Cervical osteochondrosis

Spinal diseases are getting younger every year.One of the most common remains osteochondrosis, which has only recently been considered an exclusively age-related disease.If it affects the cervical spine, very intense pain can occur in the neck, arms and head, significantly reducing quality of life.This is often accompanied by a number of other disorders and, if left untreated, leads to the formation of intervertebral hernias, large volumes of which require surgical intervention.Therefore, it is important to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis as early as possible and start treatment according to the situation.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease in which degenerative changes occur in the intervertebral discs.Initially, the discs, which are cartilaginous rings containing gelatinous content, become dehydrated.Most often this is the result of a sedentary lifestyle, prolonged computer work, poor posture, neck injuries and a number of other factors.

This leads to a decrease in the strength of the collagen fibers that form the fibrous ring of the disc.As a result, its thickness gradually decreases, which becomes the main reason for the development of symptoms characteristic of cervical osteochondrosis:

• neck pain of varying degrees of intensity;
• headaches, dizziness, loss of consciousness caused by infringement of the cervical vertebral arteries passing directly through the vertebrae, that is, the development of vertebral artery syndrome;
• fluctuations in blood pressure levels;
• radicular syndrome, caused by pinching of the spinal roots, which is accompanied by irradiation of pain from the neck to the arms, to the hands and fingers, to the head, shoulders, sensory disturbances in these areas, the appearance of goosebumps, numbness, etc.;
• decreased range of motion in the neck, appearance or intensification of pain when performing certain movements;
• increased fatigue, decreased performance;
• tinnitus, decreased visual acuity, development of difficult-to-treat ENT pathologies.

There are 7 vertebrae in the cervical spine.Most often, osteochondrosis affects the discs located between the 5th and 6th, as well as the 6th and 7th vertebrae.

In such situations, it is necessary to contact a neurologist, who prescribes an MRI scan.The results of this examination make it possible to accurately identify osteochondrosis at any stage of development, even in the early stages, and select treatment.

Development stages

In general, there are 4 stages of osteochondrosis development:

• Grade 1 – pathological changes are just beginning to appear in the intervertebral disc, so symptoms are mild and only seen occasionally.In these situations, treatment will be as effective and simple as possible.
• 2nd degree - changes in the discs become more pronounced, which leads to the appearance of pain in the neck, which occurs and intensifies when making head movements.
• Grade 3 – pain becomes almost constant and can be complicated by the development of vertebral artery syndrome, as well as the formation of intervertebral protrusion and hernia.
• 4th degree - the disc is so destroyed that the possibility of movement in the affected mobile segment of the spine is almost completely excluded.In this case, severe pain is observed, radicular syndrome often develops and one or both vertebral arteries are pinched, which leads to the appearance of characteristic symptoms.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Thus, the tactics of treating cervical osteochondrosis depend on the severity of degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, the patient's age and his individual characteristics.Therefore, it is always developed separately for each patient, but always aimed at solving the following problems:

• elimination of unpleasant symptoms that worsen the patient's quality of life;
• improving the quality of blood circulation in the neck;
• improvement of metabolic processes in the affected area;
• elimination of the causes of degenerative-dystrophic changes in intervertebral discs;
• reducing the risk of developing complications of osteochondrosis, i.e. protrusions, intervertebral hernias, spondylosis, etc.

In general, at each stage of the development of the disease, the use of different therapeutic measures is indicated.If in the 1st phase it will be enough to adjust the lifestyle and practice exercise therapy, then in the 2nd phase a more extensive impact will be required, additionally including taking various medications, carrying out manual therapy sessions, using orthopedic devices, etc.

But patients should understand that it is impossible to achieve reverse regression of degenerative-dystrophic changes that have already occurred, especially if osteochondrosis of stage 2 or more is diagnosed.In these situations, treatment will aim to improve the patient's well-being and prevent the progression of the disease.Sometimes it is possible to completely correct the situation only at the 1st stage of osteochondrosis, but at this stage of development the pathology is diagnosed extremely rarely, since patients perceive minor discomfort in the neck only as a sign of fatigue and do not consult a doctor.

