Cervical osteochondrosis. Symptoms and treatment at home. Exercise, massage, take medicine

Osteochondrosis of the neck is a pathology whose symptoms can negatively impact a person's quality of life. Prompt treatment of the disease does not lead to vertebrae destruction and spinal stenosis.

What is cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis is a metabolic disease of the human axial skeleton. This painful process involves the spinal discs (which are responsible for movement) as well as the nervous and vascular systems.

Why is osteochondrosis of the neck dangerous?

The cervical spine is the smallest of all 34 vertebrae in the human axial skeleton.They perform the most maneuverable function in the body - turning the neck with the head. Minor changes and displacements occur in the structure of the joint bodies, vertebral arches, or vertebral processes, leading to disruption of the neurovasculature and spinal stenosis.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine, its causes are as follows:

• lack of physical activity;
• Unbalanced diet;
• increased formation of urate;
• Metabolic disorders;
• Psycho-emotional stress;
• Sedentary jobs (drivers, computer typists);
• Consequences of acute respiratory infection, ARVI;
• excess weight;
• Axial frame damage;
• spinal hypothermia;
• Endocrine disorders;
• neck load;
• Distorted body posture when resting at night;
• Autoimmune diseases.

Stages of development of osteochondrosis

The pathological process of the cervical spine is accompanied by changes and can be divided into 4 stages:

• The first stage.In the early stages of development of cervical osteochondrosis, the symptoms are mild. A person might not place too much importance on the small painful changes that are occurring in nature. At this stage, the cartilage has not lost its elasticity, but the changes are just beginning.
• second stage.This stage of the disease is characterized by damage to the cartilage tissue of the vertebrae. This process gradually moves to the body's joints, muscles, and vascular system. The pain occurs due to pinched nerves, to which the arm, shoulder and subscapular area (affected side) respond. At this stage of the disease, this is often confused with other pathologies in the body.
• The third phase.This stage of the pathological process is characterized by disc destruction without annular rupture and should be termed herniation.
• The fourth stage.At this stage, surgery is inevitable - a very long process: the disc is displaced, compressing the spinal canal - disc herniation. The manifestation of 2 mm displacement is threatening human life.

symptom

Cervical osteochondrosis (symptoms and treatment do not depend on gender) affects men and women equally. The manifestations of the disease will correspond to the stages of the pathological process.Stage 1 – Severe symptoms do not occur during this stage:

• neck pain;
• Abnormal sensation on the injured side (numbness of the hand);
• fatigue;
• bow down.

Stage 2 - The nature of the pathology becomes more apparent to the patient:

• soreness in the affected area;
• Numbness in the collar area (passing);
• Migraine (due to vasospasm);
• hypertension;
• reduced physical activity;
• bow down;
• Pain in the back, shoulder blades and arms (from pathological processes);
• Chest pain.

The third stage is characterized by symptoms that must be taken very seriously:

• The appearance of a herniation (herniation of the annulus fibrosus into the spinal canal);
• Severe pain radiating to shoulders and arms;
• Numbness in the neck.

Stage IV differs from Stage III in ring rupture and its inherent symptoms:

• Neck curvature;
• The neck muscles lose their ability to support the head;
• Abnormal sensation in neck and head muscles;
• Severe pain in the arms and collar area;
• numbness of tongue;
• Insomnia.

In the fourth stage, the neurologist recommends surgical intervention.

Syndromes caused by cervical osteochondrosis

The pathological processes of cervical osteochondrosis of the axial skeleton in humans should be classified into syndromes based on a set of symptoms with characteristic signs.Cervical vestibular complex:

• hearing loss;
• Vertebral artery disease.

Radix spondylosis syndrome:

• C2– Pain in the back of the head, weakness of the mylohyoid muscle;
• C3– Congested tongue, slurred speech, incomplete paralysis of the mandibular muscles, and numbness of the neck;
• C4– Clavicle muscle pain and weakness, breathing problems, unexplained pain in the hepatobiliary system, numbness in the neck and collar area;
• C5– The syndrome is characterized by shoulder numbness, weakness, and loss of superficial shoulder muscle volume;
• C6 –The main pathological manifestations are neck to shoulder pain and thumb numbness;
• C7– Characterized by pain in the neck below the shoulder blades, numbness of the index and middle fingers (on the injured side);
• C8– Pain from the neck to the elbow and little finger, paresthesia in the shoulder, scapula and affected fingers.

