Cervical osteochondrosis. Symptoms and home treatment. Exercise, massage, pills

Osteochondrosis of the neck is a pathology, the symptoms of which have a negative impact on 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 in 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?

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 are minimal changes in the structure of the joint body, arches or vertebral processes, and displacement occurs, which leads to neurovascular system disorders 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 disorders;
• psycho-emotional stress;
• sedentary work (driver, computer typing operator);
• due to acute respiratory infection, ARVI;
• overweight;
• damage to the axial frame;
• hypothermia of the spinal column;
• endocrine disorders;
• load on the neck;
• distorted body position during night rest;
• autoimmune disease.

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:

• Rank No. 1.At the beginning of the development of neck osteochondrosis, the manifestations are mild. A person may not care about the small, painful changes that occur naturally. At this stage, cartilage elasticity does not disappear, but new changes begin.
• Rank No. 2.This stage of the disease is characterized by damage to the vertebral cartilage tissue. The process gradually moves to the joint body, muscles and vascular system. Pain appears as a result of a pinched nerve, to which the arm, shoulder and subscapular area (on the affected side) react. Which often, at this stage of the disease, can be confused with other pathologies of the body.
• Rank No. 3.This stage of the pathological process is characterized by the destruction of the disc without rupture of the ring, which should be called protrusion.
• Rank No. 4.At this stage, it is inevitable to undergo surgery - the process is very advanced: the disc is displaced, which 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 gender) affects men and women equally. The manifestation of the disease will correspond to the stage of the pathological process.

Rank No. 1 - this stage does not show itself with severe symptoms:

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

Rank No. 2 - the nature of the pathology becomes more noticeable for the patient:

• pain in the affected area with a painful nature;
• numbness (passing) in the area of the cervical collar;
• migraine (caused by vasospasm);
• hypertension;
• decreased physical activity;
• prostrating;
• pain in the back, shoulder blades and arms (from pathological processes);
• chest ache.

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

• the appearance of protrusions (fibrous ring protrusions into the spinal canal);
• severe painful sensations radiating to the shoulders, arms;
• neck numbness

Rank No. 4 differs from the third by ring rupture with inherent symptoms:

• bent neck;
• neck muscles lose the ability to hold their head;
• paresthesia of neck and head muscles;
• severe pain in the arms and neck-collar;
• tongue numbness;
• insomnia.

In the fourth stage, neurologists recommend surgical intervention.

Syndrome 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:

• impaired hearing;
• vertebral artery undergoes pathological changes.

Radicular-vertebral syndrome:

• C2– pain in the back of the head, weakening the mylohyoid muscle;
• C3- tongue hyperemia, slurred speech, incomplete jaw muscle paralysis, neck numbness;
• C4– pain and weakness of the clavicle muscles, breathing problems, pain of unknown etiology in the hepatobiliary system, numbness of the cervical collar area;
• C5- this syndrome is manifested by numbness in the shoulder, weakness and a decrease in the amount of superficial muscles 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 from the neck under 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 to the little finger, paresthesia in the shoulder, shoulder blade and affected fingers.

Reflex-irritation syndrome:

• painful:cervicalgia (morning); pain in the neck and occipital region; pain in the neck, causing pain in the shoulder;
• muscle tonic:muscle tension; annoying pain in the back of the head; pain in the subscapular region; spasms of the cervical collar area; shoulder joint deformity; shoulder muscle atrophy.

SPA:

• the result of mechanical damage is the narrowing of arterial channels;
• organic damage to brain activity;
• migraine;
• turning pain in the back of the head;
• neurological skin pain in the head;
• hearing loss;
• gait instability;
• the feeling of seeing the waves of the sea;
• fainting state.

Compressive myelopathy:

• pain and numbness in the limbs;
• sensitivity disorders;
• minor disorders of the pelvic organs;
• facial numbness

Craniovertebral anomalies:

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

Diagnostics

Cervical osteochondrosis - symptoms depend on the course and form of the disease. To begin therapy for the pathological process, a correct diagnosis must be made.

Neuropathologists and vertebrologists are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal pathologies. To make a correct diagnosis, you need to contact the doctor mentioned above, and during the examination and face-to-face interview, the specialist will conclude what examination needs to be done.

