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Cervical osteochondrosis. Symptoms and treatment at homeExercises, 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 or 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 vertebral discs (responsible for mobility), as well as the nervous and vascular systems.

Why is osteochondrosis of the neck dangerous?

The cervical vertebrae are the smallest of the 34 vertebrae of the human axial skeleton.They perform the most mobile function of the body: rotating the neck with the head. There is a minimal change in the structure of the articular body, arch or processes of the vertebrae and displacement occurs, causing disruption of the neurovascular system and spinal stenosis.

Causes of the development of cervical osteochondrosis.

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

  • physical inactivity;
  • unbalanced diet;
  • increased formation of uric acid salts;
  • metabolic disorder;
  • psychoemotional stress;
  • sedentary work (driver, typist);
  • consequences of acute respiratory infections, ARVI;
  • overweight;
  • damage to the axial skeleton;
  • spinal hypothermia;
  • endocrine disorders;
  • load 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 stages:

  • Stage number 1.At the beginning of the development of osteochondrosis of the neck, the manifestations are mild. A person may not attach much importance to the small painful changes that occur in nature. At this stage, the elasticity of the cartilage is not lost, but the changes are just beginning.
  • Stage No. 2.This stage of the disease is characterized by damage to the cartilage tissue of the vertebrae. The process gradually progresses into the body's joints, muscles and vascular system. The pain appears due to compression of the nerves, to which the arms, shoulders and subscapular region (on the affected side) react. Which very often, at this stage of the disease, can be confused with other pathologies of the body.
  • Stage number 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.
  • Stage number 4.At this stage, it is inevitable to undergo surgery; The process goes very far: a disc is displaced that compresses the spinal canal: a herniated disc. Manifestations in the form of a 2 mm displacement threaten human life.

Symptoms

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

Stage No. 1 – this stage does not manifest itself with serious symptoms:

  • Neck Pain;
  • paresthesia on the side of the injury (numbness of the hand);
  • fatigue;
  • prostration.

Stage No. 2 – the nature of the pathology becomes more noticeable to the patient:

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

Stage number 3 is characterized by the manifestation of symptoms that must be treated very seriously:

  • the appearance of protrusions (protrusion of the annulus fibrosus into the spinal canal);
  • severe painful sensations radiating to the shoulder, arm;
  • neck numbness.

Stage number 4 differs from the third by the rupture of the ring with its inherent symptoms:

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

In the fourth stage, a 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 neck, weakening of the mylohyoid muscles;
  • C3– hyperemia of the tongue, difficulty speaking, incomplete paralysis of the jaw muscles, numbness of the neck;
  • C4– pain and weakening of the clavicle muscles, breathing problems, pain of unknown etiology in the hepatobiliary system, numbness of the cervical neck area;
  • C5– the syndrome is manifested by numbness in the shoulder, weakness and decreased volume of the superficial muscle of the shoulder;
  • C6 –the main manifestation of the pathology is pain from the neck to the shoulder, numbness of the thumb;
  • C7– characterized by pain in the neck below the shoulder blade, numbness of the index and middle fingers (on the side of the injury);
  • C8– pain manifests from the neck to the elbow and up to the little finger, paresthesia of the shoulder, shoulder blade and affected finger.

Reflex-irritant syndromes:

  • painful:cervicalgia (morning); pain in the neck and occipital region; neck pain, resulting in persistent shoulder pain;
  • muscle tonic:muscle tension; persistent pain in the back of the head; pain in the subscapular region; spasm of the cervical collar zone; shoulder joint deformity; atrophy of the shoulder muscles.

SPA:

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

Compressive myelopathy:

  • pain and numbness of the extremities;
  • sensitivity disorders;
  • minor disorders of the pelvic organs;
  • numbness of the face.

Craniovertebral anomaly:

  • amazing;
  • intracranial hypertension;
  • alteration of psycho-emotional balance;
  • headache in the parietal and occipital areas;
  • vomiting reflex;
  • pallor of the optic nerve;
  • dizziness;
  • alteration of oculomotor reflexes;
  • asthenia;
  • depressive state.

Diagnosis

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

A neuropathologist and vertebrologist is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of pathologies of the spine. To make a correct diagnosis, it is necessary to contact the above-mentioned doctors, and during a face-to-face examination and interview, the specialist will conclude which examinations should be resorted to.

If necessary, you must do:

  • CT scan of the neck;
  • magnetic resonance imaging of the damaged area;
  • SCT of ships;
  • X-ray of the spine in various projections;
  • visit an ophthalmologist to measure intraocular pressure;
  • Doppler ultrasound of blood vessels;
  • ENMG of hands;
  • clinical blood test;
  • Detailed ESR analysis.

Based on all examinations, the neuropathologist makes a diagnosis and prescribes therapy.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

Today there are many methods and medications that help combat the pathology of the cervical spine.

