Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine: symptoms and treatment

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine - symptoms and treatment of folk remedies and medications, a set of exercises, video

The cervical spine is experiencing serious stresses due to the fact that he has to support the head. This is combined with the high activity of this part of the spine (it is responsible for the turns and inclinations of the head).

With an incorrect lifestyle, malnutrition, sedentary work can develop osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

To avoid serious consequences, including memory loss, hearing loss, vision, it is necessary to identify the symptoms in time and start treatment.

Symptoms

Osteochondrosis is a disease caused by a number of factors that affect almost every person on a daily basis.

Manifestations of osteochondrosis are primarily related to the fact that in the neck area the blood circulation that feeds the brain is disrupted.

As a result of disrupting the work of a large number of blood vessels concentrated in the neck, symptoms such as:

• Migraine, headaches, affecting the neck and occiput;
• dizziness;
• possible loss of consciousness with a sharp turn of the head;
• noise, ringing in the ears, general deterioration of hearing, vision, condition of teeth;
• hoarseness of voice;
• night snoring;
• cold hands, numbness of fingers;
• weakness, muscle atrophy;
• pain in the neck (with pinching of nerves), as well as dental and headaches;
• pain in the shoulder, hands, fingers.

Osteochondrosis can affect different parts of the cervical region, the four main symptoms of the disease are common:

1. Radicular syndromes ("cervical radiculitis"). When there is a pinching of the nerve, the patient experiences acute painful sensations, which are descending. The pain extends from neck to shoulder, from the shoulder to the forearm, then strikes the fingers of the hand or both hands. A person experiencing radicular syndrome on the neck, can feel the "goose bumps" on the skin, tingling. Decreased elasticity, elasticity of the skin, there is pallor and a small puffiness.

1. Irritative-reflex syndromes. In this case, the patient experiences discomfort during movements after a static state. The nature of the pains is boring, burning. In parallel, there are seals, muscular neck tension, muscle atrophy, general weakness may occur.
2. Syndrome of the vertebral artery. In this department of the spine there are two channels, where the arteries are located, through which the blood circulation of the brain is carried out. Their functions are violated for two reasons - with spasm or mechanical compression.

The second occurs when bone tissue starts to build up, narrowing the arterial canal. There is a pain that spreads from the nape to the forehead - it can have permanent manifestations or come in seizures. The symptom increases after a long static position in an uncomfortable position.

1. Cardiac syndrome. The danger of this type of ailment is that its symptoms are almost identical to the symptomatology of angina pectoris. This leads to the fact that the treatment can be carried out from a second disease, which not only does not help cure the present, but will also harm the body. When the nerve fibers leading to the pericardium become irritated, the patient can feel tachycardia, severe paroxysmal pain symptoms behind the sternum, lasting for several hours.

If you have several of these symptoms, go to a doctor for a diagnosis. Completely cure osteochondrosis of the spine, its departments can only be at first.

The primary diagnosis is made based on the patient's complaints, followed by a more detailed clinical examination of the departments, which allows to identify the degree of changes and the type of disease that has occurred. Only when all these stages are completed, individual complex treatment of osteochondrosis is prescribed.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine consists of many activities.

Conservative medicine offers several effective treatments that are aimed at getting rid of the concomitant disease of pain, cessation of pathological changes in the cervical region and return of the functionality of spinal roots.

Types of conservative non-pharmacological therapy:

• Physiotherapy. This set of therapeutic methods helps the patient to get rid of the pain symptoms of the manifestation of the disease, reduces the inflammation of the cervical spine, promotes rapid recovery.

Thanks to these methods, the number of medications taken is decreasing with simultaneous increase in their effectiveness. In physiotherapy, laser or ultrasound effects, magnetic fields and low-frequency currents (electrostimulation) are used. Methods do not cause adverse side effects.

• Massage. During the session, an experienced specialist influences the patient's body with pressure, friction, vibration. Massage procedures help to restore muscle tone, strengthen them, increase overall immunity, improve blood circulation, relieve tension and blocks in the muscles.

• Manual therapy. This is a complex of manual impact on human bones, muscles, which will help the patient to improve and correct posture, relieve the acuteness of unpleasant sensations. Visceral manual therapy has a restoring effect on immunity, promotes the normalization of metabolism, improves the mobility of joints.

