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

The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is a set of procedures aimed at getting rid of pain crises and restoring vertebral tissues. It is possible to obtain effective results in the treatment if you regularly use all the techniques with strict adherence to the instructions for their implementation.

How the disease manifests itself

The column 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 vital centers are concentrated.

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

• headache that appears in the neck and passes to the occipital region;
• the 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 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 timely initiation of therapeutic measures, so as not to lead to surgical intervention. Conservative treatment is performed 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 remission pauses. Medications are prescribed throughout the illness and only one doctor prescribes them. Medications relieve pain, eliminate inflammation, regenerate damaged tissue, and treat the cervical region. Depending on the severity of symptoms, pill forms, injection into the muscle, vertebrae, local exposure with ointments, gels are used.

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs proved to be an effective anesthetic in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, in addition to acting on inflammatory processes. If there are signs of inflammation, it is advisable to use NSAIDs, but they have a number of side effects, especially manifested by a negative effect on the gastric mucosa. Therefore, when given orally, along with non-steroidal drugs, drugs are prescribed to protect the stomach, which suppress the formation of acid.
2. Analgesics are mainly used for local neuromuscular blocks. Pain that is not relieved by non-hormonal medications is stopped by direct injection into active points or 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 immunomodulatory effect.
4. Soothing agents to improve sleep and general well-being - tincture of valerian or peony. Weak sedative drugs 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 cell nutrition, the ability to synthesize and self-renew. To get a lasting effect from the 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. Medications eliminate dizziness, improve cell trophism, reduce the sensitivity of nerve roots and dilate blood vessels.
7. With vasospasm, blood pressure rises. 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 blood pressure from rising, reduce 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 neck and upper limb pain and discomfort 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 to a working state improves the excretion of accumulated lactic acid, relaxing muscle tissue.

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

1. The massage of the collar area is carried out by a specialist in accordance with the exact instructions on the permissible load. The movements consist of stroking, kneading and massaging intensely. Reduction in pain and improvement in upper shoulder girdle motor activity confirms that the procedure was performed correctly.
2. Impacting hotspots with pressing movements is a less popular but effective way. The execution of this technique requires special training of the massage therapist.

After the session, you cannot strain your 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.

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

• oncological diseases of various localization;
• active form of infection with Koch's wand;
• systemic diseases of the blood;
• hypertension in the decompensation phase;
• skin lesions 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 for cervical osteochondrosis. Using this method allows the attending physician to reduce the dosage of medication to minimize the possibility of complications and allergic reactions. Carrying out a full course guarantees the normalization of metabolism, an increase in the circulation capacity of blood vessels and the elimination of pain.

Types of physical therapy for cervical osteochondrosis:

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 in a diseased area. The waves penetrate to a depth of up to 7 cm, providing a cumulative healing effect. Pain, inflammation are eliminated, a stable therapeutic effect is observed until the next course of magnetic therapy. The procedures can be performed in outpatient clinics and at home, for which special devices are used.
3. Laser therapy is an alternative medicine method based on low-level laser radiation. The bundles are directed to the region of the cervical vertebrae and along the nerve roots. The laser removes pain and inflammation reactions, promoting tissue regeneration.
4. Tensor therapy is used to stretch the vertebrae and relax the muscles and connective tissue of the back. Under the weight of the body itself, there is a gentle "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 penetrates the body and improves cell nutrition.

Physiotherapy

Significantly improving the condition and reducing the number of pain attacks in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine will help in the regular performance of special exercises. The instructor in physical therapy exercises is involved in the recommendation and elaboration of a medical complex. The specialist will teach the correct technique for performing exercises and will plan the training scheme 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 bouts of acute pain, dizziness and health problems. You can perform therapeutic movements at home, after consulting a specialist.

When performing exercise therapy exercises, to get the maximum benefit, you should follow a few rules:

• before class starts, you need to make sure you are in good health;
• the movements must be carried out slowly and smoothly, without jerks;
• recommendations on the number of exercises must be followed exactly as instructed by the instructor;
• if during the class there is a sharp pain, you must immediately stop the class;
• inform the physical therapist about the changes.

A rough list of exercises for treating 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 your neck back without lifting your lower jaw;
• place the head on the inside of 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, at the same time creating resistance with your hand;
• lower your arms, do a static exercise, keeping your shoulders up.

All exercises are performed in a sitting position with a straight back. Each move 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 he presses on the cervical region, so that he feels pleasant warmth and not pain.

Self-massage technique:

• You can perform massage movements with one and 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 pulling to the sides;
• light tap in the collar area;
• you need to finish with stroking movements.

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

orthopedic mode

The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis cannot do without medical devices designed to unload the vertebrae and surrounding tissues:

1. The Shants collar is one of the most prescribed medical devices for unloading and treating the neck. The neck brace is intended for use during wakefulness during possible strain on 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 therapeutic pillow, the spine is not subjected 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 spine segments in a vertical position.

Diet therapy in neck treatment

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 your daily diet:

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

Allowed products:

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

Alternative methods of treating 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, medicinal alcohol and animal derivatives can serve as a medicinal base.

Popular treatment recipes:

1. Three medium lemons, unpeeled, twist 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 ferment for two hours. Drink 100 ml every morning on an empty stomach.
2. Prepare 200 grams of pine shoots and grind with two cups of granulated sugar. The therapeutic mass is taken daily, 1 tbsp.
3. Mix a small amount of honey with aloe juice and add some alcohol. The resulting solution is used to rub the cervical vertebrae.
4. Mash the boiled potatoes and add the honey. Apply the resulting composition to the sore spot, fix it with plastic wrap on top and wrap it with a warm blanket. It is fashionable to leave the compress for 3 hours.
5. The ground raw material from 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;
• skin damage in the 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 entire organism depends on the state in which the spine is located. To avoid the appearance of degenerative-dystrophic changes in individual segments, simple rules will help:

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

The 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 the therapeutic manipulations and the attitude of the patient himself.