In the human neck there are a large number of bundles of nerves and blood vessels that ensure the normal functioning of the brain and sensory organs.The most common cause of compression is cervical spondylosis - a dangerous degenerative disease of cartilage and bone tissue, accompanied by severe pain, impaired hearing, vision and cognitive function, numbness in the face and gradual loss of ability to work.
If you feel pain and stiffness when turning your head, have frequent dizziness or weakness in your arms, it's time to think about cervical spondylosis treatment.
Causes of cervical spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis has its own characteristics due to its anatomical structure.Cervical vertebrae are smaller than lumbar and even thoracic vertebrae, and are subject to constant static load (weight of the head).During the day, the load can be expressed by maintaining the same posture - for example, when reading documents, working in front of the computer.At night, the neck also often does not get rest due to physiological sleeping positions and uncomfortable pillows (the head is either "hanging" on the pillow, or it is a fulcrum and subject to pressure).The result of this pre-pathological condition is called muscle overtraining.Certain muscle groups experience excessive stress and therefore need longer periods of rest and recovery, but don't get them - after all, no one cancels their schedule.
All this causes constant tension in some muscle groups and dystrophic changes in others, and often leads to the appearance of a "turtle neck" (a person bends down, while the head protrudes forward and the neck forms a characteristic deviation).In such a situation, the weight of the head falls on the first cervical vertebra.He is forced to take on the load that the neck muscles must handle during normal physical development.But the fact is that it is completely unsuitable for such a task!
Additional factors that can accelerate intervertebral cartilage wear in the cervical spine often include:
- Hormonal and age-related changes - most often after 45 years of age (inorganic substances prevail over organic substances, reducing the flexibility of bones and causing 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 defects of the musculoskeletal system and acquired postural disorders;
- physical inactivity (after all, the vertebral joints in the neck are the most flexible muscles, and various types of loads are necessary for their health);
- smoking and other bad habits.
Stages of cervical spondylosis
The stage of cervical spondylosis is determined based on diagnostic criteria.These include the patient's own sensations, palpation, assessment of neck mobility, as well as the clearance of the joint space between the vertebrae and other indicators on X-ray.Depending on the stage of the disease, the orthopedic doctor will choose treatment methods for cervical osteoarthritis, preventive measures and orthopedic support if necessary.
Grade 1 cervical cartilage degeneration
Grade 1 cervical cartilage degeneration is also known as the preclinical stage.As a rule, patients ignore the first symptoms of cervical spondylosis and treatment is not carried out due to their mild severity.They are attributed to fatigue after a day of work, uncomfortable sleeping positions, stress, migraines, and various diseases.Patient feels:
- stiff neck, especially in the morning or after a long time in the same position;
- pain when turning the head sharply;
- Frequent headaches (even when the weather changes).
At this stage of the disease, the treatment of cervical spondylosis in women is most likely - 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 doing children's homework in the evening), as well as hormonal and anatomical characteristics (lower muscle mass and bone mineral density).In the preclinical stage, women are characterized by increased pressure, numbness and pallor of the skin (especially in the face), a tendency to fainting and dizziness, nausea and some other symptoms of cerebral hypoxia.
Typically, symptoms and treatment of cervical spondylosis occur in patients between 45 and 65 years old, but with chronic fatigue, excessive physical activity and other risk factors, they can appear quite early - starting from age 25.
At this stage, the disease can be completely defeated with the help of therapeutic exercises, ointments for the treatment of cervical spondylosis, training according to an orthopedic regimen and normalization of nutrition.
Grade 2 cervical cartilage degeneration
In stage 2 of the disease, the height of the intervertebral cartilage, which serves as a shock-absorbing lining between the vertebrae, begins to decrease.Therefore, microtrauma in the neck often occurs when making sharp turns, jumping or excessive loads.Protrusion (bulging) of the intervertebral disc and nerve root syndrome (compression of nerve endings) also appear.
These changes cause severe pain - both in the head and neck.The ability to concentrate, speed of thinking, and sensitivity of the face and hands all decrease.Patients complain of increased fatigue and discomfort.At this stage, effective drug treatment for cervical spondylosis is required.
Grade 3 cervical cartilage degeneration
Severe, acute pain that occurs continuously and may radiate to the arms, upper back, or back of the head.One or both of the patient's arms quickly tire.The process begins to spread to neighboring joints because the natural compensatory function of the spine is disrupted.Patients have difficulty or are completely unable to turn their head due to the formation of bone tumors - osteoporosis, as well as the replacement of cartilage by connective tissue.Every movement, if possible, would be accompanied by a rough crunching sound.The neck loses mobility and muscles atrophy.Hernias often form and cracks appear on the vertebrae.There is noise in the ears.
Treatment of cervical spondylosis
Treatment of cervical spondylosis is carried out comprehensively, taking into account the patient's age, physique, occupation, fitness level, lifestyle and the presence of comorbidities.Therefore, the appropriateness of specific therapeutic measures in the treatment of cervical spondylosis in women and men must be determined by the attending physician.