In more serious cases, the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine will be even more complex and time-consuming.In any case, it is carried out under the supervision of a neurologist with periodic follow-up examinations and adjustment of therapy depending on changes in the patient's well-being.

Lifestyle correction

All patients diagnosed with cervical osteochondrosis are advised to make some changes to their lifestyle.In each case, these recommendations vary depending on the characteristics of the person's professional activity and a series of others.

The vast majority are advised to increase their level of physical activity and take a break from work at least every hour to warm up if it involves sitting.In cases where the patient is actively involved in sports, he is recommended to reduce the load on the cervical spine.Thus, the abandonment of running, jumping sports, weight lifting and wrestling will be shown.

It is additionally recommended that people who are overweight take measures to reduce it, as well as adjust their diet.When osteochondrosis has already occurred, it is important that the diet meets the body's daily needs as fully as possible.Therefore, it is worth giving up fast food and semi-finished products and bringing your diet closer to rational.This means that it is worth creating a menu so that half of the diet consists of vegetables and fruits, and also contains a sufficient amount of protein.

Drug treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Drug therapy is mainly aimed at eliminating the unpleasant symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.As a rule, it is complex and includes the use of medicines from different groups, each of which solves specific problems.Therefore, it is also developed separately for each patient.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs are a broad group of medications that have not only anti-inflammatory but also analgesic properties.They are available in various pharmaceutical forms, including tablets, capsules, ointments, gels and creams, as well as solutions for intramuscular administration.NSAIDs should only be used on demand, that is, when severe neck pain occurs.

For severe pain, NSAIDs can be administered intramuscularly.

The disadvantage of oral drugs from the NSAID group is their irritating effect on the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum.This can provoke a worsening of the course of diseases of these organs, especially gastritis and peptic ulcers.To reduce these risks, proton pump inhibitors are prescribed in combination with them.

There are medications that have a gentler effect on the gastrointestinal tract, which is why they are widely prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation in osteochondrosis.In addition, more advanced drugs have already been developed, characterized by a selective effect, which are also often prescribed for osteochondrosis, but they are more expensive and not available to all patients.

Corticosteroids and injections (blocks)

Corticosteroids are hormonal medications prescribed for patients with severe inflammatory processes.They can cause a series of undesirable consequences with prolonged use, which is why they are prescribed in short courses in the most difficult cases.As a rule, the use of injectable solutions is recommended, as with this method of administration these medications are much easier for the body to tolerate and are less likely to cause side effects.

Corticosteroids are often used in combination with local anesthetics to perform blocks, that is, to quickly relieve very intense pain, by introducing the prepared mixture at special points close to the passage of spinal nerves.The procedure requires certain skills and dexterity and therefore can only be performed in medical institutions by specially trained medical professionals.Otherwise, the probability of developing undesirable consequences and complications is very high.

It is recommended to perform blocks a maximum of 4 times a year.

Muscle relaxants

Muscle relaxants are a group of medications used to eliminate reflex muscle spasms caused by an acute inflammatory process.This often occurs with cervical osteochondrosis and causes severe neck pain, which further aggravates the situation.

Vitamins

Since osteochondrosis creates significant prerequisites for compression of the spinal roots, it is often indicated to take vitamin complexes containing mainly B vitamins. They are directly involved in the transmission of nerve impulses, which is especially important in the development of radicular syndrome.

Chondroprotectors

Chondroprotectors are medicines around which a lot of controversy arises.They are based on substances used by the body to restore damaged cartilaginous tissue, which determines the indications for their use in cervical osteochondrosis.But at the same time, there is no convincing evidence of its effectiveness in advanced forms of the disease.In the initial stages of osteochondrosis, they have a positive effect on the condition of the intervertebral discs, which leads to an improvement in the patient's well-being.And at later stages, they can only help inhibit the progression of degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs.

Chondroprotectors are produced in the form of powders for preparing solutions, capsules, products for topical use, as well as solutions for intramuscular administration.The greatest positive effect was observed in the latter.

Topical products

It is precisely these medications, available in the form of a gel, cream or ointment, that patients usually use when signs of cervical osteochondrosis appear.They have different effects, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, warming or, conversely, cooling and local irritant.