During the treatment of chondrosis prescribe gentle manual therapy. Osteopathy, as its variety, will also help to get rid of problems.

• Reflexology. This is a set of techniques, when using which affects the acupuncture points of the neck. Reflexotherapy includes acupuncture (acupuncture), vacuum procedures, thermopuncture and other types and techniques.

In complex treatment, these procedures help to improve the general condition of the patient, help get rid of the accompanying psychological diseases - sleep disorders and imbalances, reduce weight.

• Extension of the spine. This procedure will help to increase the distance between the vertebral discs, but in some cases, dry stretching can lead to the formation of intervertebral hernias. When treating the final stage of osteochondrosis leading to these formations, it is better to use the method of aqueous drawing (less traumatic for the body).

Organize the correct treatment of osteochondrosis will help you doctor vertebrologist.

In case of serious complications, surgical intervention may be prescribed: this usually occurs, When the patient has a hernia, and the operation itself involves removing the disc from the neoplasm.

The recovery period after the operation lasts about a year, this method of treatment is used only in cases when others do not help.

During the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis methods of alternative medicine can be used - hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches), acupressure (mechanical effect on acupuncture points) and others, but the efficacy and safety of these methods to the end of the scientific confirmed.

Traditional medicine gathered the experience of generations that were treated without modern medicines.

The main methods of auxiliary folk therapy are effective in all types of osteochondrosis of the spine - cervical, lumbar, thoracic.

• Compresses. Used during acute periods of chronic pathology. Here is the prescription for an anesthetic effective compress from older people: mix three hundred milliliters of alcohol bought in pharmacy, ten ml of camphor alcohol and iodine, dissolve in the resulting mixture of ten tablets of analgin and rub the painful zone. The product is contraindicated in case of external skin damage.
• Essential oils. Their rubbing will help relieve the pain syndrome. Suitable menthol or fir oil.
• Herbal decoctions. There are many combinations of herbs that will help cope with all sorts of symptoms of osteochondrosis of the spine. From plants make tinctures and broths. Effective options:

1) mint + licorice root + calendula + yarrow;

2) St. John's wort + strawberry leaves + birch leaves + chamomile + marigold. Use funds in equal quantities.

• Healing baths. This method of getting rid of pain with cervical osteochondrosis of the spine has a beneficial effect on the entire body. Recipes healing bath:

1) a quarter of an hour to boil the previously crushed horse chestnut, pour the broth into a pleasantly hot bath, take about twenty minutes;

2) chamomile flowers pour boiling water, insist for half an hour, strain and the resulting broth add to the bathroom.

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The course of strengthening baths lasts a week. It should be combined with massage, self-massage, compresses, and rubbers.

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Before the beginning of treatment of osteochondrosis by national methods it is necessary to receive medical consultation.

Medicines (tablets)

Drug therapy is an obligatory part of complex treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Tablets, which are used in the fight against this disease, have several directions of influence (for a description of the drugs and their photos, see below):

• Management of pain symptoms. To do this, patients are prescribed various analgesics, which relieve pain in the muscles, reduce nervous tension. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) - Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Celecoxib - relieve swelling and inflammation, which are the main cause of pain.

• Muscle relaxants. These drugs have an antispasmodic, relaxing effect. For example, Midokalm, Baclofen.

• Anticonvulsant drug Carbamazepine helps with the presence of compressive processes on the nerve endings.

• Novokainovaya anesthetic blockade has an instant action and removes the pain syndrome in osteochondrosis. First, it is used in the form of injections that are injected directly into the affected area, but when the condition improves, a gradual transition to the tablets is carried out.

• Antidepressants (sertraline, dulochestine). During osteochondrosis, psychological disorders, severe nervous states, often occur. Antidepressants help the patient cope with stress, easier to survive an unpleasant course of treatment.

• With severe headaches (characteristic of the course of cervical stoichondrosis of the spine), drugs are prescribed, which expand the vessels (Cavinton), and drugs that improve blood circulation, helping to cope with dizziness (Betaserc).

• Vitamin B. This is an important supplement that helps to improve the sensitivity of tissues damaged as a result of osteochondrosis of the spine, helping to get rid of neurological disorders.

