Osteochondrosis is a disease that affects intervertebral discs and leads to the development of reactive changes in paravertebral (paravertebral) structures. Under the influence of a number of factors, the fibrous ring loosens and the nucleus pulposus penetrates into it.
If left untreated at this stage, the pathological process ends with a breakthrough of the fibrous ring, and a herniated disc occurs. It, in turn, begins to compress the spinal nerves or the spinal cord itself, which gives rise to compression syndromes.
Features and stages of development
A distinctive feature of osteochondrosis of the cervical segment is a fairly diverse set of symptoms, which includes headaches and dizziness, instability of blood pressure, a feeling of lack of air, numbness of the upper extremities, etc.
All this not only brings significant discomfort to life, but also complicates diagnosis, since a person does not immediately turn to a neurologist, but goes to see a cardiologist, orthopedist or therapist. Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is prescribed taking into account two factors - physiological, which implies the natural aging of the body, and pathological - the presence of inflammatory or degenerative processes in the patient.
Physiological changes consist in the replacement of the nucleus pulposus with fibrous tissue, and clinical manifestations occur only when the nerve roots are irritated. Pathological changes are observed outside the cartilage and are necessarily accompanied by compression of nerve endings and blood vessels. Symptoms are pain in various locations, crunching and clicking when turning the head, muscle weakness or numbness.
The cervical region is the most mobile and experiences less stress compared to the thoracic and lumbar regions. In adults, they do not exceed 115 kg, while the lower part of the spine can withstand pressure up to 400 kg. However, the cervical vertebrae differ in their structure - they are narrower and higher, which makes them vulnerable to various injuries and dislocations.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and its duration largely depends on the stage of the disease:
- at the initial stage of development there are practically no pronounced symptoms, and only after a serious load or as a result of a long stay in a static position, severe fatigue and discomfort are felt in the neck muscles;
- the second stage is characterized by a change in the configuration of the discs - they begin to flatten and sag, which leads to instability of the spinal column. Pain syndrome occurs during movements, which is caused by compression of the nerve roots due to a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs;
- at the third stage, a protrusion forms, which precedes an intervertebral hernia. The nucleus pulposus gradually shifts and begins to protrude beyond the anatomical boundaries. Due to pinching of nerve endings or the spinal cord, the pain syndrome extends not only to the neck area, but also to the entire collar area, as well as the upper limbs. Headaches and dizziness are caused by constriction of blood vessels;
- The fourth stage of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by the destruction of discs and the formation of bone growths - osteophytes. The pain becomes constant, movements are limited, muscles weaken to the point of atrophy. Symptoms become severe: loss of coordination is observed, visual and hearing acuity decreases. It is no longer possible to cure cervical osteochondrosis at this stage, and surgical methods are used.
Principles and methods of treatment
Therapy for osteochondrosis is always comprehensive and includes not only medication, but also physical therapy, massage, exercise therapy and diet. Emergency medications for severe pain are analgesics. Drugs from the NSAID group are no less effective.
With the help of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, it is possible not only to relieve pain, but also to relieve swelling, improve blood circulation and eliminate inflammation of nerve endings. To enhance the effect, you can use ointments and creams that act directly on the source of pain and are safer than tablets.
During the period of remission, warming and massage ointments containing bee venom and plant extracts are used. These drugs help relieve muscle spasms, improve blood circulation and restore nutrition to inflamed tissues.
For the effective treatment of osteochondrosis, drugs of several groups are prescribed:
- muscle relaxants;
- B vitamins;
- chondroprotectors;
- vasodilators (vasodilators);
- diuretics (diuretics);
- means for improving blood circulation and rheological properties of blood.
Normalization of blood circulation
Improving blood flow is one of the most important tasks in the treatment of osteochondrosis. Taking vasodilators is necessary to activate microcirculation, expand the vascular lumen to physiological norms and thin the blood. As a result, the brain receives nutrition and oxygen in the required quantity, which has a positive effect on its functioning.
To relieve the patient from painful symptoms such as dizziness and spasms, combinations of vasodilating drugs with nootropics or antiplatelet agents are used. Depending on the stage of the disease and the patient’s condition, medications that improve blood circulation may be prescribed.
For more effective treatment, these drugs are combined with antiplatelet agents, as well as nootropic drugs. In case of severely impaired blood circulation, the doctor may prescribe a short-term course of injections; after acute symptoms are relieved, therapy continues through oral administration of tablets.
Elimination of muscle spasms
Osteochondrosis is always accompanied by muscle tension where the pathological focus is located. Mobility of the affected area is impaired and pain occurs. Hypertonicity of skeletal muscles is usually considered as a protective reaction to pain. To reduce muscle spasticity, muscle relaxants are prescribed.
When treating with muscle relaxants, their effect on psychomotor reactions and the ability to concentrate should be taken into account. This applies to patients whose professional activities require increased care, for example, drivers of vehicles.
Chondroprotectors
Chondroprotective agents are used to restore and strengthen the cartilage tissue of intervertebral discs. It is possible to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with the help of these drugs only in the early stages, since in advanced cases they will not have any effect.
In a healthy person, chondroitin is produced in sufficient quantities, which ensures complete hydration of cartilage. If for some reason the synthesis of chondroitin is disrupted, the cartilage tissue loses moisture and becomes thinner.
Chondroprotectors contain chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid in various combinations. When taken, the production of your own chondroitin is activated, as a result of which the cartilage tissue becomes denser and the mobility of the spine is restored.