Physical therapy for cervical spondylosis
To relieve pain, reduce inflammation, improve nerve conduction and nourish the brain, the following physiotherapy methods for the treatment of cervical spondylosis are used:
- ultrasound and phonotherapy - has a warming effect, improves the effect of topical medications;
- electrophoresis – enhances the effect of drugs used, has a stimulating and warming effect;
- shock wave therapy (SWT) – activates blood supply, reduces inflammation and improves bone and cartilage tissue regeneration;
- electromyography – improves mobility and strength of the neck and arms, reduces pain;
- cold and ozone therapy - reduces pain and inflammation, helps reduce the dose of corticosteroid drugs;
- physiotherapy and occupational therapy – strengthens neck muscles, improves blood circulation and metabolism, maintains neck mobility;
- manual therapy and mechanical traction (traction) – helps eliminate tension and pain;
- acupuncture – helps maintain mobility and nerve sensitivity;
- Paraffin application - stimulates metabolism, relieves pain.
Nursing methods for treating cervical spondylosis are very effective and convenient - for example, immersion therapy (hydrogen sulfide, radon and turpentine baths), hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches).
Massage in the treatment of cervical osteoarthritis
Massage therapy, lymphatic drainage and physical therapy have a positive effect on the intervertebral discs, bone tissue, muscles and ligaments of the cervical spine.Some movements can be performed independently - for example, massaging the neck, parotid area and shoulders, kneading the neck with the fingers and edge of the palm, tapping, stroking and upward movements along the nape.In the treatment of cervical spondylosis, it will be useful to perform circular massage on the back of the head, as well as apply heat to the clavicle, shoulders and upper back.Massage before exercise therapy is especially effective.You can combine it with applying ointment to treat cervical spondylosis.
For osteochondrosis of the neck, hydromassage is also recommended - a physiotherapy technique that improves metabolism, inhibits fiber growth, helps eliminate headaches and improves nerve conduction.
Exercise therapy for cervical spondylosis
Lack of adequate physical activity on the muscles of the neck and back is the main cause of the development and further progression of cervical spondylosis.Therefore, daily exercises are used both for the prevention and treatment of this disease (but not for the treatment of exacerbations of cervical spondylosis!).Remember that exercises must be performed at least 3-5 times a day (1 time in the morning, after waking up).All movements must be smooth, without jerking.If you feel pain while performing the exercise, stop, and if performing the entire complex causes you pain, contact an orthopedist for treatment with drugs for cervical spondylosis, and also visit a physiotherapy instructor.
You can do the following exercises daily (5-7 repetitions):
- Press your palm to your forehead and stretch your neck, trying to move your palm with your forehead.Repeat this exercise for the back of your head, then for the right and left temples.
- Tilt your head back and then slowly lower it, pressing your chin to your chest.
- Stand straight and turn your head to the left as far as possible.Repeat the exercise on the right side.
- Tilt your head back and try to touch your ear to your shoulder.Repeat on both sides.
- Lower your chin to the base of your neck and turn your head in one direction (5 times or more), then, similarly, in the opposite direction.
Shoulder warm-ups, such as "mills," will also help.Daily exercises in the early stages of the disease help to treat cervical spondylosis without medication.
Please note: if you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, you should not describe your head fully as it can cause injury.
Medicines and preparations to treat cervical spondylosis
Starting from stage 2 of the disease, drugs are used to treat exacerbations of cervical spondylosis.But it will not be possible to control the disease only with the help of pharmacotherapy - therefore, it is important to combine the drugs and medications listed below for the treatment of cervical spondylosis with therapeutic exercises, physiotherapy and wearing orthotics (for example, Shants collar).
Chondroprotectors treat cervical spondylosis
Chondroprotectors activate the processes of regeneration of cartilage and bone tissue, therefore are excellent as a supportive treatment for osteoarthritis of the neck.They are performed over 3 to 6 months.They are produced both in the form of tablets for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the cervical spine, and in the form of sachets, injections and capsules.
To consolidate remission and treat cervical spondylosis, doctors recommend using chondroprotective drugs.
Anti-inflammatory drugs for cervical spondylosis
Anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of cervical spondylosis are divided into nonsteroidal drugs (NSAIDs) and steroid drugs (hormones).Both groups were given short courses prescribed by doctors - in the form of tablets for the treatment of cervical spondylosis or intramuscular injections.Steroids are used in the later stages of the disease, when the pain cannot be overcome otherwise.
Antispasmodic and vasoprotective drugs
When treating cervical spondylosis, it is important to protect the central nervous system, which is at risk for this disease.Therefore, to effectively treat cervical spondylosis with medication, doctors recommend:
- Antispasmodic drugs.
- Drugs that protect blood vessels.
- Nootropics, amino acid and vitamin complexes for the brain.
External warmer
Warming gels, creams and ointments for the treatment of cervical spondylosis help improve blood flow, reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Diet in the treatment of cervical spondylosis
Osteonecrosis of the cervical spine can be classified as so-called.“systemic illness.”So, in the treatment of cervical spondylosis, the diet has two goals: saturating the body with nutrients and limiting substances that contribute to dehydration, mineralization of the joints and their destruction.
Therefore, when treating cervical spondylosis, it is necessary to reserve a special place in the diet for:
- Poultry, lean beef, game, liver and organs.
- 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, bell peppers, broccoli, lettuce and others.
- Fruits - apricots, bananas, citrus, plums, apples, avocados, peaches, pomegranates.
- Nuts.
- Any berries (fresh, dried, frozen) and dried fruit.
But it is better to completely exclude sauces, salty dishes, fast foods, semi-finished products and sausages.It is also important to reduce white bread, potatoes, sweets (except dark chocolate and dried fruits), carbonated drinks and coffee "from the bag" in the menu - this will reduce the need for drug treatment for cervical spondylosis.