Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Current methods of cervical osteochondrosis treatment are aimed at reducing symptoms, preventing complications, stopping further destruction of cartilage and bone tissue of the spinal column, and preventing disability of the patient.

Osteochondrosis is a pathological degenerative-destructive process that affects first the intervertebral disc, and then the spine itself.

It is necessary to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical region as soon as the first signs of the disease appear.

Mechanisms of development of osteochondrosis

The spinal column consists of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs located between them. The intervertebral disc has a gel-like core in the center, which is surrounded by a dense fibrous ring. The core of the pulposus is hydrophilic - saturated with moisture and characterized by high elasticity. Due to the elastic properties of the intervertebral discs, cushioning and mobility of the spine are provided.

In people over the age of 20, the discs gradually lose their elasticity. This is due to the destruction of the blood vessels that fed the discs, and further blood supply is caused by diffusion from the adjacent vertebral bodies. In cartilage tissue, against the background of a lack of nutrients, regeneration processes slow down - the disc begins to "age". Initially, the nucleus pulposus is dehydrated, loses elasticity, becomes flat, which increases the load on the fibrous ring. Microcracks, stress zones, tears, delamination appear in the structure of the ring.

The degenerated disc protrudes into the spinal canal and irritates the nerve endings of the pain receptors located on the posterior longitudinal ligament.

The peculiarities of the pathological process of cervical osteochondrosis are related to the anatomical structure of this spine: different structure and size of the cervical vertebrae, tight articulation in the intervertebral joints and underdeveloped muscular framework. With prolonged static load in the cervical area (working at the computer), weak muscles cannot hold themselves well, and the main load falls on the spine.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in a specialized clinic is carried out using a unique technology based on a combination of manual therapy, electrophoresis and photodynamic laser therapy under the supervision of doctors.

The main reasons for the development of osteochondrosis:

• Congenital or acquired anomalies of the spine.
• Natural aging processes of the body.
• genetic predisposition.
• Long-term static and dynamic overload of the spine: forced posture, hypodynamia.
• Passion for spine-threatening sports: professional wrestling.
• smoke.
• Autoimmune diseases with connective tissue damage - collagenoses.
• Malnutrition with an excess of carbohydrates and fatty foods, with a deficiency of proteins, vitamins, micro and macro elements.
• Overweight, obesity.
• Spine injuries and diseases.

Osteochondrosis of the spine - is there such a diagnosis?

In English medicine, this term refers to a completely different group of diseases that have nothing to do with our "native" osteochondrosis. In the International Classification of Diseases - the book that all neurologists should be guided by when referring to the diagnosis - there are such terms as "osteochondrosis of the spine in adults", "osteochondrosis of the spine in juveniles", "Osteochondrosis of spine, unspecified". ".

However, sometimes this diagnosis is not fully justified, when the doctor is actually unable to fully understand what is happening to the patient. According to this term, such diseases as:

• Myofascial pain syndrome- a condition in which spasm occurs continuously in the same muscles.
• muscle damage.After the injury, the pain begins to bother, and after some time they pass by themselves.
• otolithiasisA condition in which calcium salt crystals accumulate in the inner ear. They cause dizziness - sometimes mistaken as a manifestation of spinal disease.
• headache.They are also often associated with degenerative changes in the cervical spine. In fact, they often have other reasons.

Take care of yourself, register for a consultation now, without delaying treatment.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine

A standard set of therapeutic measures for exacerbation of the disease looks like this:

• Anti-inflammatory and pain relievers.The doctor can prescribe Voltaren, Movalis, Ibuprofen and other drugs.
• If the pain is very strong and does not go away- use novocaine blockade. Armed with a needle and syringe, the doctor injects anesthetic into special areas where it blocks the transmission of pain nerve impulses.
• Physiotherapy helps:Drug electrophoresis with novocaine, ultrasound, ultraviolet radiation, diadynamic currents.
• If pain puts you in constant nervous tension,Prescribe medications to help you relax.
• to the pain zoneApply dry heat.
• to relieve the spine,Different types of traction are used. The patient can be placed on a special bed with the head raised and secured with rings under the arms. Underwater traction in the pool is also used.
• Your doctor may recommend itVisit a chiropractor, acupuncture sessions.
• during an exacerbationWear special orthopedic devices that help to relax the muscles and support the spine - corsets, collars.

