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

Neck osteochondrosis is a pathology whose symptoms negatively affect a person's quality of life. Timely treatment of the disease will not lead to destruction of the vertebrae and spinal stenosis.

What is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Cervical osteochondrosis is a metabolic disorder of the human axial skeleton. The painful process involves the vertebral 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 the 34 vertebrae of the human axial skeleton.They perform the most mobile function of the body - turning the neck with the head. There is minimal change in the structure of the joint body, arch or processes of the vertebrae, and a shift 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, which has the following causes:

• physical inactivity;
• unbalanced diet;
• increased formation of uric acid salts;
• metabolic disorder;
• psycho-emotional stress;
• sedentary work (driver, typist);
• consequences of acute respiratory infections, ARVI;
• excess weight;
• damage to the axial skeleton;
• hypothermia of the spine;
• endocrine disorders;
• load on the neck;
• distorted body position during night rest;
• 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:

• Phase no. 1.At the beginning of the development of osteochondrosis of the neck, the manifestations are mild. A person may not attach much importance to small painful changes that occur in nature. At this stage, the elasticity of the cartilage is not lost, but the changes have just begun.
• Phase no. 2.This stage of the disease is characterized by damage to the cartilaginous tissue of the vertebrae. The process gradually moves to the body's joints, muscles and vascular system. The pain appears due to compression of the nerves, to which the arms, shoulders and subscapular region (on the affected side) react. Which very often, in this phase of the disease, can be confused with other pathologies of the organism.
• Phase no. 3.This stage of the pathological process is characterized by destruction of the disk without rupture of the ring, which should be called protrusion.
• Phase no. 4.At this stage it is inevitable to undergo surgery - the process goes a long way: a disk is displaced, which compresses the spinal canal - a herniated disk. Manifestations in the form of a 2 mm displacement threaten human life.

Symptoms

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

Phase no. 1 – this phase does not manifest itself with serious symptoms:

• neck pain;
• paresthesia on the side of the lesion (numbness of the hand);
• fatigue;
• prostration.

Stadium no. 2 – the nature of the pathology becomes more evident to the patient:

• pain in the affected area of a aching nature;
• numbness (passing) in the cervical neck area;
• migraine (due to vasospasm);
• hypertension;
• decreased physical activity;
• prostration;
• pain in the back, shoulder blade and arm (from the pathological process);
• chest pain.

Stadium no. 3 is characterized by the manifestation of symptoms that must be treated very seriously:

• the appearance of protrusions (protrusion of the fibrous ring into the spinal canal);
• strong painful sensations radiating to the shoulder, arm;
• neck numbness.

Stadium no. 4 differs from the third by ring rupture with its inherent symptoms:

• the neck is bent;
• the neck muscles lose the ability to support the head;
• paresthesia of the neck and head muscles;
• severe pain in the arms and neck region;
• numbness of the tongue;
• insomnia.

In the fourth stage, a neurologist recommends surgery.

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 set of symptoms with characteristic signs.

Cervicovestibular complex:

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

Radiculovertebral syndrome:

• C2– neck pain, weakening of the mylohyoid muscles;
• C3– hyperemia of the tongue, difficulty speaking, incomplete paralysis of the jaw muscles, numbness of the neck;
• C4– pain and weakness of the clavicle muscles, respiratory problems, pain of unknown etiology in the hepatobiliary system, numbness of the cervico-collar area;
• C5– the syndrome manifests itself with numbness of the shoulder, weakness and decrease in the volume of the superficial shoulder muscle;
• C6 –the main manifestation of the pathology is pain from the neck to the shoulder, numbness of the thumb;
• C7– characterized by pain from the neck under the shoulder blade, numbness of the index and middle fingers (on the side of the lesion);
• C8– pain occurs from the neck to the elbow and little finger, paresthesias of the shoulder, scapula and affected finger.

Reflex-irritant syndromes:

• painful:cervical pain (morning); pain in the neck and occipital region; neck pain, which gives off a nagging pain in the shoulder;
• muscle tonic:muscle tension; nagging pain in the back of the head; pain in the subscapular region; spasm of the neck-cervical 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;
• turning pain in the back of the head;
• neurological skin pain on the head;
• hearing loss;
• gait instability;
• sensation of visibility of sea waves;
• states of fainting.

Compressive myelopathy:

• pain and numbness in the limbs;
• sensitivity disorders;
• minor disorders of the pelvic organs;
• facial numbness.

Craniovertebral anomaly:

• disconcerting;
• intracranial hypertension;
• psycho-emotional balance disorder;
• head pain in the parietal and occipital areas;
• gag reflex;
• pallor of the optic nerve;
• dizziness;
• disturbance of oculomotor reflexes;
• asthenia;
• depressive state.

