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

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

How the disease manifests itself

The spine has a complex structure. The coherence of the work of the whole organism depends on maintaining each component in a healthy state. The seven cervical vertebrae are located near the base of the brain, where all vital centers are concentrated.

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

• Headache that occurs in the neck and goes to the occipital region;
• the muscles of the shoulder girdle gradually atrophy;
• there is insomnia, bad mood;
• there are problems of an ophthalmic nature: floating points in front of the eyes, blurred vision, blurry surrounding objects;
• slightly disturbed 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, which is manifested by numbness and a feeling of "running goosebumps".

The unbearable pain syndrome exhausts the patient. Early diagnosis allows the timely start of therapeutic measures, so as not to lead to surgical intervention. Conservative treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis and at home. Changing the lifestyle and quality of nutrition, as well as 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 in remission. Medications are prescribed throughout the disease and only a doctor prescribes them. The drugs relieve pain, eliminate inflammation, regenerate damaged tissues, treat the cervical region. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, tablet forms, injection into the muscle, vertebrae, local exposure to ointments, gels are used.

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have proven to be an effective anesthetic in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, while also acting on inflammatory processes. With signs of inflammation, the use of NSAIDs is advisable, but they have a number of side effects, which are primarily expressed in a negative effect on the gastric mucosa. Therefore, when administered orally, along with nonsteroidal drugs, drugs 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 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. Sedative to improve sleep and general well-being - tincture of valerian or peony. Weak sedatives with prolonged use are not addictive and are effective in combating neurological disorders.
5. Chondroprotectors are necessary 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. In order to achieve a lasting effect of treatment, medication must be taken for a long period of time and, in some cases, for life.
6. Improving cerebral blood flow is important in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. The drugs eliminate dizziness, improve cell trophism, reduce sensitivity of nerve roots and dilate blood vessels.
7. With vasospasm, blood pressure increases. When fixing a high number of systolic and diastolic indicators, antihypertensive drugs are taken "ambulance" -.
8. During the acute course of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, decongestants with a diuretic effect are prescribed. Removing excess fluid prevents an increase in blood pressure, reduces stress and improves 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 influence of the hands on the muscles of the collar zone improves local blood microcirculation, relieves muscle tone by increasing the load, and also heals the neck itself. Putting the muscles in a working state improves the excretion of accumulated lactic acid and relaxes muscle tissue.

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

1. The massage of the collar zone is carried out by a professional following the precise instructions on the permissible load. The movements consist of stroking, kneading and intensive massage movements. Pain relief and improvement in upper shoulder girdle motor skills confirm correct performance of the procedure.
2. The effect on active points with pressing movements is a less popular, but effective method. The execution of this technique requires a special training of the masseur.

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

Not always a massage course can bring a positive result in the treatment of the cervical spine, there are contraindications, non-observance of which will lead to sad consequences:

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

Physiotherapeutic procedures in cervical osteochondrosis

Additional treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with the help of physiotherapy is always included in the therapeutic complex of cervical osteochondrosis. The use of this method allows the attending physician to reduce the dosage of drugs in order to minimize the possibility of complications and allergic reactions. Conducting a full course guarantees the normalization of metabolism, an increase in the circulatory 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 occurs, blood circulation improves, unpleasant sensations are eliminated.
2. Magnetotherapy - exposure to a pulsed magnetic field on a diseased area. Waves penetrate to a depth of 7 cm and provide a cumulative healing effect. Pain, inflammation are eliminated, a stable therapeutic effect is observed until the next course of magnetic therapy. Procedures can be carried out in outpatient clinics and at home, special equipment is used for this purpose.
3. Laser therapy is an alternative medical method based on low-intensity laser radiation. The rays are directed into the area of the cervical spine and along the nerve roots. The laser eliminates pain and inflammatory reactions and promotes tissue regeneration.
4. Detensor therapy is used to stretch the vertebrae and relax the muscles and connective tissue of the back. Under your own body weight, there is a gentle "straightening" of the spinal segments, 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.

Bathing has the following goals for the treatment of the neck 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 penetrates the body from the water and improves cell nutrition.

physical therapy

A significant improvement in the condition and a decrease in the number of attacks of pain in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine will help to regularly perform special exercises. The instructor of physiotherapeutic exercises is engaged in the recommendation and creation of a medical complex. The specialist will teach you the correct 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 period of the disease. Exercise therapy relaxes muscles, regulates metabolism and allows you to forget about acute pain attacks, dizziness and poor health. You can perform therapeutic movements at home, after consulting a specialist.

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

• Before starting classes, you must ensure that you are in good health.
• Movements should be performed slowly and evenly, without jerks;
• Recommendations for the number of exercises are to be followed exactly as instructed by the instructor;
• If severe pain occurs during class, you must immediately stop class.
• Inform the physiotherapist of the changes.

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

• In a sitting position, gently 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 lifting the lower jaw;
• place your head on the inside of your hand so that your arm is in a bent position, with emphasis on a hard surface, tilt your head and create resistance with your hand, repeat for each hand;
• tilt your head down while creating resistance with your hand;
• lower your arms down, perform a static exercise and keep your shoulders up.

All exercises are performed while sitting 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 method is the possibility of manipulation at any time. The patient feels with what force he has to press on the neck region so that a pleasant warmth and no pain is felt.

Technique of self-massage:

• You can perform massage movements with both one and two hands;
• You need to capture the entire surface of the neck.
• You need to start the session with gentle stroking, lightly pressing on the skin.
• The next step is rubbing the muscles with the edge of the palm or thumb.
• active muscle spasms with palms with lateral pulling;
• slight tapping in the collar area;
• You have to finish with sweeping 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

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis cannot do without medical devices to relieve the pressure on the vertebrae and surrounding tissues:

1. The Shants collar is one of the most commonly prescribed medical devices for relieving and treating the throat. The neck support is intended for use during wakefulness in case of possible tension in 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 therapy cushion, the spine is not exposed to any unnatural deflection, the blood circulation is not disturbed, the person feels rested.
3. The orthopedic mattress is intended for the treatment of diseases of the spine: osteochondrosis, protrusions, herniated discs. The therapeutic effect is based on the principle of stretching the spinal segments in a vertical position.

Diet therapy in the treatment of the throat

When treating osteochondrosis, it is necessary to follow the principles of proper nutrition. The diet should be low-calorie, with a sufficient content of vitamins and minerals.

What not to include in your daily diet:

• pickles;
• sausage and smoked meat;
• High-fat mayonnaise and sour cream;
• sugar and confectionery;
• sweet carbonated drinks;
• Alcohol.

Allowed products:

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

Alternative methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis

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

Popular treatment recipes:

1. Twist three medium-sized lemons in a meat grinder without peeling. Add five cloves of chopped garlic and half a glass of honey to the resulting mass. Pour boiling water over the mixture and leave for two hours. Drink 100ml on an empty stomach every morning.
2. Prepare 200 grams of pine buds and grind them with two glasses of granulated sugar. Therapeutic mass 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 the cervical vertebrae.
4. Mash boiled potatoes and add honey. Apply the resulting composition to the sore spot, fix with cling film and wrap with a warm blanket. It is fashionable to leave the compress on for 3 hours.
5. The ground raw material from hop cones is mixed with butter to an ointment consistency. Rubbed into sores to reduce 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 phase;
• Pathology of the stomach, liver, kidneys with oral administration.

prevention

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

• lead a healthy lifestyle without bad habits;
• do sports regularly;
• eat right and avoid the appearance of excess weight;
• If you experience persistent neck pain, consult 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 result depends on the quality of therapeutic manipulations and the attitude of the patient himself.