cervical osteochondrosis

Spinal diseases tend to become younger.One of the most common diseases remains osteochondrosis, which until recently was not considered an entirely age-related disease.If it affects the cervical spine, there can be considerable pain in the neck, arms, and head, significantly reducing quality of life.This is often accompanied by a number of other conditions that, if left untreated, can lead to the formation of intervertebral hernias, a large number of which require surgical intervention.Therefore, it is important to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis as early as possible and start treatment accordingly.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease in which the intervertebral discs undergo degenerative changes.Initially, the disc, a ring of cartilage with a jelly-like content, becomes dehydrated.This is often caused by a sedentary lifestyle, long hours at the computer, poor posture, neck injuries and many other factors.

This results in a reduction in the strength of the collagen fibers that form the annulus fibrosus disc.As a result, its thickness gradually decreases, becoming the main cause of the characteristic symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis:

• varying degrees of neck pain;
• Vertebral artery syndrome occurs due to invasion of the cervical vertebral artery that directly passes through the vertebrae, causing headache, dizziness, and loss of consciousness;
• Fluctuations in blood pressure levels;
• Nerve root syndrome is caused by compression of the roots of the spinal cord, accompanied by radiating pain from the neck to the arms, up to the hands and fingers, to the head and shoulders. Sensory disorders in these areas include goose bumps, numbness, etc.;
• The range of movement of the neck is reduced, and pain appears or worsens when performing certain movements;
• Increased fatigue and decreased performance;
• Tinnitus, vision loss, and otolaryngological lesions that are difficult to treat.

There are 7 vertebrae in the cervical spine.Most commonly, osteochondrosis affects the intervertebral discs located between the fifth and sixth vertebrae and the sixth and seventh vertebrae.

In this case, you need to contact a neurologist, who will order an MRI.The results of this examination make it possible to accurately identify any stage of osteochondrosis, even the earliest stages of development, and to select a treatment method.

Development stage

Generally speaking, there are 4 stages in the development of osteochondrosis:

• Grade 1 - The disc disease has just begun to appear, so symptoms are mild and only occasionally observed.In this case, treatment will be as effective and simple as possible.
• Second degree - changes in the intervertebral discs become more pronounced, causing soreness in the neck that develops and intensifies when performing head movements.
• Grade 3 - Pain is almost constant and may be complicated by the development of vertebral artery syndrome and the formation of herniations and intervertebral hernias.
• Degree 4 - The intervertebral disc is severely damaged, almost completely eliminating the possibility of movement of the affected spinal segment.In this case, severe pain is observed, radiculopathy often occurs, and one or both vertebral arteries are compressed, resulting in characteristic symptoms.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Therefore, treatment strategies for cervical osteochondrosis depend on the severity of disc degenerative changes, the patient's age, and personal characteristics.Therefore, it is always developed individually for each patient, but always aims to solve the following problems:

• Eliminate unpleasant symptoms that worsen the patient's quality of life;
• Improve the quality of blood circulation in the neck;
• Improves metabolic processes in the affected area;
• Eliminate the causes of degenerative dystrophic changes in the intervertebral disc;
• Reduces the risk of osteochondrosis complications such as herniation, intervertebral hernia, spondylosis, etc.

Generally speaking, different treatments are required at each stage of disease development.If lifestyle modification and exercise therapy are enough in the first stage, then a more extensive impact is needed in the second stage, which also includes taking multiple medications, performing manual therapy, using orthopedic devices, etc.

However, patients must understand that the degenerative dystrophic changes that have occurred are impossible to reverse, especially if stage 2 or above osteochondrosis is diagnosed.In this case, the goal of treatment is to improve the patient's health and prevent further progression of the disease.Sometimes, it is possible to completely correct the condition only in the first stages of osteochondrosis, but at this stage of development, pathological diagnosis is extremely rare, since patients only see slight discomfort in the neck as a sign of fatigue and do not consult a doctor.