Pain and muscle spasms with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

In non-advanced stages, systemic medications are used:

  • antispasmodics;
  • analgesics;
  • NSAIDs: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • collagen-containing preparations - for the restoration of cartilage tissue;
  • Vitamin therapy with group B drugs.

Local medicines:

  • analgesic ointments;
  • compresses that relieve inflammation;
  • chondroprotectors;
  • ointments with a warming effect.

Physiotherapeutic procedures:

  • therapeutic and recreational massage of the cervical collar area;
  • reflexology;
  • exercise therapy;
  • use of a special orthopedic collar.

Surgery:

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

First aid for severe pain.

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

  • compliance with strict bed rest;
  • use of antispasmodics and analgesics;
  • fix the neck with a special brace or collar;
  • You should also wrap a warm scarf around your neck;
  • in case of bloating, a diuretic should be taken;
  • external use of anesthetic ointments;
  • use of muscle relaxants;
  • use of sedatives.

All listed medications must be prescribed by a neurologist.

Pharmacotherapy

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

NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are first aid in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.The use of this group of drugs will help relieve or completely relieve pain. NSAIDs are medications that act on the source of inflammation; Its use can reduce the manifestations of the inflammatory process.

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

Muscle relaxants

Medications that reduce skeletal muscle tone are called muscle relaxants. Medicines from this group should be used for cervical osteochondrosis due to their effect on muscle stiffness, which arises as a result of a pathological process in the spine.

The disease affects the nerve endings, which in turn 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 joint degenerative processes and improve microcirculation.

All drugs belonging to the group of steroid hormones are prescribed only by a neurologist and under strict control 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 anesthesiologist injects a special medicinal mixture into the affected area of the spine, more precisely into painful places near the affected part of the spine, at the exit of the nerve endings.

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

Ointments

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

For treatment, chondroprotectors, NSAIDs, herbal pain relievers and ointments with a warming effect should be used.

Chondroprotectors

Systemic drugs that restore cartilage tissue are called chondroprotectors. The intake of medications stimulates the regeneration of the cartilaginous apparatus of the joints.

Homeopathic remedies

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

Medicines for the treatment of dizziness in osteochondrosis.

In the treatment of dizziness that arises against the background of degenerative changes in the spine, it is necessary to use various types of medications. Each one has its own action.

  • Nootropics– improve microcirculation, calm the nervous system, improve the relationship between the hemispheres of the brain.
  • Medications for the treatment of vestibular disorders.They show their activity to dilate the blood vessels of the brain, thus improving 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 faster restoration of cartilage tissue, improve muscle nutrition and blood circulation.

Shantz Neck

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

Types of cervical collars to relieve osteochondrosis symptoms

The bracket or retainer is shaped like a circle.Made of dense foam rubber, which is fixed on the neck with Velcro. No special skills are required to use a medical fixator. You should place your beard on your neck and hold it from behind.

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

needle applicator

One of the methods for treating degenerative pathologies of the neck is the use of a needle applicator, a massager in which there are spikes. The plate has a flexible structure and can take different shapes.For use in neck pathologies, the applicator has hooks.

Types of needle applicator for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.

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

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapeutic treatment should be used to treat inflammatory and degenerative changes in the neck.The use of the method helps to improve metabolic processes and reduce pain.

The physiotherapeutic treatment method has an anti-inflammatory effect and also promotes tissue regeneration. For osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, it is necessary to use treatment with ultrasonic waves, magnetic therapy and treatment with small amounts of current (electrophoresis).

Manual therapy

Manual therapy is a massage in which the hands of a manual therapist work not with soft tissues, but with joints and ligaments. During manual massage sessions, a specialist helps restore the mobility of the spine and the pain disappears.

Manual therapy can relieve symptoms of osteochondrosis of the neck

Normal blood circulation is restored and swelling disappears.

The therapy should be performed by a specialist who regularly practices this treatment method. To achieve positive results in the form of pain reduction, sometimes several sessions are enough.

Acupuncture

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

Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis.

The type of physiotherapy for osteochondrosis of the neck differs from other types of exercise. The cervical vertebrae are the smallest, and even their slight displacement into the spinal canal is fraught 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 physiotherapy exercises.

Exercises for the cervical spine (those who suffer from dizziness should use a sitting position):

  1. Basic position– standing with your back straight and your face looking forward. It is necessary to carefully turn the head to the right (without tilting it back or forward) to shoulder level and fix the body. After a few seconds, return to your previous position. The same should be done with the other side. There should be no pain.
  2. Initial position– straight back, face facing forward. You should stretch gently, tilting your head, with your right ear against your shoulder. You should imagine that your left ear is stretched upwards and try to do this. Stay in this position for a few seconds. Return to the starting position. Do the exercise on the second side.
  3. Standing, you should look at your legs upside down and lower your torso.– vertebra by vertebra – towards the ground. For those who are not trained, it is necessary to grab your knees, straighten your back parallel to the floor and look forward. This exercise works the entire spine, especially the neck. Stay longer. Relax with your head and torso down. Slowly, without rushing, so as not to cause dizziness, return to the original position, vertebra by vertebra.
  4. Stand up straight or you can sit in a chair with a straight back.Without bending your back, you should lower your chin to your chest and stretch the back of your head up, as if stretching your vertebrae. Hold the position for a few seconds and slowly, relaxing, straighten your neck.
  5. Rotational movement of the neck and head.With your back straight, you can sit in a chair. Lower your head with the right ear to the shoulder and gently and slowly, from this position, make a semicircle across the chest to the opposite (left) shoulder and back. Straighten.
A set of therapeutic exercises prescribed for cervical osteochondrosis.

