Symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae is the result of a sedentary lifestyle and improper nutrition. The first signs of the disease can appear as early as the age of 25, if treatment is not started, severe complications will occur. In the treatment of the disease, an integrated approach is used - drug treatment, dietary therapy, physiotherapy and physiotherapy.

Causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae

Cervical osteochondrosis is degenerative-dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs and joints, which leads to reduced mobility of the neck and the appearance of severe pain. The main reason for the development of the disease is a violation of mineral metabolism, which leads to a decrease in the strength of bones and joints. ICD-10 code – M42, M50–54.

Why does cervical osteochondrosis occur?

• overweight, sedentary lifestyle;
• bad posture, scoliosis;
• rheumatism;
• flat feet;
• VSD;
• poor nutrition.

Injuries, bruises of the spine, excessive physical activity and stress can provoke the development of deformation of the cervical vertebrae. In women, osteochondrosis often occurs during pregnancy, menopause - against the background of hormonal changes, the amount of calcium decreases, bone tissue becomes fragile.

important! The predisposition to osteochondrosis is inherited.

Common symptoms and signs

With constant increased load on the cervical vertebrae, muscle spasm occurs, the vessels of the cervical vertebrae are compressed, blood circulation is disturbed, disturbances in metabolic processes occur - the structure of the intervertebral discs changes, they are deformed and begin to protrude. outside the spine.

How is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine manifested:

• radicular syndrome - against the background of compression of the nerve endings, pain occurs, which spreads from the neck to the shoulder blades, forearms and covers the front wall of the chest;
• muscle weakness in the hands, noticeable swelling of the neck;
• when you move your head, you hear a characteristic crunch;
• weakness, chronic fatigue, changes in blood pressure;
• lack of coordination, often dizziness, attacks accompanied by nausea, vomiting;
• deterioration of vision and hearing, noise, ringing in the ears;
• numbness of limbs, tongue;
• frequent migraines;
• in women aged 45-65 years, pain, numbness and tingling in the upper limbs appear during sleep, attacks can be repeated several times during the night.

With cervical osteochondrosis, nutrition and blood supply to the brain are disturbed, neurotic disorders occur - anxiety, irritability, mood changes, sleep disorders.

Classification of cervical osteochondrosis

With the development of osteochondrosis, it goes through several stages of development, each of which has characteristic signs. In the photo you can see how the affected part of the spine looks at different stages.

Degree of development of the disease:

1. Osteochondrosis 1st degree - the initial stage occurs without particularly pronounced symptoms, the person is worried about rare and mild pain when turning and tilting the head, the back muscles quickly tire.
2. Osteochondrosis 2nd degree - the vertebrae become unstable, the nerve is pressed, unpleasant sensations in the neck become pronounced, radiating to the shoulder and arm. Additional symptoms are increased fatigue, frequent headaches in the occipital region, distraction.
3. Osteochondrosis 3rd degree - the pain becomes chronic, covers the upper back, arms, severe muscle weakness is observed, the limbs go numb, an intervertebral hernia develops, vertigo attacks often occur.
4. Osteochondrosis 4th degree - complete destruction of the intervertebral discs occurs, they are replaced by connective tissue, the pathological process covers several segments of the spine. There is a lack of coordination, attacks of vertigo become more frequent, tinnitus appears.

Acute osteochondrosis is a consequence of the chronic form of the disease, characterized by a strong attack of acute pain that occurs suddenly after waking up.

Which doctor should I contact?

If signs of cervical osteochondrosis appear, you should visit a neurologist, in some hospitals there is a vertebrologist - a specialist who treats diseases of the spine.

Diagnostic methods

Advanced forms of osteochondrosis have a pronounced clinical picture, which allows an initial diagnosis to be made at the initial examination. Instrumental diagnostic methods will help determine the degree of degenerative changes in the vertebrae.

Main types of research for osteochondrosis:

• Roentgen– the method is effective only in the early stages of development of the pathology;
• MRI– the structure of bone structures, the size and direction of development of intervertebral hernias, the condition of the spinal cord are clearly visible on the screen;
• CT– the method is less effective than MRI because it does not provide accurate information about the presence and size of the hernia;
• double-sided scanning– allows you to see blood flow disorders;
• electroneurography– indicates the presence of pinching, inflammation and other nerve damage;
• rheoencephalogram– prescribed for problems with blood supply to the brain.

For a targeted and thorough examination of the condition of certain vertebrae, discography is performed - a contrast agent is injected into the intervertebral disc, which allows you to see the smallest changes in the tissues and distinguish the scar from a hernia.

Methods of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

In the initial stage of development, osteochondrosis can be cured without drugs, it is enough to revise the diet, daily routine and regularly perform a set of special exercises. In advanced forms of the disease, effective treatment is possible only with the use of various drugs that help stop degenerative changes in the vertebrae.