Diagnostics

Cervical osteochondrosis: symptoms depend on the course and form of the disease. To begin therapy for a pathological process it is necessary to make a correct diagnosis.

A neuropathologist and vertebrologist is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal pathologies. To make a correct diagnosis, you need to contact the above-mentioned doctors, and during the examination and face-to-face interview, the specialist will determine which tests to resort to.

If necessary, you need to do:

• computed tomography of the neck;
• MRI of the damaged area;
• SCT of the vessels;
• X-ray of the spine in different projections;
• visit an ophthalmologist to measure intraocular pressure;
• Doppler ultrasound of blood vessels;
• ENMG of the hands;
• clinical blood test;
• Detailed ESR analysis.

Based on all tests, 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 the pathology of the cervical spine.

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

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

Local medicines:

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

Physiotherapy procedures:

• therapeutic and recreational massage of the cervico-collar area;
• reflexology;
• physical therapy;
• use of a special orthopedic neck brace.

Surgery:

• for sensitivity disorders;
• with large stenosis of the spinal canal.

First aid for severe pain

Treatment of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in the form of acute pain consists in following some first aid rules:

• compliance with strict bed rest;
• use of antispasmodics and painkillers;
• fix the neck with a brace or special collar;
• You should also wrap your neck with a warm scarf;
• in case of swelling you should take a diuretic;
• external use of anesthetic ointments;
• use of muscle relaxants;
• use of sedatives.

All listed drugs should be prescribed by a neurologist.

Pharmacological treatment

Features of drug therapy include the use of anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic drugs, which help to relax muscles, the use of drugs to improve blood circulation, and also prescribe drugs that improve and restore the structure of cartilage tissue - chondroprotectors.

NSAIDs

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

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

Muscle relaxants

Drugs that reduce skeletal muscle tone are called muscle relaxants. Drugs from this group should be used for cervical osteochondrosis due to 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 drugs, which relax the affected muscles and relieve pain.

Hormonal drugs

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

All drugs that belong to the group of steroid hormones are prescribed only by a neurologist and under close monitoring of the patient's condition (due to the high number of adverse reactions).

Paravertebral block

Special local anesthesia using injections is called paravertebral block. A neuropathologist or anesthetist injects a special medicinal mixture into the affected area of the spine, more precisely into painful places near the affected part of the spine, at the exit of the nerve endings.

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

Ointments

In the treatment of 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 widely 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 drugs stimulates the regeneration of the cartilaginous system of the joints.

Homeopathic remedies

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

Medicines for the treatment of dizziness in osteochondrosis

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

• Nootropics– improve microcirculation, calm the nervous system, improve the relationship between the hemispheres of the brain.
• Drugs for the treatment of vestibular disorders.They show their activity in dilating the blood vessels of the brain, thus improving blood circulation.
• Venotonic– these are products that improve the tone of the vascular system and blood circulation.

Vitamins and minerals

Preparations based on vitamins and minerals help to restore cartilage tissue more quickly, 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 it is advisable to use the Shants cervical collar.

The bracket or latch is shaped like a circle.Made of dense foam rubber, fixed on the neck with Velcro. No special skills are required to use a medical fixative. You should place the beard on the collar and tie it at the back.

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

Needle applicator

One of the methods of treating degenerative pathologies of the neck is the use of a needle applicator, a massager on which the tips are located. The plate has a flexible structure and can take on different shapes.For use in neck pathologies, the applicator is equipped with clips.

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

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy treatment should be used to treat inflammatory and degenerative changes in the neck.The use of the method helps to improve metabolic processes and reduce pain.

The physiotherapy treatment method has an anti-inflammatory effect and also promotes tissue regeneration. For osteochondrosis of the cervical spine it is necessary to use treatment with ultrasonic waves, magnetic therapy and treatment with small amounts of current (electrophoresis).

Manual therapy

Manual therapy is a massage in which the hands of a manual therapist do not work with soft tissues, but with joints and ligaments. During manual massage sessions, a specialist helps to restore the mobility of the spine and the pain disappears.

Normal blood circulation is restored, swelling disappears.

Therapy should be carried out by a specialist who regularly practices this method of treatment. 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, which are screwed into the body by a reflexologist, affecting certain nerve endings and areas, leads to positive results. Acupuncture improves metabolic processes, relieves local swelling and improves blood circulation.

Physical therapy for cervical osteochondrosis

The type of physical therapy for osteochondrosis of the neck differs from other types of exercises. The cervical vertebrae are the smallest, and even their minimal displacement in the spinal canal is fraught 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 physiotherapy exercises.

