Cervical osteochondrosis. Symptoms, treatment at home. Exercise, gym, massage, medication: injections, tablets, ointments,

Osteochondrosis of the neck - is a pathology, the symptoms of which adversely affect the quality of human life. Timely initiation of treatment of the disease does not lead to the destruction of the vertebrae and spinal stenosis.

What is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Cervical osteochondrosis - a metabolic disorder in the axial skeleton of the person. The painful process involved the spinal discs (responsible for mobility), as well as the nervous and cardiovascular system.

How dangerous low back pain neck

The cervical vertebrae are the smallest of all the 34 vertebrae of the axial skeleton of the person. Perform the most moving function in the body - turning the neck to the head. Minimal changes in the joints of the body structure, arc, or processes of vertebrae, there is a shift, which leads to disorders of the nervous system and the vascular spinal stenosis.

The causes of the cervical degenerative disc disease

Cervical osteochondrosis (symptoms, treatment depends on the variety of the disease), the pathology of the spine that has a reason:

• lack of exercise;
• unbalanced diet food;
• increased production of uric acid salts;
• metabolic disorder;
• psycho-emotional stress;
• sedentary work (the driver, the operator of a computer set);
• consequences of acute respiratory disease, SARS;
• excess weight;

• damage of the axial skeleton;
• hypothermia of the spinal column;
• endocrine disorders;
• the load on the neck;
• distorted body position during the night's rest;
• autoimmune disease.

Stage of development of osteochondrosis

During the pathological process in the cervical spine are accompanied by changes, which should be divided into 4 stages:

1. Stage №1. In the early development of osteoarthritis of the neck symptoms are mild. One can not attach much importance a little painful changes that are flowing in nature. At this stage, the elasticity of cartilage is not lost, and just starting your changes.
2. Stage №2. For this stage of the disease characterized by destruction of cartilage tissue of the vertebrae. The process is gradually moving to the body joints, muscles, and circulatory system. There are pains due to pinched nerves, which react to the arms, shoulders and chuck area (from destruction). That very often, at this stage, the disease can be confused with other pathologies of the organism.
3. Stadiya№3. For this stage pathological process flow characteristic degradation without rupture disc ring that may be mentioned protrusion.
4. Stadiya№4. At this stage, it will inevitably be to do the operation - the process goes very far: there slipped disc that compresses the spinal canal - spinal hernia. Manifestations of 2 mm are offset threatening for human life.

symptoms

Cervical osteochondrosis (symptoms, treatment does not depend on sex) equally affects both men and women. Manifestations of disease stages correspond pathological process.

Stage №1 - this step is not shown severe symptoms:

• neck pain;
• paresthesias, from damage (numb hands);
• fatigue;
• prostration.

Stage №2 - the nature of the pathology becomes noticeable to the patient:

• pain in the affected area aching;
• numbness (passing) in the Department of cervical area;
• migraine (due to vasospasm);
• hypertension;
• lowering of physical activity;
• prostration;
• pain in the back of the blade and hand (by the pathological process);
• pain in the chest.

Stage №3 characterized by onset of symptoms to be treated very seriously:

• appearance protrusion (protrusion of the annulus fibrosus into the spinal canal);
• severe pain radiating to the shoulder, arm;
• stiff neck.

Step №4 differs from the third, ring rupture inherent symptoms:

• curved neck;
• neck muscles lose their ability to keep your head;
• paresthesia muscles of the neck and head;
• severe pain in the hands and cervical region;
• tongue numbness;
• insomnia.

In the fourth step neurologist recommended surgery.

Syndromes caused by osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Pathological for osteochondrosis in the neck of the axial skeleton of the person to be divided by syndromes - jointly with the characteristics of symptoms.

Cervical-vestibular aggregate of:

• disturbed hearing;
• Vertebral artery undergoes pathological changes.

