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

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is a series of procedures aimed at relieving pain attacks and restoring vertebral tissue. Effective treatment results can be achieved if you use all the methods on a regular basis, strictly following the instructions for their implementation.

How the disease manifests itself

The spine has a complex structure. The proper functioning of the whole organism depends on the maintenance 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 cause the following symptoms:

• headache visible in the neck and extending to the occipital region;
• gradual atrophy of the muscles of the shoulder girdle;
• have insomnia, bad mood;
• there are problems of ophthalmic nature: floating points in front of the eyes, blurred vision, blurring of surrounding objects;
• slightly impaired coordination of movements;
• painful sensations spread to the shoulders and wrists, as well as the jaw;
• There is a violation of sensitivity in the hands, which often manifests itself with numbness and a feeling of "escaping goosebumps".

Unbearable pain syndrome makes the patient tired. Early diagnosis will allow timely initiation of therapeutic measures to avoid surgical intervention. Conservative treatment is carried out in an outpatient setting 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 varies between acute periods and remission intervals. Medications are prescribed throughout the illness and are prescribed only by a doctor. Medications relieve pain, relieve inflammation, repair damaged tissue, and treat the cervical region. Depending on the severity of symptoms, tablet forms, injections into muscles, vertebrae, topical action with ointments, gels are used.

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have proven to be effective anesthetics in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, but also affect inflammatory processes. If there are signs of inflammation, it is advisable to use NSAIDs, but they have a number of side effects, especially adverse effects on the gastric mucosa. Therefore, when taken orally, in addition to non-steroidal drugs, drugs that inhibit the formation of stomach acid are prescribed.
2. Analgesics are primarily used for local neuromuscular blockades. Pain that cannot be relieved with non-hormonal medications is stopped by direct injection into the active points or 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 relieve severe pain, fight progressive inflammation, improve metabolic processes and have an immunomodulatory effect.
4. Sedatives to improve sleep and overall well-being - tincture of valerian or peony. With long-term use, weak sedatives 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. Glucosamine chondroitin, which is part of the preparations, replenishes the structure of the vertebrae with deficient chemicals that improve cell nutrition, synthesis and self-renewal. In order to achieve a lasting effect of the drug, 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. The drugs will relieve dizziness, improve cell trophism, reduce the sensitivity of nerve roots and dilate blood vessels.
7. Blood pressure rises with vasospasm. When prescribing high numbers of systolic and diastolic indicators, antihypertensive drugs are taken "ambulance" -.
8. In the acute course of cervical spine osteochondrosis, decongestants with a diuretic effect are prescribed. Removal of excess fluid will prevent an increase in blood pressure, reduce the load and improve metabolism.
9. Intake of a multivitamin complex with sufficient amounts of minerals and trace elements improves metabolism and ensures the normal course of biochemical processes in the body.

Mass therapy

One of the additional ways to get rid of pain and discomfort in the neck and upper extremities is massage. The effect on the muscles of the neck area of the hands improves local blood microcirculation, relieves muscle tone by increasing the load, as well as heals the neck itself. Activation of muscles improves the excretion of accumulated lactic acid, relaxes muscle tissue.

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

1. The massage of the neck area is performed by a specialist in accordance with the exact instructions on the permissible load. The movements include tapping, kneading and intensive massage. Reducing pain and improving motor function of the upper shoulder girdle confirm that the procedure is performed correctly.
2. Influencing active points with pressure movements is a less popular but effective way. Execution of this technique requires special training of a massage therapist.

After the session, the neck muscles should not be over-tightened, so it is recommended to wear a medium-hard orthopedic collar for three hours. This event will combine the effects of the masseur's efforts.

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

• oncological diseases of various localizations;
• Active form of Koch's infection;
• systemic blood diseases;
• hypertension in the stage of decompensation;
• dermatological lesions of the neck and neck skin;
• aortic aneurysm;
• necrotic processes in the bones with the formation of bone.

Physiotherapeutic procedures for cervical osteochondrosis

Complementary treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with the help of physiotherapy always includes a therapeutic complex for cervical osteochondrosis. The use of this method allows the treating physician to reduce the dose of medication, minimizing the likelihood of complications and allergic reactions. Carrying out a full course guarantees the normalization of metabolism, increased circulatory capacity and pain relief.

Types of physiotherapy for cervical osteochondrosis:

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 is visible, blood circulation improves, unpleasant sensations are eliminated.
2. Magnetotherapy - exposure to a pulsed magnetic field in the affected area. The waves penetrate to a depth of 7 cm and have a cumulative therapeutic effect. Pain, inflammation are eliminated, a stable therapeutic effect is observed until the next course of magnetic therapy. Procedures can be performed in clinics and at home, using special devices for this purpose.
3. Laser therapy is an alternative medicine based on low-intensity laser radiation. The rays are directed to the region of the cervical vertebrae and along the nerve roots. The laser promotes tissue regeneration by eliminating pain and inflammatory reactions.
4. Detensor therapy is used to lengthen the vertebrae and relax the back muscles and connective tissues. Under the weight of his body, the structure of the spine is restored by gently "straightening" the segments of the spine, improving metabolic processes, eliminating muscle spasms.
5. Balneotherapy - the healing properties of mineral waters are used in most sanatoriums.

