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

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is a set of procedures aimed at getting rid of pain attacks and restoring the vertebral tissues. Effective results in treatment can be achieved if you regularly use all techniques while strictly adhering to the instructions for their implementation.

How the disease manifests itself

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, where all the vital centers are concentrated.

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

• headache appearing in the neck and passing to the occipital region;
• 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;
• slightly impaired coordination of movements;
• 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 the timely initiation of therapeutic measures, so as not to lead to surgery. Conservative treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis and at home. Changing the lifestyle and quality of nutrition, strict adherence to the 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 of remission. Drugs are prescribed during the illness, and only a doctor prescribes them. Medicines relieve pain, eliminate inflammation, regenerate damaged tissues and heal 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. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown to be an effective anesthetic in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, 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 mainly by a negative effect on the gastric mucosa. Therefore, when administered orally, along with non-steroidal drugs, drugs are prescribed to protect the stomach, which suppress the formation of acid.
2. Pain relievers are mainly used for local neuromuscular blocks. Pain that does not relieve with non-hormonal drugs is stopped by direct injection into active points or the vertebral body.
3. Glucocorticosteroids are steroid drugs that are synthetic analogues of the hormones produced by the adrenal cortex. For the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, corticosteroids are prescribed to eliminate intense pain, combat progressive inflammation, improve metabolic processes and have an immunomodulatory effect.
4. Calming agents to improve sleep and general well-being - valerian or peony tincture. Weak sedative drugs with prolonged use are not addictive and are effective in the fight against 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, the ability to synthesize and self-renew. To achieve a lasting effect of the treatment, the drugs must be taken for a long time and, in some cases, for a lifetime.
6. Improving cerebral circulation is important in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. The drugs will eliminate dizziness, improve cell trophism, reduce the sensitivity of nerve roots and dilate blood vessels.
7. With vasospasm, blood pressure rises. When fixing a large number of systolic and diastolic indicators, "ambulance" of antihypertensive drugs are taken -.
8. During the acute course of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, decongestants with a diuretic effect are prescribed. Removing excess fluids 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

One of the additional ways to get rid of pain and discomfort in the neck and upper limbs is massage. The impact of the hands on the muscles of the collar area improves local blood microcirculation, relieves muscle tone by increasing the load and also heals the neck itself. Bringing the muscles into a working 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. Massage of the collar zone is carried out by a specialist in accordance with the exact instructions on the permissible load. The movements consist of stroking, kneading and intense massage movements. Reducing pain and improving motor activity of the upper shoulder girdle confirms that the procedure was performed correctly.
2. Impacting active points with pressure movements is a less popular, but effective way. Performing this technique requires special training of the masseur.

After the session, it is not possible to overload the neck muscles, therefore it is recommended to wear a medium-hard orthopedic collar for three hours. This measure will consolidate the effect of the masseur's efforts.

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

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

Physiotherapeutic procedures for cervical osteochondrosis

Further 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 attending physician to reduce the dosage of drugs, to minimize the possibility of complications and allergic reactions. Carrying out a full cycle ensures the normalization of metabolism, an increase in the circulation capacity of blood vessels and the elimination of pain.

Types of physiotherapy for osteochondrosis of the cervix:

1. Electrical stimulation - the use of high frequency current to affect 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 to a depth of 7 cm, providing a cumulative healing effect. Pain, inflammation are eliminated, a stable therapeutic effect is observed until the next course of magnetic therapy. Procedures can be performed in the clinic 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 rays are directed to the region of the cervical vertebrae and along the nerve roots. The laser removes pain and inflammatory 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 objectives for the treatment of the cervical region:

• 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 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 regular performance of special exercises. The instructor in physiotherapy exercises is engaged in the recommendation and drawing up of a medical complex. The specialist will teach you the correct technique for performing exercises and will plan the training pattern and the number of exercises.

It is necessary to start classes only in the inactive stage of the disease. Physical 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 performing physical therapy exercises, for maximum benefit, you need to follow some 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;
• recommendations on the number of exercises must be followed exactly with the instructions of the instructor;
• if during the lesson there is severe pain, you need to stop the lesson immediately;
• inform the physiotherapist about the changes.

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

• in a sitting position, smoothly turn your head in different directions;
• lower the head forward and down by touching the lower jaw of the body;
• tilt the neck back without raising the lower jaw;
• put the head inside the hand so that the arm is in a bent position with emphasis on a hard surface, tilt the head, creating resistance with the 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 raised.

All exercises are performed in a sitting 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 with what force to press on the cervical region, so as to feel a pleasant warmth 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;
• it is necessary to start the session with soft stroking, lightly pressing on 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 of the hands with traction to the sides;
• slight tapping in the collar area;
• you have to finish with the stroking movements.

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

Orthopedic mode

The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis cannot be separated from medical devices designed to discharge the vertebrae and surrounding tissues:

1. The Shants collar is one of the most prescribed medical devices for neck discharge and treatment. The collar is intended for use while awake during possible tension of the neck muscles: long computer work, cooking and more.
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 therapeutic pillow, the spine is not subject to unnatural deflection, 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-calorie, with a sufficient content of vitamins and minerals.

What not to include in the daily diet:

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

Admitted products:

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

Alternative methods of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

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

Folk treatment recipes:

1. Three medium lemons, without peeling, turn in a meat grinder. To the resulting mass, add five chopped garlic heads and half a glass of honey. Pour boiling water over the mixture and let it brew for two hours. Drink 100ml every morning on an empty stomach.
2. Prepare 200 grams of pine buds and grind with two glasses of granulated sugar. The therapeutic mass is taken daily, 1 tbsp.
3. Mix a small amount of honey with the aloe juice and add some alcohol. The resulting solution is used for rubbing the cervical vertebrae.
4. Mash the boiled potatoes and add the 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 ground raw material of the hop cones is mixed with the 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 the skin in the area of intended use;
• individual intolerance to the component;
• inflammation in the acute stage;
• pathology of the stomach, liver, kidneys when administered orally.

Prevention

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

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

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