Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

11 August 2022

Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative and dystrophic disease of a section of the spine. With the development of the disease, the cervical intervertebral discs suffer the most, the damage also extends to joint surfaces, ligaments, and vertebrae. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine depends on the current stage of the disease. The pathology occurs mainly in patients over 30 years of age, but cases are also registered in young people, especially if a person leads an unhealthy lifestyle and is at risk.

The most characteristic symptom is severe pain in the neck area, which can spread to the spine, transfer to the upper limbs, and deform into a severe headache. Below we will examine which symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are better to start treatment, find out the causes of the disease and the methods used to overcome the problem.

Causes and risk factors

The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis in humans is the ability to walk straight acquired during evolution. When walking, the vertebrae exert excessive pressure on each other. Every year, this leads to a decrease in the amount of intervertebral fluid and connective tissue between the vertebrae, as a result of which the bones begin to rub against each other, causing severe pain.

The longer the osteochondrosis of the cervical region develops without the necessary treatment, the less chance there is to stop the degenerative processes. In old age, it is almost impossible to restore connective tissue.

Cervical osteochondrosis in the elderly is predominantly a natural process that is not related to the influence of external factors. If the problem begins to develop at an early age, if the pain increases too quickly, the cause of such a violation should be sought.

The development of cervical osteochondrosis at an early age is most often caused by the following factors:

Lack of physical activity in everyday life. In the modern world, people lead a predominantly sedentary lifestyle - they work in the office all day, sit on the couch or in front of the computer in the evenings, often drive a car;
When performing work tasks, the human body often falls into an unnatural, tense position (strong forward bending during computer work);
Excessive exercise. The opposite reason is sports with uncontrolled loads. The problem is not only faced by ordinary citizens, but also by professional athletes;
Reasons that provoke a bad position of the spine are flat feet, wearing shoes with uncomfortable heels, scoliosis, arthritis, etc. ;
Abuse of fast food, obesity;
Severe hypothermia of the cervical spine;
Nervous strain - frequent stress in everyday life and at work, lack of adequate night's sleep.

vertebral syndrome

The symptom complex is related to damage to the bones and cartilages of the spinal column. Includes:

impaired mobility in the neck region;
pain when turning the head;
They are X-ray signs of damage to the vertebrae themselves and the space between them.

vertebral artery syndrome

The symptoms are caused by the narrowing or spasm of the vertebral arteries, which are partly responsible for the blood supply to the brain. It is manifested by the following symptoms:

noise in the ears;
dizziness;
jump in blood pressure;
nausea and vomiting;
headache;
vision impairment;
decrease in working capacity;
drowsiness;
faint.

Cardiac syndrome

It resembles a condition involving damage to the heart muscle and includes:

pain or burning behind the sternum;
weakness and fatigue;
fast pulse.

radicular syndrome

The condition is related to damage (compression or pinching) of the nerve roots exiting the spinal column in the cervical region. Depending on the extent of the damage, a person may experience:

numbness or pain in the back of the head;
numbness of the tongue;
collarbone pain, difficulty swallowing, hiccups;
discomfort in the shoulder area, aggravated by hand movements;
pain in shoulder blades and forearms;
numbness of the index and middle fingers;
numbness of the ring finger and little finger.

Most often, several nerve roots are involved in the pathological process at the same time, as a result of which several characteristic symptoms can be observed at the same time.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

All these risk factors and lifestyle characteristics lead to the fact that the intervertebral discs of the neck region are malnourished. If the problem is not identified and not eliminated, the discs gradually collapse, the distance between them decreases, and as a result, the bones constantly rub against each other. As the connective tissue wears out, bony outgrowths begin to form on the spines, which tend to grow out of control. In advanced cases, the growths exert pressure on the surrounding tissues, blood vessels, and nerves located in the cervical spine.

Cervical osteochondrosis does not develop immediately, in the absence of proper treatment of the symptoms of cervical spine osteochondrosis, the problem worsens. The entire course of the disease can be divided into 4 stages. The symptoms that the patient encounters directly depend on the current stage of the problem. Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are as follows:

discomfort in the neck that spreads to the shoulder area;
The appearance of pain in the neck region during sports;
Stiffness when turning the neck;
headache of a private nature, which is not caused by external factors;
When you change the position of the head, you can hear a characteristic crunch;
Numbness and loss of sensitivity in the back of the head, shoulders, arms, neck;
Hypoxia of trophodependent organs;
The development of pathologies of the circulatory system;
Severe pain leads to complete immobilization of the upper shoulder girdle.

