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

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is a set of procedures aimed at relieving pain attacks and restoring vertebral tissue. It is possible to achieve effective results in treatment if you regularly use all techniques with strict adherence to the instructions for its implementation.

How the disease manifests itself

The spine has a complex structure. The coherence 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, where all the important centers are concentrated.

Segment destruction, changes in the structure of the intervertebral disc lead to the following symptoms:

• headache that appears in the neck and passes to the occipital area;
• shoulder girdle muscles gradually atrophy;
• there is insomnia, bad mood;
• there are problems of an ophthalmic nature: floating points in front of the eyes, blurred vision, blurred surrounding objects;
• slight impaired coordination of movements;
• a painful sensation spreading to the shoulders and forearms, as well as to the jaw;
• often there is a violation of sensitivity in the hands, indicated by numbness and a feeling of "running shivering".

The excruciating pain syndrome exhausts the patient. Early diagnosis will allow the timely initiation of therapeutic measures, so as not to lead to surgical intervention. Conservative treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis and at home. Changing 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 an acute period and a pause of remission. Medications are prescribed throughout the illness and only a doctor prescribes them. Medications relieve pain, eliminate inflammation, regenerate damaged tissue and treat the cervical area. Depending on the severity of symptoms, tablet form, injection into the muscle, vertebrae, local exposure with ointments, gels are used.

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown to be effective anesthetics in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, while also acting on the inflammatory process. If there are signs of inflammation, it is advisable to use NSAIDs, but they have some side effects, especially those indicated by negative effects on the gastric mucosa. Therefore, when given orally, along with non-steroidal medications, medications are prescribed to protect the stomach, which inhibits the formation of acid.
2. Painkillers are used primarily for local neuromuscular blockade. Pain that does not go away with non -hormonal medications is stopped by injection directly into the active point 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, combat progressive inflammation, improve metabolic processes, and have immunomodulatory effects.
4. Soothing agent 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 preparation, fills the vertebral structure with missing chemicals that increase cell nutrition, the ability to synthesize and renew themselves. To achieve a lasting treatment effect, the drug 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. Medications will relieve dizziness, improve cell trophism, reduce nerve root sensitivity, and dilate blood vessels.
7. With vasospasm, blood pressure rises. When setting a high number of systolic and diastolic indicators, antihypertensive drug "ambulance" is taken -.
8. During the acute course of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, decongestants with diuretic effect are prescribed. Removal of excess fluid will prevent an increase in blood pressure, reduce load, and increase metabolism.
9. Taking a multivitamin complex with a sufficient amount of minerals and trace elements increases metabolism and ensures the normal course of biochemical processes in the body.

Massotherapy

One additional way to relieve pain and discomfort in the neck and upper limbs is massage. The hand effect on the collar zone muscles improves local blood microcirculation, relieves muscle tone by increasing the load, and even heals the neck itself. Bringing the muscles to a working state increases the excretion of accumulated lactic acid, soothing muscle tissue.

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

1. Collar zone massage is carried out by a specialist in adherence to precise instructions on the allowable load. The movement consists of intense stroking, kneading and massaging movements. Reducing pain and increasing motor activity of the upper shoulder girdle confirmed that the procedure was performed correctly.
2. The effect on the active point with pressure movement is a less popular, but effective way. The implementation of this technique requires special training of massage therapists.

After the session, you can not strain the neck muscles, therefore, it is recommended to wear an orthopedic collar with moderate hardness for three hours. This step will consolidate the effects of the masseur’s efforts.

Not always a course of massage can bring positive results in the treatment of the cervical area, there are contraindications, ignoring which leads to sad consequences:

• oncological diseases of various localizations;
• active form of infection with Koch's wand;
• systemic blood diseases;
• hypertension in the decompensation stage;
• dermatological lesions on the skin of the collar and neck area;
• aortic aneurysm;
• necrotic process in bone 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 for cervical osteochondrosis. The use of this method allows the treating physician to reduce the dose of pharmaceuticals, to minimize the possibility of complications and allergic reactions. Conducting a full course guarantees normalization of metabolism, increased circulatory capacity of blood vessels, and elimination of pain.