In addition to tableted medicines, during the remission of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, ointments of different effects are prescribed. Anti-inflammatory (Naise Ibuprofen), warming (Finalgon), regenerating tissues (Chondroxide), regenerating (Badyaga forte).

Exercises (video)

Therapeutic exercises are an important component of therapy against osteochondrosis. below will help you to fight this disease correctly:

In addition to the methods of conservative medicine, medications and exercises, it is important to follow a diet that will ensure the body receives all the necessary vitamins. You need to drink more water, avoid salty foods (salt deposits affect the development and course of the disease).

Stages and degrees

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, before going into a severe form requiring surgical intervention, goes through three stages:

1. The structure of the pulpous core of the disk is broken. This occurs during its dehydration, drying, decreasing. When the disc becomes thinner, it is no longer able to cope with the loads. The first stage of the disease does not cause severe pain, because of which few people turn to the doctor on time.
2. The fibrous ring of the disc becomes thinner, the disc itself expands, protrudes beyond the vertebrae, after which a severe pain syndrome occurs.
3. Due to the deformation of the fibrous ring, the nucleus follows, forming a hernia, which affects the muscles, arteries, changes the structure of the vertebrae, and reduces the blood circulation of the cerebellum.

According to the symptomatology, osteochondrosis is classified according to three degrees:

• 1st degree: At the first degree, painful sensations appear in the neck area, muscles become strained. Turns of the head are complicated, there are dizziness. The first degree of osteochondrosis is revealed by means of tomography or X-ray.

• 2 degree Symptoms - prolonged headaches, lumbar discomfort, crunch during a turn head, shooting pains under the shoulder blades, deformation of the shoulder girdle, painful sensations in the neck with movement.

• 3 degrees. The third degree of osteochondrosis is the most painful, it is characterized by a constant aching and cutting pain syndrome, circulatory disorders, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.

Attack of osteochondrosis

The attack of this ailment is characterized by a sharp sharp pain, even an ache.

During it, lie on the bed with a hard mattress and relax - this will relieve the load on the muscles and vertebrae.

To strengthen the muscle corset, ease the symptoms and make the attacks less painful, use the video with a set of exercises:

To avoid the appearance of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, observe preventive measures:

• strengthen posture;
• follow the course of diseases such as flat feet;
• adhere to a balanced diet;
• consume plenty of water;
• exercise moderately;
• avoid alcohol intoxication;
• do not consume nicotine;
• women are not allowed to wear high heels, which violate the correct position of the spine.

A source: http://sovets.net/2401-osteokhondroz-pozvonochnika-sheinogo-otdela.html

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. TOP 13 causes, symptoms and treatment

Hello, dear readers. Under osteochondrosis is understood as a disease of the degenerative nature of intervertebral cartilage interlayers. This problem has now taken on a global scale.

Only in Europe about cervical osteochondrosis affects about 60% of adults. Physicians associate this fact with the static nature of people, their low mobility and sedentary type of work.

But more and more often, 18-year-old youth turn to hospitals with this problem. Speaking about cervical osteochondrosis, symptoms and treatment can not be left without attention, because these questions are of interest to many.

How osteochondrosis of the cervical region develops - causes and early signs

Everyone knows that the vertebral column is formed by the bony vertebrae, between which are the cartilaginous "pillows" - the intervertebral discs.

Due to the violation of blood flow and poor-quality nutrition, cartilage tissue lacks a complex of nutrients.

This leads to a change in the structure of the cartilage, their deformation and shrinkage. They gradually lose their former elasticity, become less durable.

Since the cushioning intervertebral interlayers dry up, the vertebrae are piled on top of each other. As a result, nerve endings and blood lines are squashed, which causes pain and numbness in the muscles, migraines and a number of other symptoms.

Over time, the cartilaginous tissue collapses, turns into fibrous tissue. Gradually, in this pathological process, adjacent vessels, nerve fibers, and bone structures are involved.

The main factors of development of cervical osteochondrosis

The main reason for the development of osteochondritic pathologies is considered to be degenerative-dystrophic changes. There are a number of factors that contribute to this.

Let's consider the basic reasons of occurrence of an osteochondrosis of a cervical department of a backbone.