The longer the disease progresses, the more discomfort the patient experiences. In the last stage of the problem, the patient's quality of life deteriorates significantly. At all stages of the problem, common symptoms include headache, tinnitus or ringing in the ears, visual disturbances, nausea and vomiting with a sharp change in the position of the head.

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention. The sooner the problem is diagnosed, the more likely it is to be completely corrected. The neurologist deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis of the spine.

After the patient's appeal, the neurologist questions the patient and determines the existence of the disease based on his complaints. Most often, patients complain of pain, discomfort, and movement problems of the upper limbs. After the interview, the doctor performs a visual examination of the patient. You will be assessed:

correct posture;
At what angle are the shoulder blades, shoulders and hip bones;
The location of the line of spinous processes along the length of the spine.

The visual examination makes it possible to determine what pathological processes have started in the spine, how much the spine and surrounding tissues have been affected.

The final diagnosis is made not only on the basis of examination and questioning of the patient. Further tests are required. Most often, the patient is sent for X-rays and computed tomography. If for some reason it is impossible to establish a definitive diagnosis, the patient is referred for magnetic resonance imaging. Additional tests include dopplerography, the procedure allows you to find out the state of the circulatory system in the neck region.

Degrees of cervical osteochondrosis

The choice of methods for the treatment of osteochondrosis directly depends on the stage of the disease, which was diagnosed in a particular patient. It is customary to divide osteochondrosis into 4 stages, the division is conditional, as some symptoms may pass from one stage to another, or may not appear at all.

1 degree

The initial stage of the problem, at this stage, if you feel pain, it is often attributed to stress or other disorders (improper sleep, prolonged uncomfortable posture). The patient may experience mild stiffness and limited movement, especially in sudden movements. If you ask for treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at this stage, you can eliminate the symptoms at home. In order to completely get rid of the problem, you can limit yourself to special exercises and visits to physiotherapy procedures. In order to prevent it, it will be useful to start an active lifestyle (it is enough to walk for 20 minutes a day in the fresh air), to modify the diet (exclude too fatty, fried, salty foods, give preference to fermented milk products, fruits and vegetables, containing enough calcium and trace elementsfoods that are necessary for the repair of connective and cartilage tissue).

2 degrees

The pain intensifies and becomes permanent. Sharp movements and turns cause discomfort, the patient faces a severe headache, begins to notice that he is very tired from everyday activities. Patients are often distracted because all they can think about is the pain. Some people experience numbness in certain areas of the face.

3 degrees

A herniation begins to form in the area of the damaged discs, causing dizziness and weakness in the arms. It's not just the head and neck that hurts, the pain gradually spreads to the entire shoulder girdle.

4 degrees

A typical process is the destruction of the intervertebral discs, the replacement of the "empty spaces" with connective tissue. This leads to pinching of the nerves, the pain becomes unbearable and does not go away without the use of special drugs. The patient experiences dizziness, especially during sudden turns of the head and changes in body position, tinnitus occurs, sleep disorders occur, the quality of life deteriorates significantly, and disability may occur without treatment.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

The doctor selects the appropriate method to treat the patient, depending on the stage of the disease. The most commonly used drug treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is combined with a visit to physiotherapy. In advanced cases, surgery may be necessary to remove overgrown connective tissue and bone processes.

Conservative treatment

Most often, based on the intake of certain drugs. Drug treatment helps reduce pain, relieve muscle tension and localize inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers are used.

Often, the doctor also includes chondroprotectors in the prescription. This group of drugs activates the restoration of dead tissue in the region of the intervertebral discs.

These drugs are prescribed in the form of injections or tablets. Ointments based on NSAIDs show good therapeutic results. They rub the damaged area and relieve the pain within 10-20 minutes. The main advantage of ointments is the local effect on the painful area and minimal effect on other organs.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy procedures have several goals at the same time:

Localization of the inflammatory process;
Removal of muscle spasm;
relief of pain syndrome;
Starting regenerative processes;
Increased general and local immunity;
Restoring the normal position of nerve fibers, eliminating compression and entrapment.