If necessary, you need to do:

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

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

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

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

In non-advanced stages, drugs are used for systemic use:

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

Local remedies:

• pain relief ointment;
• compresses that relieve inflammation;
• chondroprotector;
• ointment with a warming effect.

Physiotherapy procedures:

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

Surgery:

• for sensitivity disorders;
• with 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 following certain first aid rules:

• compliance with strict bed rest;
• the use of antispasmodics and painkillers;
• fix the neck with a special brace or collar;
• You should also wrap your neck with a warm scarf;
• for swelling, you need to take diuretics;
• external use of anesthetic ointment;
• the use of muscle relaxants;
• use of sedatives.

All drugs listed should be prescribed by a neurologist.

Drug treatment

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 prescribe drugs that improve and restore the structure of cartilage tissue - chondroprotectors.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are first aid in the treatment of cervical spine osteochondrosis.The use of this group of drugs will help relieve or relieve pain completely. NSAIDs are drugs that act on the source of inflammation; using medication can reduce the manifestation of the inflammatory process.

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

Relax the muscles

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

This disease affects the nerve endings, which in turn manifests itself in the form of pain and muscle spasms. This process is influenced by muscle relaxants, relaxing the affected muscles and relieving pain.

Hormonal drugs

The most powerful drugs with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and vasostimulating effects include hormonal drugs of the corticosteroid group. This type of drug has the ability to stop tissue destruction, reduce degenerative joint processes, and improve microcirculation.

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

Paravertebral block

Special local anesthesia using an injection called a paravertebral block. A neuropathologist or an anesthetist injects a special drug mixture into the affected area of the spine, more precisely into the painful area near the affected part of the spine - into and out of the nerve endings.

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

Ointment

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.Ointment is widely used for pathological processes in the spinal column.

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. Taking drugs stimulates the regeneration of the cartilage apparatus in the joints.

Homeopathic medicine

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 dizziness in osteochondrosis

When treating dizziness that occurs against the background of degenerative changes in the spine, it is necessary to use several types of drugs. Each has its own action.

• Nootropics– improves microcirculation, calms the nervous system, improves the connection 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, thereby improving blood circulation.
• Venotonic– this is a product that improves the tone of the vascular system and blood circulation.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Shantz neck collar

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

Brackets or retainers have a circular shape.Made of dense foam rubber, which is attached to the neck with Velcro. No special skills are required to use medical fixatives. You should put your beard on the collar and tie it at the back.

The fixator relaxes the muscles in the cervical spine, relieving pain and tension. It is part of first aid for worsening neck osteochondrosis.

Needle applicator

One of the methods to treat degenerative pathologies of the neck is the use of needle applicators - massagers where the spikes are located. The plate has a flexible structure and can take different shapes.For use in neck pathology, the applicator has a clamp.

There are many nerve endings on the skin that are affected by the applicator when used. This treatment helps to restore metabolic processes in the intervertebral disc, eliminate hyperemia and inflammation, and improve microcirculation. The use of needle applicators has a positive effect in the treatment of neck osteochondrosis.

Physiotherapy

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

Physiotherapy treatment methods have an anti-inflammatory effect and also promote tissue regeneration. For osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, it is necessary to use treatment with ultrasonic waves, magnetic therapy, and treatment with a small amount of current (electrophoresis).

Manual therapy

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

Normal blood circulation is restored, swelling disappears.

Therapy should be carried out by specialists who regularly practice this treatment method. To achieve positive results in the form of pain reduction, sometimes a few sessions are enough.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture refers to non-traditional treatment methods.But the use of special needles, which are screwed into the body by a reflexologist, affects nerve endings and certain areas, leading 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 neck osteochondrosis is different from other types of exercise. Cervical vertebrae are the smallest, and even their minimal 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 physical therapy exercises.