1. Congenital predisposition.

1. Failures in metabolic processes.

1. Errors in the diet - the lack of mineral compounds and a systematic shortage of fluid.

1. Traumatic injuries.

1. Weakened skeletal muscles, incorrect posture, flat feet.

1. Hypodinamy, sedentary work.

1. Physical overload, the specificity of the profession, when you have to work in an uncomfortable position, perform jerky muscle efforts, etc.

1. End of sports career and related termination / reduction of power loads.

1. Psycho-emotional overstrain.

1. The appearance of tumor structures.

It should be noted that the causes of pathological chondrotic changes in the cervical spine have not been sufficiently studied to date.

But it is reliably known that a prolonged stay in a standing or sitting position without much movement, an excessively soft bed, untrained muscles of the back and waist of the upper extremities, malnutrition create an ideal combination for the development of the cervical osteochondrosis.

Development of the disease

Osteochondrosis does not appear suddenly. It develops gradually over a fairly long time - from several years to decades.

The initial dystrophic changes in the vertebral interlayers do not betray themselves. They can only be detected by chance on an X-ray or during a CT scan.

At the next stage of the development of the disease, a decrease in the thickness of the cartilaginous layer is observed. Microscopic cracks appear on the intervertebral cartilages.

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There may be numbness in individual parts of the musculature. Over time, protrusion develops, hernias are possible. The patient is suffering from headaches and muscle pains.

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At the last stage of the disease progression, the bone tissue pathologically grows, nerve endings are damaged and chronic pain syndrome develops. As a result of cervical osteochondrosis, the upper part of the spine may be curved, radiculitis, stenosis (narrowing of the lumen of the spinal canal).

Osteochondrosis of the cervical region - symptoms and treatment

We examined the first signs of osteochondrosis, now let's talk directly about the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.

Symptomatology

For cervical osteochondrosis, the following symptoms are characteristic:

✔Numbness and spasm of the muscles of the neck, shoulders and upper back.

✔Drawing sensations, pain in the dorsal and cervical region.

✔Painful sensations can give in hands.

✔Headaches, especially in the occipital region, migraines.

✔Dizziness, tinnitus, visual anomalies (defocusing, the appearance of "flies" and colored spots).

✔Regular numbness of the upper limb fingers.

✔The stiffness of the head movements, the restriction of turning and tilt, all accompanied by pain and pulling sensations.

✔Tenderness during palpation of the vertebral zone.

✔Propensity to increase pressure.

Due to muscle weakness, there may be abnormalities in the coordination of movements. In the presence of cardiological problems, their aggravation is possible due to spasmodic vertebral artery. Pain can spread to the sternum and space.

As you can see, the symptoms are varied. This leads to the fact that people, identifying themselves in those or other deviations, seek help from the wrong person (cardiologist, orthopedist, traumatologist). This complicates the diagnosis and timely detection of cervical osteochondrosis.

Which doctor should be treated for osteochondrosis

When a complex of described symptoms of osteochondrosis should immediately seek medical help.

You need to get an appointment with a therapist or a neurologist. After the initial clarification of the clinical picture as a result of a survey, examination of the patient and palpation of the affected area, the doctor will give a referral to the tests and will prescribe an additional examination.

You may need to pass:

✔X-ray.

✔Computer tomography.

✔MRI.

✔Electromyography.

Radiography will determine the location of lesions and the degree of neglect of the disease. Tomographic examination will help to assess the condition of adjacent tissues, and myography - the conductance of muscle fibers and their innervation.

All this will allow to correctly diagnose and outline an effective treatment regimen. The process will be lengthy, requiring patience and working on yourself.

Completely restore cartilaginous structures will not succeed, but significantly improve the quality of life and get rid of chronic pain - it is quite feasible task.

Therefore, even if the pain has receded, this is not a reason to refuse to conduct repeated diagnostic activities.

How to deal with osteochondrosis of the neck

In order for the disease to release, a whole range of different methods should be used.

Active treatment in most cases takes several months. But much depends on the enthusiasm, conscientiousness of the patient and his willpower.

In some cases, surgical intervention is required.

When starting treatment, it is necessary to adhere to the following principles.

1. Follow the medical recommendations unswervingly. All changes in the condition and adverse reactions should be reported to the treating physician.

