How to treat cervical osteochondrosis?

Today, osteochondrosis is rightly considered the "disease of the century" because it most often affects people whose work does not require increased physical activity.

In most cases, there are changes in cartilage and bone tissue in people of working age - up to 40 years.

The disease can affect different parts of the spine, and the second most common is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

What is this?

Osteochondrosis is a degenerative disorder of the articular cartilage and adjacent bone tissue.

Previously, the term was used for a large group of osteoarticular diseases, but now it is used only for degenerative diseases of the spine.

Compared to other parts of the spine, the cervical region is the most mobile and has many nerve and vascular formations. The structure of the vertebrae is small in size, as well as the fact that they are surrounded by a rather weak muscular corset.

This anatomical structure predisposes to the development of osteochondrosis, the severity of the clinical manifestations of which depends on the nature of the changes in the intervertebral discs and the degree of their destruction.

The causes of the disease

The main and most common cause of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a sedentary lifestyle.

Due to lack of physical activity with a sedentary and sedentary lifestyle:

• metabolic processes are disrupted;
• the level of salts in the blood and lymph fluid increases;
• salts are deposited in the cervical spine, kidneys and liver.

Damage to the cervical spine is mainly caused by a lack of nutrients in the intervertebral discs. Therefore, the main causes of cervical osteochondrosis also include improper and unbalanced diet.

Risk Factors

There are many risk factors for cervical osteochondrosis.

The most common factors are:

• heredity;
• age-related changes;
• cervical spine injuries;
• hypothermia;
• hormonal disorders that lead to metabolic disorders;
• some autoimmune diseases that damage cartilage tissue (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatism).

Why is it dangerous?

Not only the spinal cord and nerve roots pass through the cervical spine, but also the spinal artery, which is responsible for supplying blood to the back of the brain, the medulla oblongata and the cerebellum.

Therefore, in cervical osteochondrosis, this artery is squeezed and as a result, cerebral circulation is disrupted.

In extremely advanced cases, compression of an artery and adjacent blood vessels and nerve plexuses can lead to such consequences as:

• lack of coordination;
• hearing and vision loss;
• stroke.

If the disease is not cured in the initial stage, it can lead to such complications as: protrusion of the intervertebral disc or herniated disc.

Stages of disease development

Osteochondrosis of the cervix, like osteochondrosis of other parts of the spine, develops in stages. There are 3 stages in the development of the disease.

1 degree

Characterized by the onset of rupture of the intervertebral discs.

In fibrous fibrosis, cracks form, the strength and elasticity of the disc are disturbed, its height decreases, due to which the nerve roots are compressed.

Characteristic excruciating pain occurs. Sometimes in stage 1 (preclinical) such pain may be absent and osteochondrosis manifests itself with moderate discomfort in the neck.

2nd degree

If grade 1 osteochondrosis has not been treated or treatment has not been effective, a chronic condition occurs that is grade 2 osteochondrosis.

The pain becomes constant, the destruction and compaction of the intervertebral disc continues and leads to slight sprains of the cervical spine.

In cervical osteochondrosis, falling head syndrome may develop at this stage. This syndrome is characterized by severe pain and one must keep the head in a fixed state to reduce the pain.

3rd degree

Grade 3 cervical osteochondrosis is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• headache;
• nausea;
• dizziness;
• neck "lumbago";
• impaired sensitivity of the upper extremities.

The fibrous ring is almost destroyed, which leads to complications of osteochondrosis - protrusion of the intervertebral disc or intervertebral hernia.

In stage 3 of osteochondrosis, the intensity of pain may decrease because the affected cartilage tissue in the intervertebral disc simply does not exist, which means that there is no source of pain, but the compression of the nerve roots remains, so the pain does notdisappears completely.

Signs and symptoms

There are many signs of this disease. And they depend on which vertebrae are damaged by this disease.