Often these products contain NSAIDs, so they help reduce pain, but they are especially effective in the early stages of osteochondrosis.Also, the components of such drugs can be menthol, pepper extract, snake or bee venom.

Local irritants act on the principle of irritating the nerve endings in the skin, reducing the intensity of pain and increasing blood flow in the area of application.But these remedies are effective only in the initial stages of the development of cervical osteochondrosis.

Preparations to improve microcirculation

Medicines in this group are used to improve the quality of blood circulation, which is especially necessary for vertebral artery syndrome.Various medications have a vasodilating effect, which improves brain nutrition and helps eliminate tinnitus, headaches and dizziness.But without effectively eliminating the factor putting pressure on the vertebral artery, this treatment will only provide temporary results.

Exercise therapy

Physiotherapy is the basis for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.Today, there are many proprietary and generally accepted methods of exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis, but patients should understand that there are no universal exercises.A set of exercises should be selected individually by a specialist, taking into account not only the stage of development of degenerative-dystrophic changes, but also the patient's age, the nature of existing concomitant diseases, the presence of radicular syndrome or compression of the vertebral arteries.Therefore, different exercises may be indicated for the same patients with approximately the same changes in the intervertebral discs.

In general, physiotherapy has the following objectives:

• strengthening the muscles of the neck and shoulder girdle;
• activation of blood circulation in the affected area, which will contribute to the restoration of the fibrous rings of the intervertebral discs;
• normalization of muscle tone.

It is necessary to do exercise therapy every day.At first, it's best to join special groups or work one-on-one with an exercise therapy instructor.This will allow you to 100% master the execution technique of each proposed exercise so that its execution brings maximum benefit.The specialist will help you select the optimal load and develop a program for increasing it, taking into account the patient's level of physical development.

In the future, patients will be able to practice exercise therapy independently at home.At the same time, it is important to approach this with full responsibility, perform the exercises slowly, without rushing and in comfortable conditions.But if pain appears at any time during exercise, you should immediately stop performing the exercise that provoked its appearance and consult your doctor to determine the causes and correct the exercise therapy program for cervical osteochondrosis.

When undergoing exercise therapy, it is prohibited to make sudden and strong movements, turn the head or perform exercises while in pain.In these situations, there is a high risk of worsening existing changes in the discs instead of obtaining the expected benefit.

Swimming has a very positive effect on the condition of the spine.This is exactly the kind of sport that does not involve stress on the discs, but actively involves the back and neck muscles.As a result, the muscular corset is effectively strengthened, acting as a natural support for the spine.Therefore, if possible, patients are advised to visit the pool 2-3 times a week.

Manual therapy for cervical osteochondrosis

Manual therapy is one of the most effective methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis, as it allows you to influence not only the muscles and soft tissues, but also the spine itself.But it is very important to take a responsible approach to choosing a chiropractor, as incorrect or too strong influence can lead to a worsening of the patient's condition and even the development of complications.Such a specialist must not only have a higher medical education and a license to practice manual therapy, but also have a good knowledge of the features of anatomy and osteochondrosis and have sufficient experience.

Do not confuse manual therapy with massage therapy.The differences between these types of manual therapy are significant, as massage therapy involves only the soft tissues, while in manual therapy the doctor also works the spine.

Thus, each manual therapy session begins with stroking, which allows you to prepare the skin for subsequent more active effects.In the future, rubbing, kneading and squeezing techniques will be used, which allows you to activate blood flow in the collar, neck and upper back area.Once the skin and muscles are sufficiently warmed and the patient is relaxed, the doctor begins to perform mobilization and manipulation techniques.They involve turning with oscillatory movements, pushing in the direction of the most pronounced restriction of movement, which leads to an increase in spinal mobility and the elimination of functional blockages.

Thus, thanks to qualified manual therapy, it is possible:

• normalize the position of the vertebrae, thereby eliminating increased pressure on the intervertebral discs and creating favorable conditions for their restoration;
• eliminate pain caused by cervical osteochondrosis and its complications;
• bring overly relaxed muscles to normal tone and relax spasmodic muscles;
• increase neck mobility;
• eliminate pressure in the vertebral arteries and thereby normalize blood flow to the brain;
• eliminate compression of the spinal roots and thus normalize the conduction of bioelectric impulses to the organs whose innervation they are responsible for, in addition to reducing pain.

