Cervical osteochondrosis. Symptoms and treatment at home. Exercises, massage, pills

Osteochondrosis of the neck is a pathology, the symptoms of which negatively affect a person's quality of life. Timely treatment of the disease does not lead to destruction of the vertebrae and stenosis of the spine.

What is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?

Cervical osteochondrosis is a metabolic disorder in the human axial skeleton. The painful process affects the intervertebral 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 all 34 vertebrae in the human axial skeleton.They perform the most mobile function in the body - turning the neck with the head. There is a minimal change in the structure of the articular body, arch or vertebral processes, and displacement occurs, leading to disruption of the neurovascular system and spinal stenosis.

Causes of the development of cervical osteochondrosis

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

• physical inactivity;
• unbalanced diet;
• increased formation of uric acid salts;
• metabolic disorder;
• psycho-emotional stress;
• sedentary work (driver, computer typist);
• Consequences of acute respiratory infections, ARVI;
• obesity;
• damage to the axial skeleton;
• hypothermia of the spine;
• endocrine disorders;
• strain on the neck;
• distorted posture during night's sleep;
• 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 #1.At the beginning of the development of osteochondrosis of the neck, the manifestations are mild. A person may not attach great importance to the small painful changes that pass in nature. At this stage, the elasticity of the cartilage is not yet lost, but the changes are just beginning.
• Stage #2.This stage of the disease is characterized by damage to the cartilage tissue of the vertebrae. The process gradually spreads to the body, joints, muscles and vascular system. Pain occurs due to pinched nerves to which the arms, shoulders, and subscapular region (on the affected side) respond. Which at this stage of the disease can very often be confused with other pathologies of the body.
• Stage #3.This stage of the pathological process is characterized by destruction of the intervertebral disc without rupture of the ring, which should be called protrusion.
• Stage #4.At this stage, an operation is unavoidable - the process goes very far: an intervertebral disc is displaced, which compresses the spinal canal - a herniated disc. Manifestations in the form of a displacement of 2 mm are life-threatening.

Symptoms

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

Stage No. 1 – this stage is not manifested by severe symptoms:

• neck pain;
• Paresthesia on the side of the injury (numbness of the hand);
• Fatigue;
• Exhaustion.

Stage No. 2 – the type of pathology becomes more clearly visible to the patient:

• Pain in the affected area of an aching nature;
• Numbness (temporary) in the cervical collar area;
• migraines (due to vascular spasms);
• Hypertension;
• reduced physical activity;
• Exhaustion;
• 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 taken very seriously:

• the appearance of protrusions (protrusion of the fibrous ring into the spinal canal);
• severe painful sensations radiating to the shoulder and arm;
• Numbness in the neck.

Stage No. 4 differs from the third in an annular tear with the associated symptoms:

• the neck is curved;
• Neck muscles lose the ability to hold the head;
• paresthesia of the neck and head muscles;
• severe pain in the arm and neck and collar area;
• 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 number of symptoms with characteristic signs.

Cervicovestibular complex:

• hearing is impaired;
• The vertebral artery undergoes pathological changes.

Radicular vertebral syndrome:

• C2– Pain in the back of the head, weakening of the mylohyoid muscles;
• C3– Hyperemia of the tongue, slurred speech, incomplete paralysis of the jaw muscles, numbness in the neck;
• C4– Pain and weakness of the clavicle muscles, difficulty breathing, pain of unknown origin in the hepatobiliary system, numbness in the cervical collar area;
• C5– The syndrome is manifested by numbness in the shoulder, weakness and a reduction in volume of the superficial shoulder muscle;
• C6 –the main manifestation of pathology is pain from the neck to the shoulder, numbness in the thumb;
• C7– characterized by pain in the neck under the shoulder blade, numbness in the index and middle fingers (on the side of the injury);
• C8– Pain manifests itself from the neck to the elbow and to the little finger, paresthesia of the shoulder, scapula and the affected finger.

Reflex irritant syndromes:

• painful:cervicalgia (morning); pain in the neck and back of the head; Pain in the neck that triggers an excruciating pain in the shoulder;
• Muscle tonic:muscle tension; excruciating pain in the back of the head; pain in the subscapular region; cramps in the neck and collar area; deformity of the shoulder joint; Atrophy of the shoulder muscles.

SPA:

• the consequence of mechanical damage is a narrowing of the arterial vessel;
• organic damage to brain activity;
• Migraine;
• spinning pain in the back of the head;
• neurological skin pain on the head;
• hearing loss;
• unsteady gait;
• feeling of visibility of sea waves;
• Fainting states.

