In the human neck there are a large number of nerve bundles and blood vessels that ensure the normal functioning of the brain and sensory organs. The most common cause of your pinching is cervical osteochondrosis, a dangerous degenerative disease of 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 ability 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 treating cervical osteochondrosis.
Do not put off treating cervical osteochondrosis until later.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis has its own characteristics, due to the anatomical structure. The vertebrae in the cervical region are smaller than the lumbar and even the thoracic vertebrae, and they also undergo a constant static load (the weight of the head). During the day, loads can be expressed in 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 don't get them - because the schedule hasn't been cancelled.
All of 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 over, while the head protrudes forward and the neck forms a characteristic deflection). . In this situation, the weight of the head falls on the atlas, the first cervical vertebra. It is forced to take on that part of the load that the neck muscles can bear during normal physical development. But the fact is that he is not adapted for such a task!
Additional factors that can accelerate the wear and tear of intervertebral cartilage in the cervical spine are often:
- hormonal and age-related changes - most often after the age of 45 (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 anomalies 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 your 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 space between the vertebrae and other indicators on the x-ray. Depending on the stage of the disease, the orthopedist selects the treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck, preventive measures and, if necessary, supportive orthotics.
1 degree cervical osteochondrosis
1 degree 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 fatigue after a day at work, an 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 with sharp turns of the head;
- frequent headache (including change of weather).
At this stage of the disease, treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women is more likely - after all, its symptoms are more pronounced. This is due both to the specifics of work and physical activity (e. g. working in the office during the day and leaning over the sink or doing the child's homework at night), as well as hormonal and anatomical characteristics (lower mass muscle and bone In the preclinical phase, women are especially characterized by 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.
Most of the time, symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are faced by patients aged between 45 and 65 years, but with chronic fatigue, excessive physical activity and other risk factors, they can appear quite early - from the age of 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 degrees of cervical osteochondrosis
In the 2nd stage of the disease, the height of the intervertebral cartilage begins to decrease, which plays the role of a shock-absorbing insertion between the vertebrae. Because of this, microtrauma to the neck often occurs during sharp turns, jumps, or excessive loads. Also appear protrusions (protrusions) of the intervertebral discs, radicular syndrome (compression of nerve endings).
These changes cause severe pain - both in the head and neck. The ability to concentrate, the speed of thought, 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 necessary.
3 degrees of cervical osteochondrosis
Severe and sharp pain is permanent, it can be given in arms, upper back, 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 has difficulty or is unable to turn his head due to the formed bone growths - osteophytes, as well as the fact that the cartilage is replaced by connective tissue. Each movement, if possible, is accompanied by a rough crunch. 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 age, constitution, profession, level of physical fitness of the patient, 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 must be determined by the attending physician.
For an effective treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck, an integrated approach and the implementation of medical prescriptions are required.
Physiotherapy for cervical osteochondrosis
For pain relief, inflammation relief, nerve conduction improvement and brain nutrition, the following physiotherapeutic methods are used for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis:
- ultrasound therapy and phonophoresis - have a warming effect, improve the effect of external drugs;
- electrophoresis - increases 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 resistance of the neck and arms, relieves pain;
- cold and ozone therapy - reduces pain and inflammation, helps to reduce the dosage of corticosteroid drugs;
- physiotherapy and kinesiotherapy - strengthens the 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 treating cervical osteochondrosis are effective and advantageous - for example, balneotherapy (baths in hydrogen sulfide, radon and turpentine) hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches).
Massage in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck
Therapeutic massage, lymphatic drainage and physical therapy 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 neck collar, parotid area and shoulders, washing the neck with the fingers and the edge of the palm, tapping, stroking and upward movements along the back of the neck. Not superfluous in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae will be a circular massage on the back of the head, as well as a warming massage for the clavicular region, shoulders and upper back. 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 physical therapy technique that improves metabolism, inhibits fibrous growth, helps to get rid of headaches and improves nerve conduction.
Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis
Lack of adequate physical activity in the neck and back muscles 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 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 and if the whole complex is painful for you, 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 the palm of the hand to the forehead and stretch the neck, trying to move the palm of the hand with the forehead. Repeat this exercise for the back of the head and, in turn, for the right and left temples.
- Tilt your head back and slowly lower it, 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 (of 5 times) and then in the same way to the other.
Warm-ups for the shoulders, such as the "mill", will not be superfluous. Daily exercises in the early stages of the disease help to dispense pills for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
Warning: if you've already been diagnosed with osteochondrosis, you shouldn't go 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 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 limiting 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 meat, game, liver and offal.
- Seafood - fish, shellfish, crustaceans, edible algae.
- Eggs and dairy.
- Whole grains and legumes - oats, wheat (including sprouted), brown rice, beans, peas.
- Vegetables - carrots, spinach, peppers, broccoli, lettuce and others.
- Fruits - apricots, bananas, citrus, plums, apples, avocados, peaches, pomegranates.
- Nuts.
- Any berries (fresh, dried, frozen) and dried fruit.
But marinades, savory dishes, fast food, semi-finished products and sausages should be completely excluded. It is also important to reduce white bread, potatoes, sweets (except dark chocolate and dried fruit), carbonated drinks and coffee "bags" 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 exercise and physical therapy. All of them help to improve the patient's condition and prevent the development of complications. But the main method has been and continues to be the use of medications for osteochondrosis.
Preparations for osteochondrosis - the main way to fight the disease.
Medical treatment goals
Treatment of osteochondrosis with medication is so effective in the early stages of the disease that, with the right treatment regimen, it can completely cure osteochondrosis or permanently eliminate its most unpleasant symptoms. In later stages, medical containment of the disease is possible.