Radicular syndrome, vertebral:

• C2 - pain in the neck, weakening mylohyoid muscle;
• C3 - hyperemia tongue, slurred speech, incomplete paralysis of the jaw muscles, stiff neck;
• C4 - pain and weakening of the muscles of the clavicle, breathing problems, pain of unknown etiology in gipotobiliarnoy system, numbness cervical area;
• C5 - a syndrome manifested numbness in the arm, weakness and decrease in volume of surface muscles of the shoulder;
• C6, The main manifestation of the disease - this pain from the neck to the shoulder, numbness of the thumb on the hand;
• C7 - characterized by pain of the neck under the blade, numbness index and middle finger (from damage);
• C8 - tenderness evident from the neck to the elbow and to the little finger, paresthesia, shoulder blades and the affected finger.

Syndromes reflex irratativnye:

• painful: cervicalgia (morning); pain in the neck and occipital region; pain in the neck, radiating nudyaschimi shot in the shoulder;
• musculo-tonic: muscle tension; nudyaschaya pain in the neck; soreness chuck area; spasm cervical area; glenohumeral joint deformity; atrophy of shoulder muscles.

Spa:

• consequence of mechanical damage is the narrowing of a blood vessel;
• organic brain damage;
• migraine;
• Rotary pain in the neck;
• neurological cutaneous pain in the head;
• hearing loss;
• unsteadiness of gait;
• sense of sight of the waves;
• fainting.

Compressive myelopathy:

• pain and numbness in the extremities;
• sensory disturbances;
• small pelvic disorders;
• numbness of the face.

Anomaly craniovertebral:

• staggering;
• intracranial hypertension;
• violation of the psycho-emotional balance;
• sore head in the parietal and occipital region;
• vomiting reflex;
• pallor of the optic nerve;
• dizziness;
• violation of oculomotor reflexes;
• asthenia;
• depression.

Diagnostics

Cervical osteochondrosis - symptoms (treatment prescribed by a doctor neurologist) depend on the course and forms of the disease. To start a therapy of the pathological process, it should be diagnosed correctly.

Diagnosis and treatment of pathologies of the spine involved neurologist and vertebrologist. For proper diagnosis is necessary to apply to the listed doctors, and on internal inspection and survey, experts have concluded, must resort to some surveys.

If necessary, you need to do:

• Computer tomography of the neck;
• Magnetic resonance imaging of the damaged area;
• vascular SKT;
• X-rays of the spine in several projections;
• Seen oculist to measure intraocular pressure;
• UZGD vessels;
• Electroneuromyographic hands;
• clinical blood test;
• ESR-detailed analysis.

On the basis of examination by a doctor neurologist diagnoses and assign treatment.

Treatment of degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine

To date, there are a lot of methods and drugs that help fight with the pathology of the cervical vertebral column.

In not started stages used for systemic medication use:

• antispasmodics;
• anesthetics;
• NSAID - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents;
• preparations which contain collagen - cartilage regeneration;
• vitamin B group drugs

Local agents:

• anesthetizing ointment;
• compresses, relieving inflammation;
• hondroprotektory;
• ointment with a warming effect.

Physiotherapy:

• medical and health massage neck and neck area;
• reflexology;
• physical therapy;
• use special orthopedic neck bracket;

Surgical intervention:

• Abuse at sensitivities;
• with a large spinal canal stenosis.

First aid for severe pain

Treating the symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease in the form of acute pain is to perform certain rules of first aid:

• observance of strict bed rest;
• application spasmolytic and analgesic agents;
• neck fixing bracket or collar;
• should just roll up a neck warmer scarf;
• swelling should take a diuretic;
• external application of painkillers ointments;
• the use of muscle relaxants;
• the use of sedatives.

All of these drugs should appoint a neurologist.

medication

The special features of drug treatment should include the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, spazmalitikov - to help relax the muscles, the use of drugs to improve blood circulation, and as should be administered drugs that improve and restore the cartilage structure - hondroprotektory.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - a first aid in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. The use of this group of drugs helps weaker or totally arrest the painful sensation. NSAIDs - are drugs that have an effect on the inflammatory focus, using the drug can reduce the symptoms of inflammation.

Medicinal nonsteroidal agents help to improve blood circulation. NSAIDs should be used for systemic treatment (tablets, injections), and for local therapy - ointments, gels.

