computed tomography of the neck;
• magnetic resonance imaging of the damaged area;
• SCT vessels;
• X-ray of the spinal column in several projections;
• visit to an ophthalmologist to measure intraocular pressure;
• Doppler ultrasound of blood vessels;
• ENMG of the hand;
• clinical blood test;
• Detailed analysis of ESR.

Based on all examinations, the neuropathologist diagnoses and prescribes therapy.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Today, there are many methods and drugs that help fight cervical spine pathology.

In the advanced stage, drugs for systemic administration are used:

• antispasmodics;
• pain relievers;
• NSAIDs – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• preparations containing collagen - for the restoration of cartilage tissue;
• vitamin therapy with drugs of group B.

Topical medications:

• ointments for pain relief;
• poultices that relieve inflammation;
• chondroprotectors;
• fats with a warming effect.

Physiotherapy procedures:

• therapeutic and recreational massage of the cervical area;
• reflexology;
• exercise therapy;
• using a special orthopedic prosthesis for the neck.

operation:

• for sensitivity disorders;
• with a large stenosis of the spinal canal.

First aid for severe pain

Treatment of symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in the form of acute pain consists of the following rules of first aid:

• observing strict bed rest;
• use of antispasmodics and painkillers;
• securing the neck with a special bodice or collar;
• You should also wrap your neck with a warm scarf;
• for swelling, you should take a diuretic;
• external use of anesthetic ointments;
• use of muscle relaxants;
• use of sedatives.

All the mentioned drugs should be prescribed by a neurologist.

Drug treatment

Features of drug therapy include the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, antispasmodics, which will help relax muscles, the use of drugs to improve blood circulation, and also prescribe drugs that improve and restore the structure of cartilage tissue - chondroprotectors.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the first aid in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.The use of this group of drugs will help alleviate or completely relieve pain. NSAIDs are drugs that act on the source of inflammation, the manifestations of the inflammatory process can be reduced by using the drug.

Nonsteroidal drugs help improve blood circulation. NSAIDs should be used both for systemic treatment (tablets, injections) and for local therapy - ointments, gels.

Muscle relaxants

Medicines that reduce skeletal muscle tone are called muscle relaxants. Medicines of this group must be used for cervical osteochondrosis due to their effect on muscle stiffness, which occurs as a result of a pathological process in the spinal column.

The disease affects the nerve endings, which manifest themselves in the form of pain and muscle spasms. This process is influenced by muscle relaxant drugs, which relax the affected muscles and relieve pain.

Hormonal drugs

The most powerful drugs with analgesic, anti-inflammatory and vasostimulating effects include hormonal drugs from the corticosteroid group. Medicines of this type have the ability to stop tissue destruction, reduce degenerative processes in the joints and improve microcirculation.

All drugs that belong to the group of steroid hormones are prescribed exclusively by a neurologist and with strict monitoring of the patient's condition (due to the large number of adverse reactions).

Paravertebral block

Special local anesthesia using injections is called paravertebral block. A neuropathologist or an anesthesiologist injects a special medicinal mixture into the affected area of the spinal column, more precisely into painful places near the affected part of the spine - into the exit of the nerve endings.

With this method, severe pain is quickly alleviated, hyperemia disappears and local metabolism improves.

Fats

In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, not only systemic drugs in the form of tablets and injections, but also local agents should be used.Ointments are widely used for pathological processes in the spine.

Chondroprotectors, NSAIDs, herbal painkillers and ointments with a warming effect should be used for treatment.

Chondroprotectors

Systemic drugs that restore cartilage tissue are called chondroprotectors. Taking medication stimulates the regeneration of the cartilaginous apparatus in the joints.

Homeopathic medicines

One type of treatment for cervical osteochondrosis is alternative medicine or homeopathy. The use of this type of medicine has given good results.

Medicines for the treatment of vertigo in osteochondrosis

During the treatment of vertigo, which occurs against the background of degenerative changes in the spinal column, it is necessary to use several types of drugs. Each has its own action.

• Nootropics- improve microcirculation, calm the nervous system, improve the relationship between the hemispheres of the brain.
• Medicines for the treatment of vestibular disorders.They show their activity in expanding the blood vessels of the brain, which improves blood circulation.
• Venotonics- these are products that improve the tone of the vascular system and blood circulation.