1. It is necessary to learn to dose the load, to avoid excessive muscle activity and muscular overstrain of the cervical department.

1. It is necessary to abandon sports overloads and, if necessary, change jobs.

1. Medical and physical training is an indispensable condition. They should be done systematically, but better daily. Special gymnastics for the neck should be selected individually, taking into account the capabilities of the patient and the degree of neglect of the disease. The complex of exercises is carried out under the guidance of an instructor.

1. Use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs should be justified and strictly dosed. All medicines, especially hormones, are prescribed by a doctor.

1. It is important to maintain the anatomically correct position of the body. Even in a dream. Therefore, the mattress must have sufficient rigidity. With an orthopedic pillow are determined by direct selection.

1. If necessary, you should sit for a long time regularly, with an interval of a couple of hours, to conduct a short workout for the neck. It is advisable to get up at the same time, although sitting position is also acceptable.

Why do we need to warm up?

This simple method will:

- restore normal blood flow;

- stretch the swollen muscles;

- get rid of numbness, tingling, pulling sensations;

- remove muscular tension;

- prevent the spasms of muscles and their groups;

- avoid overloading the cervical department.

All exercises are as simple as possible. They are familiar to everyone from childhood and do not take a lot of time. A few minutes is enough. They can be performed at home or in the workplace.

Are you embarrassed by the views of tactless employees? Get out on the stairs or in the toilet cubicle. Perhaps you even manage to quietly do exercises in the transport, avoiding unnecessary attention.

All exercises should be performed with a straight back. Shoulders are recommended to deploy and slightly stick out the chest. Make maximum permissible head turns to the sides.

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Act neatly and without fanaticism, so as not to harm the weakened spine. After this, several times alternately lower your head to one, then to the other shoulder. Now you can perform several rotational movements - 10-15 per each side.

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Another good exercise. Maximally pull up the spine, as if you were suspended behind the crown. Now slowly tilt your head forward, trying to press the edge of your chin to your chest. Then you need to slowly and very carefully perform the reverse action.

The order of the exercises does not matter. The set of actions and the number of repetitions are selected individually. Razminaya neck, do not forget about the thoracic department. They are closely related.

To relieve tension in the trapezius muscle, you should maximally raise the shoulders, and then with an effort to lower them as low as possible. Actions are performed several times. After that, shrug your shoulders and shake your hands.

Medicines

With cervical osteochondrosis, several types of medications are used. These drugs are used during periods of exacerbation of the disease.

They are called upon to solve a number of problems:

- elimination of soreness;

- fight against inflammation;

- intensification of metabolic processes in affected tissues.

Also used drugs, including hormones and vitamins, which stimulate the restoration of cartilaginous tissue.

Other methods of fighting pain

In addition to exercise therapy and medications, the following methods of exposure are included in the complex of measures for getting rid of osteochondrosis manifestations of the cervical zone.

1. Increase of intervertebral spaces due to extension of the spinal column. For this purpose, the dosage load is applicable. The impact is carried out in different ways, including using special tables. This measure allows you to return the spine the same length, give it the right shape, release the strangulated nerves.

Some patients, desperate to find an effective way to get rid of chronic pain, turn to the bone caries. Here the spine is exposed to aggressive action. This method can help, provided that the act will be a professional with a medical background.

1. Massage also gives good results. This procedure helps to disperse blood, improve nutrition and gas exchange of cartilaginous tissue, relieve tension and muscle clamps, get rid of pain. If possible, you should resort to self-massage. But it is necessary to act competently, having passed the appropriate instruction. You can massage your neck, shoulders, scalp, hands, collar zone with your strength. Used rubbing, kneading, a little pressure.

Effective is a point massage, when the effect is made on the active points of the body. But here you need special knowledge and considerable experience. Therefore, you should only contact a professional manual therapist.

1. Physiotherapeutic impact implies the use of various means: magnetic field, laser, ultrasound, low-frequency current, etc. Often, drugs are involved. This method of their introduction has a local effect, enhances their effectiveness, avoids a number of side effects. Fizprotsedury help to combat pain, inflammation, accelerate post-traumatic and post-operative rehabilitation.