For a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include:

• Nimid gel (topical);
• Nimisulid powder - for oral administration;
• Indomethacin ointment;
• Moviksikam injection;
• Inflamin - rectal suppositories;
• Zeloksim tablets.

Muscle relaxants

Drugs that lower the tone of the skeletal muscles, called muscle relaxants. Drugs in this group should be used at the cervical osteochondrosis due to their actions on muscle stiffness, which arises as a result of pathological process in the spinal column.

The disease affects the nerve endings, which in turn manifest themselves in the form of pain and muscle spasm. In such a process influence relaxants preparations - muscle relaxing and removing the affected painful.

The medicines of this group, which should be used should be attributed in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:

• Midostad Combi injection;
• Tolperil tablets;
• Baclofen tablets;
• Miofleks capsule;
• Sirdalud tablets.

hormonal treatments

The most powerful drugs with analgesic, antiinflammatory, sosudostimuliruyuschim action should include corticosteroid hormones group. Drugs of this type have the property of stopping the destruction of the tissue, reduce the degenerative articular processes, improve microcirculation.

All drugs that belong to the group of steroid hormones, appoint a doctor neurologist and under the strict control of the patient's condition (due to the large number of adverse reactions).

corticosteroids:

• Medrol tablets;
• Solo Medrol - injection;
• Prednisolone tablets;
• Metipred tablets;
• Betaspan injection;
• Kenalog pills.

Paravertibralnaya blockade

Special local anesthesia called paravertibralnaya blockade by injection. Neurologist or anesthesiologist introduces a special drug mixture to the affected area spinal column, more precisely in the painful places close to the affected part of the spine - in the output of nerve endings.

Using this method is very quickly stopped by severe pain, redness passes and improves local metabolism.

ointments

In the treatment of degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine should be used not only systemic medications in the form of pills and injections, as well as local media. Ointments are widely used in the pathological process in the spinal column.

For the treatment to be applied hondroprotektory, anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs, painkillers plant-based, as well as ointments warming effect. Types of drugs:

NSAIDs:

• Nimid gel. The composition includes a medicament - Nimesulide (sulfonylamido) phenyl carbinol, fatty organic compound, a polymer of acrylic acid, Trilon B, alkali, perfume, medical sterile liquid; the drug should be used in inflammatory disease states associated with musculoskeletal lesions in the body.
• Indomethacin ointment. The drug consists of chlorobenzoyl-methoxy-methylindole acetic acid, natural polycyclic alcohol, fatty alcohol Dimexidum, bromnitropropandiola, blends of simple lipids, wool wax, mazeobraznye liquid; anti-inflammatory preparation for topical use in degenerative processes in joints, muscle and bone pain.

Painkillers herbal remedies:

• Comfrey ointment. The structure includes a herbal preparation plant extract larkspur, ethyl alcohol, tocopherol, waxy mixture propanetriol, p-hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester, medical sterile liquid fragrance; agent should be used in all varieties of damaged spinal column, as well as the joints with a strong pain syndrome;
• Revma-Ointment. The drug consists of terpenoid resins coniferous trees, essential oil of the Australian eucalyptus, peppermint oil, essential oil of pine needles, waxy mixture, p-hydroxybenzoic acid propyl ester, sterile liquid; Ointment should be used in rheumatic and degenerative vertebral states with pain, muscle spasm.

Agents acting on the restoration of cartilage tissue:

• Chondroitin Phytopharm. The composition includes emulgelya chondroitin sulfate, imidazolidinyl, dimexide, fatty compound, ethylene polymer, cetearyl alcohol, food additive, tribasic carboxylic acid, the sodium salt of citric acid, polydimethylsiloxane medical sterile liquid; means should be used with degenerative diseases of the spine and joints.
• Hondrofleks ointment. The drug consists of sulfathondroitina, Dimexidum, animal wax, a waxy mixture of sterile liquid; the drug should be used in osteochondrosis, degenerative changes of the spine and joints.

