Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine: drugs, massage, exercise therapy

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is a complex of procedures aimed at eliminating pain attacks and restoring spinal tissue. It is possible to achieve effective results in treatment if you regularly use all techniques, strictly observing the instructions for their implementation.

How the disease manifests

The spine has a complex structure. The consistency of the work of the whole organism depends on the preservation of each component in a healthy state. The seven cervical vertebrae are located near the base of the brain, in which all the vital centers are concentrated.

Destruction of segments, changes in the structure of intervertebral discs lead to the following symptoms:

• headache that arises in the neck and passes into the occipital region;
• the muscles of the shoulder girdle gradually atrophy;
• there is insomnia, bad mood;
• there are problems of an ophthalmic nature: floating spots in front of the eyes, blurred vision, blurred surrounding objects;
• coordination of movements slightly impaired;
• painful sensations spread to the shoulders and forearms, as well as to the jaw;
• often there is a violation of sensitivity in the hands, manifested by numbness and a feeling of "running goosebumps".

The excruciating pain syndrome exhausts the patient. Early diagnosis will allow a quick start of therapeutic measures, so as not to lead to surgical intervention. Conservative treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis and at home. Changing the lifestyle and quality of nutrition, strict adherence to recommendations during sleep and wakefulness will stop the pathological process and allow you to live a full life.

Drug treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

The chronic course of osteochondrosis alternates between acute periods and pauses in remission. Medications are prescribed throughout the disease and only a doctor prescribes them. Medicines relieve pain, eliminate inflammation, regenerate damaged tissues and treat the cervical region. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, tablet forms, injection into the muscle, vertebrae, local exposure with ointments, gels are used.

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have proven to be an effective anesthetic in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, while also acting on inflammatory processes. If there are signs of inflammation, it is advisable to use NSAIDs, but they have a number of side effects, manifested in particular by a negative effect on the gastric mucosa. Therefore, when taken orally, along with nonsteroidal drugs, drugs are prescribed to protect the stomach, which suppress acid formation.
2. Analgesics are mainly used for local neuromuscular blockages. Pain that does not relieve with non-hormonal drugs is stopped by direct injection into the active points or into the vertebral body.
3. Glucocorticosteroids are steroid drugs that are synthetic analogues of hormones produced by the adrenal cortex. For the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, corticosteroids are prescribed to eliminate severe pain, fight progressive inflammation, improve metabolic processes and have an immunomodulating effect.
4. Calming agents to improve sleep and general well-being - tincture of valerian or peony. Weak sedatives with prolonged use are not addictive and are effective in combating neurological disorders.
5. Chondroprotectors are needed to stop the destruction of cartilage tissue, followed by the growth of bone processes. Chondroitin with Glucosamine, which is part of the preparations, fills the structure of the vertebrae with the missing chemicals that improve cellular nutrition, synthesis and self-renewal capacity. To achieve a lasting effect of treatment, the drugs must be taken for a long time, and in some cases, for life.
6. Improving cerebral circulation is important in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. Drugs will eliminate dizziness, improve cell trophism, reduce nerve root sensitivity and dilate blood vessels.
7. With vasospasm, blood pressure increases. When fixing a high number of systolic and diastolic indicators, "ambulance" antihypertensive drugs are taken -.
8. During the acute course of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, decongestants with a diuretic effect are prescribed. Removing excess fluid will prevent an increase in blood pressure, reduce the load and improve metabolism.
9. Taking a multivitamin complex with a sufficient amount of minerals and trace elements improves metabolism and ensures the normal course of biochemical processes in the body.

Massage therapy

Massage is one of the additional ways to get rid of pain and discomfort in the neck and upper extremities. The impact of the hands on the muscles of the neck area improves local blood microcirculation, relieves muscle tone by increasing the load, and also heals the neck itself. Bringing the muscles to a functioning state improves the excretion of accumulated lactic acid, relaxing the muscle tissue.

