Cervical osteochondrosis. How to treat, exercise, medication, massage, exercise, physical therapy exercises, ointments, tablets, injections, swimming

Insidious and the most common pathology of the upper spine - cervical osteochondrosis, followed by a mass of uncomfortable symptoms, to treat complex is necessary. Statistics confirm that most of neck pain and headaches caused by osteochondrosis.

What is cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis - a disease of the upper part of the spine, provoked by the gradual destruction of the intervertebral disc and the elastic clamping of vessels and nerves passing through spine to the brain. The initial symptoms of degenerative disc disease severity in the neck, stiffness, neck crunch in joints, headache sometimes explained by fatigue, colds, migraine.

The main symptom of disease - pain arises when the deformation of the intervertebral discs are pressed the nerves, blood vessels are infringed.

This pathology is in advanced stages leads to hearing loss, a drop of view, motor coordination disorders. In severe cases - a stroke. Previously it was believed that the disease is subject to the elderly due to age-related changes. Now (according to WHO statistics) there is a tendency of growth of the disease among 30-40-year-old persons in connection with urbanization and with a decrease in physical activity.

disease symptoms

Cervical osteochondrosis can cause pressure drops, heart pain, blurred vision, hearing, breathing.

Characteristic symptoms cause impairment of nerve or blood vessel compression:

• heaviness in the back of his head;
• Pain radiating from the neck to the shoulder, under the shoulder blade, worse when cornering or after sleep;
• numbness, tingling in the hand, shoulder blade, shoulder;
• crunch in the vertebrae;
• noise feeling in the ears, until hearing impairment;
• shortness of breath, inability to breathe deeply, which causes oxygen starvation of tissues;
• vision problems (fog, fly in the eyes);
• pressure surges, dizziness;
• loss of coordination, reduced sense of balance.

Provoke these symptoms to be treated, a number of syndromes of cervical degenerative disc disease:

1. reducing spinal canal syndrome (stenosis) as a result of degenerative changes in the spine (herniated discs, osteophytes - bony growths, thickening of intervertebral ligaments). Stiffness in the neck and head pain, numbness caused by blood circulation.
2. radicular syndrome (Compression of nerve endings) leads to pulsating pain, hypertension, hypertrophy of the muscles of the face, speech defects. Also causes a feeling of "stuffiness" of the nose, lump in the throat, snoring.
   
3. Reflex-irritative syndrome is accompanied by a burning pain in the neck when abrupt movements, abrupt inhalation. He gives the chest, shoulder.
4. vertebral artery syndrome It develops as a result of compression artery extending inside the vertebrae. Throbbing pain radiates in the parietal, occipital part of the head, in the superciliary arc or temple. It is the most common cause of stroke in young patients.
5. cardiac syndrome characterized by symptoms of angina, diaphragmatic pain, arrhythmia, increase in blood pressure.

Cervical osteochondrosis, treatment is late, dangerous severe complications:

• disc protrusion;
• pressure peaks;
• disorders of the nervous system;
• migraines, frequent headaches;
• soldier's heart;
• malfunction of the vestibular apparatus.

Pathology causes a disturbance of the heart rhythm, increased heart rate, as a result of pinched nerves.

diagnosis of the disease

Formulation of the initial diagnosis is possible at the initial examination. For body type, posture, position of the blades, the neck contours of painful points localization, the amplitude flexibility of the spine, relief of muscle experienced doctor determines that the cause of the uncomfortable symptoms is osteochondrosis.

He will appoint a number of surveys:

1. Digital radiography It makes it possible to ascertain the condition of the cervical vertebrae (level of damage / bias mobility, salt deposits, the availability of the seals). For more information content in the vertebral canal, a disc or carotid artery injected contrast agent.
2. Computed tomography (CT). The exact picture of the disease is obtained by scanning (X-ray irradiation), in the open or closed apparatus (tomograph) and digitizing results obtained images. The procedure is contraindicated in pregnancy, children, nursing mothers, persons previously received radiation, suspected oncology patient.
   
3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - the most effective diagnostic method for the detection of pathological changes in the cervical region. MRI before surgery must be conducted to assess the condition of blood vessels, nerve roots, disc, choose a less invasive form of surgery. Contraindicated survey in the first trimester of pregnancy, claustrophobia, the patient has a pacemaker, insulin pump, metallic objects in the body.
4. Doppler (Doppler ultrasound) performed to determine vascular permeability, the state of blood flow using ultrasonic sensors. Duplex study identifies structural changes in blood vessels, identify where blockages provoking dizziness and disorders of the vestibular apparatus of the patient.

Scheme cervical degenerative disc disease treatment

Cervical osteochondrosis treat yourself is futile. The most dangerous complication can be a violation of the blood supply to the brain through the neck vertebrae, which is fraught with hearing loss, vision loss, development of neuralgia.

After the diagnosis and staging of the disease and the nature of the doctor (neurologist, vertebrologist) will be able to choose the optimum combination of conservative treatment methods or propose neck discectomy.

apply:

• medication to reduce inflammation and muscle tension, pain relief.
• Physiotherapy to saturate the nutritional components of the cartilage and intervertebral disc regeneration.
• Physiotherapy to strengthen muscles and develop flexibility of ligaments of the cervical vertebrae.
• SurgeryResorted to when catastrophically narrow spinal canal.

