Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

11 September 2020

Osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the spine that manifests itself in the deformation of bone tissue and intervertebral discs.

The first symptoms may appear as early as 20-30 years, but more often the disease becomes noticeable up to 40 years. It is divided into three categories - osteochondrosis of the lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine.

Reasons for development

The causes and development of cervical osteochondrosis are divided into the following factors:

hereditary predisposition to disease;
disturbed metabolism, intoxication of the body, infectious diseases;
excess weight and increased stress on all parts of the spine, including the cervical;
lack of fluids, vitamins or trace elements, poor nutrition;
spinal injuries, bruises, fractures;
climatic or environmental conditions that adversely affect the body;
improper posture, curvature of the spine;
flat feet, use of high-heeled shoes;
sedentary, sedentary lifestyle;
high activity, which requires frequent changes in body position;
frequent physical activities on the spine;
stay in an awkward position for a long time;
stressful situations, nervous overexertion.

The occurrence of osteochondrosis is often associated with professional activities. Constant physical activity, high level of mobility, as well as inactive work make the main risk group.

Another category of people prone to cervical osteochondrosis arises due to objective and external conditions of exposure. Heredity, climate, frequent hypothermia - all this contributes to the additional load on the spine. It also includes malnutrition and a lack of necessary substances that can prevent osteochondrosis in the cervical spine.

Improper sleeping position, prolonged immobility, especially in an uncomfortable position, wearing uncomfortable shoes - all this makes another risk group. This also includes pregnant women, especially when carrying several children or an underdeveloped musculoskeletal system.

Stages of osteochondrosis development

The development of osteochondrosis is divided into four stages. The initial character is characterized by the development of pathology of the nucleus pulposus. Lack of moisture and stress on the cervical spine lead to deformation of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, and fibrous cracks also appear.

There are usually no symptoms at this stage. Their manifestation is reduced to minor pain during long-term uncomfortable body position, as well as a certain discomfort during active movement.

At the beginning of the second phase of cervical osteochondrosis, the height of the intervertebral discs decreases. This leads to a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae, relaxation of the muscles and ligaments.

At this stage, the mobility of the affected vertebrae increases. This is expressed in expressive painful sensations with certain movements and positions. Discomfort can also manifest under certain loads.

In the third phase of the development of cervical osteochondrosis, prolapses and protrusions of the intervertebral discs are formed. The disease is often accompanied by dislocation and arthrosis of the corresponding joints.

This phase of cervical osteochondrosis is often accompanied by stiffness in certain movements. Lack of mobility is also manifested, tingling and numbness in the limbs are felt. Neck pains become pronounced.

The fourth stage of cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by the body's attempt to correct the increased mobility of the vertebrae on its own. Osteophytes are formed at the points of their contact, focused on trying to fix the desired position of the spine.

These bone formations often lead to nerve entrapment. Fibrous ankylosis begins to develop on the intervertebral discs and joints. When the nerve endings tighten, the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine intensify. However, if there is no pinching, the signs of the disease can disappear completely.

Symptoms

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine at different stages manifest in different ways. Many patients do not seek medical help in the early stages.

Cases where consultation with an expert is required include the following signs:

obsessive, does not disappear at night, pain in the neck, in the area of eyes and ears, on the nape of the neck and shoulder girdle;
frequent pain in the hands, increased physical exertion, muscle weakness;
difficulty moving hands, decreased sensitivity and mobility of hands and fingers;
numbness, tingling, tingling in hands and feet;
in the morning there is tension in the neck muscles, a feeling of "laziness" occurs and little mobility of the neck is established;
pain when turning and tilting the head, occasionally there is a pulsating pain in the neck and nape;
headache occurs, localized in the nape of the neck and spreading to the scalp and temples;
frequent dizziness, darkening of the eyes, fainting with a sharp turn of the head may occur;
tinnitus, appearance of "flies" in front of the eyes, decreased visual and hearing acuity, numbness of the tongue;
heart pain, the intensity of which depends on posture, and nitroglycerin does not alleviate it;
growth of connective tissue on the cervical spine.

The intensity of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis can manifest in different ways. Much depends on the localization of complications - depending on which vertebrae the nerve endings are compressed for, the symptoms will also vary.

If the symptoms of osteochondrosis do not allow you to live and work fully, you must see a doctor.

