How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Under osteochondrosis of the cervical region, it is customary to understand the disease, which is characterized by changes in the tissue of the intervertebral discs.During the degenerative process, damage to the discs itself, as well as joints and vertebrae in this part of the back.

The causes of osteochondrosis

Doctors call the main cause of the disease a slowdown of blood circulation in nearby tissues.The lack of blood supply gradually affects the effectiveness of metabolic processes - it is reduced.After some time, the process applies to intervertebral discs.They become thin, expose deformation, as a result of which they begin to protrude beyond the spine.

In the process of the disease, degenerative changes in the fabric of the intervertebral discs, as well as the vertebrae and joints occur.

The impetus for the development of such a pathology can be a number of factors:

1. Excess weight.In the risk group in this case, people who do not adhere to proper nutrition are given to the fast food.
2. Violations of the musculoskeletal system.Among such diagnoses, rheumatism, scoliosis, flat feet can be called.
3. Trauma of the spine or neck.
4. Lack of regular physical activity (this causes blood stagnation in tissues).Often cervical osteochondrosis is detected by office workers and drivers.
5. Work associated with constant stress or increased nervous voltage.
6. Excessively high physical activity.In this case, athletes may be under the blow.
7. Pathologies in the development of this department.

Stages of development of osteochondrosis

The course of the disease in medicine is usually divided into 4 stages.With the disease of the cervical spine, the symptoms and treatment completely depend on the degree of damage to the tissues.

At the initial stage, it is good and quickly treated, but it is difficult to detect early osteochondrosis.This is explained by the fact that the symptoms at the initial stages are manifested relatively poorly.In addition, signs of the disease are often disguised as other diagnoses.

The development of pathology occurs in growing symptoms in 4 stages.

Symptoms and diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Stage I is characterized by weak symptoms.However, it should be remembered what is dangerous osteochondrosis.In time, the identified pathology will begin to start therapy as soon as possible.Among the first symptoms of osteochondrosis:

1. Discomfort, discomfort that can appear in the neck, as well as spread to the shoulders and arms.
2. Headaches.Often people do not pay attention to malaise, associating this condition with overwork or stress.
3. The motor activity of the neck can be slightly limited.
4. Short -term visual impairment.They can be accompanied by the appearance of fog before the eyes, loss of clarity of the picture.Such symptoms are explained by ischemia of the brain areas that are responsible for vision.
5. The sensitivity of the skin in the collar area is slightly reduced.

At stage II, the pathological process is accompanied by a protrusion of the vertebrates.At this time, at the fibrous ring of disc collagen, the collagen fiber is destroyed.There is a narrowing of the intervertebral cracks.During this period, patients complain of the following symptoms:

1. Pains affecting the cervical region are pronounced.Sometimes the movements of the head can be accompanied by a crunch in the bones.
2. Headaches become long and frequent.
3. There is a loss of skin sensitivity in the collar area and on the shoulders.
4. Before your eyes, “flies” often appear.
5. There is weakness in the muscles of the hands.
6. The pain in the neck is shooting in nature.Often they give under the shoulder blade.
7. The appearance of pharyngeal symptoms.The presence of their presence can be explained by the fact that the pathological process in the spine affects the nerves in the throat.Dryness, perspiration, difficulties in swallowing may occur.It feels a lump in the throat.
8. Sleep disturbances are possible, which are often manifested in the form of insomnia.

At 1 and 2 of the stage, the disease is easier to treat, later the diagnosis of osteochondrosis leads to already irreversible destructive processes.

The III stage is evidenced by the destruction of the fibrous ring and the formation of a hernia.The list of symptoms is called the following:

1. Pain in the neck.They often spread to the shoulders and give it to the heart.
2. In some cases, changes that occur in the brain are observed.It can be dizziness, bouts of nausea and vomiting, a feeling of unstable position.
3. There is a partial loss of sensitivity of the skin of the head, neck, shoulders and arms.
4. Weak tendon reflexes can be observed.

Important!With cervical osteochondrosis of the IV degree, paresis and paralysis of the upper extremities often occur.Moreover, the symptoms of the disease in men are similar to signs of pathology in women.The only difference that doctors mention is that in women 45-60 years old, the early stages of the disease are often accompanied by a sense of numbness and tingling of the neck and hands during sleep.

Treatment of osteochondrosis

The most effective method of therapy is an integrated approach.In this case, the patient can be prescribed:

• taking medications;
• surgical surgery;
• orthopedic therapeutic measures;
• massage courses;
• acupuncture sessions;
• Performance of specialized medical charging.

The doctor chooses a suitable course of treatment after a thorough diagnosis.

Medical physical education

Therapeutic physical exercises are aimed at restoring impaired blood circulation in affected tissues and strengthen the muscles of the entire cervical region.It is not necessary to carry out charging independently.The doctor should choose the right load, since the intensity and duration of the exercises depend on the stage of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, symptoms and the general condition of the patient.However, there are general recommendations:

1. Each complex of exercises should be performed no more than 2 minutes.Otherwise, the condition of the spine will deteriorate.
2. It is forbidden to make sharp and deep movements (tilting and turns of the head).

The list of the most common exercises is called the following:

1. Raising the head.The patient lies on his stomach, his hands rest on the floor.They slowly raise their heads and shoulders and linger for 1-2 seconds.Return to their original position.When performing, the back should remain straight.
2. Resistance.The palms are put on the forehead and pressed back.The task is to resist the head for 25-30 seconds.Then the palms are pressed on the back of the head.
3. Turns head.It is necessary to rotate the head in different directions.The number of repetitions in each direction is at least 10 times.If dizziness appears, charging is stopped.