Two types of techniques are used to eliminate the consequences of cervical osteochondrosis:

1. The massage of the neck area is carried out by a specialist in accordance with the exact instructions on the permissible load. The movements consist of caresses, kneading and intense massage movements. The reduction in pain and the improvement in motor activity of the upper shoulder girdle confirm that the procedure was performed correctly.
2. Impact on active points with pressure movements is a less popular, but effective way. Performing this technique requires special training of the massage therapist.

After the session, you can not overstrain the neck muscles, so it is recommended to wear an orthopedic collar of medium hardness for three hours. This measure will consolidate the effect of the masseur's efforts.

A massage course can not always bring a positive result in the treatment of the cervical region, there are contraindications, ignoring which leads to sad consequences:

• oncological diseases of various localizations;
• active form of Koch's wand infection;
• systemic blood diseases;
• hypertension in the stage of decompensation;
• dermatological lesions of the skin of the collar and neck region;
• aortic aneurysm;
• necrotic processes in the bones with the formation of suppuration.

Physiotherapeutic procedures for cervical osteochondrosis

Additional treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with the help of physiotherapy is always included in the therapeutic complex of cervical osteochondrosis. The use of this method allows the attending physician to reduce the dosage of pharmaceuticals, minimize the risk of complications and allergic reactions. Conducting a full course guarantees the normalization of metabolism, an increase in the ability of blood vessels to circulate and the elimination of pain.

Types of physiotherapy for osteochondrosis of the cervix:

1. Electrical stimulation - the use of high frequency current to influence the muscles of the neck and shoulder girdle. During the session, the effect of thermal heating of the neck appears, blood circulation improves, unpleasant sensations are eliminated.
2. Magnetotherapy - exposure to a pulsed magnetic field on a diseased area. The waves penetrate up to 7 cm deep, providing a cumulative healing effect. Pain, inflammation are eliminated, a stable therapeutic effect is observed until the next course of magnetotherapy. Procedures can be performed in outpatient clinics and at home, for this purpose special devices are used.
3. Laser therapy is an alternative medicine method based on low-intensity laser radiation. The beams are directed to the region of the cervical vertebrae and along the nerve roots. The laser suppresses pain and inflammation reactions, promoting tissue regeneration.
4. Detensor therapy is used to stretch the vertebrae and relax the muscles and connective tissue of the back. Under the weight of one's own body, there is a slight "straightening" of the segments of the spine, an improvement in metabolic processes, with the disappearance of muscle spasms, the structure of the spine is restored.
5. Balneotherapy - the healing properties of mineral waters are most often used in sanatoriums.

The bath has the following purposes for the treatment of the cervical region:

• the muscles relax, the pain disappears and the blood microcirculation improves;
• metabolic processes are accelerated, toxins are removed from the body;
• iodine and bromine ions react, and together with hydrogen sulfide, oxygen from the water enters the body and improves cell nutrition.

Physiotherapy

Significantly improve the condition and reduce the number of pain attacks in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine will help to regularly perform special exercises. The physiotherapy exercise instructor is engaged in the recommendation and development of a medical complex. The specialist will teach you the correct technique for performing exercises and will plan the training program and the number of exercises.

It is necessary to start classes only in the inactive phase of the disease. Exercise therapy relaxes muscles, regulates metabolism, allows you to forget about acute pain attacks, dizziness and poor health. You can perform therapeutic movements at home, after consulting a specialist.

When performing exercise therapy exercises, for maximum benefit, you should follow certain rules:

• before the start of the course, you must ensure that you are in good health;
• movements should be carried out slowly and smoothly, without jerks;
• the recommendations on the number of exercises must be strictly followed with the instructions of the instructor;
• if during the lesson there is a sharp pain, you should immediately stop the lesson;
• inform the physiotherapist of the changes.

An approximate list of exercises for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:

• in a sitting position, gently turn your head in different directions;
• lower the head forward and down, touching the lower jaw of the body;
• tilt the neck back without raising the lower jaw;
• place your head inside the hand so that the arm is in a bent position with emphasis on a hard surface, tilt your head creating resistance with your hand, repeat for each hand;
• tilt your head down, while creating resistance with your hand;
• lower your arms, perform a static exercise, keeping your shoulders up.

