Existing methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis aim to reduce symptoms, prevent complications, stop further destruction of the cartilage and bone tissue of the spine, and prevent disability of the patient.
Osteochondrosis is a pathological degenerative-destructive process that first occupies the intervertebral disc and then the vertebra itself.
It is necessary to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical region immediately after the appearance of the first signs of the disease.
Mechanisms for the development of osteochondrosis
The spinal column consists of the vertebrae and the intervertebral discs located between them. The intervertebral disc has a gelatinous nucleus pulposus in the center, surrounded at the periphery by a dense fibrous annulus. The pulp core is hydrophilic - saturated with moisture and characterized by high elasticity. Due to the elastic properties of the intervertebral discs, cushioning and mobility of the spine is provided.
In people over the age of 20, the discs already begin to gradually lose their elasticity. This is due to the elimination of the vessels that supplied the discs, and further blood supply is due to diffusion from the adjacent vertebral bodies. In the cartilage tissue, against the background of a lack of nutrients, regeneration processes slow down - the disc begins to "age". Initially, the nucleus pulposus dehydrates, loses its elasticity, becomes flat, which increases the load on the annulus fibrosus. Microcracks, stress zones, tears, delamination appear in the structure of the ring.
The degenerated disc protrudes into the spinal canal and irritates the nerve endings of the pain receptors located in the posterior longitudinal ligament.
Features of the pathological process in cervical osteochondrosis are associated with the anatomical structure of this spine: different structure and size of the cervical vertebrae, tighter articulation in the intervertebral joints and underdeveloped muscular framework. With a prolonged static load on the neck area (working at a computer), weak muscles do not hold the head well, and the main load falls on the spine.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in a specialized clinic is carried out using a unique technology based on a combination of manual therapy, electrophoresis and photodynamic laser therapy under the supervision of doctors.
The main reasons that lead to the development of osteochondrosis:
- Congenital or acquired abnormalities of the spine.
- Natural aging processes of the body.
- genetic predisposition.
- Long-term static and dynamic overload of the spine: forced posture, hypopotency.
- Passion for sports dangerous to the spine: professional wrestling.
- Smoking.
- Autoimmune diseases with damage to the connective tissue - collagenosis.
- Improper diet with a predominance of carbohydrates and fatty foods, with a deficiency of proteins, vitamins, micro and macro elements.
- Overweight, obesity.
- Injuries and diseases of the spine.
Osteochondrosis of the spine - is there such a diagnosis?
In English medicine, this term refers to a completely different group of diseases that have nothing to do with our "native" osteochondrosis. In the International Classification of Diseases - a book from which all neurologists should be guided when indicating a diagnosis - there are terms such as "osteochondrosis of the spine in adults", "juvenile osteochondrosis of the spine", "osteochondrosis of the spine, unspecified ".
However, sometimes this diagnosis is not completely justified, when the doctor in fact cannot fully understand what is happening to the patient. Under this term, diseases such as:
- Myofascial pain syndrome- a condition in which spasm occurs continuously in the same muscles.
- Muscle injury.After an injury, the pain begins to bother, and after a while they pass on their own.
- OtolithiasisA condition in which calcium salt crystals build up in the inner ear. They lead to dizziness - sometimes they are confused as a manifestation of diseases of the spine.
- Headache.They are also often associated with degenerative changes in the cervical spine. In fact, they often have other causes.
Take care of yourself, register for a consultation now, without delaying treatment.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine
The typical set of therapeutic measures for the worsening of the disease looks like this:
- Anti-inflammatory and painkillers.The doctor can prescribe Voltaren, Movalis, Ibuprofen and other medicines.
- If the pain is very strong and does not go away- use novocaine blockade. The doctor, armed with a needle and syringe, injects an anesthetic into special points where it blocks the transmission of pain nerve impulses.
- Physical therapy helps:electrophoresis of drugs with novocaine, ultrasound, ultraviolet radiation, cross-potential currents.
- If pain makes you constantly nervous,Prescribe medication to help you calm down.
- In the area of painapply dry heat.
- To unload the spine,different types of traction are used. The patient can be placed on a special bed with a raised headboard and secured with rings under the armpits. Underwater traction is also used in the pool.
- The doctor can recommendvisiting a chiropractor, acupuncture sessions.