Typical syndromes in cervical osteochondrosis are:

• radicular syndrome;
• spinal artery syndrome;
• cervical migraine syndrome;
• hypertensive syndrome.

All these syndromes are accompanied primarily by different types of pain.

If we look at the vertebral artery syndrome, then the headache manifests itself here at an early stage of the disease.

In this case, attacks of pain may be accompanied by:

• dizziness;
• unstable gait;
• visual symptoms (appearance of fog in front of the eyes, decreased visual acuity, etc. ). fainting (with sudden movements of the head).

Hypertensive syndrome is characterized by increased intracranial pressure.

The headache is rather bursting, may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. With exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, an increase in temperature and an increase in ESR may be observed.

When spinal roots are compressed ("radicular syndrome"), the following neurological symptoms may occur:

• severe neck pain (cervicalgia);
• neck pain that spreads to the forearm and humerus (cervicobrachialgia);
• pain in the arm;
• feeling of cracking or cracking in the neck when turning the head;
• pain "radiating" to the ear, which occurs most often after a long stay in an awkward position or sudden movement;
• pain or feeling of a lump in the throat, breathing problems;
• numbness of the hands and tongue;
• feeling of swelling of the tongue;
• severe weakness;
• hearing and visual impairments;
• tinnitus;
• general deterioration of health.

In cervical migraine syndrome, irritation of the sympathetic nodes is observed, which leads to impaired reactivity of cerebral vessels and impaired blood circulation.

As a result, hypertension can develop, often accompanied by:

• stuffy ears;
• tachycardia;
• noise in the head;
• rings in your ears.

When the arteries supplying the spinal cord are compressed, a spinal stroke can occur.

Impaired blood circulation to the brain in osteochondrosis can lead to:

• oxygen deficiency in brain cells;
• mental disorders (depression, panic attacks);

• signs of epilepsy, such as short-term loss of consciousness and tension in the whole body - they are often confused with signs of epilepsy.

A very common sign of cervical osteochondrosis is changes and disturbances in heart rhythm, such as extrasystole or arrhythmia.

These symptoms are very common among drivers and office workers.

Due to a sedentary lifestyle, changes occur in the intervertebral discs of the cervical and thoracic spine, which lead to disorders of the heart.

In most cases, until osteochondrosis is cured, it is virtually impossible to get rid of heart rhythm disorders.

Swelling under the eyes may also indicate osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

Most often they depend on the position of the head during a night's sleep, disappear during the day and are combined with headache, dizziness, heaviness in the head, etc.

Vegetovascular dystonia is another of the most common diseases that occur with this disease.

This is a consequence of constricted vascular arteries that run along the sides of the spine.

Diagnostic methods

The preliminary diagnosis is established by a neurologist during the initial examination of the patient. More recently, the doctor had to make a diagnosis by conducting only an external examination of the patient and sending him for an X-ray.

But, unfortunately, it is impossible to see the full picture of the development of the disease on an X-ray.

Currently available tests such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, with which you can fully assess the stage of development of the disease.

After the diagnosis, the patient is referred to a specialist in this field.

Which doctor treats?

The treatment is performed by a specialist with a narrow focus - vertebrologist or vertebral neurologist.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

The severity of the main clinical symptoms is considered the basis for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.

In the cervical spine, the symptoms are mainly related to squeezing of blood vessels and nerve endings, so during treatment, the swelling is removed first and foremost, and blood circulation is restored.

There are many treatments used to treat cervical osteochondrosis.

The most effective treatment is complex, which is a combination of several conservative methods of treatment.

Complex treatment of cervical osteochondrosis may include the following traditional and non-traditional methods: drug treatment, massage, acupressure, manual therapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, homeopathy, folk remedies and more.

The main stages of treatment of osteochondrosis are the same for all localizations of this disease:

1. You need to relieve the pain first.
2. Then the swelling will be removed.
3. At this stage it is necessary to normalize blood circulation.
4. Strengthen the muscular corset.
5. Improving nutrition and tissue regeneration.

