In the human neck there are a huge number of nerve bundles and blood vessels that ensure the normal functioning of the brain and sensory organs.The most common cause of pinching is cervical osteochondrosis - a dangerous degenerative disease of cartilage and bone tissue, which is accompanied by severe pain, deterioration of hearing, vision and cognitive functions, a feeling of numbness in the face and gradual loss of ability to work.
If you experience pain and stiffness when turning your head, frequent dizziness or weakness in your arms, it’s time to think about treatment for cervical osteochondrosis.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis has its own characteristics due to its anatomical structure.The vertebrae of the cervical spine are smaller than the lumbar and even thoracic ones, and also experience constant static load (the weight of the head).During the daytime, loads can be expressed in maintaining the same posture - for example, when reading documents, working at a computer.At night, the neck is also often deprived of rest due to a non-physiological sleeping position and an uncomfortable pillow (the head either “hangs” on the pillow, or is a support point and experiences pressure).As a result of this prepathological condition, the so-calledmuscle overtraining.Certain muscle groups experience excessive stress and therefore need a longer period of rest and recovery, but do not receive them - after all, no one canceled the schedule.
All this causes constant tension in some muscle groups and dystrophic changes in others, and often leads to the appearance of a “turtle neck” (a person slouches, while the head protrudes forward, and the neck forms a characteristic deflection).In such a situation, the weight of the head falls on the atlas, the first cervical vertebra.He is forced to take on that part of the load that the neck muscles handle during normal physical development.But the fact is that it is not at all suited for such a task!
Additional factors that can accelerate the wear of intervertebral cartilage in the cervical spine often include:
- age-related and hormonal changes - most often after 45 years (inorganic substances predominate over organic ones, which reduces the flexibility of bones and causes their mineralization, and the destruction of bone tissue occurs faster than its growth);
- injuries to the neck and other parts of the spine;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- congenital anomalies of the musculoskeletal system and acquired postural disorders;
- physical inactivity (after all, the intervertebral joints of the neck are the most mobile, and a variety of loads is necessary for their health);
- smoking and other bad habits.
Stages of cervical osteochondrosis
The stage of cervical osteochondrosis is established based on diagnostic criteria.These include the patient’s own sensations, palpation, assessment of neck mobility, as well as the clearance of the joint space between the vertebrae and other indicators on an x-ray.Depending on the stage of the disease, the orthopedic doctor selects treatment for neck osteochondrosis, preventive measures and, if necessary, supporting orthoses.
1st degree of cervical osteochondrosis
Grade 1 cervical osteochondrosis is also called the preclinical stage.Patients, as a rule, ignore the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and treatment is not carried out due to their mild severity.They are attributed to fatigue after a working day, uncomfortable sleeping position, stress, migraines and various diseases.Patients feel:
- stiffness in the neck, especially in the morning or after a long stay in the same position;
- pain when turning the head sharply;
- frequent headaches (including when the weather changes).
At this stage of the disease, treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women is most likely - because their symptoms are more pronounced.This is due to both the specifics of work and physical activity (for example, working in an office during the day, and bending over the sink or the child’s homework in the evening), as well as hormonal and anatomical characteristics (lower muscle mass and bone mineral density).At the preclinical stage, women are especially characterized by pressure surges, numbness and paleness of the skin (especially on the face), a tendency to fainting and dizziness, nausea and some other symptoms of cerebral hypoxia.
Most often, the symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis arise in patients aged 45 to 65 years, but with chronic fatigue, excessive physical activity and other risk factors, they can appear quite early - starting from 25 years.
At this stage, the disease can be completely defeated with the help of therapeutic exercises, ointments for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, training in an orthopedic regimen and normalization of nutrition.
2nd degree of cervical osteochondrosis
At the 2nd stage of the disease, the height of the intervertebral cartilage, which plays the role of a shock-absorbing liner between the vertebrae, begins to decrease.Because of this, microtrauma to the neck often occurs during sharp turns, jumps or excessive loads.Protrusion (bulging) of intervertebral discs and radicular syndrome (compression of nerve endings) also appear.
These changes cause severe pain - both in the head and in the neck.The ability to concentrate, the speed of thinking, and the sensitivity of the face and hands decrease.Patients complain of increased fatigue and irritability.At this stage, effective drug treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is already required.
3rd degree of cervical osteochondrosis
Severe and acute pain is constant and can radiate to the arms, upper back, or back of the head.One or both of the patient's arms quickly become tired.The process begins to spread to neighboring joints due to disruption of the natural compensatory functions of the spine.The patient has difficulty or cannot turn his head at all due to the formation of bone growths - osteophytes, as well as the fact that the cartilage is replaced by connective tissue.Each movement, if possible, is accompanied by a rough crunch.The neck loses mobility, its muscles atrophy.Hernias often form and cracks appear on the vertebrae.There is a noise in the ears.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out comprehensively, taking into account the age, build, profession, level of physical fitness of the patient, his lifestyle and the presence of concomitant diseases.Therefore, the appropriateness of specific therapeutic measures in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men should be determined by the attending physician.