When the flare-up passes, you need to take measures to help prevent a new one. Therapeutic exercises and massage help strengthen the muscles that support the spine. Schedule physiotherapy courses. Good for swimming. All methods of treatment of osteochondrosis have contraindications, they must be used wisely, so self-medication is not the best choice. See a doctor.

Sometimes the symptoms of the disease, despite the treatment, continue to grow, the patient's condition worsens. In this case, the neurologist may raise the issue of surgical treatment.

Why should you consult a doctor soon? First, "true" osteochondrosis is not such a harmless disease. Over time, it can cripple a person if left untreated. Secondly, the symptoms can be caused by the same myofascial pain syndrome - the neurologist can quickly find the cause of the pain and eliminate it.

Back pain is a symptom that, according to statistics, more than 90% of people have experienced at least once in their life. Most often it is attributed to osteochondrosis. Not all people with back pain go to the doctor. Many are treated independently with medicines that can be obtained without a prescription at a pharmacy, with folk remedies. Sometimes such "treatment" brings temporary relief - and in the meantime the disease may continue to progress, and perhaps the next time the back or lower back "turns" much more.

An experienced neurologist will be able to correctly assess the symptoms of osteochondrosis, understand their causes and prescribe the correct treatment for osteochondrosis.

With pain - the main manifestation of osteochondrosis - you can fight more or less successfully for a long time with the help of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, some folk remedies. But this does not solve the main problem, pathological changes in the spine continue to increase.

Over time, this is fraught with compression of the spinal cord and the arteries that feed it, with the development of serious neurological complications: severe weakness, up to the complete loss of movements and sensitivity, decreased control of the bladder, rectum.

Developmental stages of cervical osteochondrosis

In its development, cervical osteochondrosis as a disease goes through several stages:

I standThe initial period is characterized by local pain in the neck, which is aggravated by turning and bending the head. Cervical lordosis smoothness and muscle tension are noted. Morphological changes begin in the structure of the intervertebral discs: drying of the nucleus pulposus, cracks in the fibrous ring.

II stage. Neck pain increases when arm, shoulder is irradiated. It is joined by a severe headache, weakness, reduced efficiency. The destruction of the fibrous ring continues, signs of pathological mobility and instability of the vertebrae appear.

III stage. Neck pain is strong, constant, spreads to arms and shoulders. The muscles of the hands become weak, there is numbness of the upper limbs. Patients have headache, dizziness, disorientation in space. At this stage, the fibrous ring is completely destroyed. The gelatinous nucleus pulposus is not fixed, goes beyond the vertebrae and enters the spinal canal, forming a hernia. Hernia protrusion compresses the nerves and blood vessels, which causes blood circulation in the cervical spine.

IV stage. This is the last stage of the disease. The cartilage of the intervertebral discs is replaced by connective tissue, the adjacent segments of the spine are involved in the pathological process. Joints grow together, become immobile (ankylosis). The patient's condition is serious: severe pain not only in the neck, but also in the arms, chest, between the shoulder blades, signs of cerebrovascular accident, sensitivity disorders. This is a life-threatening condition that can lead to a stroke.

The success of the treatment depends 90% on the experience and qualifications of the doctor.

diagnosis

The diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is made based on the patient's complaints, characteristic clinical picture, anamnesis of the disease, neurological and orthopedic examination data of the patient, using modern diagnostic methods: X-ray, magnetic and computer tomography. and results of functional tests.

After making an accurate diagnosis, the doctor decides how to treat this patient with osteochondrosis of the neck, which technique should be used in a particular case.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Cervical osteochondrosis is treated symptomatically, mainly by conservative methods, which include:

• Drug therapy, which includes painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, B vitamins.
• Physiotherapy methods: electrophoresis, laser therapy.
• manual therapy.
• Acupuncture.
• Physiotherapy.

Surgical intervention is used extremely rarely when there is a real danger of stroke, paralysis or damage to internal organs.

At this stage of the development of medical science, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine cannot be completely cured, but further progress of the pathological process can be prevented and the condition of the damaged segment of the spine can be stabilized.

The integrated approach, sparing nature of the used therapeutic methods allows you to effectively treat even advanced forms of cervical osteochondrosis.