All exercises are performed in a seated position with a straight back. Each movement is performed 8-10 times.

Self-massage for treatment

Self-administered massage is an effective treatment. The advantage of the procedure is the possibility of manipulation at any time. The patient feels how hard to press the cervical region, so that pleasant warmth is felt, and not pain.

Self-massage technique:

• You can perform massage movements with one or two hands;
• you need to capture the entire surface of the neck;
• you need to start the session with gentle caresses, lightly pressing the skin;
• the next step is to rub the muscles with the edge of the palm or thumbs;
• active convulsions of the muscles with the palms with drawing to the sides;
• light tapping in the collar area;
• you must finish with caressing movements.

Each action is performed for 30 seconds, the total duration of self-massage should be about three minutes. All manipulations are carried out at a slow pace, each person determines the force of pressing individually.

orthopedic fashion

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis cannot do without medical devices intended to unload the vertebrae and surrounding tissues:

1. The Shants collar is one of the most prescribed medical devices for relieving and treating the neck. The neck brace is intended to be used while awake during possible tensions of the neck muscles: long work at the computer, cooking and others.
2. Orthopedic pillow for a good rest during sleep. The product is selected individually, taking into account the length of the shoulder girdle. When using a therapy pillow, the spine is not subjected to unnatural deviation, the blood supply is not disturbed, the person feels rested.
3. The orthopedic mattress is intended for the treatment of diseases of the spine: osteochondrosis, protrusions, intervertebral hernias. The therapeutic effect is based on the principle of stretching the segments of the spine in an upright position.

Diet therapy in the treatment of the neck

It is necessary to follow the principles of proper nutrition in the treatment of osteochondrosis. Nutrition should be low in calories, with a sufficient content of vitamins and minerals.

What not to include in your daily diet:

• pickles;
• sausages and smoked meats;
• high-fat mayonnaise and sour cream;
• sugar and confectionery;
• sweet carbonated drinks;
• alcohol.

Authorized products:

• dairy products rich in calcium;
• aspic of fish or beef legs;
• natural juices;
• low-fat varieties of fish and meat;
• fresh fruits and vegetables.

Alternative methods of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Ancient recipes of healers are an excellent addition to the treatment of the neck. The experience gained over the years allows us to use only the most effective products, prepared independently of the natural ingredients available. Herbs, medicinal alcohol and animal derivatives can serve as the medicinal basis.

Popular treatment recipes:

1. Three medium lemons, without peeling them, twist in a meat grinder. To the resulting mass add five chopped heads of garlic and half a glass of honey. Pour boiling water over the mixture and let it steep for two hours. Drink 100ml each morning on an empty stomach.
2. Prepare 200 grams of pine buds and grind them with two glasses of caster sugar. Therapeutic mass is taken daily, 1 tbsp.
3. Mix a small amount of honey with aloe juice and add a little alcohol. The resulting solution is used to rub the cervical vertebrae.
4. Mash boiled potatoes and add honey. Apply the resulting composition to the sore spot, fix it with cling film on top and wrap it with a warm blanket. It is fashionable to leave the compress for 3 hours.
5. The crushed raw material of the hop cones is mixed with butter to the consistency of an ointment. Rubbed into sore spots to relieve pain and inflammation.

Despite the plant origin of the components of traditional medicines, their use can be harmful.

Therefore, before using this method, it is necessary to exclude possible contraindications:

• tendency to allergic reactions;
• damage to skin in area of intended use;
• individual intolerance to the component;
• inflammation in the acute phase;
• pathology of the stomach, liver, kidneys when administered orally.

Prevention

The health of the whole organism depends on the state of the spine. To prevent the occurrence of degenerative-dystrophic changes in individual segments, simple rules will help:

• lead a healthy life without bad habits;
• regular exercise;
• eat right, avoiding the appearance of excess weight;
• if you experience persistent pain in the neck, contact an orthopedist for medical advice.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a long process that requires patience and strict adherence to the doctor's prescriptions. A positive result depends on the quality of therapeutic manipulations and the attitude of the patient himself.