Vitamins and minerals

Preparations based on vitamins and minerals help to restore cartilage tissue faster, improve muscle nutrition and blood circulation.

Shantz's collar

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis during the pathological process in the spine can be acute. In this case, the Shants cervical collar should be used.

The support or holder has the shape of a circle.Made of thick foam rubber that is fixed on the neck with Velcro. No special skills are required to use the medical fixative. You should put your chin on the collar and fasten it at the back.

The fixator relaxes the muscles in the cervical spine, relieves pain and tension. It is an integral part of first aid in case of worsening cervical osteochondrosis.

Needle Applicator

One of the methods for treating degenerative neck pathologies is the use of a needle applicator - a massager with spikes. The board has a flexible structure and can have different shapes.For use with neck pathologies, the applicator has clips.

There are many nerve endings on the skin that are affected by the applicator when used. This treatment helps restore metabolic processes in the intervertebral discs, removes hyperemia and inflammation, and improves microcirculation. The use of a needle applicator has a positive effect in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.

Physiotherapy

For the treatment of inflammatory and degenerative changes in the neck, it is necessary to apply physiotherapeutic treatment.Using the method helps improve metabolic processes and reduce pain.

The physiotherapeutic method of treatment has an anti-inflammatory effect and also stimulates tissue regeneration. For osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, it is necessary to use treatment with ultrasound waves, magnetotherapy, and treatment with small amounts of electricity (electrophoresis).

Manual therapy

Manual therapy is a massage in which the manual therapist's hands do not work on soft tissues, but on joints and ligaments. During manual massage sessions, the specialist helps to restore the mobility of the spinal column, and the pain disappears.

Normal blood circulation is restored, swelling disappears.

The therapy should be carried out by a specialist who regularly practices this method of treatment. A few sessions are sometimes enough to achieve positive results in the form of pain reduction.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture refers to non-traditional methods of treatment.But the use of special needles, which the reflexologist twists into the body, affecting certain nerve endings and areas, leads to positive results. Acupuncture improves metabolic processes, relieves local swelling and improves blood circulation.

Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis

The type of physical therapy for osteochondrosis of the neck is different from other types of exercises. The cervical vertebrae are the smallest, and even their minimal movement into the spinal canal is met with pinching of the arteries that supply the brain, as well as compression of the spinal cord. Therefore, you should know that there should be no sudden movements during the exercise of physical therapy.

Exercises for the cervical spine (those suffering from vertigo should use a sitting position):

1. Basic position– standing with straight back, face facing forward. It is necessary to carefully turn the head to the right (without leaning forward or forward) to shoulder level and fix the body. After a few seconds, return to the previous position. The same should be done with the other side. There should be no pain.
2. Starting position– back straight, face looking forward. You should stretch slightly, tilt your head, with your right ear next to your shoulder. You have to imagine that your left ear is extending upwards and try to do that. Hold this position for a few seconds. Return to the starting position. Do the exercise on the other side.
3. Standing straight, you must look down at your feet and lower your torso down– vertebra by vertebra – towards the floor. For those who are not trained, you need to grab your knees, straighten your back parallel to the floor, with your face facing forward. This exercise works the entire spine, especially the neck. Stay longer. Relax with your head and torso down. Slowly, without haste, so as not to cause dizziness, return to the original position, vertebra by vertebra.
4. Stand up straight or you can sit on a chair with a straight back.Without bending your back, lower your chin to your chest, and stretch the back of your head upwards - as if you are stretching your vertebrae. Hold the position for a few seconds and slowly, relaxing, straighten your neck.
5. Rotational movements of the neck and head.Straight back, you can sit on a chair. Lower your head with your right ear on your shoulder and slowly, slowly, from this position, make a semicircle through your chest, to the opposite (left) shoulder and back. Straighten up.

Gymnastics should be done every day. You can't do physical therapy on an empty stomach - it can cause dizziness. You must exercise an hour after eating.

Treatment with folk remedies

The use of traditional methods for cervical osteochondrosis does not always lead to the desired result - you cannot heat the neck (only dry heat). So there aren't many effective methods, but they do exist.