Types of physiotherapy for cervical osteochondrosis:

1. Electrical stimulation - the use of high frequency currents to affect the muscles of the neck and shoulder girdle. During the session, the warming effect of the neck heat appears, blood circulation is improved, unpleasant sensations are eliminated.
2. Magnetotherapy - exposure to a pulsed magnetic field on the diseased area. The waves penetrate to a depth of up to 7 cm, providing a cumulative healing effect. Pain, inflammation is eliminated, a stable therapeutic effect is observed until the next course of magnetic therapy. The procedure can be performed in outpatient clinics and at home, for this purpose special devices are used.
3. Laser therapy is an alternative medical method based on low intensity laser radiation. The beam is directed to the area of the cervical vertebrae and along the nerve root. Lasers relieve pain and inflammatory responses, promoting tissue regrowth.
4. Detensor therapy is used to stretch the vertebrae and relax the muscles and connective tissue of the back. Under its own weight, there is a soft "straightening" of the spinal segment, an increase in metabolic processes, with the loss of muscle spasm, the structure of the spine is restored.
5. Balneotherapy - the healing properties of mineral water most often used in sanatoriums.

Bathing has the following goals for the treatment of the cervical area:

• muscles relax, pain disappears and 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 water penetrates into the body and improves cell nutrition.

Physiotherapy

Improving the condition significantly and reducing the number of pain attacks in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine will help the normal performance of special exercises. Instructors in physiotherapy training are involved in the recommendation and preparation of medical complexes. The specialist will teach you the correct techniques for doing the exercises and plan the training scheme and 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 attacks of acute pain, dizziness, and poor health. You can perform therapeutic movements at home, after consulting a specialist.

When doing exercise therapy exercises, for maximum benefit, you must follow a few rules:

• before the start of the lesson, you need to make sure that you are in good health;
• movements should be performed slowly and smoothly, without jerks;
• suggestions on the number of exercises must be followed exactly with the instructor’s instructions;
• if during the lesson there is a sharp pain, you must immediately stop the lesson;
• inform the physiotherapist of the change.

List of exercise estimates for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:

• in a sitting position, roll your head in a different direction;
• lower the head forward and down by touching the lower jaw of the body;
• tilt the neck backwards without raising the lower jaw;
• place your head on the inside of the hand so that the arms are in a bent position with emphasis on the hard surface, tilt your head, create resistance with your hands, repeat for each hand;
• tilt your head down, at the same time creating resistance with your hands;
• lower your arms down, do static exercises, make sure your shoulders are raised.

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

Massage yourself 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 with what force to press on the cervical area, so that a pleasant warmth is felt, and not pain.

Self massage technique:

• You can perform massage movements with both one and two hands;
• you need to capture the entire surface of the neck;
• you should start the session with a smooth, lightly pressing rub on the skin;
• the next step is to rub the muscle with the edge of the palm or thumb;
• active muscle spasms with palms by pulling to the side;
• tapping slightly in the collar zone;
• you need to end with a stroking motion.

Each action is performed for 30 seconds, the total time for self -massage should be approximately three minutes. All manipulations are performed at a slow rate, each person determining the force of pressure individually.

Orthopedic mode

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis cannot be done without medical devices designed to unload the vertebrae and surrounding tissues:

1. Shants collars are one of the most prescribed medical devices for unloading and treating the neck. Neck braces are intended for use while awake during possible neck muscle tension: long work at the computer, cooking and others.
2. Orthopedic pillows for good rest during sleep. Products are selected individually, taking into account the length of the shoulder belt. When using therapeutic pillows, the spine does not experience unnatural deflection, blood supply is not disrupted, the person feels rested.
3. Orthopedic mattresses are intended for the treatment of diseases of the spine: osteochondrosis, protrusions, intervertebral hernias. The therapeutic effect is based on the principle of stretching the spinal segment in a vertical position.

Dietary therapy in the treatment of neck

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

Things not to include in your daily diet:

• orange;
• sausages and smoked meats;
• mayonnaise and sour cream with high fat content;
• sugar and cakes;
• sweet carbonated drinks;
• alcohol.

Authorized products:

• calcium -rich dairy products;
• aspik from fish or beef legs;
• natural juices;
• low -fat types 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 available natural ingredients. Herbs, medicinal alcohols and animal derivatives can serve as a medicinal basis.

Popular treatment recipes:

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

Despite the plant origin of the components of traditional medicine, its use can be harmful.

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

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

prevention

The health of the whole organism depends on the condition in which the spine is located. To avoid the appearance of degenerative-dystrophic changes in individual segments, simple rules will help:

• living a healthy lifestyle without bad habits;
• exercise regularly;
• eat properly, avoid the appearance of excess weight;
• if you experience persistent pain in the neck, contact an orthopedic specialist for medical advice.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a lengthy process that requires patience and strict adherence to doctor’s prescriptions. Positive results depend on the quality of the therapeutic manipulation and the attitude of the patient himself.