Reflex irritation syndrome:

• pain:Neck pain (morning); pain in neck and occipital area; sore neck, persistent pain in shoulders;
• Muscle Supplements: Muscle tension; persistent pain in the back of the head; soreness in the subscapular area; spasm in the neck and collar area; shoulder joint deformity; shoulder muscle atrophy.

spa:

• The consequence of mechanical damage is the narrowing of arterial vessels;
• organic impairment of brain activity;
• Migraine;
• Rotating pain in the back of the head;
• Neuropathic cutaneous pain in head;
• hearing loss;
• Unsteady gait;
• the feeling of wave visibility;
• Faint state.

Compressive myelopathy:

• pain and numbness in the extremities;
• Sensitivity disorders;
• Minor disorders of the pelvic organs;
• Facial numbness.

Cranial vertebrae abnormalities:

• Shocking;
• intracranial hypertension;
• Disturbances in psychological and emotional balance;
• Pain in the parietal and occipital regions of the head;
• gag reflex;
• Optic nerve pallor;
• Dizziness;
• Oculomotor reflex disorder;
• weak;
• Depressive state.

diagnosis

Cervical Osteochondrosis - Symptoms depend on the course and form of the disease. In order to start treating the pathological process, a correct diagnosis must be made.Neuropathologists and chiropractors are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal pathologies. In order to make a correct diagnosis, you need to contact the above-mentioned doctor, and through a face-to-face examination and interview, the specialist will draw conclusions about which tests should be performed.If necessary, you need to do the following:

• Computed tomography of the neck;
• Magnetic resonance imaging of damaged areas;
• Vascular SCT;
• Several projections of spine X-rays;
• Visit an ophthalmologist to measure intraocular pressure;
• Vascular Doppler Ultrasound;
• Hand ENMG;
• clinical blood tests;
• ESR detailed analysis.

Based on all examinations, the neuropathologist makes a diagnosis and develops a treatment plan.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Today, there are many methods and medications that can help combat cervical spine pathology.In the non-progressive phase, the drug is intended for systemic use:

• Antispasmodics;
• painkiller;
• NSAIDs – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Preparations containing collagen - for the repair of cartilage tissue;
• Vitamin therapy with group B drugs.

Local medicine:

• pain relief ointments;
• Dressings to relieve inflammation;
• chondroprotectant;
• Ointment with a warming effect.

Physical therapy procedures:

• Therapeutic and recreational massage of the neck and collar area;
• Reflexology;
• exercise therapy;
• Use a special orthopedic neck brace.

Surgery:

• For sensitivity disorders;
• Accompanied by large segmental stenosis of the spinal canal.

First aid for severe pain

Treatment of acute painful symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis includes certain first aid rules:

• Observe strict bed rest;
• Use antispasmodics and analgesics;
• Immobilize the neck with a special brace or collar;
• You should also wrap a warm scarf around your neck;
• For swelling, diuretics should be administered;
• Topical anesthetic ointments;
• use muscle relaxants;
• Use sedatives.

All medications listed should be prescribed by a neurologist.

medical treatement

Characteristics of pharmacotherapy include the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, antispasmodics (helping to relax the muscles), the use of drugs that improve blood circulation, and drugs that improve and restore the structure of cartilage tissue - chondroprotectants.

NSAIDs

NSAIDs are first-aid medications for cervical osteochondrosis.Using this group of medications will help relieve or completely relieve pain. NSAIDs are drugs that act on the source of inflammation; their use reduces the manifestations of the inflammatory process.Nonsteroidal medications help improve circulation. NSAIDs are available for both systemic treatment (tablets, injections) and topical treatment (ointments, gels).

muscle relaxants

Drugs that reduce skeletal muscle tone are called muscle relaxants. This group of drugs must be used in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, since they affect muscle stiffness, which is the result of pathological processes in the spine.The disease affects nerve endings, which manifests itself in the form of pain and muscle spasms. This process is affected by muscle relaxant medications, which relax the affected muscles and eliminate pain.

Hormone drugs

The most powerful drugs with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and vasostimulatory effects include corticosteroids. Such drugs prevent tissue destruction, reduce joint degeneration processes and improve microcirculation.All drugs belonging to the steroid hormone group are prescribed only by neurologists and under strict monitoring of the patient's condition (due to the high number of adverse reactions).

paravertebral block

A special local anesthesia using an injection is called a paravertebral block. A neuropathologist or anesthesiologist injects a special mixture of drugs into the affected area of the spine, more precisely into the painful site near the affected part of the spine - the outlet for the nerve endings.