Operation (anterior cervical discectomy) is carried out only when necessary removing herniated (compressive spinal nerve) or eliminating protrusions. Remote Disc is replaced by an artificial insert (Cage). Or carried fusion (coalescence and immobilization) adjacent vertebrae Moved from their seats.

First aid for acute pain

Because of supercooling, suffering stress may occur exacerbation and increased pain.

When pain syndrome is recommended:

• to immobilize the cervical spine collar via Schantz;
  
• relax on an orthopedic pillow, relax the muscles of the neck;
• Apply a warm heating pad;
• warm neck feather scarf;
• to apply to the affected area or mustard paste pepper patch.

For anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect can be used pharmaceutical equipment:

ointments	orthopedic plasters	pain pills
Ortofen, indomethacin, diclofenac.	Dorsoplast, Nanoplast.	Ketanov, Nimesil.

It is unacceptable in a fit of degenerative disc disease without medical supervision:

• to inject any painkillers;
• taking NSAIDs (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs), having a weight of contraindications.

At night, the desired immobilization of the cervical spine collar Schanz pharmacy or hand-made of cardboard and soft tissue.

Drug treatment of disease

Therapy aims at eliminating inflammation, pain manifestations, muscular tension using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics. Apply hondoprotektory, B vitamins, external ointments and gels for accelerating the recovery processes in the articular cartilage.

Formulations for oral use

With inflammation successfully cope nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - analgesics, and at the same time producing an analgesic effect: Naproxen, Voltaren, Idometatsin. Many drugs have a lot of contraindications, so they must carefully choose a doctor, taking into account the health status and individual characteristics of the patient.

NSAIDs slow inflammation of the soft tissues.

Analgesics (used in osteochondrosis) produced on the basis of active ingredients: ibuprofen, diclofenac, paracetamol, Ketorolac. They relieve pain, relaxing muscles, antispasmodics: Diclofenac, Mydocalm. Phenylbutazone on time "freezes" the affected nerve endings. Relieve pain Tsitramon, Acetaminophen, Acetylsalicylic acid.

Hondoprotektory prevent the destruction of cartilage, saturating them with the necessary elasticity for substances (glucosamine, chondroitin), trigger regeneration process: Alflutop, rumalon (based on the bone marrow and cartilage animals), synthetic - Struktum, Mukosat, complex - Antron, Chondroitin.

Your doctor may prescribe sedatives, antidepressants if on a background of frequent grueling pain the patient has depression (loss of appetite, sleep, excessive irritability).

Strong drugs should not be taken on their own:

• neuroleptics (chlorpromazine, haloperidol);
  
• antidepressants (amitriptyline, Prozac);
• tranquilizers (Diazepam, Fenazepam).

Calming and relaxing herbal tincture of Leonurus, valerian or tablets based on them.

Injections with osteochondrosis

Formed during inflammation mediators that damage nerve fibers, causing symptoms of discomfort and pain. B vitamins are used in the form of intramuscular injections B. They stop inflammation, promote regeneration of nerve tissue, relieve pain.

Provides power to the nerve tissue, it leads to normal sensitivity vitamin B₁. Its fat-soluble form (Benfotiamine) produces a greater positive effect than the water-soluble (thiamine). AT₆ general strengthening effect on the nervous system and improves its performance.

Shot, thanks to the introduction of the drug in the inflammatory focus, give a quick and strong effect, in contrast to oral tablets. When the unbearable pain made a series of shots (Novocain, Lidocaine) around the lesion to freeze the nerve endings - the blockade.

ointments

Gels and ointments may not overcome layer of subcutaneous fat and muscle, to act directly on the affected area. However, for the treatment of osteoarthritis and physicians prescribe external agents as auxiliaries.

They improve blood circulation by increasing its tributary, produce a local analgesic effect (Kapsikam, Finalgon).

Used and analgesic plasters (Salonsip GEL-PATCH) in the absence of the patient are hypersensitive to existing components.

Physical therapy in the treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease

Cervical osteochondrosis be treated in conjunction with physical therapy procedures, which facilitate the patient's general condition, relieve pain, swelling, inflammation, improve the condition of the tissues.

Applicable treatment:

• mechanical impact (vibration massage);
• magnetic field (magnetic);
• rays (electromagnetic, laser);
• shock wave therapy;
• balneotherapy - application of therapeutic mud (or mineral water).

It is necessary to complete a full course of the appointment procedure for obtaining substantial improvements.

Reflexology

Traditional therapy for 3-4-th day seeking improvement in a fit of osteochondrosis, so acupuncture method in this pathology is rarely used. Acupuncture (acupuncture) - ancient treatment method uses Chinese medicine administering microneedles at certain points of the body (ear, extremities) to relieve pain and treatment of osteoarthritis.

The method has a number of contraindications and may cause side effects: pain, hematoma at the injection needle, in some patients, dizziness, chills.

