Osteochondrosis - degenerative changes in the articular cartilage, accompanied by partial destruction of the discs between the vertebrae. Cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by a slow, developing over years, destruction of the tissues between the vertebrae that support the head. If in the last century the disease was diagnosed mainly in people over the age of thirty, today orthopedists make such a diagnosis even for schoolchildren. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae is long. Even during the period of remission, maintenance treatment courses should be taken.
Symptoms of the disease in the early stages
The size of the cervical vertebrae is smaller than that of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. But the load on them is significant: every day a person's neck performs many complex movements. Office workers who are forced to sit in the same position at the computer for several hours in a row often develop osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae. In this case, the treatment involves not only the elimination of pain, but also a mandatory change in lifestyle. Being inactive for many hours in front of the monitor is a big test for the spine.
The following causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae can be distinguished:
- heredity;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- extreme physical activity;
- neck injuries;
- abnormalities of the cervical spine;
- constant incorrect position of the body during sleep.
Orthopedics and neurology distinguish four stages of the disease. In the first two, the disease does not cause severe pain, but it cannot be ignored.
At the first stage, the disease is manifested by frequent headaches, a slight feeling of tightness in the neck. Almost all patients do not attach importance to these mild symptoms. Headaches are attributed to fatigue or lack of sleep. Most patients simply prefer to take a painkiller tablet.
Over time (sometimes this process can last for several years), the disease inevitably passes to the second stage. The danger of osteochondrosis is that the so-called radicular syndrome often develops. Most often it manifests itself in the second stage and becomes more aggravated as osteochondrosis progresses. Radicular syndrome is a pinching of the nerve endings of the cervical vertebrae. After that, many other pathologies join the headache. These are deterioration of vision and hearing, impaired functioning of the vestibular apparatus, unbearable migraine with and without aura, numbness of the hands.
As a rule, patients go to the doctor only after manifestations of radicular syndrome. Above all, they are only interested in its symptoms. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae and the necessary rehabilitation will not be able to neutralize all the consequences that the radicular syndrome brings with it. You can only temporarily stop the development of the disease and prevent even greater complications.
Manifestations of the disease in later stages
There is also a third and fourth stage of the disease, which is simply impossible not to notice. Even patients who have a startling disregard for their own health are sounding the alarm and going to see a doctor.
The third stage of cervical osteochondrosis, if not accompanied by radicular syndrome, causes the patient to experience frequent and excruciating headaches. Characterized by the appearance of pain directly in the neck and shoulders. The patient is forced to constantly use ointments with a warming and analgesic effect. Massage helps very well in the third stage. It is important to understand that it will not work to completely get rid of the disease. Only long-term remission can be achieved - this is the goal of treatment.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae in the fourth stage: a noticeable asymmetry of the spine with the naked eye and severe pain in this area. If there is also a radicular syndrome, the patient often experiences very severe dizziness, may faint after performing one or another sudden physical movement. Depending on where and how much the nerve ending was pinched, serious deterioration in vision or hearing is possible.
In later stages, the appearance of an irritative-reflex syndrome is also possible, in which there are frequent severe pains in the back of the head of a pulsating nature, as well as pains that descend to the thoracic spine. They can reach such a force that the patient cannot fall asleep or perform usual body movements. Such symptoms are also possible with a strong displacement of the vertebrae. Cervical osteochondrosis in advanced stages in 90% of cases is accompanied either by an irritative reflex or by radicular syndrome.
There are cases when the disease is complicated by two of these pathologies at once. In this case, the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae with folk remedies will not work. An integrated approach is important, which involves the use of specialized (injections, massage, physiotherapy, taking painkillers) and general (swimming, exercise therapy, lifestyle) methods.
Symptoms based on damaged nerve roots
Osteochondrosis of the 1st cervical vertebra is accompanied by numbness in the occipital region in the early stages of the development of the disease. In later stages - the appearance of severe pain in this area. The best treatment is the use of ointments with a warming and anesthetic effect, as well as massage. Once every six months it is necessary to inject vitamin preparations of group B.