Compressive myelopathy:

• pain and numbness of the limbs;
• sensory disorders;
• mild diseases of the pelvic organs;
• Numbness in the face.

Craniovertebral anomaly:

• Graduation;
• intracranial hypertension;
• Disturbance of psycho-emotional balance;
• Pain in the head in the vertex and occiput areas;
• vomiting reflex;
• pallor of the optic nerve;
• Dizziness;
• Disturbance of oculomotor reflexes;
• asthenia;
• depressive state.

diagnosis

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

A neuropathologist and vertebrologist is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of pathologies of the spine. To make a correct diagnosis, you must contact the above-mentioned doctors. As part of a personal examination and an interview, the specialist will decide which examinations should be resorted to.

If necessary, you must do the following:

• Computed tomography of the neck;
• magnetic resonance imaging of the damaged area;
• SCT of ships;
• X-ray of the spine in multiple projections;
• Visiting an ophthalmologist to measure intraocular pressure;
• Doppler ultrasound of blood vessels;
• ENMG of hands;
• clinical blood test;
• ESR detailed 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 drugs that help combat cervical spine pathology.

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

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

Local medications:

• pain-relieving ointments;
• compresses that relieve inflammation;
• chondroprotectors;
• Ointments with a warming effect.

Physiotherapeutic procedures:

• therapeutic and relaxing massage of the neck and collar area;
• reflexology;
• exercise therapy;
• Using a special orthopedic neck brace.

Surgery:

• with sensory 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 in observing certain first aid rules:

• Compliance with strict bed rest;
• Use of antispasmodics and analgesics;
• fixing the neck with a special brace or collar;
• You should also wrap your neck with a warm scarf;
• if there is swelling, you should take a diuretic;
• external use of anesthetic ointments;
• use of muscle relaxants;
• Use of sedatives.

All listed medications should be prescribed by a neurologist.

Medication

The features of drug therapy include the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and antispasmodic drugs that contribute to muscle relaxation, the use of drugs to improve blood circulation, as well as the prescription of drugs that improve and restore the structure of cartilage tissue - chondroprotectors.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the first aid in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.The use of this group of drugs helps to reduce or completely relieve pain. NSAIDs are drugs that act on the source of inflammation; the use of the drug can reduce the manifestations of the inflammatory process.

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

Muscle relaxants

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

The disease affects the nerve endings, which in turn manifests itself in the form of pain and muscle spasms. This process is influenced by muscle relaxant medications that relax the affected muscles and relieve pain.

Hormonal medications

The most powerful drugs with analgesic, anti-inflammatory and vascular stimulating effects include hormonal drugs from the corticosteroid group. Drugs of this type have the ability to stop tissue destruction, reduce degenerative joint processes and improve microcirculation.

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

Paravertebral blockade

A special local anesthesia using injections 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 painful places near the affected part of the spine - into the exit of the nerve endings.

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

Anoint

When treating osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, not only systemic drugs in the form of tablets and injections, but also local agents should be used.Ointments are often used for pathological processes in the spine.

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

Chondroprotectors

Systemic drugs that restore cartilage tissue are called chondroprotectors. Taking the medication stimulates the regeneration of the cartilage in the joints.

Homeopathic remedies

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

Medicines for the treatment of dizziness in osteochondrosis

In the treatment of dizziness that occurs against the background of degenerative changes in the spine, it is necessary to use various types of drugs. Everyone has their own action.

• Nootropics– Improving microcirculation, calming the nervous system, improving the relationship between the cerebral hemispheres.
• Medications used to treat vestibular disorders.They show their effect in dilating the blood vessels of the brain and thereby 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 contribute to faster restoration of cartilage tissue, improve muscle nutrition and blood circulation.

Shantz's collar

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

The bracket or holder has the shape of a circle.Made of dense foam rubber that attaches to the neck with Velcro. No special knowledge is required to use a medical fixative. You should place your beard on the collar and fasten it at the back.

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

Needle applicator

One of the methods of treating degenerative diseases of the neck is the use of a needle applicator - a massager on which there are spines. The plate has a flexible structure and can take various shapes.The applicator has clips for use with throat diseases.

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

physical therapy

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

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

Manual therapy

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

Normal blood circulation is restored, swelling disappears.