Only a team of good specialists can choose the most appropriate therapy, which includes a neurologist, physiotherapist, masseur, surgeon and spinal neurologist.

Like any disease, cervical osteochondrosis should be treated at the earliest stage of its onset. If you do not start the process, then at this stage you can achieve a complete cure of osteochondrosis.

Unfortunately, stages 2 and 3 of cervical osteochondrosis are accompanied by complete or partial destruction of the intervertebral discs, therefore these stages are characterized by a very long recovery process.

First Aid

How to relieve pain during exacerbation?

In case of severe pain, you should take a painkiller from your home medicine cabinet: these may be analgesics. You can also apply pepper plaster for pain.

Diuretics can be taken if swelling occurs. Rubbing the neck with painkillers can help.

You can also use aneedle applicatorfor pain that:

• relieves back pain;
• reduces muscle spasm;
• stimulates the work of internal organs;
• normalizes blood circulation.

Physiotherapy for exacerbations is contraindicated, as well as warming, as these effects can cause serious complications.

After relieving the acute pain it is necessary to urgently consult your doctor for advice.

Drug treatment

Drug treatment most often begins with injections (in case of exacerbation), then switches to tablets and suppositories in combination with topical application of ointments and gels.

Anesthesia during medical treatment is performed with steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Drugs that restore cerebral circulation should be prescribed.

Muscle relaxants may be prescribed for unusual muscle tension. For more effective treatment, vitamins are taken in therapeutic doses and trace elements.

In cases of intervertebral hernia, surgery is often recommended and the doctor may suggest surgery.

Massage and self-massage

This method works well with physical therapy and physiotherapy. You can take a massage course at any medical facility or by contacting private practitioners.

Massage is needed for cervical osteochondrosis to strengthen muscles and relieve tension in the neck.

The task of the masseur is to remove harmful metabolic products by increasing the outflow and blood flow to the affected area, as well as to eliminate spasm from the pathological area.

The main techniques used by neck massage specialists are:

• stroking;
• squeezing;
• friction;
• vibration;
• kneading.

The self-massage technique can be performed using the following techniques:

• stroking (movements should be soft, without much effort forming folds)
• kneading (deep impact on the muscles, by grasping in the fold, pressing and pushing);
• vibration (vibrational impact by beating, shaking, tapping).

Self-massage should always end with stroking. You can use a massager during vibration.

Acupressure massage

Acupressure massage relieves headaches well in exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, helps with pressure surges, normalizing it.

Acupressure scheme:

• Effect on the feng fu point, which is located below the occipital protrusion, for 1 minute.
• Effect on the feng qi point, which is two fingers wide from the mastoid processes of the skull.
• Effect for 1-1, 5 minutes on the y-men point (located at a distance of three fingers from the feng-fu point).
• Sedation for 1-1, 5 minutes on the point da-chzhui (7th cervical vertebra).

After acupressure, you should lie down for a few minutes, as you may get a slight dizziness.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy helps to deal with both acute and chronic pain, also increases the range of motion and improves posture.

The main methods of manual therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:

• Relaxing and segmental massage.Used to warm muscles and relieve tension.
• Mobilization.Influences aimed at restoring joint function through adhesion.
• Manipulation.Acute thrust aimed at the patient's pathological areas. The procedure is accompanied by a characteristic crisis (return of the joint to its normal position).

A specialist in manual therapy should be fluent in these techniques. Otherwise, any mistake can lead to injury.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture promotes the release of cortisol in the blood. This hormone has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.

Acupuncture is performed by acting on points near the inner edge of the scapula. The needles are inserted at a depth of 1 to 2 cm and left to act for 10 to 30 minutes.

Homeopathy

Drug treatment brings with it many unwanted side effects, so homeopathy can be a worthy substitute for treatment without side effects.

Nutritional characteristics

Food should be rich in calcium and magnesium.

These trace elements are found in fish and seafood, nuts, legumes and dairy products.

