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

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is a set of procedures aimed at eliminating pain attacks and restoring spine tissue. Effective results in treatment can be achieved if all techniques are used regularly with strict adherence to the instructions for their use.

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.

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

• headache that occurs in the neck and passes into the occipital region;
• shoulder girdle muscles gradually atrophy;
• there is insomnia, bad mood;
• there are problems of ophthalmic nature: floating points in front of the eyes, blurred vision, blurred surrounding objects;
• mildly impaired coordination of movements;
• painful sensations spread to the shoulders and forearms, as well as the jaw;
• there is often a violation of sensitivity in the hands, which is manifested by numbness and a feeling of "shivering".

The pain syndrome exhausts the patient. Early diagnosis will enable timely start of therapeutic measures, in order to avoid surgical intervention. Conservative treatment is performed on an outpatient basis and at home. Changing your lifestyle and quality of diet, strict adherence to the recommendations during sleep and wakefulness will stop the pathological process and allow you to live a full life.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with drugs

The chronic course of osteochondrosis alternates between acute periods and breaks in remission. Medications are prescribed throughout the illness and are only prescribed by a doctor. Medications relieve pain, eliminate inflammation, regenerate damaged tissues and heal the cervical region. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, tablet forms, injections into muscles, vertebrae, local exposure to ointments, gels are used.

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown to be an effective anesthetic in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, and they also act on inflammatory processes. If there are signs of inflammation, it is recommended to use NSAIDs, but they have a number of side effects, and are especially manifested by a negative effect on the gastric mucosa. Therefore, in case of oral administration, in addition to non-steroidal drugs, drugs for the protection of the stomach are prescribed, which suppress the formation of acid.
2. Painkillers are primarily used for local neuromuscular blockages. Pain that is not relieved by 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 analogs 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 immunomodulatory effects.
4. Soothing agents 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, accompanied by the growth of bone processes. Chondroitin with glucosamine, which is part of the preparation, fills the structure of the vertebrae with missing chemicals that improve cell nutrition, the ability to synthesize and self-renew. To achieve a lasting effect of treatment, medications 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 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, antihypertensive drugs "ambulance" 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 a rise in blood pressure, reduce stress 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.

Mass therapy

One of the additional ways to get rid of pain and discomfort in the neck and upper limbs is massage. The effect of the hands on the muscles of the neck zone improves local blood microcirculation, alleviates muscle tone by increasing the load, and also heals the neck itself. Bringing muscles into working condition improves the secretion of accumulated lactic acid, relaxing muscle tissue.

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

1. The neck massage is performed by an expert in accordance with the correct instructions on the allowable load. The movements consist of caressing, kneading and intense massage movements. Reducing pain and improving the motor activity of the upper shoulder girdle confirms that the procedure was performed correctly.
2. Influencing hotspots with pressure movements is a less popular but effective way. Special masseur training is required to perform this technique.

You cannot strain your neck muscles after the session, 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 effort.

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

• oncological diseases of different localization;
• active form of Koch's disease infection;
• systemic blood diseases;
• hypertension in the decompensation phase;
• dermatological lesions of the skin of the collar and neck;
• 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 of cervical osteochondrosis. The use of this method allows the doctor to reduce the dose of medication, to minimize the possibility of complications and allergic reactions. Carrying out a full course guarantees the normalization of metabolism, increasing the circulatory capacity of blood vessels and eliminating pain.

Types of physiotherapy for cervical osteochondrosis:

1. Electrical stimulation - the use of high frequency current to act on the muscles of the neck and shoulder girdle. During the session, the effect of thermal heating of the neck appears, blood circulation improves, and unpleasant sensations are removed.
2. Magnetotherapy - exposure to a pulsating magnetic field in the affected area. The waves penetrate to a depth of 7 cm, providing a cumulative healing effect. Pain, inflammation are removed, a stable therapeutic effect is observed until the next course of magnetotherapy. Procedures can be performed in clinics and at home, and special devices are used for that purpose.
3. Laser therapy is a method of alternative medicine based on low-intensity laser radiation. The rays are directed to the area 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 one's own body, there is a slight "correction" of the spinal segments, improvement of metabolic processes, with the disappearance of muscle cramps, the structure of the spinal column is restored.
5. Balneotherapy - the healing properties of mineral waters are most often used in sanatoriums.