- During an outbreakwear special orthopedic devices that help unload muscles and support the spine - corsets, Shants collars.
When the flare-up has passed, you need to take steps to help prevent a new one. Therapeutic exercises and massage help strengthen the muscles that support the spine. Set physiotherapy classes. Good for swimming. All treatment methods for osteochondrosis have contraindications, they must be used judiciously, so self-treatment is not the best option. See a doctor.
Sometimes the symptoms of the disease, despite the treatment, continue to increase, the patient's condition worsens. In this case, the neurologist may raise the issue of surgical treatment.
Why should you see a doctor soon? First, "real" osteochondrosis is not such a harmless disease. Over time, it can make a person disabled if left untreated. Secondly, the symptoms may be caused by the same myofascial pain syndrome - a neurologist will be able to quickly identify the cause of the pain and eliminate it.
Back pain is a symptom that, according to statistics, more than 90% of people have experienced at least once in their life. Most often it is attributed to osteochondrosis. Not all people who experience back pain go to the doctor. Many are treated on their own with drugs that can be obtained without a prescription in a pharmacy, folk remedies. Sometimes such "treatment" brings temporary relief - and in the meantime, the disease can continue to progress and, perhaps, the next time the back or lower back will "turn" much more.
An experienced neurologist will be able to correctly assess the symptoms of osteochondrosis, understand their causes and prescribe the right treatment for osteochondrosis.
With pain - the main manifestation of osteochondrosis - you can more or less successfully fight for a long time with the help of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, some folk remedies. But this does not solve the main problem, pathological changes in the spine continue to increase.
Over time, this is fraught with compression of the spinal cord and the arteries that supply it, development of serious neurological complications: severe weakness, up to complete loss, of movements and sensitivity, reduced control of the bladder, rectum.
Developmental stages of cervical osteochondrosis
In its development, cervical osteochondrosis, as a disease, goes through several stages:
I'm filming. The initial period is characterized by localized pain in the neck, which worsens with turning and tilting the head. There is smoothness of the cervical lordosis and muscle tension. Morphological changes in the structure of the intervertebral discs begin: drying of the pulp core, cracks in the annulus fibrosus.
II stage. Neck pain increases with radiation to arm, shoulder. Severe headaches, weakness, reduced efficiency join. The destruction of the annulus fibrosus continues, signs of pathological mobility and instability of the vertebrae appear.
Stage III. The pain in the neck is strong, continuous, radiating to the arms and shoulders. The muscles of the hands become weak, numbness of the upper extremities is observed. Patients have headaches, dizziness, disorientation in space. At this stage, the annulus fibrosus is completely destroyed. The gelatinous nucleus pulposus is not stable, exceeds the vertebrae and enters the spinal canal forming a hernia. The hernial protrusion compresses the nerves and blood vessels, which leads to impaired blood circulation in the cervical spine.
IV stage. This is the final stage of the disease. The cartilage of the intervertebral discs is replaced by connective tissue, adjacent parts of the spine are involved in the pathological process. Joints grow together, become immobile (ankylosis). The patient's condition is serious: severe pain not only in the neck, but also in the arms, chest, between the shoulder blades, signs of cerebrovascular accident, sensitivity disorders. This is a life-threatening condition that can lead to a stroke.
The success of the treatment depends 90% on the experience and qualifications of the doctor.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is made on the basis of: patient complaints, characteristic clinical picture, anamnesis of the disease, data from the patient's neurological and orthopedic examination using modern diagnostic methods: x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. and functional test results.
After making an accurate diagnosis, the doctor decides how to treat osteochondrosis of the neck in this patient, which technique should be applied in a particular case.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Cervical osteochondrosis is treated symptomatically, mainly with conservative methods, which include:
- Drug therapy, which includes pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, B vitamins.
- Physiotherapy methods: electrophoresis, laser therapy.
- Manual therapy.
- Acupuncture.
- Physiotherapy.
Surgery is used extremely rarely when there is a real threat of a stroke, paralysis or violation of internal organs.
At this stage of the development of medical science, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine cannot be completely cured, but further progress of the pathological process can be prevented and the condition of the affected part of the spine can be stabilized.
An integrated approach, the sparing nature of the applied therapeutic methods allows you to effectively treat even advanced forms of cervical osteochondrosis.
