In the human neck there are a large 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 the 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 the thoracic, and they also experience a constant static load (the weight of the head).During the day, stress can be expressed by maintaining the same posture, for example, when reading documents or working in front of 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 "hangs" from the pillow or is a support point and experiences pressure).As a consequence of this prepathological condition, so-called muscle overtraining occurs.Certain muscle groups experience excessive stress and therefore need a longer period of rest and recovery, but do not receive it;after all, no one canceled the show.
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 deviation).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 carry during normal physical development.But the fact is that it is not at all suitable for such a task!
Additional factors that can accelerate the wear and tear of intervertebral cartilage in the cervical spine typically include:
- hormonal and age-related 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 are needed 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 cleanliness 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 osteochondrosis of the neck, preventive measures and, if necessary, supporting orthoses.
1st degree of cervical osteochondrosis.
Cervical osteochondrosis grade 1 is also called the preclinical stage.Patients, as a rule, ignore the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and do not undergo treatment due to its mild severity.They are attributed to tiredness after a day of work, uncomfortable sleeping positions, stress, migraines and various illnesses.Patients feel:
- stiffness in the neck, especially in the morning or after a long stay in the same position;
- pain when turning the head suddenly;
- frequent headaches (even when the weather changes).
At this stage of the disease, cervical osteochondrosis in women is most likely to be treated, because its symptoms are more pronounced.This is due to both the specific characteristics of work and physical activity (for example, working in the office during the day and bending over the sink at night or doing the child's homework), and hormonal and anatomical characteristics (lower muscle mass and bone mineral density).In the preclinical stage, women are especially characterized by pressure surges, numbness and pallor of the skin (especially on the face), a tendency to fainting and dizziness, nausea and some other symptoms of cerebral hypoxia.
Most often, 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 at 25 years old.
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.
In the second stage of the disease, the height of the intervertebral cartilage, which plays the role of a shock-absorbing lining 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 the intervertebral discs and radicular syndrome (compression of the nerve endings) also appear.
These changes cause intense pain, both in the head and neck.They reduce the ability to concentrate, the speed of thinking and the sensitivity of the face and hands.Patients complain of increased fatigue and irritability.At this stage, effective drug treatment for cervical osteochondrosis is already required.
3rd degree of cervical osteochondrosis.
Severe, sharp pain is constant and may radiate to the arms, upper back, or the back of the head.One or both of the patient's arms tire quickly.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 cartilage is replaced by connective tissue.Each movement, if possible, is accompanied by a loud crunch.The neck loses mobility, its muscles atrophy.Hernias often form and cracks appear in 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, constitution, profession, level of physical fitness of the patient, his lifestyle and the presence of concomitant diseases.Therefore, the treating physician must determine the suitability of specific therapeutic measures in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men.
Physiotherapy for cervical osteochondrosis.
To relieve pain, relieve inflammation, improve nerve conduction and nourish the brain, the following physiotherapy methods are used for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis:
- ultrasound and phonophoresis therapy - have a warming effect, enhance the effect of external medications;
- electrophoresis - enhances the effect of administered drugs, has a stimulating and warming effect;
- shock wave therapy (SWT) - activates blood supply, relieves inflammation and improves bone and cartilage tissue regeneration processes;
- electromyostimulation: improves mobility and endurance of the neck and arms, relieves pain;
- cold and ozone therapy - reduces pain and inflammation, helps reduce the dose of corticosteroids;
- physiotherapy and kinesitherapy: strengthens the neck muscles, improves blood circulation and metabolism, maintains neck mobility;
- manual therapy and mechanical traction (traction) - helps eliminate tension and pain;
- acupuncture - helps maintain mobility and nerve sensitivity;
- Paraffin applications: stimulate metabolic processes, reduce pain.
Sanatorium methods of 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 osteochondrosis of the neck.
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 zone and shoulders, massaging the neck with the fingers and the edge of the palm, tapping, stroking and performing upward movements along the back of the neck.In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebra, it would be useful to perform a circular massage on the back of the neck, as well as a warm-up massage on the clavicular area, shoulders and upper back.Massage before physiotherapy exercises is especially effective.You can combine it with the application of ointment to treat cervical osteochondrosis.
For osteochondrosis of the neck, hydromassage is also recommended - a physiotherapy technique that improves metabolism, inhibits fibrous growths, helps eliminate headaches and improves nerve conduction.
Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis.
Lack of adequate physical activity in the muscles of the neck and back is the main reason for the development and 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 should be done at least 3-5 times a day (1 time in the morning, after waking up).All movements should be smooth, without jerks.If you feel pain while performing the exercise, stop it, and if performing the entire complex is painful, contact an orthopedist for drug treatment for cervical osteochondrosis, and also visit a physiotherapy instructor.
You can do the following exercises daily (5-7 repetitions):
- Press your palm against your forehead and stretch your neck, trying to move your palm with your forehead.Repeat this exercise for the back of the head and then, in turn, for the right and left temples.
- 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) and then, similarly, in the other.
Shoulder warm-ups, like the “mill” will also be good for you.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, because it can be traumatic.
Medicines and preparations for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
Starting from the second stage of the disease, medications are used to treat exacerbations of cervical osteochondrosis.But it will not be possible to control the disease only with the help of pharmacotherapy;Therefore, it is important to combine the medications and drugs listed below for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with therapeutic exercises, physiotherapy and the use of orthoses (for example, Shants collar).
Chondroprotectors for cervical osteochondrosis.
Chondroprotectors activate the regeneration processes of cartilage and bone tissue and are therefore 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 medications.
Anti-inflammatory drugs for cervical osteochondrosis.
Anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are divided into non-steroidal (NSAIDs) and steroidal (hormonal).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 the pain cannot be overcome in any other way.
Antispasmodics and angioprotectors.
In the treatment of 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 acids and vitamin complexes for the brain.
External heating agents
Hot 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 the so-called."Diseases of the whole body."Therefore, in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, the diet has two goals: to saturate the body with nutrients and limiting substances that contribute to dehydration, mineralization of the joints and their destruction.
Therefore, in the treatment of 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, citrus fruits, plums, apples, avocados, peaches, pomegranates.
- Balls.
- Any berries (fresh, dried, frozen) and dried fruits.
But it is better to completely exclude marinades, salty dishes, fast food, semi-finished products and sausages.It is also important to reduce white bread, potatoes, sweets (except dark chocolate and nuts), carbonated drinks and coffee "in sachets" on the menu;This will reduce the need for drug treatment for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.