Orthopedic treatment

Pillow retainer (Schantz collar) made of a flexible material is used for fixing the neck, head evenly distributes the pressure on the base of the neck and clavicle. Neck muscular system does not allow the vertebrae to shift. Its corrective effect is useful after a massage.

Long wearing collar Schanz not recommendedSince when no load neck muscles weaken. It is permissible to use an orthopedic collar for 2-3 hours a day. Soothes the pain in the neck rest (lying on the back / side) on an orthopedic pillow.

Massotherapy

For pain relief, improved circulation chiropractor massages, mechanically affecting hands on problem areas of the neck and nape of the neck, as well as using acupressure Vibrating.

Given the age of the patient, his individual characteristics, comorbidities and symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease, a doctor may prescribe physical therapy procedures. For physical therapy, there are many restrictions and contraindications (oncology, asthma, hypertension, pregnancy).

Manual therapy with cervical osteochondrosis

The anatomy of the spine thoroughly knows chiropractor, it detects the deformation and deflection by hand. Using the most appropriate methods of the turned, manual therapist is involved in the complex treatment of pathologies affecting the vertebrae and tissue of the affected area.

He does this by:

• relaxing massage pain segments for stress relieving muscles and heating;
• mobilization by stretching and relaxing the muscles to restore joint function;
• manipulation - short and fast shocks (sometimes accompanied by a crunching or clicking) for displacement in the normal position of the vertebrae.

Procedures must be highly qualified specialist, as the slightest mistakes harm to the patient and even lead to disability.

Treatment can last 2-3 months, until the symptoms disappear discomfort:

• pain and numbness in the tissues;
• stiffness and limit the range of movement of the neck;
• excessive tension in your neck, shoulders, back of the head;
• dizziness, ringing in the ears.

If you do not take into account the patient contraindications, possible complications after manipulation: displacement of the vertebrae, intervertebral hernia infringement, torn ligaments ischemic stroke.

Therapeutic exercise for the treatment of disease

In the early stages of the disease is effective physiotherapy. Exercise therapy course with strict dosage (individual) loads is carried out under the guidance of a specialist. Short 10-15-minute sessions increased to 30-40 minutes with a gradual increase in load.

The exercises are repeated (6-10 times), at a slow pace until the mild pain. Their goal is the strengthening of the muscles, without undue stress on the intervertebral discs. Unacceptable sudden movements, excessive amplitude, intensity, especially in complicated pathology.

Swimming

Gymnastics classes in the hall complements in swimming in the pool, which helps to relax muscles, stretching the ligaments.

Training in water must be carried out correctly in order to get a positive effect:

• increasing intervals between the vertebrae;
• release the clamped tissue and nerves;
• return to the correct position of the displaced vertebrae;
• strengthening muscles.

In cervical pathology swim preferably on the back or breaststroke, longer sliding on the water between the strokes.

It is necessary to use the pool or fitness center, where the instructor will check your physical therapy sessions. Contraindications: skin infections and injuries, pathology, cardiovascular, trauma, epilepsy. We have to do it on a regular basis (2-3 p / week.) Training and devote about an hour: 40-50 minutes. - gymnastics and swimming, 10-15 min. - workout. After classes, it is necessary to lie down for 30 minutes on a hard couch.

Gymnastics

Cervical osteochondrosis treat must be integrated by connecting additional methods depending on the stage and nature of the development of pathology. To strengthen the muscle corset neck exercises is obligatory. Exercise improves blood circulation, should not give the vertical load on the spine, they can speed up the destruction of cartilage.

A set of exercises for the neck V.Dikulya, SM Bubnovskaya, A.Shishonina aimed at the removal of muscle spasms, pain reduction, suspension of dystrophic changes in the tissues of the neck, to speed up their recovery. Gymnastics and swimming not only helps get rid of the disease, but also a beneficial effect on all the systems, and the general tone of the body.

Morning work-out

Morning warm-up, which aims to energize and give strength to the working day, with musculoskeletal pathologies should be chosen carefully. Degenerative changes in the cervical eliminate excessive load on this delicate area of ​​the body.

Simple exercises for the cervical spine should be carried out in a measured and cautious in standing, sitting or lying down:

• tilts the head sideways, up / down, turns to the arms, rotation (10-15 repeats);
  
• Drawing chin letters, numbers;
• lifts the head, lying on his back (with a delay);
• the same - lying on your side.

Exercise helps strengthen the muscles, restore joint mobility, speed up the process of getting rid of the cervical spine pathologies.

pathology forecast

In the early stages of osteochondrosis can be completely cured, applying gentle therapy (physiotherapy, chiropractic). Pain syndrome indicates neglect of the disease, which is fraught with cerebral ischemia, stroke, and require lengthy and costly treatment.

If a cervical osteochondrosis is not treated immediately after detection of the first signs, it may eventually form a "bulge" of intervertebral disks - a protrusion passing into a hernia. On vertebrae osteophytes grow, injured nerve endings, which significantly impairs quality of life and complicates further treatment.

Registration of the article: Lozinski Oleg

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