The following procedures are most often prescribed for cervical osteochondrosis:

Shock wave therapy. With the help of a special device, an acoustic wave is directed directly at the damaged cartilage tissue of the spine. As a result, metabolic processes start, salt and calcium deposits are destroyed, which disrupt the normal movement of joints and vertebrae. The procedure is characterized by a cumulative effect, often the first results become noticeable only 2-3 months after the start of the treatment.
Acupuncture. Acupuncture is often used to treat and prevent cervical osteochondrosis. It is important that the procedure is performed only by a qualified doctor, otherwise you may encounter not only the lack of effect, but also the worsening of the current condition. The essence of the procedure is that special needles are placed on biologically active points, which force the body to start metabolic processes and stimulate the production of natural pain relievers.
Massage. The main goal is to reduce pain and improve blood circulation in the damaged area of the cervical segment of the spine. With proper massage, the muscles will get lost tone, as a result, the risk of recurrence of osteochondrosis in the future can be eliminated. During the first massage sessions, the patient is faced with severe pain, it is important not to stop the treatment because of the pain, but to go through all the procedures prescribed by the doctor.

Surgery

It is mainly prescribed in the advanced stages of the disease, when the use of drugs and visits to physiotherapy procedures do not bring results. The indication for surgical intervention is catastrophic narrowing of the spinal canal.

Modern surgical methods allow the patient to be discharged from the hospital after 3-5 days and transferred to outpatient treatment of the symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis. In the next three months, the patient undergoes rehabilitation.

Physiotherapy

Correctly chosen exercises for osteochondrosis can not only improve the general condition of the patient, but also speed up the process of treating the disease. There are several effective exercises:

Turning and tilting the head in different directions. The exercise should be performed in a sitting position, it is important not to jerk, all movements should be smooth, with a gradual increase in the number of repetitions and the amplitude of the slope.
The head tilts sideways with resistance. Body position - sitting at the table, one elbow is on the table, while the palm presses the temple. Tilt your head toward your hands while creating slight resistance.
Shoulder shrug. Raise your shoulders as high as possible and fix them in this position for a while.
Self-kneading of the back of the head and neck with fingertips. It is important that the movements are soft and do not cause pain. You can perform the self-massage in any comfortable position.

It is important not to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home without consulting a neurologist, a set of exercises should be agreed with your doctor.

Manual therapy of cervical osteochondrosis

Manual therapeutic treatment relieves muscle tension and joint blockage, relieves pain, and restores the capabilities of the muscle-joint apparatus. The doctor assesses the condition of the muscles, determines the pain points and the degree of springing of the spinal joint. Furthermore, through active and passive movement of the hand, it affects damaged tendons, ligaments and muscles. Manual therapy treatment is contraindicated in case of acute inflammation and instability of the vertebrae.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture for cervical osteochondrosis is performed with the help of sterile needles, which are inserted into pre-selected points at different depths and left for a certain time. The needles are chosen to be very thin to minimize discomfort. The procedure relieves pain, activates microcirculation, normalizes metabolic processes, improves general health and increases the effectiveness of medication.

Kinesiology taping

This is the placement of an elastic bandage in the shape of the letter Y in the area of the neck collar zone, while maintaining the mobility of the neck. Tapes for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis relieve pain, inhibit inflammation and support the paravertebral muscles.

Orthopedic collars

In the acute period of the disease, a collar is needed for osteochondrosis of the neck region. Fixes the bones and joints, reduces the load on the affected segment. The collar also corrects the position of the deformed vertebrae and bones of the skeleton and relieves pain.

Depending on the degree of fixation, orthopedic collars are of several types:

soft rail (Schanz collar). This product is made of dense, flexible polyurethane foam with a fabric cover, Velcro, buttons or plastic fasteners. You can use it to adjust the volume of the collar. The soft tire is worn from 2 weeks to 4 months, you need to take a break after every two hours of use;
inflatable collar. It consists of a dense, flexible material. The course of treatment depends on the stage of osteochondrosis. In the first days, it is recommended to wear the collar twice a day for five minutes, gradually increasing the time to 30 minutes. An inflatable collar is worn to prevent cervical osteochondrosis;
semi-rigid collar. The semi-rigid neck brace is made of polyurethane with a clasp at the back. Compared to the soft splint, it secures the neck more strongly. Available in different sizes;
stiff collar. Made of thermoplastic material, with front and rear brake calipers. It is made according to individual dimensions and is recommended during the entire treatment period of cervical osteochondrosis.