Exercises for the cervical spine (those suffering from dizziness should use the sitting position):

1. Basic position– standing with your back straight, face facing forward. You need to carefully turn your head to the right (without tilting it either backwards or forwards) at shoulder level and fix your body. After a few seconds, return to your previous position. The same should be done with the other side. There should be no pain.
2. Initial position– back straight, face facing forward. You should gently stretch out, tilting your head, with your right ear on your shoulder. You need to imagine your left ear stretching upwards and try to do so. Hold this position for a few seconds. Return to the starting position. Perform the exercise on the second side.
3. Standing straight, you need to look down at your legs and lower your torso– vertebra by vertebra – towards the floor. For those who are not trained, you need to grab your knees, straighten your back parallel to the floor, with your face facing forward. This exercise works the entire spine, especially the neck. Stay still. Relax with your head and torso down. Slowly, without haste, so as not to cause dizziness, return to the original position, vertebra by vertebra.
4. Stand with your back straight or you can sit on a chair with your back straight.Without bending your back, you should lower your chin to your chest and stretch the back of your head upward, as if stretching your vertebrae. Hold the position for a few seconds and slowly, relaxing, straighten your neck.
5. Rotating movement of the neck and head. Back straight, you can sit on a chair. Lower your head with your right ear to your shoulder and gently, slowly, from this position, make a semicircle across your chest, towards the opposite (left) shoulder and back. Straighten up.

Gymnastics should be done every day. You cannot do physical therapy on an empty stomach - this can cause dizziness. You need to exercise an hour after eating.

Treatment with folk remedies

The use of traditional methods for cervical osteochondrosis does not always lead to the desired result: it is not possible to warm the neck (only dry heat). Therefore, there are not many effective methods, but they exist.

Folk remedies:

1. Tea made from a healthy herb (yarrow).You should take some dry medicine, pour it into a cup and pour boiling water over it. Infused as a herbal tea and drunk after meals. It relieves inflammation well and calms the nervous system.
2. Burdock-based medicinal drink.Take a small amount of dried herb, pour it into a 500 ml thermos and pour boiling water over it. To insist. The resulting volume of the medicinal drink should be drunk one day, without leaving it for the next day. You must drink between meals. It has an analgesic effect.
3. Plant-based compress.You should take the same amount of chamomile, sage, tussilago - herbs should be dried and ground. Pour boiling water over it. To insist. Wet a cotton cloth with the resulting solution and apply it to the sore spot on the neck. Cover with cling film and wrap with a scarf. Leave overnight. Helps relieve inflammation.
4. Apple cider vinegar. This is a very healthy and natural liquid obtained through a microbiological process from apples. Contains a huge amount of useful substances. You should dilute the same amount of vinegar with water. Wet gauze with the resulting liquid and apply it to the cervical spine, covering it with polyethylene and a scarf overnight. Helps restore cartilage tissue and relieve inflammation.
   For general strengthening and filling the body with useful substances, you should drink the apple remedy. 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 when there is no active inflammatory process - this is an additional effective method for treating osteochondrosis. Massage can be therapeutic, which should be performed by a specialized masseur, or self-massage, when the patient knows which exercises will not harm him, but will help him.

During the therapeutic massage, the hands of a masseur are used to work the cervical-collec area with delicate, massaging and caressing movements.Neurologists call neck massage "erotic" massage, due to the very delicate specificity of the movements.

Strong, assertive techniques should not be allowed - this can damage the vertebrae and blood vessels. If necessary, if the upper extremities are involved in the pathological process, you should rub your hands. The movements should be directed from the fingertips upwards towards the shoulder and neck. Each side alternates.

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

You cannot twist your neck or try to break 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 led to 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 characteristics

The basic principles of nutrition for osteochondrosis include a balanced diet with a limitation of foods harmful to 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, lactic acid products, preferably not based on cow's milk. Intervals between meals should not exceed 3 hours.

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

What is not advisable to do

Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease that, with the wrong lifestyle, can progress significantly. There are some rules whose implementation will reduce the likelihood of further destructive processes in the neck.

It is forbidden:

• consume large amounts of salt and salty foods;
• do weight lifting and aerobics;
• for the better half, avoid tight shoes with high heels;
• getting carried away with excess food, which will certainly lead to weight gain and disruption of metabolic processes;
• sleeping on a soft bed is unacceptable;
• cause a crunch with sudden movements of the neck, even if this seems to provide relief.

Prevention

To prevent the development of cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to adhere to preventive measures:

• visit the steam room (with the permission of a neurologist or if there is no hypertension);
• periodically do a therapeutic massage;
• if the disease already exists and has been treated, undergo courses of treatment on the recommendation of a neurologist;
• go swimming;
• yoga gymnastics is the main type of therapeutic and preventive physical activity;
• balanced diet;
• abandon bad habits: alcohol and nicotine, which disrupt metabolic processes in the body.

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