Using this method, severe pain is quickly relieved, congestion disappears, and local metabolism is improved.

ointment

To treat cervical osteochondrosis, not only systemic drugs such as tablets and injections should be used, but also local drugs should be used.Ointments are widely used in the treatment of pathological processes of the spine.Treatment should include chondroprotectants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, herbal analgesics, and ointments with a warming effect.

chondroprotectant

Systemic drugs that restore cartilage tissue are called chondroprotectants. Taking medications stimulates the regeneration of the articular cartilage apparatus.

Homeopathy

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

Drugs to treat dizziness in osteochondrosis

When treating dizziness caused by degenerative changes in the spine, a variety of medications are used. Everyone has their own actions.

• Nootropics– Improves microcirculation, calms the nervous system and improves the relationship between the cerebral hemispheres.
• Medications used to treat vestibular disorders.They have the activity of dilating blood vessels in the brain, thus improving blood circulation.
• intravenous refills– These products improve the tone of the vascular system and blood circulation.

vitamins and minerals

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

Schantz's collar

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in spinal pathological processes may be acute. In this case, a Shants neck brace should be used.The bracket or retainer has a round shape.Made of dense foam rubber and fastened to the neck with Velcro. No special skills are required to use medical fixatives. You should place your beard on your collar and pin it at the back.An immobilizer relaxes the muscles of the cervical spine, relieving pain and tension. It is an integral part of first aid for exacerbations of cervical osteochondrosis.

needle applicator

One way to treat degenerative lesions in the neck is to use a needle applicator - a massager with spikes. The board has a flexible structure and can take on different shapes.For use on neck lesions, the applicator has a buckle.There are many nerve endings in the skin that are affected by the applicator when used. This treatment helps restore the metabolic processes of the intervertebral disc, eliminate congestion and inflammation, and improve microcirculation. The use of needle applicators has positive results in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.

physiotherapy

Physical therapy should be used to treat inflammation and degenerative changes in the neck.The use of this method helps improve metabolic processes and reduce pain.Physical therapy methods have anti-inflammatory properties and can also promote tissue regeneration. For cervical osteochondrosis, ultrasound treatment, magnetic therapy, microcurrent treatment (electrophoresis), etc. are needed.

manual therapy

Manual therapy is a type of massage in which the manual therapist's hands work not on soft tissues, but on joints and ligaments. During manual massage, experts will help restore mobility to the spine and the pain will disappear.

Blood circulation returns to normal and swelling disappears.

Treatment should be performed by a specialist who regularly practices this treatment method. In order to achieve positive results in the form of pain relief, sometimes a few sessions are enough.

acupuncture

Acupuncture refers to non-traditional treatments.But using special needles, which are screwed into the body by a reflexologist and affect certain nerve endings and areas, can produce positive results. Acupuncture can improve metabolic processes, relieve localized swelling, and improve blood circulation.

Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis

The type of physical therapy for cervical osteochondrosis is different from other types of exercise. The cervical vertebrae are the smallest, and even their minimal displacement into the spinal canal is fraught with squeezing of the arteries supplying the brain and compression of the spinal cord. Therefore, be aware that there should be no sudden movements during physical therapy exercises.Cervical spine exercises (those who feel dizzy should sit down):

1. basic position– Stand with your back straight and your face looking forward. It is necessary to carefully turn your head to the right (without tilting it backward or forward) to the level of your shoulders and stabilize your body. After a few seconds, return to the previous position. The same thing should be done on the other side. There should be no pain.
2. initial position– Keep your back straight and face forward. You should gently stretch your body, tilt your head, and place your right ear on your shoulder. You need to imagine your left ear stretching upwards and try to do this. Maintain this position for a few seconds. Return to starting position. Do the exercise on the second side.
3. Stand up straight, you need to face down looking at your legs and lower your torso– Vertebra by vertebra – towards the floor. For the untrained eye, you need to grab your knees, back straight parallel to the floor, and face forward. This exercise works the entire spine, especially the neck. Stay longer. Relax your head and torso downward. Slowly, without hurrying to avoid 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 rounding your back, you should lower your chin to your chest and extend the back of your head upward—like stretching your vertebrae. Hold this position for a few seconds, slowly relax and straighten your neck.
5. Rotational movements of the neck and head.With your back straight, you can sit in a chair. Lower your head with your right ear close to your shoulder. From this position, move smoothly and slowly across your chest to your opposite (left) shoulder and back. Clean up and tidy up.

Gymnastics should be done every day. You cannot do physical therapy on an empty stomach - this can cause dizziness. Exercise is required one hour after meals.