1. Acupuncture, like manual therapy, strengthens or inhibits various processes in the body due to the effect on the so-called biologically active points on the body. Reflexotherapy allows you to correct the metabolism, increase blood flow, ease pain. But despite its effectiveness, this method is not suitable for everyone, because it implies the use of needles, which some patients categorically do not accept.

The greatest effectiveness of these measures is achieved when using them in a single complex under medical supervision. To a large extent, the success of therapy depends on the patient's commitment and desire to cope with osteochondrosis.

Author of the article Boris Ilyinsky,

therapist.

A source: http://narodnayamedicina.com/kak-razvivaetsya-osteokhondroz-shejjnogo-otdela-prichiny-i-pervye-priznaki/

Cervical osteochondrosis: symptoms and treatment

Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease that affects intervertebral discs in the cervical spine.

Degenerative changes usually develop in the most mobile parts of the spine, so in cervical department because of disorders in the structure of the vertebrae most often suffer nerve roots at the level of C5, C6 and C7.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

One of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis is a headache of compressive, pressing character, often radiating into whiskey.

Clinical manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis are subdivided into reflex and radicular.

Reflex symptoms

Patients are concerned about the so-called lumbago - acute sharp pain that occurs in the cervical spine, increasing with movement. Perhaps the appearance of a crunch when turning the head, sometimes patients take the forced position of the head due to severe pain.

People suffering from cervical osteochondrosis often complain of headaches of a pressing or compressive nature that can irradiate into whiskey and eyeballs. Sometimes the visual acuity can decrease, the patients say that everything floats before our eyes.

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When irritating the plexus of the vertebral artery, vertebral artery syndrome can occur, often erroneously diagnosed as a disorder of cerebral circulation, in which the patient appears dizziness. They can occur with a sharp head movement, accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

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One of the reflex syndromes in the clinic of cervical osteochondrosis is cardialgia, in which the patient has sensations resembling an attack of angina pectoris. Usually, this phenomenon is combined with other signs of the disease, so it rarely causes difficulties in differential diagnosis with heart disease.

Radicular syndromes

Radicular syndromes arise as a result of compression of the spinal root. The motor and sensory disorders that appear in this case depend on which nervous nerve has suffered:

• C1 - impaired sensitivity in the occipital region;
• C2 - pain in the occipital and parietal regions;
• C3 - decreased sensitivity and pain in the half of the neck where the spinal nerve was infringed, there may be a violation of the sensitivity of the tongue, a speech disorder due to loss of control over the tongue;
• C4 - a violation of sensitivity and pain in the humeroscapular area, a decrease in the tone of the muscles of the head and neck, possible respiratory disorders, pain in the liver and heart;
• C5 - pain and sensitivity disorder in the outer surface of the shoulder;
• C6 - pain extending from the neck to the scapula, forearm, the outer surface of the shoulder, the radial surface of the forearm to the thumb of the hand;
• C7 - pain extending from the neck to the scapula, the posterior surface of the shoulder, the forearm to the II-IV fingers of the wrist, a violation of sensitivity in this area.
• C8 - pain and sensitivity disorders spread from the neck to the shoulder, the forearm to the little finger.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis is a complex disease requiring long, systematic and gradual treatment. Therapy is aimed at eliminating the pain syndrome and fighting the inflammatory process in the affected area.

Patients are prescribed analgesics (Ketorol, Baralgin, analgin). Recently, the drug Movalis has become increasingly popular in the treatment of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine.

This is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that effectively removes pain syndrome and helps to reduce the activity of the inflammatory process.

Another advantage of the drug Mawalis is that, unlike other medications This group can be taken for a sufficiently long time without fear of effects.

The use of external ointments and gels containing irritants (Finalgon, Apizarthron) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ketonal, Fastum gel), is ineffective.

The medicinal substance, which is part of their composition, is unlikely to reach the affected area due to a barrier from the skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscles.

Nevertheless, there is a sense in the application of these external means, since when they are rubbed into the skin, a neck massage is performed.

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To improve the regenerative and metabolic processes in the affected nerve root patients are assigned vitamins of group B. Very often doctors recommend patients a combined vitamin preparation Milgamma, which is administered intramuscularly.

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Non-drug treatment methods for cervical osteochondrosis include acupuncture, hirudotherapy, physiotherapy, physiotherapy, massage, manual therapy.