In more severe cases, treatment of cervical osteochondrosis will be more complex and lengthy.Regardless, it is performed under the supervision of a neurologist, with regular follow-up examinations and treatment adjustments based on changes in the patient's health.

lifestyle modification

All patients diagnosed with cervical osteochondrosis are advised to make certain lifestyle changes.In each case, these recommendations will vary according to the individual's professional activities and some other characteristics.

It is recommended that most people increase their physical activity levels and, if sitting is required, take at least hourly breaks to warm up.If the patient is actively participating in sports, it is recommended that he reduce the load on the cervical spine.Therefore, it manifests itself in the abandonment of running, jumping movements, weightlifting, and wrestling.

In addition, overweight people are advised to take steps to lose weight and adjust their diet.When osteochondrosis has developed, it is important to eat a diet that meets the body's daily needs as fully as possible.Therefore, it is worthwhile to give up fast food and semi-finished products and make your diet more rational.This means that it is worth creating a menu so that half of the diet consists of vegetables and fruits and also contains a sufficient amount of protein.

Drug treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

The main purpose of drug treatment is to eliminate the uncomfortable symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.Generally, it is complex and involves the use of different classes of medications, each of which addresses a specific problem.Therefore, it is also developed individually for each patient.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are a broad class of drugs that not only have anti-inflammatory but also analgesic properties.They are available in a variety of dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, ointments, gels, and creams, as well as solutions for intramuscular injection.NSAIDs should only be used when needed, that is, when severe neck pain occurs.

For severe pain, NSAIDs may be injected intramuscularly.

The disadvantage of oral medications in the NSAID group is the irritating effect on the gastric and duodenal mucosa.This may lead to worsening of diseases of these organs, especially gastritis and peptic ulcers.To reduce such risks, proton pump inhibitors are used in combination with them.

Some medications are more gentle on the gastrointestinal tract and are therefore widely used to relieve pain and inflammation in osteochondrosis.In addition, more advanced drugs characterized by selective action have been developed and are also frequently used to treat osteochondrosis, but they are more expensive and not suitable for all patients.

Corticosteroids and injections (blockade)

Corticosteroids are hormonal drugs prescribed to patients with severe inflammatory processes.Their long-term use can lead to many adverse consequences, so in the most difficult cases they are prescribed on short courses.Typically, an injectable solution is required because these drugs are more easily tolerated by the body and are less likely to cause side effects through this method of administration.

When performing a block, corticosteroids are often used in conjunction with a local anesthetic to provide rapid relief of very severe pain by introducing a prepared mixture into a special point near the spinal nerve passage.The surgery requires a certain amount of skill and dexterity, so it can only be performed in a medical facility by specially trained medical personnel.Otherwise, the potential for adverse consequences and complications is very high.

It is recommended that the number of blockades be no more than 4 times a year.

muscle relaxants

Muscle relaxants are a group of drugs used to eliminate reflex muscle spasms caused by acute inflammatory processes.This condition often occurs along with cervical osteochondrosis and causes severe pain in the neck, further exacerbating the condition.

vitamins

Since osteochondrosis creates important prerequisites for compression of the roots of the spinal cord, it is often necessary to take a vitamin complex containing mainly B vitamins.They are directly involved in the transmission of nerve impulses, which is particularly important in the development of radiculopathy syndrome.

chondroprotectant

Chondroprotectants are medications that cause a lot of controversy.They are based on substances used by the body to restore damaged cartilage tissue, which determines the indications for their use in cervical osteochondrosis.But at the same time, there is no convincing evidence of their effectiveness in advanced disease.In the early stages of osteochondrosis, they actually have a positive impact on the condition of the intervertebral discs, thereby improving the patient's health.In the later stages, they can only help inhibit the further progression of degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc.

Chondroprotectants are produced in powder form for preparation of solutions, capsules, products for topical use, and solutions for intramuscular administration.The biggest positive effect is the latter.

Topical products

These medications are available in gel, cream, or ointment form and are often started by patients when they experience symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.They have different effects, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, warming or conversely cooling, and local irritation.

These products often contain NSAIDs and therefore help reduce pain, but are mainly effective in the early stages of osteochondrosis.In addition, the ingredients of such drugs can be menthol, pepper extract, snake or bee venom.