It is especially worth highlighting the author's method of manual therapy.It involves the use of special and patented impact techniques, which allow you to obtain a pronounced result after the 1st session, not only on the part of the neck affected by osteochondrosis, but also on the entire body.As a result, not only pain and other symptoms of the disease disappear, but also the functioning of all organs improves and the immune system is strengthened.The second and subsequent sessions enhance the positive effect and consolidate it, which guarantees that if other medical recommendations are followed, the remission period will last as long as possible.

Self-massage

To improve well-being, patients can periodically perform neck self-massages to relieve feelings of tiredness and reduce pain.To do this, sit in a comfortable position and try to relax your neck muscles.Then, perform stroking movements with the palms of your hands, gradually moving to circular friction, capturing the shoulder area.All movements are performed from the spine, without strong and sudden pressure.In this case, you can use local anti-inflammatories recommended by your doctor.

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapy is indicated outside the acute inflammatory process.It allows you to consolidate the achieved treatment results and further improve the patient's condition.As a rule, a course of 10 to 15 procedures is prescribed, selected separately for each patient.It could be:

• Electrophoresis - involves the use of electrical current to ensure deeper penetration of the indicated medications.
• Magnetotherapy – helps to activate blood circulation in the area of influence and stimulates the course of metabolic processes.Furthermore, magnetotherapy sessions have an analgesic effect and help eliminate swelling.
• Laser therapy has an anti-inflammatory and vasodilating effect, which leads to a decrease in pain intensity.
• Ultrasound therapy is a physiotherapy method based on the positive effect of ultrasonic waves on the body.They help reduce the sensitivity of nerve endings and also have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
• Diadynamic currents – the procedures lead to pain reduction, improve tissue nutrition, have a positive effect on muscles and help eliminate inflammation.

Traction therapy

When the vertebrae stick together due to flattening of the intervertebral discs, Glisson loop traction therapy is indicated.The essence of the method is to apply a precisely adjusted tensile load to the cervical spine using a special device that fixes the head and loads on the opposite side.Such procedures help to increase the distance between the vertebrae, which leads to a decrease in pressure on the discs and creates favorable conditions for their recovery.But such therapy can only be prescribed by a doctor.

Needle applicator

The iplicator is a simple and affordable means of reflexology in the neck region.It can be a plate with spikes that must be placed under the neck, or a similar device, but in the form of a roller.Thanks to the tingling of the spines, skin receptors become irritated, which leads to more active blood flow to the affected area.

Some patients notice a decrease in neck pain after using the applicator, as well as an increase in performance, improved sleep quality and restoration of neck mobility.But if you have skin lesions in the affected area or vascular diseases, you should not use a needle applicator.

Orthopedic devices

To reduce the load on the cervical spine, it is recommended to change the mattress and pillow to orthopedic ones, as sleeping on an uncomfortable pillow causes additional compression of the vertebral arteries and nerve trunks during sleep.Orthopedic products are free from this disadvantage and ensure the maintenance of the physiologically correct position of the spine along the entire length and thus reduce the rate of progression of existing osteochondrosis.

But it is important to choose the right pillow and mattress so that they correspond to the patient's individual characteristics and contain adequate filling.Thanks to them, it will also be possible to improve the quality of your sleep and wake up in the morning happy and rested.

Additionally, some patients are recommended to use a Shants collar.It is a removable orthopedic device that allows you to fix the neck and significantly reduce the load on the cervical spine, for example, when working at a computer or after receiving an injury.The collar is placed before the expected load on the neck, but must be removed during sleep and rest.They differ in design, height, degree of fixation, so only the attending physician can choose the ideal one.

Therefore, the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis can be quite time-consuming and complex.You must be prepared for this, as there is no other way to prevent the development of changes in the intervertebral discs, avoid the development of complications and the need for surgery.But in most cases, patients' condition improves in the first few weeks of treatment.At the same time, it is important not to self-medicate, but to consult a neurologist, since only a qualified specialist will be able to determine the degree of osteochondrosis and select the most suitable treatment for a particular patient's disease.