The complex of therapeutic measures necessarily includes physical procedures - electrophoresis with drugs, ultrasound, magnetic therapy, laser therapy. These methods help to deal with pain, inflammation, tissue swelling, improve metabolic processes and blood circulation.

First aid

Painkillers will help relieve pain due to osteochondrosis. You can warm the affected area with mustard or pepper.

To reduce the swelling of inflamed tissues, drink rosehip decoction and other diuretics. Massaging the inflamed area with an ice cube will help relieve severe neck pain; continue the procedure until the skin is slightly reddened.

Physiotherapy

Exercise therapy is prescribed during the recovery period; during an exacerbation of osteochondrosis, physical exercises are contraindicated; gymnastics is simple, you can do it at home and you should do it regularly.

Bubnovsky's gymnastics for the treatment and prevention of cervical osteochondrosis:

1. In a standing position, lower your arms freely along the body. Tilt your head forward, try to reach your chest with your chin, fix the position for a count of 3. Tilt your head back, chin looking up, count to 3. Return to the starting position.
2. In a standing position, turn your head to the right, to the left and fix the position at each end point for a few seconds. Repeat 3 times on each side.
3. In a standing position, tilt your head to the right, to the left, try to reach your shoulder with your ear and hold the position for 30 seconds. Perform 6 repetitions in each direction.
4. Standing, hands on the belt, chin parallel to the floor, stretched forward. Turn your head, rest your chin on your shoulder, rotate your torso slightly, hold for half a minute. Do 6 repetitions in each direction, a slight pain in the spine may appear.
5. In a sitting position, back straight, hands on knees. Extend your straight arms to the sides, move them back a little, simultaneously tilt your head back, return to the starting position, repeat 5 times.
6. In a sitting position, turn your head to the right, place the palm of your left hand on the right shoulder, the elbow is parallel to the floor, the right hand rests on the knee, return to the starting position. Perform 6 repetitions in each direction.
7. In a sitting position, raise your hands above your head, connect them well, slightly bend your elbows, turn your head to the side until a slight pain appears, fix the position at the end point for a few seconds. Repeat 6 rotations in each direction.

Rest for 30 seconds between exercises. Before starting gymnastics, you should take a warm shower and make several smooth tilts of the head in different directions to warm up your muscles. After completing the exercise, light stretching will help avoid discomfort the next day.

Medication treatment

Drug therapy for osteochondrosis is aimed at eliminating unpleasant sensations, restoring the mobility of the vertebrae and slowing down the degenerative changes in the tissues. Acute attacks of pain are relieved with injections of NSAIDs or corticosteroids, while the chronic form of the disease is treated with ointments and tablets.

How to treat osteochondrosis:

• NSAIDs– produced in the form of tablets and products for external use, remove swelling and pain;
• corticosteroids– relief of acute pain syndrome;
• B vitamins- restoration of metabolic processes in tissues;
• chondroprotectors– promotion of cartilage tissue recovery;
• drugs to improve blood flow and nutrition to the brain;
• nootropics- improvement of brain function and memory;
• muscle relaxants– elimination of muscle spasms;
• Ointments and gels with anti-inflammatory, warming effects are used for local treatment.

In order for drug therapy to be effective, it is necessary to combine it with exercise therapy and adhere to a diet, otherwise no drugs will help to get rid of osteochondrosis.

important! If there is no effect of conservative treatment, surgery is prescribed.

People's funds

Traditional treatment should be used as a supplement to drug therapy and physical exercises, non-traditional methods will not help to completely get rid of the disease.

What to do with cervical osteochondrosis at home:

1. Pour boiling water over a fresh horseradish leaf, cool slightly, apply to the inside of the neck, secure with a thin natural fabric. Do the procedure before going to bed, leave the compress all night.
2. Grate raw potatoes on a fine grater and mix in equal proportions with warm liquid honey. Use the mixture for compresses, perform the procedure 1-2 times a week.
3. Mix a raw egg with 100 ml of sunflower oil, 20 ml of vinegar and 20 g of flour, put the mixture in a dark place for 48 hours, remove the film from the surface. Apply the product to the sore spot before going to bed and store in the refrigerator.
4. In May, pine buds up to 2 cm long are collected, cut into thin slices and placed in a container of dark glass. For 1 part of the raw materials, take 2 parts of sugar, put the medicine in a dark place for 2 weeks. Drink 5 ml of the mixture three times a day, not swallowing immediately, but holding it in the mouth for 2-3 minutes. The duration of the course is 15-20 days, repeated 2-3 times a year.
5. Grind 150 g of peeled garlic and 400 g of cranberries, put the mixture in a glass container, after 24 hours add 800 ml of honey, mix. Take 5 ml of the medicine three times a day before meals.