Medications 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;
- removing inflammation and alleviating the acute period of the disease;
- restoration of microcirculation in affected tissues;
- improvement of metabolic processes and protection of cartilage from further destruction (eg by free radicals);
- regeneration of cartilage tissue in intervertebral discs;
- restoration of mobility in vertebral joints.
In cases where the illness is accompanied by depression or emotional stress, therapy is also aimed at restoring a normal psychological state.
During the period of remission, patients may be off medication or take them in courses at prophylactic doses.
Drugs for the effective treatment of osteochondrosis: release form
For the treatment of osteochondrosis, agents for external and internal use are used. The choice of drug release method depends on the patient's habits and lifestyle, concomitant diagnoses and the stage of the disease.
Pills and Capsules
Pills and capsules for osteochondrosis are the most popular form of release. They have high bioavailability and systemic effects on the body.
The tablets should be taken directly with meals, usually twice a day.
The main disadvantage of pills (especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) is that they act directly on the mucous membrane of the digestive system. Such medications are not recommended for permanent use due to the risk of inflammation and stomach ulcers. They must be taken under medical supervision.
Treatment with medications for osteochondrosis can be started only after consulting a doctor.
Ointments, gels, creams and solutions for compresses
Topical products are great for local anesthesia, inflammation and swelling. They are considered to be much safer for the body than pills as they do not come into contact with the mucous membranes and are absorbed into the blood in small amounts. 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, patches are worth highlighting - they are simply fixed to the affected area of the spine, they can be worn under clothing all day.
Ointments, gels and creams are the best medications for osteochondrosis for patients who have contraindications to taking pills (with both steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory components) from the heart and endocrine system.
Solutions for injections
Drugs for intravenous and intramuscular administration have maximum bioavailability and reduced effect on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, since the active substances enter the blood directly.
Injectable medications for osteochondrosis can quickly stop the exacerbation of the disease, relieve pain, swelling, and restore sensitivity to nerve endings. Injections are an excellent alternative to oral medications for patients with lactose intolerance. After all, most NSAIDs in pills are drugs that contain lactose.
With particularly severe back pain, the drug is given as a block - directly to the nerve. The effect of such an injection lasts for up to 3-4 weeks, but a qualified medical professional must perform the procedure due to the closeness of the block to the spine.
What drugs to take with osteochondrosis?
Medications 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. Non-steroidal medicines for osteochondrosis can quickly eliminate pain and heat from the skin, restore local metabolism, relieve swelling, discomfort and deterioration of sensitivity, relieve pressure on the spinal nerve roots.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis are produced in various pharmaceutical forms - capsules and tablets, gels and creams, solutions for intramuscular, intravenous or s/c administration. Treatment of NSAIDs with osteochondrosis medications usually involves a combination of different ways. For example, pills are used as the main therapy, gels and ointments "quench" residual inflammation, and injections are needed for pain relief. Patches help relieve inflammation at all stages of treatment.
Steroid (hormonal) anti-inflammatory drugs for osteochondrosis are rarely used - especially in more advanced cases, when other treatments have failed.
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 that roughly corresponds to their destruction. But with dehydration, unbalanced nutrition, stress, metabolic or anatomical disorders, the rate of chondrocyte deterioration increases and new cells slow down or have an insufficient safety margin. 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 state of cartilage, prevent its further destruction, and, subject to all medical recommendations, even help restore lost chondrocytes.
For a sustainable effect, chondroprotectors (in the form of pills, injections or external agents) must be taken for life, in courses of 3-6 months.
heating preparations
To eliminate discomfort in osteochondrosis, the so-called. warming drugs. They 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 for 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 capsicum);
- 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 using, you must make sure that there is no allergy to each of the components.
Local and general analgesics
Pain relievers for osteochondrosis are usually used in the form of pills and injections. With an average pain syndrome, the usual medications in the first aid kit can help.
In the later stages of osteochondrosis, opioids are prescribed - potent drugs with various contraindications.
For complex anesthesia (eg, block), so-called. "Cocktails" that simultaneously have analgesic, decongestant, anti-inflammatory, local anesthetic and allergen-reducing effects.
Important! Painkillers just relieve pain without affecting its cause. Therefore, without proper treatment, osteochondrosis continues to progress, requiring a transition to increasingly severe analgesics.
Vasodilators
Vasodilator drugs for osteochondrosis, or vasodilators, help restore normal blood supply to the tissues around the affected intervertebral joints.
Due to muscle pain and tension, blood vessels constrict. This worsens tissue nutrition, causes a lack of oxygen in the brain and accelerates the progression of the disease. Therefore, with cervical osteochondrosis, medications 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 on osteochondrosis, they may be prescribed together with clonazepam or diazepam (prescription drugs).
These medications can be addictive, so use with caution.
sedatives
The symptoms of osteochondrosis and drug treatment often cause chronic stress, emotional stress, depression, and other psycho-emotional spectrum disorders in patients.
To calm and fight insomnia in general, you can use herbal preparations - for example, tincture of valerian, motherwort, peony.
For more serious disorders, antidepressants are recommended.
Vitamin and mineral complexes
As osteochondrosis is considered a whole-body disease, complex vitamin and 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 collagen production and reduces the destruction of chondrocytes, promotes the renewal of joint tissues.
B vitaminsreduce hand pain, inflammation and numbness, improve nerve fiber sensitivity.
Vitamin Dit is responsible for the absorption of calcium and helps to 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 preventing cervical osteochondrosis, even with the existing changes, its progression will significantly slow down. Doctors recommend:
- lead an active lifestyle, avoid hypodynamia;
- minimize or eliminate heavy lifting;
- sleeping on an orthopedic mattress and pillow;
- Warm up regularly if you need to work at 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 muscle structure.