The main methods of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in the modern clinic

Manual therapy and osteopathy. This method of manual impact on the problem areas of the spine, the purpose of which is to restore the normal physiological state of the spine and intervertebral discs. During the procedure, the stretching of the nerve roots of the spine will be eliminated, the neck muscles will relax in the area of pathological changes.

Electrophoresis is a method of delivering drugs directly to the area of the injured spinal segment. Prescribe medicines that improve blood circulation, relieve inflammation and muscle spasm.

Photodynamic phototherapy. The method is based on the ability of the photosensitive drug to be activated by laser radiation. A layer of medicinal substance is applied to the skin in the area of the damaged segment, which penetrates deeply into the tissues by 10-13 cm, has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.

The author's three-component technique, including manual therapy, electrophoresis and laser therapy, allows you to quickly relieve pain, remove swelling of surrounding tissues, improve blood supply to the area of inflammation and activate the metabolic processes of damaged cartilage tissue. Intervertebral discs. The goal of the treatment is not only to reduce pain and improve the patient's condition, but also to stop the further destruction of the intervertebral discs and the destruction of the spine itself by acting on different parts of the pathological process.

Techniques used in modern clinics for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck have been tested in the best manual therapy centers in Europe and the USA, they are safe, effective, have practically no contraindications and are well tolerated by elderly patients. groups.

The patient will receive recommendations on what to do with cervical osteochondrosis after consultation with a neurologist, depending on the stage of the disease, severity of symptoms, co-morbidities and examination results.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical region

Osteochondrosis of the neck is a degenerative disease during which literally "premature aging" occurs, "wearing out" of the intervertebral discs, joints, cervical spine.

Some facts about the disease:

• Osteochondrosis of the neck occurs equally often in men and women.
• People aged 30-60 are most often affected.
• As a rule, pathology appears in people who constantly have to be in the same position and perform monotonous movements at work.
• The cervical spine has certain structural characteristics, due to which the disease can have many different manifestations.

What features of the cervical spine cause symptoms of osteochondrosis?

• There are openings in the lateral processes of the spine - the right and left carotid arteries pass through them, supplying the brain with blood.
• The initial part of the spinal cord passes through the cervical region - it contains fibers that carry nerve impulses to all parts of the body, provide movement, sensitivity. If the spinal cord is compressed in the neck, neurological disorders occur throughout the body.
• This section of the spine has great mobility, and this leads to the appearance of osteochondrosis (although, in most cases, the disease still develops in the lumbar region - it not only has high mobility, but also experiences the greatest stress).
• In the neck, nerve roots emerge from the intervertebral foramen to form the cervical and brachial plexuses. They are responsible for the movement of the muscles of the neck, arms, shoulder girdle, skin sensitivity, regulation of autonomic functions.
• The first vertebra does not have a massive front part - the body - it is a ring of bone that rests on the tooth - a bony outgrowth on the second vertebra. This allows the head to turn sideways.

Pain in the neck, headache, feeling of weakness, numbness of the hands are the symptoms that should be referred to a neurologist. Examination and examination by a specialist using modern equipment will help you understand the causes of the pathology and take the most effective measures.

What happens to vertebrae during cervical osteochondrosis?

The obscure medical term "degenerative process" refers to the following pathological changes that occur in the cervical spine:

• First of all, the damage in osteochondrosis covers the intervertebral discs. They become thinner, thereby reducing the distance between neighboring vertebrae. Small defects, microcracks are formed in their outer part. Over time, this can lead to a herniated disc.
• As a result of damage to the discs, the stability of the joints of the vertebrae is disturbed.
• Suffers from osteochondrosis of the cervical and intervertebral joints - develops spondylarthrosis. It also helps to compress the nerve roots.
• The pathological process extends to the vertebrae themselves. Because the functions of the intervertebral discs are disturbed, the load on them increases. The spine tries to compensate for this disorder, bone spurs appear on it - osteophytes.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

During exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, traction is used (the patient is placed on the bed with the headboard raised and the head is fixed with a special loop) to loosen the intervertebral discs. For the same purpose, you should wear a trench collar. Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to relieve pain. With severe pain that does not go away, the doctor can perform a blockade: injecting an anesthetic solution into the area of the affected nerve roots. Physiotherapy is used: ultrasound treatment, electrophoresis with novocaine.