Osteochondrosis of the 4th and 5th cervical vertebrae is accompanied by a violation of the sensitivity of the limbs and the appearance of pain in the forearms, chest region. Treatment - massage of the cervical collar area and numb parts of the body. Regular use of B vitamins on an ongoing basis is indicated (at least once every six months, optimally once every quarter). Physiotherapy is also effective.
Osteochondrosis of the 6th cervical vertebra is accompanied by pain in the shoulders and neck. Frequent headaches. Vision may begin to deteriorate - myopia and astigmatism develop. The principles of treatment are the same as in the case where other vertebrae are affected. Only with concomitant symptoms - deterioration of vision and hearing - you should also pay attention to this. Regularly practice visual hygiene, do eye exercises, instill special drops that relax the optic nerve.
Osteochondrosis of the 7th cervical vertebra is accompanied by damage to the nerve ending in the region of the fifth, sixth and seventh vertebrae. It occurs in both men and women at any age. This is the most common osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae. Symptoms of pinched nerve endings C6 and C7 are periodic numbness in the fingers and hands, pain in the neck, forearm and lower shoulder blade, back, down to the lower back.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis: which doctor to contact
To diagnose and prescribe treatment for osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, you need to register for a consultation with a neuropathologist and an orthopedist. A neurologist can prescribe remedies for the manifestations of the disease, which affect the state of the nerve endings. It makes sense if the disease is accompanied by a radicular syndrome. The orthopedist will assess the condition of the spine and diagnose the presence of additional diseases: scoliosis, lordosis, etc.
For the diagnosis and accurate assessment of the condition of the intervertebral discs, the following research methods are used:
- X-ray.
- CT.
- Magnetic tomography.
- Ultrasound of the vessels of the neck.
Each of them is completely safe for health and poses no threat of excessive exposure. The diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, the treatment of which will be carried out throughout life, can be made after a simple visual examination. Any orthopedist can easily do this. An exception is the first stage of the disease, when no visible pathology of the cervical region is noticed.
Methods of treatment of traditional medicine
How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae? Whichever method you choose, it should be remembered that in order to achieve remission, you will need to regularly monitor the condition of the neck. Osteochondrosis cannot be completely cured. After a while, the symptoms will certainly make themselves felt again, and their intensity will directly depend on the patient's attitude to his own health.
Here is a list of the most effective measures to get rid of the symptoms of osteochondrosis:
- physiotherapy;
- massage of the cervical collar area;
- take painkillers;
- a course of group B vitamins;
- physiotherapy;
- to swim.
The patient should remember that he should not engage in athletics (running, jumping, plyometric exercises), bodybuilding. This will inevitably cause the condition to worsen. You cannot sit in one position for long. Even if office work involves long hours in front of the monitor, once an hour you should get up and give yourself a ten-minute warm-up of the neck-collar area, light stretching.
Complex of physiotherapy exercises for cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae at home can be carried out with the help of special exercises. They should be done daily, otherwise a noticeable result cannot be expected.
- Stand straight, on the line. Raise your hands, breathe, stand on your tiptoes and stretch as much as you can. Perform several repetitions.
- Starting position - standing on your feet, back straightened, arms freely lowered along the body. Touch left ear to left shoulder, right ear to right shoulder. Perform ten times in each direction at a slow pace, without making sudden movements.
- The starting position is the same as in the previous exercise. Touch your chin to your breastbone, then gently and gently tilt your head back. If the movement is accompanied by pain or discomfort, it should be abandoned.
- Sit in a chair or on a hard floor with your back straight. You can cross your legs in the lotus position. Perform circular rotations of the head - first clockwise, then counterclockwise.
