9 methods of treating osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

The first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis usually don't bother a person. The reason for the heaviness in the back of the head and the tingling sensation in the neck area can be frequent tiredness or colds. However, if the disease is not diagnosed in a timely manner, it can lead to adverse consequences. The neck is one of the most agile, but not strengthened by muscles or body parts. Even strong head rotations or sudden movements can damage the intervertebral discs and become a predisposing factor for the development of the pathology. Therefore, you need to know the causes and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, as well as the methods of treatment, so as not to solve this problem in the future.

Description of the disease

Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease that leads to degenerative disorders of the intervertebral discs in the neck. Vertebrae, soft and cartilaginous tissue are destroyed. It is the neck area that is prone to injury as this part is most flexible but has a weak muscular corset.

The whole body puts a lot of strain on the small vertebrae that are very close together, as well as the arteries that supply the human brain. Therefore, there is a shift in the vertebrae, which leads to compression of the nerves and blood vessels. Compression can cause the discs to move, which can lead to a herniated disc.

Osteochondrosis most commonly affects people with disabilities between the ages of 30 and 40. This is due to the massive decline in physical activity among the population.

Causes of development and risk factors

The main reason for the development of cervical osteochondrosis is a sedentary and sedentary lifestyle, static loads that lead not only to the development of osteochondrosis, but also to the appearance of back pain. Stress associated with carrying and lifting weights, hard bending and stretching, and turning can also cause osteochondrosis. Other causes of cervical osteochondrosis are:

• inheritance;
• overweight;
• unhealthy diet (lack of vitamins, minerals and fluids in the body);
• nervous tension, frequent stress;
• hypothermia;
• incorrect posture while sleeping with uncomfortable pillows;
• trauma, bruises in the back of the head and neck;
• systemic diseases that lead to degenerative changes in the cartilage tissue;
• congenital pathologies of the spinal structure.

Hormonal imbalance, hereditary predisposition, rheumatism, hypothermia and various injuries to the cervical spine are risk factors that can lead not only to the development of this disease, but also to intervertebral osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.

Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?

Along with intervertebral osteochondrosis of the chest region, cervical osteochondrosis is one of the most dangerous diseases of the spine, as many vessels, capillaries and the main vertebral artery supply the brain in the neck area. That is why the unpleasant consequences of this disease are:

• vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• lack of oxygen in the brain;
• hypertension;
• ischemia;
• spinal stroke;
• visual, hearing and movement disorders;
• frequent dizziness;
• intervertebral hernia, protrusion that leads to obstruction;
• fainting;
• jumps to the blood pressure;
• heaviness in the back of my mind;
• tiredness;
• a feeling of clogged ears.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is dangerous because it is difficult to detect in the early stages because the disease is not accompanied by severe symptoms. In the presence of obvious symptoms, it is also difficult to diagnose the disease, since when the vessels and nerves are squeezed, signs similar to those of angina pectoris appear.

symptoms by severity

Depending on the severity of the disease, there are 4 degrees of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Each stage of the disease has its own symptoms.

First degree

The disease is in the initial stage during the degeneration of the cartilage tissue. It has the following symptoms:

• slight pain in the neck, shoulders and arms;
• headache;
• slight neck stiffness;
• decreased the sensitivity of the skin around the collar area.

The bending and twisting of the head makes all of these symptoms worse. In the early stages of the disease, patients rarely see a doctor as they consider these signs to be the result of fatigue, lack of sleep and changed weather conditions.

Second degree

At this stage, the patient may complain of pain not only in the neck but also in the upper limbs. Is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• short-term loss of sensation in the skin in the shoulders and arms;
• persistent headache;
• visual impairment;
• malaise, weakness in the arms;
• decreased tendon reflexes;
• pain under the shoulder blade;
• Sleep disorder.

If the head is held in the same position for a long time, severe pain occurs. At this stage, it is best for the patient to see a doctor to make a diagnosis and begin treatment.

Third degree

The pain at this stage almost never stops and is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• collar and heart pain;
• frequent herniated discs;
• complete loss of sensation in the upper limbs;
• decreased mobility of the cervical spine.

Most of the time, when diagnosing osteochondrosis with this severity, they begin to take active medication and physical therapy.

Fourth degree

This is a very serious stage of the disease. At this stage, the intervertebral disc practically collapses, in the place of which bone growth occurs - osteophytes, signs of spondylosis of the cervix, pinching of nerves, which leads to a deterioration in the patient's condition and is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• severe pain in the neck, heart;
• curvature of the spine;
• Occurrence of a hernia in the cervical spine;
• tendon reflexes disappear completely;
• Paralysis and paresis of the muscles of the arms and shoulders.

At this stage, the patient cannot support his head alone, urgent hospitalization is required.