Folk remedies:

1. Tea from a healthy plant (yarrow).You should take some dry medicine, pour it into a cup and pour boiling water over it. Give as tea and drink after meals. It relieves inflammation well and calms the nervous system.
2. Medicinal milk thistle drink.Take a small amount of dry herb, pour it into a 500 ml thermos bottle and pour boiling water over it. Insist. The obtained amount of medicinal drink should be drunk for one day without leaving it for the next day. You must drink between meals. It has an analgesic effect.
3. Herbal compress.You should take the same amount of chamomile, sage, tussilaga - the herbs should be dried and ground. Pour boiling water over it. Insist. Moisten a cotton cloth with the resulting solution and apply it to the sore spot on the neck. Cover with foil and wrap with a scarf. Leave overnight. It helps relieve inflammation.
4. Apple vinegar.This is a very healthy, natural liquid obtained by a microbiological process from apples. It contains a huge amount of useful substances. The same amount of vinegar should be diluted with water. Moisten the gauze with the resulting liquid and apply it to the cervical spine, covering it overnight with polyethylene and a scarf. It helps restore cartilage tissue and relieve inflammation.
   For general strengthening and filling of the body with useful substances, you should drink apple medicine. It is necessary to add 10 g to water and drink before meals.

Therapeutic massage and self-massage

Massage for diseases of the cervical spine should be done only when there is no active inflammatory process - this is an additional effective method for treating osteochondrosis. Massage can be therapeutic, which should be done by a specialist masseur, or self-massage, when the patient knows which exercises will not harm him, but will help him.

During a therapeutic massage, the hands of a massage therapist are used, who works with the cervical and neck area with gentle, massaging, caressing movements.Neurologists call neck massage an erotic massage, due to the very gentle specificity of the movement.

Strong, assertive techniques should not be allowed - this can harm the vertebrae and blood vessels. If necessary, if the upper limbs are involved in the pathological process, then the hands should be rubbed. The movements should be directed from the fingertips upwards - to the shoulders and neck. Each side takes turns.

Self-massage includes light movements, caressing and light rubbing in the neck area.

You can not twist the neck or try to crack it - such techniques can lead to displacement of the vertebrae and pinching of arteries and veins. The purpose of self-massage and therapeutic massage is maximum relaxation of spasmodic tissues and improvement of blood circulation.

Operation

Surgical intervention is prescribed only if conservative therapy has not led to positive results, and the process of vertebral destruction continues to progress.

The most commonly used method of surgical therapy is the anterior access method (surgery is performed on the front of the neck). Neurosurgeons rarely use the posterior method of surgical intervention - only when it is necessary to increase the lumen of a narrowed spinal canal.

Nutritional Features

The basic principles of nutrition for osteochondrosis include a balanced diet with the restriction of foods harmful to this disease.You should eat five times a day, in small portions.

Low-fat protein foods, unrefined cereals, vegetables (non-acidic), fruits, lactic acid products, preferably not from cow's milk, should be included in the diet. The intervals between meals should not exceed 3 hours.

All types of canned food, alcohol, spices, refined fats and pork should be excluded. Purchased semi-finished products, like all sausages - such food disrupts metabolic processes and contributes to inflammatory and degenerative changes in the musculoskeletal system.

What not to do

Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease that can progress greatly with the wrong lifestyle. There are certain rules, the implementation of which will reduce the likelihood of a further destructive process in the neck.

It is forbidden:

• they consume large amounts of salt and salty food;
• do weight lifting and aerobics;
• for the beautiful half, narrow shoes with high heels should be avoided;
• get carried away with excess food, which will certainly lead to weight gain and disruption of metabolic processes;
• sleeping on a soft bed is unacceptable;
• cause cracking by sudden movements of the neck, even if it seems to bring relief.

Prevention

To prevent the development of cervical osteochondrosis, you must adhere to preventive measures:

• visit a steam bath (with the permission of a neurologist or if there is no hypertension);
• occasionally do a therapeutic massage;
• if the disease already exists and has been treated, undergo treatment courses as recommended by a neurologist;
• go swimming;
• yoga gymnastics is the primary form of therapeutic and preventive physical activity;
• balanced diet;
• giving up bad habits - alcohol and nicotine, which disrupt metabolic processes in the body.

The appearance of cervical osteochondrosis is easier to prevent than to treat. At the first symptoms of the disease, it is necessary to consult a neurologist in order to prescribe adequate treatment. This will prevent the pathology from destroying the cervical vertebrae.