When the exacerbation subsides, the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine includes massage, physiotherapy, physiotherapy.

One of the main signs of cervical osteochondrosis is pain in the neck. Many people who are faced with this symptom do not go to the doctor, but prefer to treat "chondrosis" with home methods. There are at least two good reasons for refusing self-treatment and consulting a specialist.

First, painkillers and folk methods, although they help relieve pain for a while, but do not solve the main problem. Pathological changes in the spinal column continue to increase. Over time, this threatens with more serious consequences. As surgery may be necessary.

Secondly, neck pain occurs not only with osteochondrosis. There are many other reasons. Only a doctor can understand and prescribe the right treatment.

Physiotherapy

Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis is a long processrequires an integrated approach. After getting rid of the initial symptoms, you can continue to use various physiotherapeutic procedures:

• UHF therapy.Exposure to high frequency electromagnetic field. It has anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving effect and also helps to start regenerative processes.
• Amplipulse.Low frequency currents are used in problem areas of the body. Blood vessels expand, pain and spasms are removed.
• Phonophoresis and electrophoresis.Drug delivery into deep tissues using ultrasound and direct current.

Massage procedures are also widely used, which are possible only after the removal of the inflammatory process. Massage helps to relax muscles, remove spasms.

Diet - complex treatment of osteochondrosis

In this disease, a complex action is necessary, so changing the diet is a completely effective method of treatment. The diet is quite consistent with the generally accepted understanding of the concept of healthy eating, so try to add the following types of food to your diet:

• Citrus fruits (in the absence of allergies).
• Olive oil.
• Fresh herbs and vegetables.
• Mineral water.
• Fish and foods rich in phosphorus, protein, magnesium and calcium.
• Milk and milk products.

An excellent aid will be ready-made vitamin complexes, which can be found in a large assortment of pharmacy chains. Remember that all medicines should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor.

What symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should prompt you to consult a doctor?

The main symptom of cervical osteochondrosis is pain. It can occur in different places, depending on the level at which the pathological process is localized: in the neck, shoulder girdle, arm, heart area. By nature, pain sensations are dull, they can be burning, aching.

Other manifestations of the disease:

• Headache, dizziness, "flies to the eyes", noise, ringing in the ears.
• Weakness of neck, shoulder girdle, arm muscles.
• Violation of skin sensitivity.
• Shoulder-shoulder periarthritis: aching pains in the neck that go to the arm, difficulty in abducting the arm above 90 °, weakness and atrophy of the muscles of the shoulder girdle.
• Shoulder-hand syndrome: pain in the shoulder and hand, swelling and stiffness of fingers, weakness and atrophy of hand muscles.
• Vertebral artery syndrome. Bone formations appear on the vertebrae, which compress the nerves, resulting in a reflex spasm of the vertebral artery, which is involved in the blood supply to the brain. The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are joined by constant headache, which starts from the back of the head, spreads to the temple, to the crown, nausea, noise in the head, ringing in the ears, flashing of bright spots in front of the eyes.
• Anterior scalene syndrome. On the neck there are anterior and middle scalene muscles - they are close, and between them there is a small space in which nerves and blood vessels pass. During osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the anterior scalene muscle is strained and compressed, resulting in symptoms such as pain on the inner surface of the forearm, shoulder, and fingers. Sometimes the pain radiates to the back of the head. The skin of the hand may become cold, pale and numb.
• Epicondylitis syndrome. In the lower part of the shoulder, on the sides of the elbow joint, there are bone protrusions - epicondyles. With epicondylitis syndrome caused by cervical osteochondrosis, pain appears in them, which increases when pressed. Other symptoms also appear: pain in the neck, pain in the area of the cervical spine when pressing certain points.

If two sections of the spine are damaged at the same time, with cervical osteochondrosis, the symptoms may include pain between the shoulder blades, in the heart area.

During osteochondrosis, the risk of intervertebral hernia and stroke increases. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, consult your doctor.

conclusion

Now you know how to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine without the use of surgical intervention. Surgery is the most radical method of treatment when the disease is already in progress and there is no other solution. But it is in your power not to bring your health to such a state.