Therapy should be carried out by a specialist who regularly practices this treatment method. To achieve positive results in the form of pain reduction, several sessions are sometimes sufficient.

acupuncture

Acupuncture refers to non-traditional treatment methods.But the use of special needles screwed into the body by a reflexologist and affecting specific nerve endings and areas leads to positive results. Acupuncture improves metabolic processes, relieves local swelling and improves blood circulation.

Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis

The type of physiotherapy for neck osteochondrosis is different from other types of training. The cervical vertebrae are the smallest, and even their minimal displacement into the spinal canal is associated with pinching of the arteries supplying 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 (if you suffer from dizziness, you should assume a sitting position):

1. initial position– Standing with your back straight, face facing 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 shouldn't be any pain.
2. Starting position– Back straight, face facing forward. You should gently stretch and tilt your head with your right ear resting on your shoulder. You need to imagine that your left ear is stretching upwards and try to do so. Hold this position for a few seconds. Return to the starting position. Do the exercise on the second page.
3. When you stand straight, you need to look at your legs face down and lower your torso down– Vortex by vertebra – towards the ground. For those who are untrained, you need to grab your knees, straighten your back parallel to the floor and turn your face forward. This exercise involves the entire spine, especially the neck. Stay longer. Relax with your head and upper body down. Slowly and without haste, so as not to cause dizziness, return to the starting position, vertebra by vertebra.
4. Stand upright or sit on a straight-backed chair.Without bending your back, you should lower your chin to your chest and stretch the back of your head up - as if you were stretching your vertebrae. Hold the position for a few seconds and slowly and relaxed stretch your neck.
5. Rotational movement of the neck and head.You can sit on a chair with your back straight. Lower your head with your right ear onto your shoulder and from this position gently and slowly make a semicircle through your chest to the opposite (left) shoulder and back. Straighten.

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

Treatment with folk remedies

The use of traditional methods for cervical osteochondrosis does not always give the desired result - you cannot warm the neck (only dry heat). Therefore, there are not many effective methods, but they do exist.

Home remedies:

1. Tea made from a healthy herb (yarrow).You should take a little dry medicine, pour it into a mug and pour boiling water over it. Brew 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. Throbbing. The resulting amount of the healing drink should be drunk in one day, without saving it for the next day. You must drink between meals. Has a pain-relieving effect.
3. Compress from plants.You should take equal amounts of chamomile, sage and tussilago - the herbs should be dried and ground. Pour boiling water over it. Throbbing. Moisten a cotton cloth with the resulting solution and apply it to the sore spot on the neck. Cover with foil and wrap with a scarf. Let stand overnight. Helps relieve inflammation.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar.This is a very healthy, natural liquid that is obtained from apples through a microbiological process. It contains a large amount of useful substances. You should dilute an equal amount of vinegar with water. Moisten the gauze with the resulting liquid and apply to the cervical spine. Cover them with polyethylene and a scarf overnight. It helps restore cartilage tissue and relieve inflammation.
   For general strengthening and replenishment of the body with useful substances, you should drink apple remedies. 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 carried out only in the absence of an active inflammatory process - this is another effective method of treating osteochondrosis. Massage can be therapeutic in nature and should be performed by a specialized massage therapist, or self-massage when the patient knows which exercises will not harm him, but will help him.

The therapeutic massage uses the hands of a masseur who works on the neck and collar area with gentle, massaging strokes.Neurologists refer to neck massage as an "erotic" massage due to the very gentle specificity of the movements.

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

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

You cannot twist your neck or try to crack it - such techniques can lead to displacement of the vertebrae and pinching of 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 has not produced 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 features

The basic principles of nutrition for osteochondrosis include a balanced diet with restriction of foods harmful for this disease.You need to eat five times a day in small portions.

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

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

What is not recommended?

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

It is forbidden:

• eating large amounts of salt and salty foods;
• do weight lifting and aerobics;
• For the beautiful half, you should avoid tight shoes with high heels;
• get carried away with excess food, which will certainly lead to weight gain and disruption of metabolic processes;
• sleeping on a soft bed is unacceptable;
• provoke a grinding sensation with sudden movements of the neck, even if it seems that this brings relief.

prevention

To prevent the development of cervical osteochondrosis, you should take preventive measures:

• Visit the steam room (with the permission of a neurologist or in the absence of hypertension);
• Perform therapeutic massage regularly.
• if the disease already exists and has been treated, complete treatment courses on the recommendation of a neurologist;
• To go swimming;
• Yoga gymnastics is the primary form of therapeutic and preventive physical activity;
• balanced nutrition;
• give up bad habits - alcohol and nicotine, which disrupt metabolic processes in the body.

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