The main methods of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in a modern clinic
Manual therapy and osteopathy. This method of manual impact on problem areas of the spine, the purpose of which is to restore the normal physiological position of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. During the procedure, the pinching of the nerve roots of the spine is eliminated, the neck muscles relax in the area of pathological changes.
Electrophoresis is a method of administering drugs directly to the area of the affected part of the spine. Prescribe drugs that improve blood circulation, relieve inflammation and muscle spasm.
Photodynamic phototherapy. The method is based on the ability of a photosensitive preparation to be activated by laser radiation. A layer of medicinal substance is applied to the skin in the area of the affected part, which, penetrating deep into the tissues by 10-13 cm, has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
The author's three-component technique, including manual therapy, electrophoresis and laser therapy, allows you to quickly relieve pain, remove swelling of surrounding tissues, improve blood supply to the area of inflammation and activate metabolicprocesses of the cartilage tissue of the damaged intervertebral discs. The goal of treatment is not only to reduce pain and improve the patient's condition, but also by acting on various parts of the pathological process, stopping the further destruction of the intervertebral discs and the destruction of the vertebrae themselves.
The techniques used to treat osteochondrosis of the neck in modern clinics have been tested in the best manual therapy centers in Europe and the USA, are safe, effective, have practically no contraindications and are well tolerated by patients even of an older age. groups.
Recommendations on what to do with cervical osteochondrosis, the patient will receive after consultation with a neurologist, depending on the stage of the disease, the severity of the symptoms, comorbidities and the results of the examination.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region
Osteochondrosis of the neck is a degenerative disease in which there is literally "premature aging", "wear and tear" of intervertebral discs, joints, vertebrae in the cervical spine.
Some facts about the disease:
- Osteochondrosis of the neck occurs equally often in men and women.
- Most often people aged 30-60 get sick.
- As a rule, the pathology appears in people who at work must constantly be in the same position and perform monotonous movements.
- The cervical spine has some structural features, due to which the disease can have many different manifestations.
What features of the cervical spine cause the symptoms of osteochondrosis?
- There are openings in the lateral processes of the vertebrae - the carotid arteries pass through them on the right and left, which supply the brain with blood.
- In the cervical region passes the initial part of the spinal cord - it contains fibers that carry nerve impulses to all parts of the body, provide movement, sensitivity. If there is compression of the spinal cord in the neck, neurological disorders appear throughout the body.
- This part of the spine has a lot of mobility, and this predisposes to the appearance of osteochondrosis (although, in most cases, the disease still develops in the lumbar region - it not only has high mobility, but also experiences the greatest stress).
- In the neck, nerve roots emerge from the intervertebral foramina, forming the cervical and brachial plexuses. They are responsible for movements in the muscles of the neck, hands, shoulder girdle, skin sensitivity, regulation of autonomic functions.
- The first vertebra does not have a bulky front - the body - it is a bony ring that is placed on the tooth - a bony protrusion on the second vertebra. This allows the head to turn from side to side.
Neck pain, headaches, feeling weak, numbness in the hands are symptoms that should make you consult a neurologist. Examination by a specialist and examination using modern equipment will help to understand the causes of the pathology and take the most effective measures.
What happens to the vertebrae in cervical osteochondrosis?
The obscure medical term "degenerative process" refers to the following pathological changes that occur in the cervical spine:
- First of all, the damage in osteochondrosis covers the intervertebral discs. They become thinner, thereby reducing the distance between adjacent vertebrae. Small gaps, microcracks are formed on their outer part. Over time, this can lead to a herniated disc.
- As a result of damage to the discs, the stability of the connection of the vertebrae is disturbed.
- You suffer from osteochondrosis of the cervical and intervertebral joints - spondyloarthritis develops. It also promotes nerve root compression.
- The pathological process extends to the vertebrae themselves. Due to the fact that the functions of the intervertebral discs are weakened, the load on them increases. The spine tries to compensate for this violation, bone outgrowths appear - osteophytes.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
During an exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebra, traction is used (the patient is placed in a bed with an elevated headboard and the head is fixed with a special loop) to unload the intervertebral discs. For the same purpose, you need to wear a Shants collar. To relieve pain, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. With severe pain that does not subside, the doctor can perform a blockade: inject an anesthetic solution into the area of the affected nerve roots. Physiotherapy is used: ultrasound therapy, electrophoresis with novocaine.