- Lie down on the hard floor on your stomach. Arms and legs are extended. Exercise "boat": tear off the surface of the head, arms and legs and try to raise them as high as possible. Stay in this position for as long as possible. This exercise is useful not only for the cervical spine, but also for the thoracic and lumbar.
Physiotherapy exercises should be done carefully, at a slow pace. Sudden movements can lead to increased pain.
If it is possible to perform exercises after a warm therapeutic massage of the cervical collar zone - wonderful. This way of combining two treatment methods at once is very good.
Blocking pain syndrome in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The main group of drugs used in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with displacement of the vertebrae are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Also, when it comes to cervical osteochondrosis, the local use of NSAIDs in gels and ointments is preferable.
In this regard, ointments and creams containing snake and bee venom in the composition are effective. Among the means for local external use, local irritants and chondroprotectors are indicated.
If the pain is too intense, strong analgesics can be used. Sometimes osteochondrosis is exacerbated by colds. In this case, to eliminate all the symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections and chondrosis, drugs based on the active ingredient paracetamol will help.
The use of B vitamins in traditional disease therapy
Why do neuropathologists invariably prescribe vitamins of group B as part of the complex treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae? The explanation is very simple. With radicular syndrome, the nerve endings suffer, and vitamins are the easiest way to support their functioning. The most effective form of application is intramuscular injection. When taken orally, B vitamins are only partially absorbed. When administered intramuscularly, they almost instantly enter the bloodstream.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae at home
For complex treatment, it is not at all necessary to go to the hospital. It is quite possible to achieve remission at home. It is very good if the patient is able to inject independently. Then you cannot be in the clinic daily.
Methods of treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae with folk remedies:
- Salt and soda baths bring a decrease in pain, relaxation of the whole body. It's especially good before bed. You need to take a full bath of water of moderate temperature and dissolve in it a kilogram of salt and about 500 grams of soda.
- Paraffin applications are excellent. Melt the paraffin or wax, cool to a comfortable temperature and apply to the damaged area. Such compresses can be done 2 times a week.
- To reduce the inflammatory process, you can take a decoction of herbs. You need to mix 1 tbsp. L. flowers of St. John's wort, chamomile, marigold and yarrow. Add 1 tbsp. L. thyme and dandelion leaves. Now you should take 2 tbsp. L. the resulting mixture and pour a liter of boiling water, insist. For 3 weeks it is enough to take a decoction of 1/4 part of a glass 3 times a day.
- If you do not trust pharmaceutical preparations, you can prepare an ointment for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. You will need to take coriander fruits, birch buds, dandelion roots, peppermint herb in equal parts. Grind three tablespoons of the mixture into a powder, pour 1/2 cup boiling water and simmer for 5 minutes. To the resulting mass add 75 g of vegetable oil and pork fat. Cool and rub on the affected area 4 times a day. Store the ointment in the refrigerator.
- Good help with osteochondrosis and compresses. For example, honey and potatoes. Grate a large tuber on a fine grater and mix with honey in a 1: 1 ratio. The resulting mixture is applied to the affected area for 45 minutes.
With osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, massage is the #1 remedy for reducing tension and pain. In order to do massage therapy for yourself, you need good flexibility. Older people are often not even able to raise their arms to the desired height. But they find a way out of the situation: they ask one of the younger parents for a massage.
Patient feedback on therapy outcome
According to numerous reviews of orthopedic patients and neurologists, the optimal method of treatment is to use all procedures in combination. It is futile to use only methods of treating osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae with folk remedies.
Some patients note that a course of procedures with a good massage therapist literally brought them back to life, their working capacity increased.
Some patients respond positively exclusively to physiotherapy exercises. They started exercising regularly at home, bought a pool membership for therapeutic swimming lessons. Yoga and regular exercises to stretch the spine have helped some. Feelings after such asanas: lightness in the body, absence of pain, relief from stress.
If you regularly load your body with this kind of activity, you can go into long-term remission and forget about the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.