Diagnostics

If pronounced symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are found, they consult a local therapist. It can help you determine the source of the pain and provide guidance to a neurologist for further assessment. Depending on the diagnosis, the neurologist is discussed in narrower specializations.

A vertebroneurologist deals with all issues in the treatment of the spine. A chiropractor can also help determine the diagnosis. In case of acute pain, they are referred to a trauma surgeon.

The process of diagnosing osteochondrosis can be done manually.

However, one of the following special procedures is used for the final diagnosis:

X-ray of the cervical spine;
myelography;
neurological examination for tenderness and limb reflexes;
computed tomography of the cervical spine (CT);
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Doppler ultrasound or duplex scanning may be prescribed to identify the condition of the blood vessels in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. It is emphasized that only an appropriate specialist can diagnose the disease.

Self-diagnosis and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is not allowed.

How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?

treatment options for cervical osteochondrosis

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is prescribed in the form of complex therapy.

The following methods are included in the general procedure:

taking medications that relieve symptoms and encourage recovery;
physiotherapy - water procedures, electrophoresis and other methods allow you to influence the spine in the right way;
therapeutic gymnastics is considered an integral way to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

During the treatment, alternative, highly specialized techniques can be used - reflexology, massage and manual therapy, osteopathy, hirudo and apitherapy.

The main aspect of treating cervical osteochondrosis is an integrated approach. Depending on the stage of the disease, the main course can last 1-3 months. In addition, restorative and strengthening therapy is prescribed, which can last for another year.

First Aid

In case of worsening osteochondrosis, first aid usually comes down to taking medication. For severe pain, use standard pain relievers.

If the effect of such drugs is absent, they turn to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs, however, can have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Without consulting a doctor, their use is allowed only in extreme cases.

The intensity of pain in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is also alleviated by anti-inflammatory painkillers.

In case of worsening osteochondrosis, physiotherapy exercises are not used - the load can lead to even greater complications. If the disease has already been diagnosed and the course of treatment is prescribed, follow the doctor's recommendations. Typically, therapy involves a number of tools used to relieve symptoms immediately.

If this is the first manifestation of the disease - do not delay a visit to the doctor. Medications can relieve pain, but full diagnosis and treatment will be needed to prevent recurrence.

Physical education

The main cause of cervical osteochondrosis is stress on this part of the spine. They can be expressed in long-term immobility with uncomfortable posture, as well as in excessive mobility with a poorly developed musculoskeletal system.

Given this aspect, gymnastics and physical exercise are key therapies in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. You can do them in the morning and during the day, some at work.

The whole complex of actions is designed to strengthen the musculoskeletal system, improve blood circulation and restore the mobility of the vertebrae. Gymnastics can be used not only for the treatment, but also for the prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

Sitting and standing exercises

Gymnastics for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in a sitting and standing position includes the following actions:

the palm is placed on the forehead, pressed against it with the head, resisting the resistance of the hand to pressure, the procedure is repeated 3-4 times for 7-10 seconds;
a similar procedure is done with the nape of the neck - the head is pressed against the opposite palm, tensing the neck muscles;
the procedure is then performed in the same way with the right and left sides of the head, placing the hand on the temple;
as an alternative to the arm for the same exercises, you can use a wall, in this case they rest their forehead or nape and press for a few seconds;
head tilted back, overcoming neck muscle tension, slowly tilted forward until chin reaches sternum, repeat 5-6 times;
stand (sit) upright, turning your shoulders, slowly turning your head to the maximum possible right and left, repeat 5-6 times;
the chin is lowered to the neck, in this position the head is also slowly turned left-right 5-6 times;
head is slightly tilted back, head tilted left and right, trying to reach the appropriate shoulder with the ear, perform 5 times.

Exercise to treat cervical osteochondrosis is repeated regularly. This is especially relevant for a sedentary lifestyle or a long time in an awkward position.

Circular head movements are not suitable for charging; such exercises can cause neck injuries.

Lying exercises

Lying down exercises for cervical osteochondrosis consist of the following actions:

lie on your back, stretching your legs, then pull them to your chest, squeezing with your hands, slowly raise your head, touching your knees to your forehead, and then slowly return to your original position;
the arms are spread wide at the hips and lifting the body, reaching the right palm with the left and vice versa;
lying on your stomach with legs and arms outstretched, lift your head and shoulders, leaning on your lower body;
in the same position, the head rotates left and right, returning to its original position each time.