Topical irritants work by stimulating nerve endings in the skin, thereby reducing the severity of pain and increasing blood flow to the area of application.However, these treatments are only effective during the initial stages of cervical osteochondrosis development.

Preparations to improve microcirculation

Medications in this group are used to improve the quality of blood circulation, which is especially necessary in vertebral artery syndrome.Many medications have vasodilatory effects that improve brain nutrition and help eliminate tinnitus, headaches, and dizziness.However, if the vertebral artery compression factor cannot be effectively eliminated, this treatment can only have a temporary effect.

exercise therapy

Physical therapy is the basis of treatment for cervical osteochondrosis.Today, there are many different proprietary and generally accepted exercise therapies for cervical osteochondrosis, but patients should understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to exercise.The specialist must choose a set of exercises on an individual basis, taking into account not only the stage of development of degenerative dystrophic changes, but also the age of the patient, the nature of existing concomitant diseases, the presence of radiculopathy syndrome or compression of the vertebral arteries.Therefore, the same patient with approximately the same disc changes may require different exercises.

Generally speaking, physical therapy has the following goals:

• Strengthens the muscles of the neck and upper shoulder girdle;
• Activates blood circulation in the affected area, which will aid in the recovery of the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc;
• Muscle tone normalizes.

Daily exercise therapy is necessary.First, it's best to join a special group or work individually with a sports therapy coach.This will give you 100% mastery of the techniques for performing each suggested exercise so that its implementation brings maximum benefit.The expert will help you choose the best load and develop a plan to increase the load, taking into account the patient's physical development level.

In the future, patients can practice exercise therapy independently at home.At the same time, it is important to approach this with complete responsibility, practicing slowly and without rushing in comfortable conditions.However, if pain occurs at any time during exercise, the exercise causing pain should be stopped immediately and a doctor should be consulted to determine the cause and correct an exercise treatment plan for cervical osteochondrosis.

When performing exercise therapy, it is forbidden to make sudden or violent movements, turn your head, or perform exercises with pain.In this case, there is a high risk of exacerbating existing changes in the disc rather than achieving the expected benefits.

Swimming has a very positive effect on spinal conditions.This is exactly the type of exercise that does not involve pressure on the discs, but instead actively involves the muscles of the back and neck.As a result, the muscle corset is effectively reinforced and acts as a natural support for the spine.Therefore, patients are advised to go to the swimming pool 2-3 times a week if possible.

Manual treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Manual therapy is one of the most effective methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis because it affects not only the muscles and soft tissues, but also the spine itself.But it’s important to take a responsible approach when choosing a chiropractor, as incorrect or excessive influence can lead to worsening of a patient’s condition or even complications.Such a specialist must not only have a high degree of medical education and manual therapy license, but must also have an in-depth understanding of anatomy and the characteristics of osteochondrosis and sufficient experience.

Don’t confuse manual therapy with therapeutic massage.The difference between these types of manual therapy is significant because therapeutic massage only involves the soft tissues, whereas during manual therapy the doctor also works on the spine.

Therefore, every manual therapy session begins with caressing, which prepares your skin for more positive subsequent results.In the future, techniques such as kneading, pinching, and squeezing will be used to activate blood flow in the collar, neck, and upper back.Once the skin and muscles are sufficiently warmed and the patient is relaxed, the physician begins performing mobilization and manipulation techniques.They are meant to achieve turns through oscillatory movements, pushing in the direction of the most obvious limitations of movement, thus increasing mobility of the spine and eliminating dysfunction.

Therefore, with qualified manual therapy, you can:

• Normalizes the position of the vertebrae, thereby eliminating increased pressure on the disc and creating favorable conditions for its recovery;
• Eliminate pain caused by cervical osteochondrosis and its complications;
• Returns overly relaxed muscles to normal tone and relaxes spastic muscles;
• Increase neck mobility;
• Relieves pressure in the vertebral arteries, thereby normalizing blood flow to the brain;
• Relieves compression of the roots of the spinal cord, thereby normalizing the conduction of bioelectrical impulses to the organs they are responsible for innervation and reducing pain.