When the flare-up subsides, the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine includes massage, physiotherapy, physiotherapy.
One of the main signs of cervical osteochondrosis is neck pain. Many people who experience this symptom do not go to the doctor, but prefer to treat "chondrosis" with methods at home. There are at least two good reasons to refuse self-medication and consult a specialist doctor.
First, painkillers and folk methods, although they help relieve pain for a while, do not solve the main problem. Pathological changes in the spine continue to increase. Over time, this threatens with more serious consequences. To the extent that surgery may be needed.
Second, neck pain does not occur only with osteochondrosis. There are many other reasons. Only a doctor can understand and prescribe the right treatment.
Physiotherapy
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis is a long processrequire a comprehensive approach. After getting rid of the primary symptoms, you can proceed to the use of various physiotherapy procedures:
- UHF therapy.Exposure to a high frequency electromagnetic field. It has an anti-inflammatory, analgesic effect and also promotes the initiation of regenerative processes.
- Enhancement.Low frequency currents are applied to problem areas of the body. There is an expansion of blood vessels, we get rid of pain and spasms.
- Phonophoresis and electrophoresis. The introduction of drugs into deep tissues using ultrasound and direct current.
Massage procedures are also widely used, which are possible only after the removal of the inflammatory process. Massage promotes muscle relaxation, getting rid of spasms.
Nutrition - complex treatment of osteochondrosis
With this disease, it is necessary to act in a complex way, so changing the diet is a completely effective method of treatment. The diet is quite consistent with the generally accepted understanding of the concept of healthy eating, so try to add the following types of food to your diet:
- Citrus fruits (in the absence of allergies).
- Olive oil.
- Fresh herbs and vegetables.
- Mineral water.
- Fish and foods high in phosphorus, protein, magnesium and calcium.
- Dairy and dairy products.
An excellent auxiliary tool will be ready-made vitamin complexes, which can be found in a wide variety in pharmacy chains. Remember that all medicines should be taken only as directed by the doctor.
Which symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should make you see a doctor?
The main symptom of cervical osteochondrosis is pain. It can appear in different places, depending on the level at which the pathological process is located: on the neck, on the shoulder girdle, on the hand, in the region of the heart. By their nature, pain sensations are dull, they can be burning, pain.
Other manifestations of the disease:
- Headaches, dizziness, "flying in front of the eyes", noise, ringing in the ears.
- Weakness in the muscles of the neck, shoulder girdle, hands.
- Violation of skin sensitivity.
- Shoulder-shoulder periarthritis: neck pain radiating to the arm, difficulty abducting the arm beyond 90°, weakness and atrophy of the muscles of the shoulder girdle.
- Shoulder-hand syndrome: pain in the shoulder and arm, swelling and stiffness of the fingers, weakness and atrophy of the hand muscles.
- Vertebral artery syndrome. Bony growths appear on the vertebrae, which compress the nerves, resulting in a reflex spasm of the vertebral artery, which participates in the blood supply to the brain. Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are accompanied by constant headaches that start at the back of the head, spread to the temple, the crown, nausea, noise in the head, buzzing in the ears, flickering of bright spots in front of the eyes.
- Anterior staircase syndrome. There is an anterior and a middle scalene muscle in the neck - they are close and between them there is a small space in which the nerves and blood vessels pass. With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the scalene anterior muscle stretches and compresses them, resulting in symptoms such as pain on the inner surface of the forearm, shoulder and fingers. Sometimes the pain radiates to the back of the head. The skin of the hand may become cold, pale and numb.
- epicondylitis syndrome. At the bottom of the shoulder, on the sides of the elbow joint, there are bony projections - epicondyles. With epicondylitis syndrome caused by cervical osteochondrosis, pain occurs in them, which increases when pressed. Other symptoms also appear: pain in the neck, pain when certain points are pressed in the area of the cervical vertebrae.
If two parts of the spine are affected at the same time, with cervical osteochondrosis, symptoms may include pain between the shoulder blades, in the region of the heart.
With osteochondrosis, the risk of intervertebral hernia and stroke increases. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, see your doctor.
conclusion
Now you know how to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine without resorting to the use of surgery. Surgery is the most radical method of treatment when the disease is already running and there is no other way out. But it is in your power to do it so as not to lead your health to such a state.