Exercises in the supine position for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are performed 4-5 times, and the last - 8-10. During the performance of any actions they monitor the sensations; if pain occurs, the intensity of the load decreases.

Drug Therapy

In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, medication is aimed at eliminating the symptoms of the disease. Their auxiliary role is aimed at reducing pain, vitamin replacement and increasing tissue regeneration.

Drugs used to treat cervical osteochondrosis are divided into the following categories:

anti-inflammatory;
spasmolytic;
drugs to improve blood supply;
increased cartilage tissue regeneration.

In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the general list of prescribed medications includes tablets, ointments, creams, and in some cases injections. In case of significant pain, medications are used to relieve pain and block nerve endings.

In the absence of pain and destructive changes, taking medication may be completely unnecessary.

Folk remedies

In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, traditional medicine also offers an integrated approach. In addition to decoctions and tinctures, ointments based on medicinal herbs and products are used. Wraps are also made.

The main goal in the treatment of folk remedies is to warm the affected area, as well as giving the body the necessary vitamins for recovery.

The use of prescriptions must be coordinated with the doctor - some may interfere with prescribed medications or procedures.

Decorations and tinctures

The following decoctions are prepared for oral administration in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:

celery root is chopped through a grater, 3 grams are poured a liter of boiling water, insist 8 hours, filtered, consumed before meals three times a day, per teaspoon;
sunflower root is finely chopped, a glass of raw material is poured with three liters of water, boiled for half an hour, taken after a meal in small quantities, helps to remove salt from the body;
2 tablespoons of yarrow flowers are poured over boiling water, infused for 30-40 minutes, drunk by spoon three times a day, used as an anesthetic, anti-inflammatory and sedative;
3 tablespoons of burdock are crushed, poured with 250 grams of boiling water, insist two hours, filter a tablespoon of honey and add a quarter cup drink 4 times a day before meals;
use a meat grinder to grind 3 large pitted lemons, 4 cloves of garlic, pour the mixture with two liters of boiling water, drink on an empty stomach, shake the jar beforehand.

Compresses

Lotions and compresses are actively used in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:

Sprinkle cottage cheese with vinegar, stir and make a compress on the sore spot, wrapping it in a warm scarf, you can leave it overnight;
in half a liter of vodka add a gram of propolis, 50 grams of aloe extract, mustard powder, soak the topping solution, solidify and leave overnight;
one potato is passed through a grater, mixed with two tablespoons of honey, rubbed into the sore spot, and then wrapped in a warm scarf for the night;
spoon of eucalyptus pour a glass of water, cook for 5 minutes, add a spoonful of honey, the mixture is applied to the sore spot for two hours.

Fat

The following recipes are used to rub sore spots with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:

The flowers of the mother and stepmother, together with the stems, are sprinkled with ammonia, may stand for a month in a dark place, are used to lubricate the sore spot;
prepare a mixture of ginger juice and apothecary tincture of calendula, for sensitive skin is diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 1, used for rubbing before filling, helps relieve inflammation and improve blood circulation;
half a pack of butter is mixed with a tablespoon of flour and egg, then a tablespoon of vinegar is added, the mixture is infused for several days in a dark place, resulting in a film cast, the solution is used to grind in case of acute pain.

Massage

In the case of cervical osteochondrosis, massage can be an integral part of complex therapy. In this case, the referral for specialists is prescribed by the neurologist himself. In case of an independent decision on massage, it is recommended to consult a doctor first.

Taking into account the specificity of the disease, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should be treated with caution. The procedure is prescribed only in the diagnosed disease, on the recommendation of a doctor and the presence of neck pain.

Massage contraindications for cervical osteochondrosis:

There are tumors in the body, regardless of location;
active tuberculosis;
untreated sexually transmitted diseases;
skin diseases at the site of inflammation, including moles, warts, cracks, scratches;
for diseases of the vascular system, massage is included in the therapy at the discretion of the doctor;

If the procedure is assigned by an expert, no action is required.

Self-massage for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is performed taking into account clear instructions and rules:

area of capture - from the zone of hair growth to the level below the shoulders;
you can act with one or two hands at a time, depending on the convenience;
must follow a specific sequence of actions.

The procedure for performing a massage for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine includes the following steps:

for half a minute, firmly pressed palm, smooth the skin in the area of inflammation;
movements continue by pressing with the edge of the palm or the pads of the fingers;
fingers continue to rub, pulling the skin from the side to the spine;
the skin is already squeezed by gripping the muscles, the movements are maintained at an intense level, but without painful sensations;
To finish, repeat the first action by gently rubbing your palms.