Folk remedies treatment

Treating osteochondrosis of the cervical spine using traditional methods does not always achieve the desired results - you cannot warm the neck (only dry heat). So there aren't many effective methods, but they do exist.Folk remedies:

1. Tea made from a healthy herb (yarrow).You should take a little dry medicine, pour it into a cup, and then pour boiling water. Make tea and drink after meals. It is great for relieving inflammation and calming the nervous system.
2. A medicinal drink made from burdock.Take a small amount of dry herbs and pour into a 500ml thermos, then pour in boiling water. persist in. The amount of medicine obtained should be consumed on one day and should not be left until the next day. You need to drink water between meals. Has analgesic effect.
3. Compresses made from plants.You should take equal amounts of chamomile, salvia, wintergreen - these herbs should be dried and ground. Pour boiling water over it. persist in. Moisten a cotton cloth with the resulting solution and apply it to the sore areas of your neck. Cover with film and wrap in a scarf. Leave overnight. Helps relieve inflammation.
4. Apple cider vinegar.This is a very healthy natural liquid obtained from apples through a microbial process. It contains a large number of useful substances. You should dilute equal parts vinegar with water. Moisten gauze with the resulting liquid and apply it to the cervical spine, covering it with polyethylene and a scarf overnight. It helps restore cartilage tissue and relieve inflammation.
   In order to strengthen your body and replenish your body with useful substances, you should drink apple therapy. You need to add 10 grams of water and drink it before meals.

Therapeutic massage and self-massage

Massage for diseases of the cervical spine should be performed only when there are no active inflammatory processes - this is another effective method of treating osteochondrosis. Massage can be therapeutic, which should be performed by a professional massage therapist, or it can be self-massage, when the patient knows which exercises will not hurt him, but will help him.During a therapeutic massage, the massage therapist will massage the neck and collar area with their hands using gentle massaging, caressing movements.Because the movements are so gentle and specific, neuroscientists call neck massage "erotic" massage.The use of forceful, assertive techniques should not be allowed - this may injure vertebrae and blood vessels. If necessary, if the pathological process involves the upper limbs, the hands should be rubbed. The motion should be from your fingertips up to your shoulders and neck. Both sides take turns.

Self-massage includes gentle, caressing and rubbing movements of the neck area.

You cannot twist your neck or try to break it—these techniques can cause the vertebrae to shift and compress arteries and veins. The purpose of self-massage and therapeutic massage is to maximize relaxation of spastic tissue and improve blood circulation.

Surgery

Surgical intervention is necessary only if conservative treatment does not produce positive results and the vertebral body destructive process continues to progress.The most common surgical treatment is the anterior approach (surgery is performed on the front of the neck). Posterior surgical intervention is rarely used by neurosurgeons—only when widening of the lumen of a stenotic spinal canal is required.

Nutritional characteristics

Basic principles of osteochondrosis nutrition include eating a balanced diet and limiting foods that are harmful to the disease.You need to eat small amounts five times a day.The diet should include low-fat protein foods, unrefined grains, vegetables (non-acidic), fruits, lactic acid products, preferably not made from milk. The interval between meals should not exceed 3 hours.All types of canned food, alcohol, spices, refined fats and pork should be excluded. Store-bought semi-finished products, as well as all sausages - such foods disrupt metabolic processes and lead to inflammatory and degenerative changes in the muscular joint system.

What is not recommended?

Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease that can become severely worsened by improper lifestyle. There are some rules, the implementation of which will reduce the possibility of further destructive processes in the neck.This is prohibited:

• eating lots of salt and salty foods;
• Do weight lifting and aerobics;
• Women should avoid wearing narrow shoes with high heels;
• Eating too much food, which will definitely lead to weight gain and disruption of metabolic processes;
• Sleeping on a soft bed is unacceptable;
• Sudden movement of the neck can cause a tightening sensation, even if it appears to bring relief.

prevention

In order to prevent the occurrence of cervical osteochondrosis, the following preventive measures should be taken:

• Visit to a steam room (with permission from a neurologist or in the absence of high blood pressure);
• Get regular therapeutic massage;
• If the disorder is present and has been treated, receive treatment according to the recommendations of your neurologist;
• go swimming;
• Yoga gymnastics is the main type of therapeutic and preventive physical activity;
• Balanced diet;
• Get rid of bad habits - alcohol and nicotine, which disrupt metabolic processes in the body.

The occurrence of cervical osteochondrosis is easier to prevent than to treat. When the first symptoms of the disease appear, you should consult a neurologist for appropriate treatment. This will prevent pathology from destroying the cervical spine.