Osteochondrosis of the neck can often be accompanied by atherosclerosis. In this case, a strict diet is recommended.

The diet is prescribed for 3-4 months. It is necessary to limit the consumption of all foods containing cholesterol. These include animal fats, fatty meats, fatty dairy products and more. You should also limit or exclude the consumption of salt, sugar, flour.

It is advisable to give up bad habits (smoking, alcohol, etc. ).

Cervical osteochondrosis and alcohol are interrelated. The fact is that getting into the blood, alcohol destroys the cells, thus worsening the already impaired blood circulation in osteochondrosis.

Therefore, you should keep it to a minimum and completely stop drinking alcohol during exacerbations.

Disease prevention

To prevent cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended to follow these rules:

• sleep should be on a firm mattress and a low pillow: the angle of bending of the neck should not be more than 15 degrees;
• take a hot shower every day for at least 10 minutes;
• visit the sauna and bath as often as possible: the heat helps to relieve neck spasms;
• give yourself aerobic activity and regular walks at a low pace;
• go swimming;
• after 25 years, avoid shock load on the spine (jumping, running);
• when working in a sitting position, be sure to take five-minute breaks every hour;
• regular yoga practice can prevent manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis;
• refrain from going to the gym, as bodybuilding can provoke a protrusion of the cervical disc;
• Exercise such as prevention against osteochondrosis of the neck helps to strengthen the muscles of the neck, relieve tension.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do during pregnancy and how to treat it?

It is often during pregnancy that the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear.

This is due to a change in hormone levels and softening of the vertebrae, as well as due to a shift in the center of gravity and excessive stress on the spine.

The treatment of osteochondrosis in pregnant women is quite complicated, as it is limited mainly by the drug method aimed at relieving pain.

You can apply natural ointments or resort to traditional medicine.

Any impact on the neck area (warm-up, exercise, etc. ) during pregnancy is strictly prohibited.

Does it happen in children and adolescents?

In children and adolescents, cervical osteochondrosis develops as a result of congenital or acquired functional insufficiency of cartilage tissue.

Expresses complaints of headache, fatigue, dizziness and fainting.

Is it possible to heat the neck area?

Warming the neck with cervical osteochondrosis is strictly forbidden, especially in the stage of exacerbation of the disease, as heating can lead to increased swelling and vasodilation of the brain.

How do I sleep properly?

Sleep on a flat, firm bed with an orthopedic mattress.

The recommended and most comfortable position is lying on your side, with your shoulder resting on the mattress and your head in a small pillow.

The use of an orthopedic pillow helps to relax the muscles in the cervical spine, reduces irritation of the nerve endings, which prevents headaches and insomnia.

Are physical activities and sauna allowed?

In preventive measures and in the 1st stage of cervical osteochondrosis it is recommended to engage in physiotherapy exercises, swimming.

Weightlifting, hard work, workouts in gyms are strictly prohibited.

A visit to the bath and sauna is also recommended only for the prevention of cervical osteochondrosis and in the initial stage of the disease.

Reviews

"I would like to share with my unfortunate brothers how to deal with cervical osteochondrosis. A few years ago I had back pain. A visit to the doctor, the diagnosis was cervical osteochondrosis. Many things were tested by the treatment: physiotherapy, manual therapy andBut there was always only temporary relief, and these are all very expensive procedures. I had to start researching the problem in depth. So I decided to try swimming. It turns out that swimming is widely used for the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer. osteochondrosis, as it remarkably relieves tension in the muscles of the neck. once a week in the pool and grief do not know. "

"Due to my busy schedule, I could not find time to see a doctor. And my relatives advised me to treat neck pain with heating, herbal compresses, ointments in various ways and other home remedies. that the neck stopped moving at all. ! I lay at home for more than two weeks and even then I recovered for a long time, so my advice to everyone is to see a doctor as soon as your neck is sore and sore! This will save time and you will not lose health.