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

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

How the disease manifests itself

The back 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 vertebrae of the cervix are located near the base of the brain, where all the vital centers are concentrated.

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

• headache that appears in the neck and passes into the occipital region;
• shoulder girdle muscles atrophy gradually;
• has insomnia, bad mood;
• has problems of ophthalmic nature: floating points in front of 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;
• a violation of sensitivity in the hands is often observed, manifested by numbness and a feeling of "goose bumps".

Torturing 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 your lifestyle and quality of nutrition, strictly adhering 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 the doctor prescribes them. Medications relieve pain, eliminate inflammation, regenerate damaged tissues, and treat the cervical region. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, tablet forms, muscle injections, beads, local exposure with ointments, gels are used.

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been proven 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, the use of NSAIDs is advised, but they have a range of side effects, particularly manifested by a negative effect on the gastric mucosa. Therefore, when administered orally, along with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, medications are prescribed to protect the stomach, which suppress acid formation.
2. Painkillers are mainly used for local neuromuscular blockades. Pain that is not relieved with non-hormonal drugs is stopped by direct injection into the active points 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, fight progressive inflammation, improve metabolic processes, and have an immunomodulatory effect.
4. Soothing agents to improve sleep and overall well-being - valerian tincture 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 preparations, fills the structure of the vertebrae with missing chemicals that improve cell nutrition, the ability to be synthesized and self-renewed. To achieve a lasting treatment effect, medications must be taken for a long time, and in some cases for life.
6. Improving cerebral circulation is important in treating cervical osteochondrosis. Medications 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 high number of systolic and diastolic indicators, take antihypertensive drugs "ambulance" -.
8. During the acute course of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, decongestants with a diuretic effect are prescribed. Removing excess fluid 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 flow of biochemical processes in the body.

Masotherapy

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 muscle 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 collar area massage is performed by a specialist in accordance with the exact instructions for the allowed load. The movements consist of stroking, kneading and intense massaging movements. Reducing pain and improving motor activity of the upper shoulder girdle confirms that the procedure was performed correctly.
2. Influencing active points with pressure movements is a lesser known but effective way. Execution of this technique requires special training of the massage therapist.

After the session, you can not overload the neck muscles, so it is recommended to wear an orthopedic collar with medium firmness for three hours. This measure will consolidate the effect of the masseur's efforts.

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

• oncological diseases of different localization;
• active form of Koch rod infection;
• systemic blood diseases;
• hypertension in the decompensation phase;
• dermatological lesions of the skin of the collar and neck region;
• aortic aneurysm;
• necrotic processes in bone with suppuration formation.

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 physician to reduce the dose of pharmaceutical drugs, to minimize the possibility of complications and allergic reactions. Performing a full course guarantees normalization of metabolism, increased vascular circulation capacity and elimination of pain.

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 appears, blood circulation is improved, unpleasant sensations are eliminated.
2. Magnetotherapy - exposure to a pulsating 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 lasting therapeutic effect is observed until the next course of magnetic therapy. Procedures can be performed in outpatient clinics and at home, for this purpose special equipment is used.
3. Laser therapy is an alternative medicine method based on low intensity laser radiation. The beams run in 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 its own body, there is a gentle "direction" 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.

Washing has the following purposes for treating 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 to perform regular special exercises. The physiotherapy exercise instructor is engaged in recommending and designing a medical complex. The specialist will teach you the proper technique for performing the exercises and will plan the training scheme and the number of exercises.

It is necessary to start classes only in the inactive stage of the disease. Exercise therapy relaxes muscles, regulates metabolism, allows you to forget about acute attacks of pain, dizziness and poor health. You can perform therapeutic movements at home, after consulting a specialist.

When performing exercise therapy exercises, for maximum benefit, you should follow a few rules:

• before starting the lesson, you should make sure that you are in good health;
• movements should be performed slowly and smoothly, without cracking;
• recommendations for the number of exercises should be followed exactly with the instructor's instructions;
• if there is a sharp pain during the lesson, you should stop the lesson immediately;
• inform the physiotherapist of the changes.

A rough list of exercises for treating 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;
• place the head on the inside of the hand so that the arm is in a bent position with emphasis on a firm surface, tilt the head creating resistance with your hand, repeat for each hand;
• tilt your head down, creating resistance at the same time with your hand;
• lower your arms down, perform a static exercise, keeping your shoulders elevated.

All exercises are performed in a sitting position with the back straight. 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 he should press the cervical region, in order to feel a 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 should start the session with gentle strokes, pressing lightly on the skin;
• the next step is rubbing the muscles with the tip of the palm or thumbs;
• active muscle seizures of the palms with traction on the sides;
• light stroke in the collar area;
• you should end up with pet movements.

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 pace, each person determines the force of pressure individually.

Orthopedic methods

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis can not be done without medical equipment designed to discharge the vertebrae and surrounding tissues:

1. The Shants collar is one of the most recommended medical devices for neck discharge and treatment. Neck support is intended for use during awakening during potential neck muscle tension: long computer work, cooking and more.
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 undergo an unnatural deviation, the blood supply is not disturbed, the person feels calm.
3. The orthopedic mattress is intended for the treatment of diseases of the spine: osteochondrosis, extensions, intervertebral hernias. The therapeutic effect is based on the principle of aligning the segments of the spine in a vertical position.

Diet therapy in the treatment of the neck

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

What not to include in your daily diet:

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

Allowed products:

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

Alternative methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis

Ancient healer recipes are a great addition to neck treatment. Experience gained over the years allows us to use only the most effective products, prepared independently from the available natural ingredients. Plants, medical alcohol and animal derivatives can serve as a medicinal basis.

Popular treatment recipes:

1. Twist three medium lemons, without peeling, into 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 bake for two hours. Drink 100 ml every morning on an empty stomach.
2. Prepare 200 grams of pine buds and grate them with two cups of granulated sugar. Therapeutic measure is taken daily, 1 tablespoon.
3. Mix a small amount of honey with aloe juice and add a little alcohol. The resulting solution is used for rubbing on the cervical vertebrae.
4. Crush the boiled potatoes and add honey. Apply the resulting composition on the sore spot, fix it with an adhesive film on top and wrap with a warm blanket. It is fashionable to leave the compress on for 3 hours.
5. The raw material ground from the hop cones is mixed with butter to the consistency of an oil. Rubbed into sore spots to relieve pain and inflammation.

Regardless of the herbal origin of the ingredients 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 ingredient;
• inflammation in the acute phase;
• pathology of the stomach, liver, kidneys when administered orally.

prevention

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

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

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