Gymnastics should be done every day. You cannot do physiotherapy on an empty stomach, as this can cause dizziness. You need to exercise an hour after eating.

Treatment with home remedies.

The use of traditional methods for cervical osteochondrosis does not always lead to the desired result: the neck cannot be heated (only dry heat). Therefore, there are not many effective methods, but they exist.

Home remedies:

  1. Tea made from a healthy herb (yarrow).You need to take some dry medicine, pour it into a cup and pour boiling water over it. Infuse as tea and drink after meals. It relieves inflammation well and calms the nervous system.
  2. Medicinal drink made from burdock.Take a small amount of dry herb, pour it into a 500 ml thermos and pour boiling water over it. Insist. The resulting volume of medicinal drink should be drunk one day, without leaving it for the next day. You need to drink between meals. It has an analgesic effect.
  3. Compress made from plants.You should take the same amount of chamomile, sage and tussilago; herbs must be dried and ground. Pour boiling water over it. Insist. Moisten a cotton cloth with the resulting solution and apply it to the painful area of the neck. Cover with film and wrap with a tissue. Leave overnight. Helps relieve inflammation.
  4. Apple vinager.It is a very healthy natural liquid that is obtained through a microbiological process from the apple. It contains a large amount of useful substances. You must dilute the same amount of vinegar with water. Wet gauze with the resulting liquid and apply it to the cervical spine, covering it with polyethylene and a tissue overnight. Helps restore cartilage tissue and relieve inflammation.
    To strengthen overall and fill the body with useful substances, you should drink apple remedy. 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 performed only when there is no active inflammatory process; This is an additional effective method for the treatment of osteochondrosis. Massage can be therapeutic, which must be performed by a specialist masseuse, or self-massage, when the patient knows which exercises will not harm him, but will help him.

During the therapeutic massage, the hands of a masseuse are used, who works the cervical collar area with gentle, massaging and stroking movements.Neurologists call neck massage "erotic" massage, due to the very gentle specificity of the movements.

Strong and assertive techniques should not be allowed, as they can damage the vertebrae and blood vessels. If necessary, if the upper extremities are involved in the pathological process, you should rub your hands. The movements should be directed from the fingertips upwards to the shoulder and neck. Each side takes turns.

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

You cannot twist your neck or try to break it; These techniques can cause displacement of the vertebrae and pinching of arteries and veins. The goal of self-massage and therapeutic massage is to maximize the relaxation of spasmodic tissues and improve blood circulation.

Surgery

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

The most commonly used method of surgical therapy is the anterior approach method (the operation 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 the narrowed spinal canal.

Nutritional characteristics

The basic principles of nutrition for osteochondrosis include a balanced diet with a limitation of foods harmful for this disease.It is necessary to eat five times a day, in small portions.

The diet should include low-fat protein foods, unrefined cereals, vegetables (non-acidic), fruits and products with lactic acid, preferably not made from cow's milk. The intervals between meals should not exceed 3 hours.

All types of preserves, alcohol, spices, refined fats and pork should be excluded. Semi-finished products bought in stores, as well as all sausages - these foods disrupt metabolic processes and contribute to inflammatory and degenerative changes in the musculo-articular system.

What is not recommended to do

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

Is prohibited:

  • consume large amounts of salt and salty foods;
  • do weight lifting and aerobic exercises;
  • for the beautiful half, you should avoid narrow shoes with high heels;
  • get carried away with excess food, which will undoubtedly lead to weight gain and disruption of metabolic processes;
  • sleeping in a soft bed is unacceptable;
  • Provoking a crunch with sudden movements of the neck, even if this seems to bring relief.

Prevention

To avoid the development of cervical osteochondrosis, preventive measures should be followed:

  • visiting the steam room (with the permission of a neurologist or if there is no hypertension);
  • periodically perform therapeutic massages;
  • if the disease already exists and has been treated, undergo treatment courses on the recommendation of a neurologist;
  • go swimming;
  • yoga gymnastics is the main type of therapeutic and preventive physical activity;
  • balance diet;
  • abandon bad habits: alcohol and nicotine, which disrupt the body's metabolic processes.

The appearance of cervical osteochondrosis is easier to prevent than to treat. At the first symptoms of the disease, a neurologist should be consulted to prescribe the appropriate treatment. This will prevent the pathology from destroying the cervical vertebrae.