Physiotherapy for cervical osteochondrosis
To relieve pain, relieve inflammation, improve nerve conduction and nourish the brain, the following physiotherapeutic methods for treating cervical osteochondrosis are used:
- ultrasound therapy and phonophoresis - have a warming effect, improve the effect of external medications;
- electrophoresis – enhances the effect of administered medications, has a stimulating and warming effect;
- shock wave therapy (SWT) – activates blood supply, relieves inflammation and improves the processes of regeneration of bone and cartilage tissue;
- electromyostimulation – improves mobility and endurance of the neck and arms, relieves pain;
- cold and ozone therapy - reduce pain and inflammation, help reduce the dosage of corticosteroid drugs;
- physical therapy and kinesitherapy – strengthens the neck muscles, improves blood circulation and metabolism, maintains neck mobility;
- manual therapy and mechanical traction (traction) – helps get rid of tension and pain;
- acupuncture – helps maintain mobility and nerve sensitivity;
- paraffin applications - stimulate metabolic processes, reduce pain.
Sanatorium methods for treating cervical osteochondrosis are effective and advantageous - for example, balneotherapy (hydrogen sulfide, radon and turpentine baths), hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches).
Massage in the treatment of neck osteochondrosis
Therapeutic, lymphatic drainage massage and physiotherapy have a positive effect on the intervertebral discs, bone tissue, muscles and ligaments of the cervical spine.Some movements can be performed independently - for example, rubbing the cervical-collar, parotid area and shoulders, kneading the neck with fingers and the edge of the palm, tapping, stroking and upward movements along the back of the neck.In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebra, it would be useful to have a circular massage of the back of the head, as well as a warming one for the clavicular area, shoulders, and upper back.Massage before exercise therapy exercises is especially effective.You can combine it with applying ointment to treat cervical osteochondrosis.
For osteochondrosis of the neck, hydromassage is also recommended - a physiotherapeutic technique that improves metabolism, inhibits fibrous growths, helps get rid of headaches and improves nerve conduction.
Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis
Lack of adequate physical activity on the muscles of the neck and back is the main reason for the development and further progression of cervical osteochondrosis.Therefore, daily exercises are used both for the prevention and treatment of this disease (but not for the treatment of exacerbations of cervical osteochondrosis!).Remember that the exercises must be performed at least 3-5 times a day (1 time in the morning, after waking up).All movements should be smooth, without jerking.If you feel pain while performing the exercise, stop it, and if performing the entire complex is painful for you, contact an orthopedist for drug treatment for cervical osteochondrosis, and also visit a physical therapy instructor.
You can perform the following exercises daily (5-7 repetitions):
- Press your palm to your forehead and strain your neck, trying to move your palm with your forehead.Repeat this exercise for the back of your head, and then, in turn, for your right and left temple.
- Tilt your head back, and then slowly lower it, pressing your chin to your chest.
- Stand up straight and turn your head as far to the left as possible.Repeat the exercise on the right side.
- Tilt your head back and try to touch your ear to your shoulder.Repeat on both sides.
- Lower your chin to the jugular notch and turn your head first in one direction (5 times or more) then, similarly, in the other.
Shoulder warm-ups, such as the “mill”, will also come in handy.Daily exercises in the early stages of the disease help to do without pills for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
Please note: if you have already been diagnosed with osteochondrosis, you should not describe your head in a full circle, becauseit can be traumatic.
Medicines and preparations for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Starting from the 2nd stage of the disease, medications are used to treat exacerbations of cervical osteochondrosis.But it will not be possible to bring the disease under control with the help of pharmacotherapy alone - therefore, it is important to combine the medications and drugs listed below for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with therapeutic exercises, physiotherapy and wearing orthoses (for example, the Shants collar).
Chondroprotectors for cervical osteochondrosis
Chondroprotectors activate the processes of regeneration of cartilage and bone tissue, and therefore are excellent as a supportive treatment for osteochondrosis of the neck.They are taken for 3 to 6 months.They are produced both in the form of tablets for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, and in the form of sachets, injections, and capsules.
To consolidate remission and treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, doctors recommend chondroprotective drugs.
Anti-inflammatory drugs for cervical osteochondrosis
Anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are divided into nonsteroidal (NSAIDs) and steroidal (hormonal) drugs.Both groups are taken in short courses as prescribed by a doctor - in the form of tablets for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis or intramuscular injections.Steroids are used in the later stages of the disease, when pain cannot be overcome otherwise.
Antispasmodics and angioprotectors
When treating cervical osteochondrosis, it is important to protect the central nervous system, which is at risk with this disease.Therefore, for effective drug treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, doctors recommend taking:
- Antispasmodics.
- Angioprotectors.
- Nootropics, amino acid and vitamin complexes for the brain.
External warming agents
Warming gels, creams and ointments for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis improve blood flow, relieve inflammation and distract the patient from pain.
Diet in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can be classified as so-called.“diseases of the whole body.”Therefore, in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, diet has two goals: saturating the body with nutrients and limiting substances that contribute to dehydration, mineralization of joints and their destruction.
Therefore, when treating cervical osteochondrosis, a special place in the diet should be given to:
- Poultry, lean beef, game, liver and offal.
- Seafood – fish, shellfish, crustaceans, edible algae.
- Eggs and dairy products.
- Whole grains and legumes - oats, wheat (including sprouted wheat), brown rice, beans, peas.
- Vegetables – carrots, spinach, bell peppers, broccoli, lettuce and others.
- Fruits - apricots, bananas, citruses, plums, apples, avocados, peaches, pomegranates.
- Nuts.
- Any berries (fresh, dried, frozen) and dried fruits.
But it is better to exclude marinades, salty dishes, fast food, semi-finished products and sausages altogether.It is also important to reduce white bread, potatoes, sweets (except dark chocolate and dried fruits), carbonated drinks and coffee “from bags” in the menu - this will reduce the need for drug treatment for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.