Topical preparations with a warming effect:

• Kapsikam. The composition includes an ointment dimexide, terpenoid, terpetin, nicotinic acid benzyl ester, vanillylamide of pelargonic acid, bromo-nitropropane-diol, sterile liquid; drug should be used as a warming agent in the muscle and joint pain, as well in degenerative changes of the spine;
• Vipratoks. Liniment includes Levant viper venom, terpenoids, phenolic acids, essential oil of Siberian fir branches, alkali, waxy mixture, thick liquid glycerol, an emulsifier, a medical water; means must be used for rheumatic pains in the joints, radiculitis, osteochondrosis, and other degenerative pathologies of bone system.

chondroprotectors

Systemic drugs that restore cartilage, called hondoprotektorami. Taking medication stimulates the regeneration of cartilage in the joints of the apparatus.

Chondroitin Complex:

• Tablets consist of the monosaccharide glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, Solutab, stearic acid and magnesium;
• degenerative diseases of the spine and joints, low back pain.

Flex-A-Min Complex:

• drug in tablet form includes monosaccharide glyukazamin, chondroitin sulfate, povidone, natural polymer, hypromellose, stearic acid, magnesium, silica, titanium dioxide;
• the drug must be used for pain syndromes, and degenerative changes in the joints.

homeopathic remedies

One of the treatments for cervical osteohondaroza - is an alternative medicine or homeopathy. The use of drugs of this type have given good results. For homeopathic medicines, which must be used with cervical osteochondrosis include:

Traumeel S:

• Tablets are made from plant extracts - poreznoy herb aconite blue Barannik mountain, belladonna ordinary, common daisy, marigold drugs. Echinacea, virgin hamamelis, lime sulfuric liver, St. John's wort, camomile peeled, Mercurius solubilis, larkspur, lactose, stearic acid, magnesium;
• homeopathic preparation should be used in inflammatory pathologies with painful sensations of the musculoskeletal system.

Tserebrum Compositum H:

• in the injecting means includes phosphoric acid, aconite napellus, horse chestnut, ambergris, anamirta, Barannik mountain poison martiniskogo botropsa, suis, tsinhona, hemlock spotted galzemy evergreen, black henbane. Dvuhromisty potassium, potassium phosphate, magnesium phosphate, manganese phosphate, medorrinum, embryo Totalis suis, rue fruit semekarpa, strychnine, living tree, sterile medical liquid;
• the drug must be used in the treatment of functional and organic disorders in the nervous system, spinal cord, skeletal muscle system.

Medications for the treatment of vertigo in osteochondrosis

In the treatment of vertigo, which occur on the background of degenerative changes in the spine, it is necessary to use several types of drugs. Each of his action. Nootropics - improve microcirculation, soothe the nervous system, improve the relationship between the brain hemispheres.

Preparations for the treatment of vestibular disorders. Exert their activity in enhancing the cerebral blood vessels, thereby improving blood circulation. Venotoniki - this means that improve the tone of the vascular system and blood circulation.

Vitamins and minerals

Preparations based on vitamins and minerals help to more rapid recovery of cartilage tissue, improve muscle power, improve blood circulation.

Calcium D3 Nycomed:

• into tablets include calcium carbonate, Kolekaltsiferol, sweetener, stearic acid, magnesium, refined carbohydrate;
• preparation should be applied in degenerative conditions of the musculoskeletal system, when a pathological condition caused by lack of calcium and D3.

Neurovitan:

• formulation consists of a derivative of vitamin B and lipoic acid lactochrome form of vitamin B6, synthetic vitamin B6;
• Tablets must be used in pathologies of the nervous system with paresis, numbness, as well as in degenerative changes in bone and skeletal system, in order to improve metabolism.

Retinol acetate:

• the main active ingredient capsules - a fat-soluble vitamin retinol, oil of sunflower seeds;
• drug should be used during porazheniyayh joints and tissues to improve circulation and strengthening of cartilage.

Cervical collar Schanz

Cervical osteochondrosis symptoms (treatment depends on the symptoms of the disease) at the pathological process in the spinal column can be sharply pronounced. In this case, you should apply a cervical collar Schanz.

Clamp or latch has the form of a circle. Made from dense foam, which is fixed to the neck by means of Velcro. Special skills to apply medical clamps are required. beard should put on a collar and fasten it back.