Bathing for the treatment of the cervical region has the following purposes:

• muscles relax, pain disappears and blood microcirculation improves;
• metabolic processes are accelerated, toxins are removed from the body;
• iodine and bromine ions react, and along with hydrogen sulfide, oxygen from water penetrates the body and improves cell nutrition.

Physiotherapy

Significantly improving the condition and reducing the number of attacks of pain in cervical lumbar osteochondrosis will help to perform special exercises on a regular basis. The physiotherapy exercise instructor deals with the recommendation and design of the medical complex. The specialist will teach you the right techniques to perform the exercises and plan the training scheme and number of exercises.

Classes should be started only in the inactive phase of the disease. Exercise therapy relaxes muscles, regulates metabolism, allows you to forget about acute pain attacks, dizziness and poor health. You can do therapeutic exercises at home after consulting a specialist.

To get the most out of your exercise therapy workouts, you need to follow some rules:

• you need to make sure you are in good health before the lesson starts;
• movements should be carried out slowly and smoothly, without crushing;
• Recommendations on the number of exercises should be followed exactly as instructed by the instructor;
• if there is severe pain during the lesson, you should stop the lesson immediately;
• Tell your physiotherapist about the changes.

Approximate list of exercises for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:

• in a sitting position, turn your head smoothly in different directions;
• to lower the head forward and down by touching the lower jaw of the body;
• bend the neck back without lifting the lower jaw;
• put your head inside your hand so that your arm is bent, emphasizing a hard surface, bend your head and create resistance with your hand, repeat for each hand;
• to bend your head down, while at the same time creating resistance with your hands;
• lower your arms, do static exercises with your shoulders up.

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

Self-massage for treatment

Self-massage is an effective treatment. The advantage of the procedure is the ability to manipulate at any time. The patient feels the force of pressure on the cervical region, not pain, but a pleasant warmth.

Self-massage technique:

• You can do both one and two hand massage exercises;
• need to cover the entire surface of the neck;
• the session should begin with a smooth stroke by lightly pressing on the skin;
• the next step is to rub the muscles with the edge of the palm or thumbs;
• active grip of the muscles with the palms by pulling to the sides;
• light tapping in the collar area;
• should end with strokes.

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

Orthopedic regimen

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

1. Shants collar is one of the most widely used medical devices for neck loosening and treatment. The neck strap is designed for use when awake during possible tension of the neck muscles: long work on the computer, cooking, etc.
2. Orthopedic pillow for 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 does not bend unnaturally, the blood supply is not disrupted, and the person feels relaxed.
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 vertebrae in a vertical position.

Diet therapy in the treatment of neck

In the treatment of osteochondrosis, it is necessary to follow the principles of proper nutrition. The diet should be low in calories, rich in vitamins and minerals.

What should not be included in your daily diet:

• acids;
• sausage and smoked meat;
• mayonnaise and high-fat sour cream;
• sugar and confectionery;
• sweet carbonated drinks;
• alcohol.

Allowed products:

• calcium-rich dairy products;
• aspic from fish or beef legs;
• natural juices;
• low-fat fish and meat species;
• 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. Years of experience allow us to use only the most effective products made independently of the available natural ingredients. Herbs, medicinal alcohols and animal derivatives can serve as medicinal bases.

Popular treatment recipes:

1. Three medium lemons, without peeling, bend in a meat grinder. Add five chopped garlic and half a cup of honey to the resulting mass. Pour boiling water over the mixture and infuse for two hours. Drink 100 ml on an empty stomach every morning.
2. Prepare 200 grams of pine buds and chop with two cups of granulated sugar. Therapeutic mass is taken daily, 1 tbsp.
3. Mix a small amount of honey with aloe juice and add a little alcohol. As a result, the solution is used for friction in the cervical vertebrae.
4. Crush the boiled potatoes and add honey. Apply the resulting composition to the painful area, cover with cling film and wrap with a warm blanket. It is fashionable to leave the compress for 3 hours.
5. It is mixed with ground raw butter from syrup cones to the consistency of ointment. Rubbed into painful areas to relieve pain and inflammation.

Although the components of traditional medicines are of plant origin, their use can be harmful.

Therefore, possible contraindications should be ruled out before using this method:

• prone to allergic reactions;
• skin damage in the intended use;
• individual intolerance to the component;
• inflammation in the acute stage;
• pathology of the stomach, liver, kidneys when applied orally.

Prevention

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

• lead a healthy lifestyle without bad habits;
• to exercise regularly;
• eat right to avoid the appearance of excess weight;
• If you feel persistent pain in the neck, contact an orthopedist for medical advice.

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