When the arteries are compressed, a complication as serious as a stroke of the spine occurs, which leads to ischemia of certain parts of the brain.

diagnosis

The diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis plays an important role, as every therapeutic therapy depends on it. The disease is diagnosed by its symptomatic manifestations. The most important diagnostic steps are:

1. Take anamnesis. The doctor reads the patient's medical history. During the conversation, he learns how the disease is progressing and what symptoms it is having. The doctor needs to find out whether and how effectively a treatment was carried out. The specialist should be aware of hereditary factors, the patient's bad habits, and workplace conditions.
2. Examination of the patient. The doctor examines the patient and finds out how the disease is manifested. Examines the neck, its position relative to the body, difficulty moving. Be sure to examine the skin to see if there have been any changes. Feel the neck area and see if there are any lumps. The sensitivity is checked with a needle (tingling sensation).
3. radiography. This study is done to get accurate information about the condition of the spine and cervical spine. The images are recorded so that they are directly visible from the side. Sometimes the patient is asked to twist their neck for a functional x-ray. Based on the x-ray, it is possible to find out how mobile the damaged vertebrae are, how they shift, how salt is deposited and whether seals are present.
4. magnetic resonance imaging. MRI is one of the most effective ways to diagnose osteochondrosis of the neck. This procedure is painless and accurate enough. By creating a magnetic field, it is possible not only to identify the disease itself, but also to determine its severity. This makes it possible to find an effective treatment.
5. computed tomography. The diagnosis is made using X-rays. The patient is placed in a tomograph that can be opened or closed. Next it is scanned and the information is sent to the computer after which it is processed. These images make it possible to determine the exact picture of the disease.

The diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis is essential. Only thanks to such methods it is possible to determine all the disorders in the body. Do not self-medicate as this can lead to undesirable and dangerous consequences.

Treatment details

The type of treatment directly depends on the degree of osteochondrosis and the individual parameters of the patient. Some procedures can improve the patient's condition only in the initial stages of the disease, and if the condition is neglected, more radical methods are required.

Medicines

The choice of one or another drug for osteochondrosis depends on the intended use. There are several groups of medicinal products:

1. Stop the tissue deformation - chondroprotectors.
2. Improvement of the microcirculation.
3. vitamin complexes, especially B1, B6, A, C.
4. Pain relief - analgesics of various kinds.
5. Anti-inflammatory.

Proper use of the right medication will help restore mobility to the neck and upper limbs and protect the bones from further deformation.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy as a treatment method aims to:

• relieves pain;
• stops the inflammation;
• relieves muscle spasms;
• normalizes the metabolism;
• restores blood circulation;
• relieves osteophytes of nerve fibers.

There are different types of physiotherapy:

• Magnetotherapy. During the procedure, the focus of the disease is influenced by variable or constant magnetic fields of different frequencies. A special device is used - a magnetophore, which can be purchased and used independently. A session lasts no longer than 20 minutes;
• electrotherapy. The most common treatment for osteochondrosis. The electric current increases blood flow to the tissue, which speeds up treatment and relieves pain. Not by people with metal medical devices such asB. use a pacemaker;
• laser therapy. It is carried out with the help of helium-neon lasers that act on the nerve tissue and relieve inflammation of the nerve roots. The method was recently introduced but is already considered an effective method of treating and relieving pain:
• balneotherapy. It consists of treatment with mineral water and mud baths. Salts, trace elements and other bioactive components of the water penetrate the skin and affect the centers of the nervous system and sensitive ends;
• shock wave therapy. During the procedure, a sound wave is directed towards the deformed cervical spine, which improves the transport of biological fluids and relieves pain.

Physiotherapy procedures for cervical osteochondrosis allow you to act on problem areas without the risk of complications. They are acceptable at any age, but are not used alone, but complement the main treatment.

Physiotherapy

Physical therapy for cervical osteochondrosis not only improves the physical condition, but also prevents the disease from worsening. You can also increase the sensitivity of your upper limbs and neck with regular exercise. The following exercises are helpful in case of illness:

• turns and bows the head;
• lifts your head while lying on your back and on your side;
• Press in the temple area and resist with your head;
• stretching the neck muscles;
• hand rotation.

Each exercise is not performed abruptly, slowly and 5-8 times in a sitting position. Do not perform at the maximum amplitude, so as not to worsen the state of health and not cause dizziness. The exercises should be carried out under the supervision of an instructor or a treating specialist who will demonstrate the correct implementation of the complex.

extension

Traction in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occurs under the weight of your own body. The procedure relieves back pain, neck pain, and curvature of the spine. Stretching is done with a traction that varies in duration. This relieves the muscle spasm, the vertebrae fall into position, which allows the spine to be stretched and held in that position. There are two traction methods in medicine:

• dry;
• under water.

