There are a large number of nerve bundles and blood vessels in the human neck to ensure the normal operation of the brain and sensory organs.The most common cause of pinch injuries is cervical osteochondrosis, a dangerous degenerative disease of cartilage and bone tissue that is associated with severe pain, deterioration of hearing, vision, and cognitive function, facial numbness, and progressive loss of the ability to work.
If you experience pain and stiffness when turning your head, frequent dizziness, or arm weakness, it's time to consider treatment for cervical osteochondrosis.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis has its own characteristics due to its anatomy.The vertebrae of the cervical spine are smaller than the lumbar or even thoracic spine and also bear a constant static load (the weight of the head).During the day, the load can be expressed by maintaining the same posture - for example, while reading documents, while working in front of the computer.The neck is also often deprived of rest at night due to unnatural sleeping positions and uncomfortable pillows (where the head either "hangs" on the pillow or is stressed as a support point).The result of this pre-pathological state is so-called muscle overtraining.Certain muscle groups were put under too much stress and therefore needed longer periods of rest and recovery, but they didn't accept it - after all, no one was canceling their schedule.
All of this leads to persistent tightness in some muscle groups and dystrophic changes in others, often leading to the appearance of a "turtle neck" (a person is hunched over with the head jutting forward, creating a characteristic deflection of the neck).In this case, the weight of the head falls on the atlas, the first cervical vertebra.During normal physical development, he is forced to bear part of the load borne by the neck muscles.But the fact is that it is simply not suitable for such a task!
Other factors that may accelerate the wear and tear of cervical intervertebral cartilage often include:
- Age-related hormonal changes - most commonly after the age of 45 (inorganic substances are dominant over organic substances, which reduces the flexibility of the bones and leads to their mineralization, and the destruction of bone tissue occurs faster than its growth);
- Injuries to the neck and other parts of the spine;
- cardiovascular disease;
- Congenital abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system and acquired postural disorders;
- Lack of physical activity (after all, the intervertebral joints in the neck have the greatest range of motion, and various loads are necessary for their health);
- Bad habits such as smoking.
Stages of cervical osteochondrosis
The staging of cervical osteochondrosis is determined based on diagnostic criteria.These include the patient's own sensation, palpation, assessment of neck mobility, as well as joint spaces between vertebrae and other indicators on X-rays.Depending on the stage of the disease, the orthopedic surgeon selects treatments for osteochondrosis of the neck, preventive measures and, if necessary, supportive orthotics.
1st degree cervical osteochondrosis
Grade 1 cervical osteochondrosis is also called the preclinical stage.Often, patients ignore the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and do not seek treatment because the symptoms are mild.They are caused by fatigue after a day at work, uncomfortable sleeping positions, stress, migraines and various illnesses.Patient feelings:
- Neck stiffness, especially in the morning or after staying in the same position for a long time;
- Pain when turning the head sharply;
- Frequent headaches (including when the weather changes).
At this stage of the disease, cervical osteochondrosis is most likely to be treated in women - because their symptoms are more pronounced.This is due to the specifics of work and physical activity (for example, working in an office during the day and bending over the sink or children's homework at night), as well as hormonal and anatomical characteristics (lower muscle mass and bone mineral density).In the preclinical stage, women in particular will experience symptoms of cerebral hypoxia such as increased pressure, numbness of the skin (especially the face), paleness, easy fainting, dizziness, and nausea.
Most commonly, symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis appear in patients between the ages of 45 and 65, but they can appear much earlier - starting at age 25 - due to chronic fatigue, excessive physical activity, and other risk factors.
At this stage, with the help of therapeutic exercises, ointments for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, training in orthopedic treatment protocols and normalization of nutrition, the disease can be completely defeated.
2nd degree cervical osteochondrosis
In the second stage of the disease, the intervertebral cartilage, which acts as a shock-absorbing pad between the vertebrae, begins to decrease in height.Therefore, microtrauma to the neck often occurs during sharp turns, jumps, or overloading.Herniated discs (bulging) and radicular syndrome (pressure of nerve endings) can also occur.
These changes can cause severe pain in the head and neck.Decreased ability to concentrate, speed of thought, and sensitivity of the face and hands.Patients complain of increased fatigue and irritability.At this stage, there is a need for effective drug treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
Cervical osteochondrosis grade 3
Severe, acute pain that persists and may radiate to the arms, upper back, or back of the head.One or both arms of the patient may quickly become fatigued.Due to the disruption of the spine's natural compensatory functions, the process begins to spread to adjacent joints.Due to the formation of bone growths (osteophytes) and the fact that cartilage is replaced by connective tissue, patients have difficulty or no ability to turn their head.If possible, accompany each movement with a heavy crunch.The neck loses mobility and the muscles atrophy.Hernias often form and cracks appear in the vertebrae.There is noise in my ears.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is based on a comprehensive consideration of the patient's age, body shape, occupation, physical fitness level, lifestyle, and the presence of concomitant diseases.Therefore, the appropriateness of specific treatments for cervical osteochondrosis in women and men should be determined by the attending physician.