The latest generation of medicines also contain additional substances - vitamins and anti-inflammatory components.
In most cases, patients are prescribed chondroprotectors in tablets, but sometimes there is a need for intramuscular or intra-articular injections. Topical products can also be used, but they have the least pronounced effect.
It is worth noting that the effect of chondroprotector therapy will become noticeable only after a few months.
Physiotherapy
Is it possible to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine using physiotherapeutic methods? Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely get rid of the disease, and physiotherapy only works in combination with drug treatment. The main objective of the procedures is to stimulate recovery processes in the body and eliminate pain.
The most effective methods are:
- electrophoresis, which allows drugs to be delivered directly to the affected area;
- ultrasound;
- magnetic therapy;
- darsonval;
- laser.
The action of electrophoresis is based on the use of low-power currents that are supplied to special plates. Under the plates there are tampons impregnated with medications. Since the electrical conductivity of the skin is quite low, medicinal substances penetrate into the deep layers and alleviate the patient’s condition.
If electrophoresis is carried out with an anesthetic, the pain syndrome is relieved, and the use of a vasodilator helps to increase blood flow.
The result of magnetic therapy is improved blood circulation and a reduction in the manifestations of the inflammatory process - swelling and pain. Magnet treatment can be carried out at home, and in some cases it can even partially replace taking medications. For this you will need a special device.
To treat back diseases, a low-intensity laser with an infrared spectrum is used. Laser beams penetrate deep into the tissue and affect the deformed area of the spine. As a result, metabolic processes in cartilage tissue are activated, nerve endings are freed from compression, and normal functioning of muscle structures is restored.
Darsonval is a device of directed action through a rapidly decaying pulse current. During the procedure, alternating current is supplied to the body through a glass electrode with gas and promotes:
- increased blood circulation;
- reducing the pain threshold of sensitivity;
- improving the function of the nervous system;
- normalization of blood vessel tone;
- increasing the body's defenses.
It is worth noting that Darsonval is used at any stage of osteochondrosis.
The healing power of massage
Therapeutic massage for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is undoubtedly the most pleasant, accessible and effective therapeutic method. However, it should be entrusted to a qualified specialist. You can massage the collar area while sitting or lying on your stomach. The main thing is that the patient is comfortable and can relax.
The massage begins with stroking movements in the direction from the back of the head to the upper back. Stroking should also cover the lateral areas of the neck. 10-12 strokes are performed with minimal effort so that the skin does not move relative to the muscles.
Longitudinal squeezing is done with the thumb and forefinger, which grasp the skin and, as it were, squeeze it. The impact is limited to soft tissues; the vertebrae are not involved in the process. Squeezing is done very carefully, especially in the first sessions. The movements go parallel to the spine, 5-6 times on each side.
The next technique is kneading. The muscles of the neck and upper shoulders are warmed up with circular movements of half-bent fingers, first along the spine, and then along the sides of the neck. Since kneading affects the deep layers of tissue, it is done in accordance with the patient’s diagnosis, so as not to aggravate the pathology.
Rubbing is necessary to increase blood circulation by warming up the skin. It is carried out using the fingertips or sawing movements of the lateral surfaces of the palms.
Circular rubbing movements are also allowed. Rubbing begins from the upper part of the neck and gradually moves to the shoulder girdle, capturing the trapezius muscle. If the patient experiences pain or discomfort, efforts should be reduced.
The session ends with strokes; you can alternate them with low-intensity squeezes. Finally vibration is applied. The total duration of a massage session is 25-30 minutes, the standard number of procedures is 10.
Orthopedic devices
To minimize the manifestations of osteochondrosis and enhance the effect of treatment, various orthopedic products are used. Particular attention should be paid to the position of the head and neck during sleep, since it is during or after a night's rest that unpleasant symptoms are most strongly felt - headache, surges in blood pressure, dizziness and discomfort in the shoulders.
All these manifestations indicate a violation of blood circulation, and an orthopedic pillow will help correct the situation.
When choosing a product, you should consider the following parameters:
- The ideal shape for patients with osteochondrosis is rectangular. Bolsters and square pillows can be used for short-term rest; sleeping on them is strictly not recommended;
- the height must be at least 5 cm, but not more than 10 cm;
- width – slightly wider than the sleeper’s shoulders;
- hardness – medium. Too soft or hard pillows are not suitable. In addition, orthopedic products are produced mainly of medium hardness.
Another useful device is a needle applicator, which can easily be used at home. This device is a spiked mat made of elastic material, which is applied to the collar area.
The massager should be placed on a small narrow pad or cushion so that the bend in the neck is maintained and there is no too painful sensation. There are also models on sale in the form of rollers, which are also suitable for the treatment of cervical chondrosis.
You can lie on a needle mat or roller for up to half an hour, but for the first sessions 5-7 minutes are enough. It is recommended to change your body position or roll during use. The procedure is carried out 1 or several times a day.
Dietary nutrition is also an important component of comprehensive treatment. Since excess weight is often an obstacle to a quick recovery, it is better to remove processed foods and fast food from the diet, and reduce the consumption of salt and sweet soda.
The question "can cervical osteochondrosis be cured" will have a positive answer if the disease is detected at an early stage. Provided a competent approach to treatment and the patient follows medical recommendations, you can achieve significant improvement and lead a full, comfortable life even in old age. Be healthy!