Physiotherapy of cervical osteochondrosis

Complications of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis causes disruption of the most important structures: blood vessels and nerves. Without treatment, the disease can lead to the following complications:

ischemic stroke;
loss of sensation or motor function of the hand;
difficulty swallowing;
violation of the thyroid gland;
loss or significant decrease in visual acuity.

In addition, damage to the intervertebral discs and joints leads to significant limitation of neck mobility.

What is dangerous cervical osteochondrosis

Many patients complain that their neck and head hurt at the same time. Patients should choose a position in which the pain is relieved or seems less acute. This is not always convenient, so performance decreases.

As the disease progresses, the disc bulges, the intervertebral tissues die, and the gaps decrease. In the last stage of the disease, the disc is completely destroyed and connective tissue forms in its place. Because of this, the patient's mobility is limited: for example, he cannot turn or tilt his head.

If time does not heal osteochondrosis in the neck region, it can lead to compression of the spinal cord, disability and paralysis.

Prevention

The main rule of preventive measures is that they must be comprehensive and constantly observed. This is the only way to get the expected result. Prevention is presented to people at risk.

Pay attention to your posture. The ideal position of the body - the head and back are in line. Always make sure your shoulders are straight, your stomach is pulled in, and your chest is up. The gait also plays a role - it must be flexible and even. Never let yourself go, at the initial stage it is important to discipline yourself, in the future the correct posture will become a habit.
A well-organized workplace. The shoulders should be relaxed while working, the constant tension of the lumbar belt has a direct effect on the cervical spine. Basic requirements - a chair with a comfortable back and armrests, a monitor at eye level, a keyboard under the elbow (the angle between the shoulder and the forearm is about 120 degrees). During work, make it a habit to take a break every 40-50 minutes with basic stretching exercises.
Adjust the car seat correctly. Many motorists are faced with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, because the driver's seat is adjusted not according to the rules, but in a way that suits them. The correct position of the body in the chair - the whole spine touches the back and not just the shoulders. It is advisable to buy special lumbar pillows that help the body in the desired position. On a long journey, it is important to go outside and warm up after 1. 5-2 hours.
Pay attention to your nutrition. Problems with the cervical spine are often associated with the fact that the patient does not eat properly. Dangerous foods that increase the risk of osteochondrosis are: white bread, rich products, sweets, foods with high salt and sugar content, fried and fatty foods. The main danger is refined sugar - the substance contributes to the leaching of calcium from the body. Include legumes and nuts, high protein foods, seasonal vegetables and fruits in your daily diet. Low-fat fermented milk products - kefir, fermented baked milk, cottage cheese, natural yogurts - also have a positive effect. If you have a problem with your excess weight, see a nutritionist.
Daily physical activity. Home treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with the help of physical education is an excellent prophylactic against spinal diseases. It is important to perform the exercises at an easy pace, without exceeding the permissible load. If there is no time for a full range of exercises, make it a rule to take daily walks.
Massage. The correct techniques restore muscle tone, relieve tension, and initiate metabolic and regeneration processes in the body. It is not necessary to visit specialists, the correct massage of the cervical spine can be performed independently.
Proper sleep. During the day, the intervertebral discs are exposed to increased stress, complete relaxation and rest can only be achieved during a night's sleep. In order to prevent osteochondrosis, it is important to organize the right place to sleep and follow the time (at least 8 hours).

Sanatorium treatment and its benefits

The sanatorium specializes in identifying the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and treating diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including osteochondrosis of various localizations. The procedures are selected individually for each patient, taking into account the degree of damage to the spinal tissues, the presence of concomitant diseases, the patient's age and possible contraindications.

An integrated approach is used - a combination of drug treatment with physiotherapy and physiotherapy exercises. This approach will help you forget about the problem forever.

Mud therapy, manual and hardware massage, as well as various physiotherapy also have a positive effect in the treatment of the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical thoracic spine.