Particularly worthy of emphasis is the author's manual therapy approach.It involves the use of a special patented impact technology, which allows to achieve remarkable results after the first treatment, not only for the neck affected by osteochondrosis, but also for the entire body.As a result, not only pain and other disease symptoms disappear, but the function of all organs is improved and the immune system is strengthened.The second and subsequent sessions enhance and consolidate the positive effects, which guarantees that the remission period will last as long as possible if other medical recommendations are followed.

self massage

In order to improve health, patients can perform self-massage on the neck regularly to relieve fatigue and reduce pain.To do this, sit in a comfortable position and try to relax your neck muscles.Then use your palms to perform stroking movements, gradually turning into circular kneading movements, grabbing the shoulder area.All movements are performed from the spine, with no sudden, forceful pressure.In this case, topical anti-inflammatory drugs recommended by your doctor can be used.

physical therapy

Physical therapy is indicated outside of acute inflammatory processes.It allows you to consolidate the treatment gains you have made and further improve your patient's condition.Typically, a course of treatment is prescribed and consists of 10-15 procedures, chosen individually for each patient.It may be:

• Electrophoresis - Involves the use of electric current to ensure deeper penetration of a given drug.
• Magnetic therapy – helps activate blood circulation in the affected area and stimulates metabolic processes.In addition, magnetic therapy has analgesic properties and helps reduce swelling.
• Laser therapy has anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory effects, thereby reducing the severity of pain.
• Ultrasound therapy is a physical therapy method based on the positive effects of ultrasound on the body.They help reduce the sensitivity of nerve endings and also have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Dynamic Current – Surgery can reduce pain, improve tissue nutrition, positively affect muscles, and help eliminate inflammation.

traction therapy

When the vertebrae come together due to flattening of the discs, traction treatment with a Glisson ring is needed.The essence of this method is to apply precisely adjusted tensile loads to the cervical spine using a special device that immobilizes the head and applies the load on the opposite side.This type of surgery helps increase the distance between the vertebrae, thereby reducing pressure on the disc and creating favorable conditions for disc recovery.But this treatment can only be prescribed by a doctor.

needle applicator

The applicator is a simple, affordable form of neck reflexology.This can be a plate with spikes, which should be placed under the neck, or a similar device, but in the form of a roller.Due to the stinging sensation of the sting, skin receptors are stimulated, resulting in more active blood flow to the affected area.

Some patients have noticed reduced neck pain and improved performance, improved sleep quality, and restored neck mobility after using the applicator.However, needle applicators should not be used if the affected area has skin lesions or vascular disease.

Orthopedic instruments

In order to reduce the burden on the cervical spine, it is recommended to replace mattresses and pillows with orthopedic mattresses and pillows, because sleeping on uncomfortable pillows can cause additional compression of the vertebral arteries and nerve trunks during sleep.Orthopedic products do not have this disadvantage and ensure that the spine maintains the correct physiological position along its entire length, thereby reducing the rate of progression of existing osteochondrosis.

But it is important to choose the right pillow and mattress that matches the patient's personal characteristics and contains the right filling.Thanks to them, we can also improve the quality of our sleep and wake up refreshed and refreshed in the morning.

Additionally, some patients are recommended to wear Shants collars.It is a removable orthopedic device that allows you to immobilize your neck and significantly relieve the load on your cervical spine, for example when working at a computer or after an injury.The collar is put on before the expected load is placed on the neck, but must be removed during sleep and rest.They vary in design, height, and degree of fixation, so only the attending doctor can choose the best one.

Therefore, treatment of cervical osteochondrosis can be quite lengthy and complex.You should be prepared for this because there is no other way to stop the progression of disc changes and avoid the development of complications and the need for surgery.But in most cases, patients' condition improves within the first few weeks of treatment.At the same time, it is important not to self-treat, but to contact a neurologist, since only a qualified specialist can determine the extent of osteochondrosis and choose the most appropriate treatment for a specific patient.