Bathing has the following goals 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 water penetrates the body and improves cell nutrition.

Physiotherapy

Significantly improve the condition and reduce the number of pain attacks in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine will help to regularly perform special exercises. The instructor of physiotherapeutic exercises deals with the recommendation and development of the medical complex. The specialist will teach you the correct technique of performing the exercises and plan the training scheme and the 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 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 must follow some rules:

• before starting a lesson, you need to make sure you are in good health;
• movements should be performed slowly and smoothly, without jerking;
• recommendations on the number of exercises must strictly follow the instructions of the instructor;
• if there is sharp pain during the lesson, you must stop the lesson immediately;
• inform the 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;
• lower your 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 arm, repeat for each arm;
• tilt your head down, while creating resistance with your hand;
• lower your arms down, perform a static exercise, keeping your shoulders raised.

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

Self-massage for treatment

Massage that you perform yourself is an effective treatment. The advantage of the procedure is the possibility of manipulation at any time. The patient feels the force with which he presses on the cervical region, so that a pleasant warmth is felt, not pain.

Self-massage technique:

• You can perform massage movements with one or two hands;
• you have to capture the entire surface of the door;
• you must start the session with a smooth stroke, light pressure on the skin;
• the next step is rubbing the muscles with the edge of the palm or thumbs;
• active muscle attacks with palms with pulling to the sides;
• light tapping in the collar area;
• you have to end up stroking movements.

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

Orthopedic mode of operation

Cervical osteochondrosis cannot be treated without medical devices designed to relieve the spine and surrounding tissues:

1. Shants collar is one of the most prescribed medical devices for relieving and healing the neck. The neck prosthesis is intended for use during the waking state during possible strain on the neck muscles: long-term work at 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 is not subjected to unnatural deviation, blood flow is not disturbed, the person feels rested.
3. Orthopedic mattress is intended for the treatment of diseases of the spine: osteochondrosis, bulges, intervertebral hernias. The therapeutic effect is based on the principle of stretching the spinal segments in a vertical position.

Diet therapy in neck treatment

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

What not to include in your daily diet:

• pickles;
• sausages and smoked meats;
• mayonnaise and sour cream with a high fat content;
• sugar and sweets;
• sweet carbonated drinks;
• alcohol.

Permitted products:

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

Alternative methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis

Ancient healing recipes are a great addition to neck treatments. The experience gained over the years allows us to use only the most efficient products, prepared independently of the available natural ingredients. Herbs, medicinal alcohol and animal derivatives can serve as a medicinal base.

Popular recipes for treatments:

1. Three medium lemons, without peel, wrapped in a meat grinder. To the resulting mass add five chopped garlic cloves and half a cup of honey. Pour boiling water over the mixture and let it stand for two hours. Drink 100 ml every morning on an empty stomach.
2. Prepare 200 grams of pine buds and grind 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. The resulting solution is used to rub the cervical vertebrae.
4. Boiled potatoes crumble and add honey. Apply the resulting composition to the sore spot, fix it with cling film on top and wrap with a warm blanket. It is fashionable to leave the dressing for 3 hours.
5. The ground raw material from hop cones is mixed with butter to the consistency of fat. It is rubbed into sore spots to relieve pain and inflammation.

Despite the herbal origin of the components of traditional medicines, their use can be harmful.

Therefore, before using this method it is necessary to exclude possible contraindications:

• susceptibility to allergic reactions;
• damage to the skin in the area of intended use;
• individual component intolerance;
• inflammation in the acute phase;
• pathology of the stomach, liver, kidneys when given orally.

Prevention

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

• lead a healthy lifestyle without bad habits;
• exercise regularly;
• eat right, avoiding gaining extra pounds;
• 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.