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

1. Basic position– stand with your back straight, face looking forward. It is necessary to carefully turn your head to the right (without tilting it either back or forward) to shoulder level and straighten 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. Initial position– back straight, face looking forward. You need to stretch slowly, tilt your head, with your right ear to your shoulder. You need to imagine that your left ear is stretching upwards and try to do this. Hold yourself in this position for a few seconds. Return to the starting position. Do the exercise in the second part.
3. Standing straight, you need to look down at your feet and lower your body down– vertebra by vertebra – towards the floor. For those who are not trained, you need to hold your knees, straighten your back parallel to the floor, with your face looking forward. This exercise works on the entire spine, especially the neck. Stay longer. Relax with your head and body 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, you should lower your chin to your chest, and stretch the back of your head up - as if stretching the vertebrae. Hold the position for a few seconds and slowly, relax, 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 to your shoulder and slowly, from this position, make a semicircle through the chest, to the opposite shoulder and back (left). Straighten out.

Gymnastics should be done every day. You can not do physical therapy on an empty stomach - this can cause dizziness. You should 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). Therefore, there are not many effective methods, but they exist.

People's recovery:

1. Tea made from healthy herbs (yarrow).You need to take some dry medicine, pour it into a mug and pour boiling water over it. Brew as a tea and drink after meals. It relieves inflammation well and calms the nervous system.
2. Medicinal drink made from burdock.Take some dried herbs, pour them into a 500 ml thermos and pour boiling water over it. Assert. The resulting amount of medicinal drink should be drunk one day without leaving it for the next day. You need to drink between meals. Has an analgesic effect.
3. A compress made from plants.You should take the same amount of chamomile, salvia, tussilago - herbs should be dried and ground. Pour boiling water over it. Assert. Wet a cotton cloth with the resulting solution and apply it to the sore spot on the neck. Cover with film and wrap with a scarf. Leave overnight. Helps relieve inflammation.
4. Apple cider vinegar.This is a very healthy natural liquid obtained through a microbiological process from apples. It contains a large number of useful substances. You should dilute the same amount of vinegar with water. Moisten the gauze with the resulting liquid and apply it to the cervical spine, cover with polyethylene and a scarf overnight. It helps restore cartilage tissue and relieve inflammation.
   For general strengthening and filling 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 performed only when there is no active inflammatory process - this is an effective additional method for the treatment of osteochondrosis. Massage can be therapeutic, which should be done by a specialist massage therapist, or self-massage, when the patient knows which exercises will not harm him, but will help him.

During the therapeutic massage, the hands of the massage therapist are used, which work with the cervical collar area with gentle movements, massaging, stroking.Neurologists call neck massage "erotic massage", because of the specificity of very gentle movements.

A strong and firm technique should not be allowed - this can harm the vertebrae and blood vessels. If necessary, if the upper limb is involved in the pathological process, then you should rub your hands. Movement should be directed from the fingertips upwards - to the shoulders and neck. Each side takes turns.

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

You can't twist your neck or try to break it - such techniques can cause displacement of vertebrae and pinch arteries and veins. The purpose 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 does not lead to positive results and the process of vertebral destruction continues to develop.

The most commonly used method of surgical therapy is the anterior approach method (operation performed in the front of the neck). Neurosurgeons rarely use the method of posterior 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 the limitation of foods that are harmful to this disease.You need to eat five times a day, in small portions.

The diet should include low-fat protein foods, unrefined grains, vegetables (not acidic), fruits, lactic acid products, preferably not made from cow's milk. The interval between meals should not be more than 3 hours.

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

What not to do

Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease that, with the wrong lifestyle, can develop rapidly. There are certain rules, the implementation of which will reduce the possibility of further destruction of the neck.

It is prohibited:

• consume large amounts of salt and salty foods;
• do weight lifting and aerobics;
• for a fair half of the time, you should avoid narrow shoes with high heels;
• carried away with excessive food, which will certainly lead to weight gain and disruption of the metabolic process;
• sleeping on a soft bed is unacceptable;
• provokes spasms with sudden movements of the neck, although this seems to bring relief.

Prevention

To prevent cervical osteochondrosis from developing, you should observe preventive measures:

• visiting a 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, follow a course of treatment on the recommendation of a neurologist;
• go swimming;
• yoga gymnastics is the main type of therapeutic and preventive physical activity;
• balanced diet;
• abandoning 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, you need to consult a neurologist to prescribe adequate treatment. This will prevent the pathology from destroying the cervical vertebrae.