Drug therapy

The use of drugs refers to a conservative method.In this case, the doctor may prescribe medications related to different groups:

1. NSAID.They are aimed at relieving pain, swelling of soft tissues.
2. Chondroprotectors.They accelerate the restoration of cartilage.
3. Vitamins of group B. In their presence, the metabolism in the tissues is accelerated.
4. Musorelaxants.They effectively reduce muscle spasm in the disease, which helps relieve pain with osteochondrosis.
5. Means normalizing blood viscosity.

Surgical intervention

Surgical surgery is most often prescribed at 3 or 4 stages of the disease.Often in these cases, a conservative way to treat the disease in women and men does not give the desired result.

Massage and self -massage

Under the influence of massage of the cervical-brothest zone, it is possible to enhance muscle tone and eliminate the pain syndrome.The intensity of exposure to soft tissues depends on the stage of the disease.The stronger the damage to the cervical vertebrae, the more carefully the movements of the masseur should be.At the same time, several basic techniques are distinguished:

1. Light stroking.A massage session begins with such movements.At the same time, they use the palm and the outer edge of the palm.The movements are directed from the neck to the area of armpits and supraclain nodes.
2. Squeezing.The large and index finger is folded together.The initial position is the edge of the palm across the neck.In this position, the hand is drawn along the spine, and then to the joints of the shoulder.The intensity can gradually increase.
3. Grinding.Such a technique consists in performing circular and straightforward movements with thumbs.You need to start from the occipital region, gradually moving to the neck and shoulders.
4. Kneading.With this technique, the soft fabrics should be kneaded with circular movements.
5. Vibration.The edge of the palm of the palm of the palm of the hand is made by striking and tapping.It is best to finish the massage procedure.

Important!Patients can also perform self -massage in circular and stroking movements.At the same time, gels and ointments are used, the action of which is aimed at increasing blood flow.

Manual therapy

By manual therapy, it is customary to mean a set of manual effects on the body.When combining this method with taking medications, it is possible to effectively treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

Manual procedures are customary to divide into 3 categories:

1. The massage is relaxing.With it, the tension in the muscles localized next to the spine is removed.
2. Mobilization.This technique is based on the hood.
3. Manipulation.It includes forced movements, thanks to which the work of the joints is restored.

Acupuncture

The acupuncture refers to non -traditional medicine, but gives a good therapeutic effect.During the procedure, the sensitive points of the body act with the finest needles.This enhances metabolic processes in the body and increases immunity.Thanks to this:

• pain decreases;
• tissue edema is reduced;
• The general condition of a person improves.

Orthopedic treatment methods

Osteochondrosis is sometimes advised to use osteopedic pillows.Their action is to ensure the correct position of the head in a sleeping person.This prevents the transfer of the cervical artery and nerve roots.

Important!However, doctors emphasize that an orthopedic pillow is not suitable as an independent method of treatment.It can impede the development of pathology or supplement the effect of drugs, therapeutic exercises and other methods.

Folk remedies and recipes

Before using this or that means of traditional medicine, you must definitely undergo diagnostics and visit the attending physician.It is undesirable to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home independently, since such actions can worsen the condition.

In addition to taking drugs, physiotherapy and physiotherapy, the following recipes can be used:

1. Warming up.The sore area is recommended to warm with mustard plasters, a tissue bag filled with warm salt, alcohol or peppers.Such a procedure relieves pain and inflammation.
2. Potatoes with honey.The potatoes are cleaned from the peel and rubbed on a grater.The mass is mixed with natural honey in proportions 1: 1.The resulting mixture is applied to the affected area in the form of a night compress.Repeat this action 2-3 times a week.
3. Binding with horseradish.To do this, you need a fresh sheet of horseradish, which is pre -poured with boiling water and slightly cool.The sheet is applied to the neck in the inside and fixed with a bandage or fabric.In this state, the compress should be located all night.

Contraindications

It is impossible to identify a general list of contraindications, since in each case the doctor individually chooses how to treat the disease.Among the recommendations, the following are often called:

1. In drug therapy, attention should be paid to the composition of the drugs.Patients may have an allergic reaction.
2. Manual exposure is not recommended during pregnancy, after injuries, in acute inflammatory diseases.This method of treatment is not prescribed before surgery.
3. Acupuncture is prohibited in the case of acute infection, the identification of neoplasms (both malignant and benign), insufficiency (liver, renal, heart).

Prevention

In order to prevent osteochondrosis of sho, a person should adhere to simple, but extremely important rules:

1. Fight over excess weight (if any).For men and women who experience back problems, a critical excess is 10 kg.
2. Reducing the load on the spine.If a person cannot completely exclude heavy physical activity, then severity should be worn alternately in his hands.After the load, you should lie down or hang on the horizontal bar.
3. Using an orthopedic pillow.
4. Prevention of a sedentary lifestyle.In many cases, the first signs of the disease in men can be eliminated by playing sports.
5. Formation of proper nutrition.

Diet.Nutrition for osteochondrosis of the spine

After it was possible to determine the disease and begin therapy, the patient will need to observe a diet.Thanks to this, the necessary number of trace elements and vitamins will enter the body, and the body will have forces to combat pathology.

Important!The principle of specialized nutrition is to change the 3rd one-time meals for 5 (or 6) one-time one.This will facilitate the digestion of food and will not cause discomfort.

Be sure to include in the diet:

• a large number of cereals;
• fruits and vegetables (except for radishes, celery and onions);
• meat (any low -fat);
• fish (preferably low -fat);
• dairy products (milk, kefir, unsweetened yogurt, cottage cheese);
• eggs;
• flour products;
• Nuts.

Completely refuse alcohol, smoked and fatty products, semi -finished products and canned food.