In severe cases, surgical treatment may be necessary.

Prevention

Daily gymnastics for the cervical spine - a good prevention of osteochondrosis.

Prevention of the development of cervical osteochondrosis is not difficult. It is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, exercise, or at least perform morning exercises.

The important role in the prevention of the disease is the correct organization of the workplace and the mode of work and rest. People with sedentary work need several times during the working day to perform a small workout, and during work to monitor the posture and position of the head.

It is also important to choose a good comfortable mattress and a pillow for sleeping. People suffering from diseases of the spine are advised to use special orthopedic products.

To which doctor to apply

Observation of patients with osteochondrosis is performed by a neurologist.

There is a large number of doctors of other specialties helping patients with this disease: specialists in physiotherapy and massage, osteopaths, manual and reflexotherapists, physiotherapists and others.

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A source: https://myfamilydoctor.ru/shejnyj-osteoxondroz-simptomy-i-lechenie/

Cervical osteochondrosis - symptoms, treatment, exercises

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine often occurs when a person spends most of his life sitting, holding a tightly strained neck posture.

You noticed probably that if you read or write for a long time, in one position, the neck "dries" - there is a very uncomfortable, uncomfortable feeling in it.

Why is this happening?

The backbone of our neck consists of seven vertebrae and is held directly by the muscular system, which is weakly developed in this place.

Such difficulties inevitably affect the condition of the spinal discs, and this leads to their initial deformities and the first stage of osteochondrosis.

The disease on this usually does not stop and progresses further, moving further and further to deeper changes. How to prevent this, and what treatment osteochondrosis of the cervical department should be done - this is the task of this article.

Symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Let's remember the background. In a general article on osteochondrosis, we described all four stages of osteochondrosis, all this also applies to cervical osteochondrosis.

As a result of the progression of the disease, the intervertebral openings narrow so much that the nerve roots pass through them - they become inflamed and pain appears.

The cervical intervertebral space itself is narrower than in other parts of the spine, so the neck is the most vulnerable, in terms of the danger of osteochondrosis the place.

Cervical osteochondrosis - one of the most common and having a wide range of causes, symptoms and complications of disease. In addition, there are absolutely no age restrictions for him: you can get sick of both the baby and the deaf old man.

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The variety and unpredictability of symptoms are associated with the proximity of the cervical spine to the brain.

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The nature of the symptoms is strictly related to the vertebra in which there is deformation, and hence the compression of the nerve. More often such changes occur in 5, 6 and 7 vertebrae.

Having diagnosed where the cervical osteochondrosis is localized, you can accurately determine what symptoms it will cause.

Because of the direct connection with the nervous, muscular and circulatory system, these symptoms are called syndromes. Let's consider the main ones.

Radicular nervous syndromes- when the radicular nerves are jammed, painful phenomena of the most diverse localization appear:

• pain in the head and occiput
• pains in the neck, giving to the shoulder, under the shoulder blade
• numbness of shoulder outer surface
• impaired mobility of the tongue
• loss of sensitivity of fingers, etc.

Syndrome of the vertebral artery- in the area of ​​deformations of vertebral discs, there may be a narrowing of the blood vessels that occur through the cervical spine.

Especially dangerous are the compression of the vertebral artery.

As a result, the blood supply is disturbed and the following symptoms occur, which can be mistaken for manifestations of other completely diseases.

• headache severe, throbbing, in the form of lumbago, aching, sometimes accompanied by nausea
• sensation that the scalp hurts
• sudden dizziness (vertigo), leading to even a loss of consciousness
• gait with impaired coordination of movements
• deterioration of vision and hearing:
• darkening in the eyes, vision of sparks, ringing or tinnitus

Serious damage to the artery can lead to brain ischemia, which manifests itself in a sudden fall with a saved consciousness.

