Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Among the many known diseases, the mostdiseases of the musculoskeletal system are common, which is mainly associated with physical inactivity. In addition, such problems are inherent not only in the elderly, but also in young people. A special place among the pathologies affecting the musculoskeletal system is occupied by osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. What is this disease? What does it threaten its owner with? How does it manifest itself? Are there effective prevention and treatment measures?

Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic progressive disease, accompanied by deformation of the intervertebral discs. It requires immediate treatment in order to prevent irreversible pathological changes. Among the various forms of osteochondrosis, cervical pathology ranks second, second only to damage to the lumbosacral region.

Stages of the disease

The development of cervical osteochondrosis occurs in stages:

• First stage. The intervertebral discs begin to collapse: cracks appear in the annulus fibrosus, the disc loses its strength and elasticity, and becomes smaller in height. As a result, the nerve roots are compressed, which is accompanied by aching pain.
• Second stage. The destruction of the disc continues, leading to minor dislocations of the vertebrae. Pain sensations intensify and become permanent. Falling head syndrome may occur, which is characterized by severe pain that forces the head to be held in a fixed position.
• Third stage. The annulus fibrosus is destroyed almost completely, which leads to protrusions and intervertebral hernia. In this case, the pain can decrease, since there is no pain source - cartilage tissue. But the pain syndrome does not completely disappear, since the nerve roots remain pinched. Possible violation of sensitivity, the appearance of headache and dizziness, nausea, "lumbago" in the neck.

In the first stage, the disease is successfully cured. In the second and third stages, irreversible changes take place. Therefore, it will not be possible to completely restore the body.

Causes of pathological changes

The vertebrae located in the cervical spine are the most mobile. They are small in size and have weak muscles. This structure of the vertebrae contributes to the development of degenerative disorders. In addition, the cervical region is saturated with nerves and blood vessels, damage to which not only causes unpleasant symptoms, but also causes serious complications.

The main factors leading to the development of cervical osteochondrosis include:

• sedentary lifestyle;
• prolonged stay in the same position;
• disruptions in metabolism;
• salt deposits;
• poor nutrition.

The risk of developing the disease increases with:

• hereditary predisposition;
• old age;
• neck injury;
• prolonged or regular hypothermia of the body;
• hormonal imbalance;
• obesity;
• autoimmune diseases;
• chronic ailments of the musculoskeletal system.

Symptoms of the disease

The development of cervical osteochondrosis is slow. Symptoms of the disease depend on how many vertebrae are affected, the degree of damage, and the presence of pinched nerves.

The main symptom of pathology is pain of varying intensity in the neck, radiating to the back of the head, ears, shoulders, forearms, chest. They are amplified by turning the head and at the slightest physical exertion.

In addition to pain, with cervical osteochondrosis:

• headache and heartache appear;
• dizzy;
• darkens in the eyes;
• hands and feet are numb;
• tinnitus is heard;
• the tongue grows numb;
• visual acuity and hearing are weakened;
• a sharp turn of the head causes loss of consciousness;
• there is rapid fatigue;
• coordination is disturbed.

Several syndromes of cervical osteochondrosis are known:

• radicular - pinching of the nerve endings leads to severe pain in the neck, radiating to the shoulders, forearms, shoulder blades and lower back;
• cardiac - the root of the pectoral muscle or phrenic nerve is damaged, resulting in symptoms resembling a heart attack: prolonged pain in the chest area (they do not disappear when taking nitroglycerin), which increase with movement and deep breathing;
• vertebral artery - throbbing pain develops in the back of the head and temples;
• irritative-reflex - burning pain occurs in the neck area, radiating to the shoulders and chest area, aggravated by coughing and turning the head.

Possible complications

Cervical osteochondrosis can cause significant harm to the body. It is especially dangerous due to the fact that deformed vertebrae damage the nerve roots and blood vessels that carry blood to the brain. As a result, the brain does not receive the required amount of oxygen and nutrients, which can cause disability and even death, since cardiac activity and respiratory function are impaired.

If there is no necessary treatment, the disease can lead to various complications: vertebral artery syndrome, protrusion, herniated discs, spinal stroke, cerebral ischemia. Often, cervical osteochondrosis causes radiculopathy. In this case, growths form on the damaged vertebrae, due to which the body partially or completely loses sensitivity and mobility.

But the most dangerous compression of the spinal cord, leading to death.

Therefore, timely treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is important, which will help to avoid many problems.

Diagnostics

To establish a diagnosis, the patient is referred for an instrumental examination:

• radiography;
• duplex scanning;
• ultrasound dopplerography;
• computed or magnetic resonance imaging.

Diagnostic measures will provide information on the location and extent of damage.

First aid

In the event that the patient experiences unbearable pain, pain relievers (metamizole sodium, etc. ) will come to the rescue. If they cannot get rid of the pain, then they resort to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, nimesulide). But they cannot be taken for a long time, as they have an adverse effect on the intestines.

Anesthetic ointments with a warming effect and a pepper plaster can effectively relieve pain.

If the patient's limbs become numb, massage and special exercises that activate blood circulation are recommended.

For edema, diuretics are taken.

But all of the above funds can only have a temporary effect. Therefore, you should not postpone the visit to the doctor in order to prevent the development of complications.

Treatment methods

In order for the fight against the disease to be crowned with success, it is necessary:

• relieve pain syndrome;
• remove swelling;
• restore blood flow;
• strengthen the muscle corset;
• improve tissue nutrition and ensure their regeneration.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis should be comprehensive and include:

• drug therapy;
• physiotherapy;
• physiotherapy exercises;
• methods of alternative and traditional medicine;
• diet.

Drug treatment involves taking:

• anti-inflammatory drugs - relieve inflammation, relieve pain, activate blood circulation;
• muscle relaxants - relieve muscle spasms;
• chondroprotectors - restore cartilage tissue;
• B vitamins - both oral administration and intramuscular administration are possible.

Physiotherapeutic procedures have an effective effect on cervical osteochondrosis:

• magnetotherapy;
• electrophoresis;
• water therapy;
• paraffin therapy.

Effective help in the fight against the disease will be provided by non-traditional methods (osteopathy, homeopathy, reflexology, hirudotherapy), massage, manual therapy and special exercises. They stimulate blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, which has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the body. But it is necessary to engage in physiotherapy exercises under the supervision of a specialist, otherwise you can get the opposite effect.

In addition to (but not instead of) drug treatment, it is recommended to use folk remedies.

For 3-4 months, you need to follow a strict diet:

• refuse products containing cholesterol: animal fats, fatty meat;
• limit the consumption of sugar, salt, flour products;
• exclude alcoholic beverages.

Prophylaxis

An active lifestyle and weight loss are central to preventive measures. Nutrition that contains the necessary vitamins and minerals is of no small importance.

The sleeping mattress should be firm and the pillow low.

When working sedentary, be sure to take breaks.

People who are prone to osteochondrosis need to visit an orthopedist periodically.