It is recommended to repeat each action 6-7 times, over time it takes half a minute of unhurried movements. With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, self-massage can be difficult, so they turn to friends or relatives for help. However, a specialist is still recommended.

Nutrition

Complex treatment of cervical osteochondrosis includes diet. It is aimed at improving metabolism, as well as saturating the body with the necessary minerals and vitamins that contribute to the regeneration and renewal of tissues.

The basics of a diet for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine include:

dairy and fermented milk products;
lean poultry, fish;
fresh vegetables and fruits;
nuts and seeds;
cereals;
mushrooms.

Recommended recipes for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine include fish and meat jellies, meat jellies, aspic dishes. Pay attention to the use of virgin olive oil. Apply it without heat treatment. The food itself is preferable for cooking, baking or steaming.

Meals should be divided 5-6 times. For proper absorption, it is recommended to drink half a liter of liquid a day. Preference is given to pure and mineral water, dried fruit compotes, unsweetened fruit drinks, herbal tea.

For osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, limit the consumption of the following products:

flour and confectionery;
fatty foods, strong meat soups;
spicy and salty foods or spices;
sugar and fruit with a high sugar content;
canned food, smoked products;
legumes.

In addition to osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the consumption of strong black tea, coffee, alcoholic and carbonated products is also limited.

Complications and Hazards

Advanced cervical osteochondrosis can lead to the following complications:

intervertebral disc herniation;
protrusion and kyphosis;
radiculitis, salt deposits in the spine;
stroke of the spinal cord;
limb atrophy due to insufficient blood supply, paralysis.

The risk of complications in cervical osteochondrosis arises in the absence of treatment of the disease. Lack of medical care, non-compliance with the prescribed course of treatment, ignoring the recommendations - all this causes new pathologies and can end in complete disability of the patient.

Contraindications for osteochondrosis

contraindications for cervical osteochondrosis

If cervical osteochondrosis is suspected or the disease has already been diagnosed, the following actions are not allowed:

for lifting and carrying weights - loads on the spine do not contribute to healing in any way;
for active sports - running, walking, swimming are useful, however, excessive load of simulators will only make the situation worse;
lead a sedentary lifestyle - prolonged absence of movement, warming up, walking in the fresh air have a detrimental effect on the general condition;
overeating - often osteochondrosis of the cervical spine develops precisely because of being overweight, it is not worth contributing to the worsening of the situation;
consume a lot of salt and alcohol - salty and spicy foods, as well as alcoholic products should be completely excluded from the diet;
careless movements and clenching of the joints - such procedures often bring relief, but they wear out and deform the contact surfaces of the vertebrae;
sleep on a high pillow - in this position the muscles are tense all night, which only complicates the disease;
sleep in a soft bed - for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, it is recommended to rest on the floor or on boards;
wear uncomfortable shoes, use high heels - the lack of full support increases the tension of the spine, often causing its deformation.

Also, in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, self-diagnosis of the disease and self-treatment are not allowed. The course of therapy should be prescribed and supervised by a specialist. Without this it is not worth hoping for recovery at all, in most cases it will be a complication.

Folk healers should be avoided, there is no need to place and stretch in the spine. Such actions can result in serious injuries and complications. Folk recipes are also used only after consultation with a specialist.

Prevention

The causes of cervical osteochondrosis in most cases are associated with an improper lifestyle.

In order to prevent and prevent such a disease, attention is paid to the following aspects:

exclude hypodynamics - many sports are suitable for this, including walking, running, skiing, swimming, cycling, as well as gymnastics and regular exercise;
during work in a sitting position, attention is paid to posture (flat back, relaxed shoulders), standard position of arms and legs, as well as support of the spine from the side of the seat;
while maintaining a steady position for a long time, take a break every 45 minutes to warm up and restore blood circulation;
an elastic mattress, preferably orthopedic, and a pillow that is not too high were chosen for sleeping;
when lifting weights the load is distributed on the legs and arms, it is desirable to lift the weight from the squat, to avoid twitching;
adhere to a diet - proper nutrition and fluid intake support metabolism and provide the body with the necessary trace elements.

Relaxation also refers to the prevention of cervical osteochondrosis. Stress and nervous tension should be avoided, often the development of the disease is associated with psychosomatics. Regular visits to the masseur are recommended.