Irrigation-reflex syndrome- manifests itself in the form

• sharp, shooting pains in the neck, intensifying when turning and tilting, coughing, laughing
• pain, tension and swelling in the muscles in the region of the occipital part, neck, shoulder, shoulder blade
• shoulder epicondylitis -dysfunction of the epicondyle (place of attachment of the shoulder muscles)

Compression Myelopathy- this syndrome occurs with pressure on the spinal cord from the side of protrusion, intervertebral hernia or osteophytes. In this case, the following can be observed

• feeling of weakness and numbness in the limbs
• motor disorders
• sensation of the passage of an electric current in the hands and feet with the movements of the head and other unpleasant phenomena

Craniovertebral syndrome -is associated with neurological severe complications, which are manifested by such phenomena:

• cerebral arachnoiditis
• hydrocephalus
• dizziness with head movements
• attacks of severe headache with nausea and vomiting, etc.

Consequences of cervical osteochondrosis

In addition, the osteochondrosis of the cervical region can cause a phenomenon very similar to cardiac diseases such asangina pectorisortachycardia, while the examination and the electrocardiogram does not detect them.

High blood pressure- an almost inevitable companion of cervical osteochondrosis, with hypertension starting from the first degree (140 - 150 mm), gradually increases to the second (over 160 mm), and then to the third degree (over 180 mm).

Taking medications that reduce blood pressure and diuretics normalizes the pressure only for a while. But if you do not treat the very cause - osteochondrosis, then the hypertensive crisis returns again.

And only the elimination of the main problem, namely the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis slowly but steadily lowers blood pressure.

Another complication of cervical osteochondrosis -cervico-brachial syndrome, expressed in pinching the nerves that connect the joint of the shoulder with the arm.

At the same time, periarteritis develops, leading to severe pain in the shoulder, which gives into the arm and neck.

The shoulder joint can lose mobility and swell, and pain intensifies when trying to move your hand behind your back or to the side.

As you can see, the osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease with very far-reaching consequences, it must be taken seriously and treated with the very first minor manifestations. If we summarize briefly the above information, here is a brief list of those most serious complications and accompanying diseases with it:

• disk protrusion
• intervertebral hernia
• cerebral ischemia
• atherosclerosis
• hypertension
• periatrites
• Diseases of the central nervous system

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

To treat such a disease, judging by the complexity of its symptoms, it is not easy: such treatment should be carried out in a single complex and undergo several periods:

I. Period of exacerbation

The scheme of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis during the exacerbation is standard and includes the consistent application of the following means:

Preparations for pain relief:

• Analgesics - baralgin, tramadol, analgin, ketanov
• In the case of unbearable severe pain, novocaine paravertebral blockades

Preparations for the removal of the inflammatory process:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):

• Diclofenac, ibuprofen, nimesil, movalis
  Movalis has recently been increasingly used to treat pain during exacerbation osteochondrosis, since it does not cause habituation with long-term use and has no pronounced side effects.
  The NSAID works in a complex and simultaneously relieves pain, therefore analgesics for anesthesia are used less and less

However, NSAIDs are not always helpful, and if the treatment is ineffective, then resort to the following type of drug therapy:

SPVS- Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:

• Corticosol, prednisolone, hydrocortisone

All medicines can be applied loosely in the form of tablets, injections, patches and ointments

Sedatives and antidepressants

• Sedative - tincture of valerian, motherwort, Novopassit
• Antidepressants - amitriptyline, venlafaxine

To treat depression is extremely important during the period of exacerbation, because pain, restless neither day nor night, is able to destroy even the most resistant psyche. But such a tool is prescribed only by a neurologist and extremely cautiously, as they are addictive and have many side effects

Muscle relaxants

The pain will never pass until it "releases" the mice that are in captivity of the spinal cord reflexes sending its alarming signals to the receptors of the neural muscle endings. To suppress this reflex activity, special muscular muscle relaxants are used: midocalam, baclofen, sirdalud

And now the pain has passed, but it's too early to say that we have recovered. So far, only the symptomatology has been eliminated, which is very disturbing, causing suffering and not letting live.

.

Unfortunately, many after this acute period immediately forget everything and return to the system, considering themselves fully recovered, although the treatment of the disease itself has not yet begun.

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II. Period of recovery

Here we must "kill several birds with one stone because we still feel extremely bad: it will spin in our head when we try turn over on the other side, a feeling of suffocation, pressure jumps; with memory something, at night - insomnia, in the head - alone fears;

weakness is terrible and apathy to everything.

A source: https://ZaSpiny.ru/osteoxondroz/sheyniy-osteohondroz-html.html