A cabbage leaf smeared with honey will help you cope with severe pain and remove excess salts, fix the compress on your neck with a warm scarf and leave it overnight.

Massage for cervical osteochondrosis

Massage helps to strengthen muscle tone, improves blood circulation in the tissues, in severe forms of osteochondrosis, the sessions are conducted by a specialist. In mild forms of the disease, self-massage will help in prevention - the treatment is carried out at home.

Massage technique:

1. Warm up your muscles- with both hands, rub intensively along the back, side surface of the neck from top to bottom. Warm-up time: 2 minutes.
2. Press the edge of your palm against the base of your neck,move with sliding movements to the area of hair growth, then to the shoulder joints.
3. Make rubbing circular movements with the fingertips of both handsin the occipital region from the hairline to the forearms - from the spine to the ears and vice versa.
4. Squeeze the neck muscles from the bottom up, then in the opposite direction.
5. Stroking from the back of the head to the shoulder blades– perform after any type of exercise.

important! Do not massage bulging vertebrae, lymph nodes, or carotid arteries.

Diet

The purpose of the diet for osteochondrosis is to provide the body with collagen and proteins; these substances are involved in the synthesis of cartilage tissue; most of these are found in aspic, jellied fish and jelly.

Prohibited products	Allowed products
any alcoholic beverages; fatty meat, refractory fats, smoked meats; soups with rich broths; hot, spicy dishes, preserves, marinades; mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup; radishes, radishes, horseradish, onions, garlic; fast food, semi-finished products; fast carbohydrates - sweets, pasta, pasta made from premium flour; potatoes; limiting salt intake to 5 g per day.	diet meats; fish, seafood; fermented milk products; cereals; light soups; whole grain bread; honey, jam, marmalade, lozenge, nuts, dried fruit, oat biscuits; fresh and roasted vegetables and fruits; eggs; vegetable oils; natural juices, green tea, fruit drinks.

important! To avoid dehydration of the tissue of the intervertebral discs, you should drink at least 2. 5 liters of pure still water per day.

Possible consequences and complications

In the cervical region, the vertebrae are located close to each other, the height of the intervertebral discs is small, so various complications of osteochondrosis occur even with minor degenerative changes in the bone tissue.

Why is osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae dangerous?

• frequent migraine attacks;
• heart rhythm disorders, atherosclerosis;
• protrusion, intervertebral hernia, bony outgrowths of the vertebrae;
• serious brain pathologies;
• narrowing of the lumen of the vertebral artery, which leads to the development of VSD, cerebral hypertension and damage;
• spinal stroke.

important! In advanced osteochondrosis, compression of the spinal cord occurs, which can be fatal.

Contraindications for cervical osteochondrosis

In order to lead a full life with osteochondrosis, it is necessary to avoid actions that can provoke pain and exacerbation of the disease.

What not to do with cervical osteochondrosis:

• you sleep on a very hard or soft mattress, on a high pillow;
• lift weights; if you have to lift something heavy, you should do it with a straight back and bent knees;
• carry a bag on one shoulder;
• when the pathology worsens, make active movements of the head and neck;
• smoke, drink alcohol;
• walk without a scarf in cold weather, sit in a draft, near an air conditioner;
• stay in an uncomfortable position for a long time, sitting;
• wear high heels;
• crack your neck

Thermal procedures - warming compresses, visiting a bath, heating with a blue lamp - can be performed only in the remission stage of the disease. During an exacerbation, the heat will relieve the pain only for a short time, but soon the unpleasant sensations will return and the degree of their manifestation will increase.

Disease prevention

To maintain the health of the spine, it is enough to follow simple rules of prevention.

How to avoid cervical osteochondrosis:

• get rid of excess weight;
• every morning do gymnastics, go swimming, yoga, dance;
• spend more time outdoors, morning walks are especially useful;
• eat right, control salt intake, follow a drinking regime;
• for sedentary work, do a neck warm-up every hour and monitor your posture;
• keep your neck warm;
• get enough sleep, avoid physical, mental and emotional fatigue.

Sleep properly. Only your head, neck and shoulders should rest on the pillow of the mattress, and a small pillow should be placed under your feet. It is better to sleep on your back or in the fetal position, in case of exacerbation of the disease - only on your side. The mattress is orthopedic, medium firm, the pillow is rectangular, orthopedic, with a height of 15–20 cm. With the correct position of the body during sleep, the spine is straight, there are no distortions in different parts, the muscles are relaxed.

Cervical osteochondrosis is a chronic, slowly progressing disease, the signs of the disease do not appear immediately. A competent combination of traditional and folk methods of treatment, gymnastics and diet will help to cope with unpleasant symptoms, and simple preventive measures will help to avoid recurrences of the pathology.