Physical therapy for cervical osteochondrosis
To treat cervical osteochondrosis, with the purpose of relieving pain, reducing inflammation, improving nerve conduction, and nourishing the brain, the following physical therapy methods are used:
- Ultrasound therapy and sonotolucent therapy - have a warming effect and improve the effect of external drugs;
- Electrophoresis - enhances the effects of drugs, has stimulating and warming effects;
- Shock Wave Therapy (SWT) – Activates blood supply, relieves inflammation and improves the regeneration process of bone and cartilage tissue;
- Electrical muscle stimulation - improves neck and arm mobility and endurance, and relieves pain;
- Cold therapy and ozone therapy – reduce pain and inflammation and help reduce the need for corticosteroid medications;
- Physical therapy and exercise therapy - strengthen neck muscles, improve blood circulation and metabolism, and maintain neck mobility;
- Manual therapy and mechanical traction (traction) – helps get rid of tension and pain;
- Acupuncture – helps maintain mobility and nerve sensitivity;
- Paraffin application – stimulates metabolic processes and relieves pain.
Sanatorium treatments for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are effective and beneficial, such as balneotherapy (hydrogen sulfide, radon and turpentine baths), leech therapy (leech therapy).
Massage Treatment for Neck Osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy, lymphatic drainage massage and physiotherapy have a positive effect on the discs, bone tissue, muscles and ligaments of the cervical spine.Some actions can be performed independently, such as rubbing the neck collar, parotid gland area and shoulders, rubbing the neck with fingers and the edge of the palm, tapping, stroking and upward movements along the back of the neck.When treating cervical osteochondrosis, you can use circular massage on the back of the head and warm massage on the clavicle area, shoulders and upper back.Massage before exercise therapy exercises is especially effective.It can be used with topical ointments to treat cervical osteochondrosis.
For osteochondrosis of the neck, hydromassage is also recommended - a physical therapy technique that improves metabolism, inhibits fiber growth, helps eliminate headaches and improves nerve conduction.
Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis
Lack of adequate physical activity of the neck and back muscles is the main reason for the occurrence and further development of cervical osteochondrosis.Therefore, daily exercise can be used both to prevent and treat this disease (but not to treat the exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis!).Remember that the exercises must be performed at least 3-5 times a day (1 time after getting up in the morning).All movements should be smooth and without jerks.If you feel pain while performing the exercises, stop exercising. If performing the entire exercise is painful for you, contact an orthopedic surgeon for medical treatment of cervical osteochondrosis and visit a physical therapy trainer.
You can do the following exercises every day (repeat 5-7 times):
- Press your palms against your forehead, tense your neck, and try to move your palms together with your forehead.Repeat this exercise for the back of your head, then your left and right temples.
- Tilt your head back and then slowly lower it, pressing your chin toward your chest.
- Stand up straight and turn your head to the left as far as possible.Repeat exercise on the right side.
- Tilt your head back and try to touch your ears to your shoulders.Repeat on both sides.
- Lower your chin to the jugular notch and turn your head first in one direction (5 times or more) and then in a similar manner in the other direction.
Shoulder warm-ups, such as "mills," will also come in handy.Daily exercise in the early stages of the disease can help treat cervical osteochondrosis without medication.
Please note: If you have been diagnosed with osteochondrosis, you should not draw your head in a complete circle as this may cause trauma.
Drugs and preparations for treating cervical osteochondrosis
Starting from the second stage of the disease, medications are used to treat the progression of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.But it's impossible to control the disease with medication alone - so it's important to combine the following medications and medications for cervical osteochondrosis with therapeutic exercises, physical therapy and wearing orthotics, such as Shants collars.
Chondroprotective agents for cervical osteochondrosis
Chondroprotectants activate the regenerative process of cartilage and bone tissue and are therefore ideal for supportive treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck.The duration of administration is 3 to 6 months.They are produced in the form of tablets for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, as well as sachets, injections and capsules.
To consolidate relief and treat cervical osteochondrosis, doctors recommend chondroprotective medications.
Anti-inflammatory drugs for cervical osteochondrosis
Anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are divided into nonsteroidal (NSAIDs) and steroid (hormone) drugs.Both groups took a short course of treatment as prescribed by their doctors - in the form of tablets or intramuscular injections for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.Steroids are used in the later stages of the disease when the pain cannot be overcome by other means.
Antispasmodics and vasoprotectants
When treating cervical osteochondrosis, it is important to protect the central nervous system, which is at risk from this disease.Therefore, to effectively treat cervical osteochondrosis, doctors recommend taking:
- Antispasmodics.
- Vascular protectant.
- Nootropics, amino acid and vitamin complex for the brain.
external heating agent
Warming gels, creams and ointments used to treat cervical osteochondrosis can improve blood flow, relieve inflammation and distract patients from pain.
Dietary treatment for cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis can be classified as so-called."A disease of the whole body." Therefore, in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, diet has two goals: to flood the body with nutrients and to limit substances that lead to dehydration, mineralization of joints and their destruction.
Therefore, when treating cervical osteochondrosis, special attention should be paid to the following in the diet:
- Poultry, lean beef, game, liver and offal.
- Seafood – fish, shellfish, crustaceans, edible algae.
- Eggs and dairy products.
- Whole grains and legumes - oats, wheat (including sprouted wheat), brown rice, beans, peas.
- Vegetables - carrots, spinach, green peppers, broccoli, lettuce, etc.
- Fruits - apricots, bananas, citrus, plums, apples, avocados, peaches, pomegranates.
- nut.
- Any berries (fresh, dried, frozen) and dried fruits.
But it is better to completely exclude marinades, savory dishes, fast food, semi-finished products and sausages.It is also important to reduce white bread, potatoes, sweets (except dark chocolate and dried fruits), carbonated drinks and "bagged" coffee from the menu - this will reduce the need for medication for cervical osteochondrosis.