Retainer relaxes the muscles in the cervical spine, relieves pain and tension. It is an integral part of primary health care at an exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the neck.

Kuznetsov applicator

One method of treating degenerative pathologies of the neck, is the use of the applicator Kuznetsova - massager, on which the spikes. The plate has a flexible structure and can take various forms. For use in pathologies of the neck - the applicator has a fastener.

On the skin, a lot of nerve endings, which, when using impact applicator. This treatment helps to restore metabolic processes in intervertebral disks, removes congestion and inflammation, improves microcirculation. Application Kuznetsova applicator has a positive effect in the treatment of osteoarthritis neck.

Physiotherapy

For the treatment of inflammatory and degenerative changes in the neck should use the method of physical therapy. Application of the method helps to improve metabolism, reduce pain symptoms.

Physiotherapy treatments anti-inflammatory effect, as well as promotes tissue regeneration. In osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should be used treatment with ultrasonic waves, magnetic therapy, treatment of exposure to a small current (electrophoresis).

manual therapy

Manual therapy - is a massage in which the therapist's hands manual does not work with soft tissues and the joints, ligaments. During manual massages, expert help to restore the mobility of the spine, the pain go.

Restores normal blood circulation, are swelling.

Therapy should be carried out by a specialist who is constantly practicing this method of treatment. In order to achieve positive results in the form of pain relief is sometimes just a few sessions.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture refers to non-traditional methods of treatment. But the use of special needles that are screwed into the body of the doctor-reflexologist, affecting certain nerves and zones lead to positive results. Acupuncture improves metabolism, reduces local swelling, and improves circulation.

Exercise therapy in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Type of exercise therapy in osteochondrosis of the neck is different from other kinds of loads. Cervical vertebrae - the smallest and even the minimum of their displacement in the spinal canal is fraught with infringement of the arteries feeding the brain, as well as spinal cord compression. Therefore, you should know that not any sudden movements when doing physiotherapy exercises should not be.

Exercises for the cervical vertebral column (those who suffer from vertigo, you should use a sitting position):

1. main provision - standing with your back straight, face looking forward. Care should be taken to make head turns to the right (do not tilt it neither backward nor forward), up to the shoulder level and fix the body. After a few seconds to return to the former position. The same should be done with the other side. Pain should not be.
2. Initial position - back straight face looking forward. It should be gently pulled, tilting her head, right ear to shoulder. It is necessary to imagine that the left ear is pulled up and try to do it. Hold themselves in this position for a few seconds. Return to the starting position. Do exercise on the second side.
3. Standing straight, to look out face down on the feet and lower the body down - vertebra by vertebra - to the floor. For those who are not trained, you must take up your knees, straighten your back parallel to the floor face looking forward. This exercise works the whole spine, especially the neck. Linger. Relax, lowering his head and torso down. Slowly, slowly, so as not to provoke vertigo, vertebra by vertebra, back to its original position.
4. Standing straight, or you can sit on a chair with a flat back. It is, without bending the back, lower the chin to the chest, neck and pulled up - as if pulling the vertebrae. Hold for several seconds and slowly relax, straighten your neck.
5. The rotational movement of the neck to the head. Straight back, you can sit on a chair. Lower your head right ear to shoulder and gently, slowly, from that position, to make a semicircle through the chest to the opposite (left) shoulder and back. Straighten up.

Gymnastics must deal with every day. You can not do exercise therapy on an empty stomach - this can cause dizziness. You need to engage in an hour after eating.

Treatment of folk remedies

The use of folk methods for cervical osteochondrosis does not always lead to a proper result - it is impossible to heat the neck (only dry heat). Therefore, effective methods are not so many, but they are.