Dry cervical traction of the spine is performed using special medical traction tables or sofas. Such machines make it possible to load the spine evenly without causing damage.
The underwater hood is becoming increasingly popular due to its simplicity and efficiency. In this case, the procedure is carried out under the influence of water, the temperature of which is 36-37 degrees, which has a positive effect on muscles and their tone. Underwater traction reduces pain, improves blood flow and relieves vasospasm.

The traction of the cervical spine should be performed in a hospital under the strict supervision of a doctor. Self-treatment at home can lead to complications and injury.

trench collar

The Shants collar is an orthopedic splint that attaches to the neck and helps hold the cervical vertebrae in place to keep them from moving and causing pain. In this way, the weight of the head does not put a strain on the spine, but is distributed over the shoulder muscles.

The collar is made of hard materials, but has soft edges. It must be selected strictly according to the following parameters:

• on the back, the collar should touch the back of the head and below the base of the neck;
• The size should not exceed the length of the neck.
• after applying the neck is immobilized while the patient is not in pain.

In the case of minor damage to the cervical vertebrae, the collar should only be worn twice a day for 1 hour. It does not hinder body movements so you can carry out your usual activities in it. It is forbidden to lie down. This can damage the cervical spine from pressure.

needle applicator and Lyapko

One of the ways to treat osteochondrosis was the invention of the music teacher's needle applicator in the 80s of the last century.

A needle applicator is a small rubber or fabric mat on which square or round plates are attached. They have blunt, plastic, polystyrene tips. A few years later, Ukrainian reflexologist Mykola Lyapko improved the invention and created his own applicator. It is considered the most effective as it is made of medical rubber and has games on the top.

The creator of the needle applicator, who suffered severe burns, decided to heal himself. He attached sharp pens to a rubber mat and used them to heal wounds.

Traditional methods

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck is very effective with folk remedies. Every folk remedy is associated with warming up the affected area.

Folk corrective actions include:

• warming compresses;
• herbal ointments

Medical compress is a common method of treating osteochondrosis.There are many recipes for warming compresses. Some of them are:

1. Take half a liter of vodka and dissolve 1 g propolis, 50 g aloe and mustard powder. Soak a piece of gauze with the prepared solution, put it on your neck and wrap it in a warm scarf. Make a compress at night.
2. Grate two potatoes and mix them with two tablespoons of honey, preheating them in a water bath. Lubricate the neck with the mixture, close it with plastic and wrap it in a scarf. You need to withstand the compress for 3-4 hours.

Herbal ointments like ginger are also effective. For them you need ginger juice and marigold tincture. Mix the components in equal proportions and rub the sore spots with the prepared mixture. Ginger improves blood circulation, and marigolds reduce inflammation. Traditional medicine prescriptions can greatly improve the patient's condition, but they will not completely eliminate the problem.

surgery

For osteochondrosis, surgery on the cervical spine can be prescribed if complications arise: intervertebral hernias, narrowing of the spinal canal or diseases of the spinal cord. In this case, surgical intervention is urgently needed. If necessary, the damaged intervertebral disc is removed and an implant reinforced with a titanium plate is placed in its place.

Titanium plates are very durable despite their lightness. They restore the integrity of the bone and guarantee that osteochondrosis will no longer occur in this area.

Nutrition and Diet

In the case of osteochondrosis, the absorption of glycosaminoglycans in the body, which are required for the formation of cartilage tissue, must be ensured. These compounds are found in jellied fish, jellied meat, and jelly. In addition, the following products are useful for diseases:

• Meat and fish dishes, nuts, beans (rich in protein);
• Dairy products (cheese, cottage cheese) enrich the body with calcium;
• green vegetables, seeds support the magnesium level;
• olive oil instead of sunflower oil.

In the case of osteochondrosis, you must refuse such foods:

• salt and sugar;
• semi-finished products;
• spicy and fatty foods;
• coffee;
• high-calorie foods.

When composing a diet, make sure to use foods high in vitamin A (eggs, carrots), vitamin C (citrus fruits) and vitamin B (red meat, seafood).

Prevention

Preventive measures are aimed at preventing the development of osteochondrosis. They are very simple:

• is physically active (walking, swimming, running);
• strengthens the neck collar area;
• sleep on a flat and hard bed on a small pillow;
• balance your diet;
• consult a doctor regularly.

It is especially important to observe and maintain prophylaxis after a disease has healed, as there is a possibility of relapse if the stress on the neck is not observed.

conclusions

1. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is caused by heavy stress on a weak muscle corset. This can be facilitated by physical inactivity, improper posture while sleeping, and a number of other factors.
2. The main danger of osteochondrosis is that it can damage important blood vessels and arteries that supply the brain.
3. The treatment is prescribed by a doctor. An integrated approach that includes medication, physical therapy, exercise, dieting, and other procedures is effective.
4. Radical Method - Surgery is only used when complications arise.