Folk remedies:

1. Tea useful herbs (yarrow). It should take a bit of dry drug to pour into a mug and pour boiling water. Infuse as tea and drink after a meal. Well removes the inflammatory process, soothes the nervous system.
2. Medicinal drink from thistles. Take a small amount of dry grass, filled into a 500 ml vacuum flask and fill with boiling water. Insist. Drink the resulting drink should be the amount of the drug per day, leaving the next day. You need to drink between meals. It has analgesic effect.
3. Compress from the plant. It should take the same amount of chamomile, salvia, tussilago - herbs should be dried and milled. Pour boiling water. Insist. The resulting solution soak a cotton cloth and apply to the sore spot on his neck. Cover film and wrap a scarf. Leave overnight. It helps to relieve inflammation.
4. Apple vinegar. This is very useful, natural liquid that is produced by a microbiological process from apples. And it offers a huge amount of nutrients. the same amount of vinegar with water to be diluted. The resulting liquid to wet gauze and apply to the cervical spine, covered with polythene and scarf - for the night. Good help restore cartilage, reduces inflammation.
5. For general reinforcement and filling the body with useful substances which will promote conclusion of uric acid, strengthen cartilage and stimulate the immune system, you should drink apple healing means. Necessary to add the water - 10 g and drink before ingestion.

Therapeutic massage and self-massage

Massage with the cervical spine disease should only be done when there is an active inflammatory process - it is an additional effective method for the treatment of degenerative disc disease. Massage can be therapeutic, to do that is to self-massage therapist or specialist when the patient know what exercises he was not hurt and help.

When medical massage arms used masseur that neat, massaging, stroking movements works with cervical area. Neck massage neurologists call "erotic" massage, due to the very gentle movements specifics.

We can not allow the strong, assertive techniques - this can harm the spine and vessels. If necessary, if the upper extremities are involved in the pathological process, you should rub your hands. Movement should be directed to the toes upwards - to the shoulder and neck. Each side in turn.

Self-massage includes light stroking and Gently rub the neck movements.

You can not twist the neck, try it crunch - such methods may lead to displacement of the vertebrae and the infringement of the arteries and veins. The purpose of self-massage and therapeutic massage - it is possible to promote relaxation of spastic tissue and improve circulation.

Surgery

Surgical intervention is assigned only if conservative treatment has not led to positive results, and continues the progression of the process of vertebral fracture.

The most used method for the surgical treatment - a front access method (the operation performed on the front of the neck). Not often, neurosurgeons, doctors use surgical technique back - only when you should increase the lumen of a narrowed spinal canal.

power Features

The basic principles of osteochondrosis supply should include a balanced diet restricted in this disease harmful products. You need to eat five times a day in small portions.

The diet should include low-fat protein meal, unrefined cereals, vegetables (not acidic, due to the high content of uric acid), fruits, milk products, preferably not from cow's milk. Gaps between meals must be not more than 3 hours.

It is necessary to eliminate all kinds of canned food, alcohol, spices, refined fats and pork. Shop convenience foods, as well as all sausage products - such food breaks metabolism and contributes to inflammatory and degenerative changes in the musculo-articular system.

Which is not recommended

Cervical osteochondrosis - a disease that is due to incorrect lifestyle can greatly improve. There are certain rules, the implementation of which will reduce the likelihood of further destructive process in the neck.

Do not:

• consume large amounts of salt and savory foods;
• do weightlifting and aerobics;
• for the fair sex should avoid tight shoes with high heels;
• carried away excess food that is sure to lead to weight gain and metabolic disorders;
• sleep on a soft bed will not allow;
• provoke crunch jerky movements of the neck, even if it seems that it brings relief.

prevention

To cervical osteochondrosis is not developed, it is necessary to adhere to preventive measures:

• visit the steam room (with the permission of the doctor-neurologist or if no hypertension);
• periodically do therapeutic massage;
• if the disease is already there and was treated - is undergoing treatment at the neuropathologist recommendations;
• go swimming;
• Yoga exercises overriding type therapeutic and preventive exercise;
• balanced diet;
• rejection of bad habits - alcohol and nicotine, which violate the metabolism in the body.

The appearance of cervical degenerative disc disease is easier to prevent than to cure. When the first symptoms of the disease should consult a neurologist doctor for the appointment of adequate treatment. This will prevent diseases destroy the cervical vertebrae.

Video of the cervical osteochondrosis, its symptoms and treatments

Fragment of the program "Live healthy" about the cervical osteochondrosis:

Syndromes, diagnosis and treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease: