Medicines for cervical osteochondrosis prescribed by a doctor. Treatment of osteochondrosis with medicines. Shants neck collar

Osteochondrosis cervical spine - a condition that has many consequences, affects the work of the heart, internal organs, the health of the lower back and limbs. Degenerative changes affect cartilage, intervertebral discs and vertebral bodies, disrupting the biomechanics of movements. As a result, the mobility of the spine changes, the roots of the spinal nerves are compressed, hypotension and muscle spasms develop. The joints of the cervical spine cease to receive sufficient blood supply.

Drug treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is always in the first place, since it requires the removal of an acute condition: pain, inflammation.

The neurologist chooses how to treat osteochondrosis, focusing on the clinical picture and the results of examinations. The spasm of the anterior scalene muscle, characteristic of the disease, is associated with compression of the neurovascular bundle, pulling pains in the forearm and elbow. Shoulder-scapular periarthrosis and thoracic outlet syndrome are the results of neglected asymptomatic disorders in the cervical region.

Reading the reviews of other patients, it is difficult to choose which pills will help in a particular case. The disease has a wide range of symptoms that are not always associated with the neck. Patients turn to surgeons and neuropathologists with the following complaints:

pain in the neck and shoulders;
decreased mobility in the neck;
the appearance of a crunch;
headache;
hand numbness;
respiratory disorders;
vision problems.

Drugs for osteochondrosis of the cervical region will, first of all, fight the symptoms, and the most common of them is pain.

Acute pain syndrome and severe muscle spasm are the most common reasons for visiting a doctor. At an early stage of treatment, it is advisable to act on medications that will eliminate inflammation and spasm.

The prescribed drug will work for a certain period, then the recovery phase for the joints and muscles begins.

To reduce pain, various anti-inflammatory pills for cervical osteochondrosis are used:

If tablets with complicated cervical osteochondrosis are ineffective, paravertebral blockades with novocaine or a steroid mixture are performed.

Epidural steroid injections are indicated when lingering pain is caused by herniated discs and joint inflammation. Drugs for chronic cervical osteochondrosis are injected into the epidural space, which surrounds the membrane that covers the back of the brain and nerve roots. Nerves go through connective tissue, branch out to other parts of the body. Sometimes, when they are pinched, radiculopathy is observed, which can disrupt the work of the hands, provoke pain in the shoulder. After injection, steroid drugs relieve inflammation from the nerve root, restore its impulses.

Injections into the facet joints at the level of the neck are rarely required when their function is impaired due to spondylosis. It is the joints that are responsible for the mobility of the neck, ensure the stability of the vertebrae. Inflammation articular surface can cause pain when turning the head.

The attending physician prescribes a complex, phased treatment, consisting of a complex of drugs for internal and external action. The treatment regimen for osteochondrosis of the neck is always individual, has several stages.

Local funds

Ointments help relieve mild pain syndrome, among which there are three types depending on the active substances:

About what drugs to use in the acute and chronic phase of the disease, as well as in osteochondrosis, aggravated by whiplash or instability of the cervical region, it is better to ask a neurologist or surgeon.

Vitamin Support

Drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is supplemented with vitamin intake:

Most available funds from chronic cervical osteochondrosis - diets filled with vegetables and fruits.

Chondroprotectors

Diseases of the cervical spine are manifested by damage to the vertebral body and intervertebral disc. The activity of chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid in the restoration of the nucleus pulposus and cartilage has been confirmed by clinical experiments. Doctors prescribe chondroprotectors in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs, and independent experts compare their action with the placebo effect.

For the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of a pronounced degree, supportive drugs are useless, because:

chondroitin sulfate restores the mineralization of the joint fluid, but is not justified in the restoration of intervertebral discs, where it is absent;
glucosaminoglycans and chondroitin have a high molecular weight, do not penetrate into the joints in the form of ointments. In case of inflammation, their dosage should be ten times higher than the proposed one;
chondroprotector, taken for pain and limited mobility, does not bring relief.

It should be understood that it is impossible to treat osteochondrosis of the neck with cartilage-supporting drugs alone. It has been proven that there is no deficiency of chondroitin and glucosamine in the human body.

Substances can be administered simultaneously with anti-inflammatory therapy. On early stages degenerative changes in the vertebrae appear cracks and erosion. Over time, they lead to the formation of a hernia.

Chondroitin sulfate and
Glucosamine helps to stop early inflammation, prevent the development of the disease, but it must be taken for 3-6 months. After operations to remove intervertebral hernias, they must be drunk without fail to stimulate the restoration of cartilage tissue. The most popular drugs for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis from the group of chondroprotectors: dona, teraflex, structum.

Additional drugs

When choosing how to treat cervical osteochondrosis in a particular patient, an experienced doctor also looks at the constitution of the body, and asks about lifestyle, sleep quality, work features. Therefore, he will recommend the use of sedatives and antidepressants if he sees a tendency to hypochondria, a characteristic posture, or complaints of depression and chronic fatigue. Pain in the cervical region often depresses a person, which slows down the healing process, adding psychosomatic dysfunctions.

In case of disorders at the level of the brain, you will need to drink vasodilators that will relieve spasm of small muscles and improve blood flow in the vertebral arteries. Sometimes anticonvulsants are prescribed. Assumes complicated cervical osteochondrosis treatment of concomitant diseases associated with dizziness, hypertension, tachycardia, which is part of the complex of vegetative-vascular dystonia and is the result of compression of the nerve roots.

The action of drugs and muscle spasms

Any drug therapy does not cure cervical osteochondrosis, but only removes the complaints that the person himself comes with. The main emphasis is erroneously placed on getting rid of the pain that prevents the patient from living.

Pain medication for cervical osteochondrosis act temporarily, and the cause of the pathology does not go anywhere. There is a hypothesis of muscle spasms that provoke a violation of the position and function of the vertebrae. However, muscle relaxants used to relax muscles by increasing blood flow and stabilizing cell membranes still provide a temporary effect. It is believed that it is osteoarthritis that gives rise to a tendency to spasm, since the attachment of muscles to the vertebrae is disturbed. On the other hand, the biomechanics of the body changes if one of the muscles relaxes, while the other contracts in a compensatory manner. Because muscle relaxants and massages give a temporary effect. When a vertebra is well stabilized, it receives enough blood supply and is involved in movement.

The cause of muscle weakness can be prolonged static loads, poor posture and muscle imbalances, lack of vitamins and minerals. Neck problems are closely related to breathing, since many spasmodic muscles (scalenus, sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis minor) are auxiliary during inspiration. Rejecting the medicinal approach, many patients cope with the disease with the help of breathing practices and yoga.

Medicines for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are the first step to return the fullness of movement. To maintain the result, therapeutic massage, individual gymnastics are necessary.

Drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine involves the use of conservative methods in order to provide adequate pain relief, and the absence of a threat of significant disruption to the patient's daily activities.

Symptoms of the disease

Constant bending, lifting, twisting and twisting over the years of life, of course, adversely affects the health of the neck and the quality of its structural components. With all of this repetitive stress on the neck, it's no surprise that roughly two-thirds of people experience neck pain at some point in their lives. Pain can be alarming for a disease such as osteochondrosis.

Attention! Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is considered one of the most common pathologies. This disease most often affects people of working age, leading a sedentary lifestyle.

The disease is initially asymptomatic. However, in the case of symptoms such as persistent headaches, as well as pain in the region of the heart and under the scapula, this disease requires immediate and effective treatment.

Degenerative processes can lead to the following manifestations:

acute pain;
double vision;
dizziness;
numbness in the shoulder area;
weakness in the shoulders, arms.

This discomfort and loss of mobility can have a significant impact on career, family and quality of life.

The cervical spine is made up of seven bones called vertebrae, which are separated from each other by discs filled with a shock-absorbing jelly-like substance. This structure provides the ability to stabilize the neck, smoothly turn it from side to side, and tilt it back and forth.

Over time, these natural shock absorbers wear out and can begin to degrade. The space between the vertebrae narrows, and the nerve endings are pinched. This process is known as cervical osteochondrosis. Of particular note is that studies show that about 25% of asymptomatic people under the age of 40, and 60% of those over the age of 40, have some degree of osteochondrosis. As osteochondrosis progresses, the neck becomes less flexible, the feeling of pain in it increases, there is a feeling of stiffness, especially towards the end of the day. That is why osteochondrosis develops.

Attention! Its complications can threaten the life of the patient.

Diagnosis and features of treatment

Diagnosis of the disease includes such general manipulations:

initial inspection;
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging);
x-ray examination.

Drug therapy is the basis for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in combination, along with massage. Effective Ways treatments include the following:

reflexology;
electrical stimulation;
manual therapy.

Physical therapy also helps to reduce pain for a long period of time. Its most commonly used methods include:

electrophoresis;
microcurrent electrical stimulation;
laser therapy.

Usually the course given treatment cervical osteochondrosis takes about 14 days.

Simultaneously with the application of ice or heat, with the help of a special medicine, it will be possible to achieve pain relief, and control pain and inflammation. Additionally, exercises for the neck and shoulder girdle area, performed on their own, or with the help of a professional, will also help. Thanks to the exercises, it is possible to maintain flexibility. Physical exercises, in particular, aimed at stretching the neck as much as possible, are of great importance in maintaining flexibility in the neck. A specific set of exercises should be developed in individually doctor or physiotherapist.

Medications that may provide relief include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain medications. The first ones include:

Nurofen.
Ketorol.
Motrin.
Tylenol.
Alev.
Ibuprofen.

Attention! You should not use these drugs for more than seven days without consulting your doctor, because some of the unwanted serious side effects they can cause include kidney failure.

Medications containing steroids (eg, Ambene) and muscle relaxants may also be used.

Treatment during an exacerbation

In the acute phase of the disease, when excruciating pain dominates the clinical picture, the main goal of medical therapy is aimed at relieving pain. In such situations, for a limited period of time, very carefully and competently, and only under the supervision of a doctor, you can take (for example, tramadol, oxadol, ortofen), or more complex drugs (arcoxia). They can relieve muscle pain and tension.

Non-steroidal drugs (piroxicam, nimesulide, celecoxib), which are mostly taken as painkillers, can also eliminate the cause of pain - an inflammatory edema that compresses blood vessels and nerve endings.

The use of muscle relaxants (mydocalm, baclofen, tizanidine) allows you to relieve muscle spasm, normalizing the condition of the cervical vertebrae, nerve endings and blood vessels. Very important .

For severe compression of the nerve endings, doctors recommend anticonvulsant medications (carbamazepine). If the pain is not reduced by other means, then it is blocked with novocaine.

If osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is in an acute stage and is accompanied by severe pain, specialists also prescribe local administration of lidocaine, corticosteroids (cortisone, diprospan) in order to relieve muscle tension in the spinal motion segment and reduce pain.

In the treatment of acute pain, drugs are administered, then it will be possible to move on to treatment in the form of tablets, and further alleviate the state of health using ointments.

As an addition, in certain cases, antidepressants are prescribed. These drugs help to psychologically endure bouts of very severe pain and specific disorders associated with the cervical spine.

The period of treatment in the mild stages involves:

activation of blood circulation both in large vessels and on the periphery;
improved metabolism;
restoration and renewal of bone tissue and cartilage structures.

For this purpose, the most suitable:

anti-inflammatory gels and ointments containing steroids and analgesics (fastum gel, ketonal);
ointments, the action of which is aimed at point heating of the diseased area (finalgon, capsicam, nikoflex), which can increase blood flow to the diseased area, improve tissue nutrition.

Chondroprotectors (ointments and tablets chondroxide) help restore cartilaginous intervertebral discs. Their most popular tablet forms include dona, artra and structum, the composition of which is saturated with both glucosamine and chondroitin. Injections are most often done using milgamma, ketonal, noltrex and alflutop.

Massage creams and ointments with bee venom, plant extracts (cream sophia, badyaga forte) have a regenerating, anti-inflammatory, analgesic effect. A therapeutic massage that, if done properly, can be done at home to relieve discomfort. In order not to harm the body, you need to follow a few simple rules:

do not press too hard on the neck and back;
all movements must be carried out from top to bottom.

Topical anesthetic creams include capsaicin. Creams are also effective in treating pain associated with osteochondrosis. It is necessary to apply the cream on the area in which the sensation of pain is most present.

Attention! Be sure to wash your hands after rubbing in the cream, especially capsaicin, as the cream can cause irritation on the skin of the hands or other parts of the body that the hands will touch.

Such an unpleasant symptom as dizziness, with osteochondrosis, occurs due to vasospasm and inflammation of the nerve tissue. Vasodilators (cavinton) and means of improving blood circulation in the vestibular apparatus (betaserc, vestibo) help to cope with this.

Vitamin B is also included in the complex therapy of cervical osteochondrosis, since it has the following properties:

restores tissue sensitivity;
reduces neurological damage.

You need to be very careful about the fact that, although there is a very variable range of high-quality medicines that help with osteochondrosis, the intake of many of them is often accompanied by tangible side effects. It happens that the condition of the back improves, but there are difficulties in various organs. It follows from this that medicines are designed only to complement the complex of other methods of combating this disease.

Thanks to an integrated approach to treatment, it will be possible to achieve positive dynamics in the recovery process only if the entire range of therapeutic measures is carried out on a consistent, regular and systematic basis.

Often patients do not pay attention to pain in the neck area, which causes complications.

Treatment with surgery

If the pain does not stop after six months of proper medical treatment, and daily activities become increasingly difficult, doctors may recommend surgery. The operation will be aimed at stopping the movement of the affected cervical spine segment. It will entail the elimination of the disk, as well as the introduction metal device or a bone graft to help maintain or restore normal disc height and neck stability and alignment. Special plates can be used to achieve the desired fixation between the two vertebrae.

Attention! Patients should be aware that surgery resulting in severe pain in the neck is much less reliable than surgery aimed at relieving pain from osteochondrosis in another part of the body. Thus, if neck pain is the only or predominant symptom, surgery should only be recommended as a last resort, and after all other treatment options that have been tried have failed.

Prevention

Preventive methods for neutralizing relapses are formed by complexes of physiotherapy exercises and therapeutic massage. is an important step towards success.

It will also be very important to pay attention to the fact that you need to adhere to a daily regular diet that minimizes, if not completely eliminated, the intake of salty and spicy foods in order to minimize swelling and improve metabolism. It will also be useful for swimming. Among non-traditional methods, acupuncture and are often used.

Currently, a huge number of people suffer from osteochondrosis. Many of them are not even aware of the problem. Meanwhile, if treatment is not started on time, complications will occur that will make themselves felt for the rest of your life. Osteochondrosis, like many other diseases, "gets younger" and significantly worsens the quality of life, knocking it out of its usual rhythm.

In our article, we will get a little acquainted with the disease itself, and also dwell in detail on the medical method of its treatment.

Osteochondrosis and its types

Osteochondrosis- this is a deformation of the articular cartilage, bone tissue of the spine and intervertebral discs.

Osteochondrosis happens:

lumbar (lumbosacral),
cervical,
chest.

Causes of osteochondrosis:

upright posture,
rachiocampsis,
spinal injury,
flat feet,
frequent heavy lifting
frequent changes in body position
long stay in uncomfortable positions,
spinal overload,
hypodynamia and obesity,
malnutrition,
stressful conditions.

Stages of development of osteochondrosis

Due to certain changes in the intervertebral disc, instability of the vertebrae appears. The spine is very susceptible to injury.
There is a beginning of destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc. The intervertebral gap is reduced.
There is a rupture of the fibrous ring. The nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc protrudes. Due to the formation of an intervertebral hernia, deformation of the spine is provoked.
There is a pronounced pain syndrome. Due to the formation of bone growths and ossification of the ligaments of the spine, movements become limited.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis

Lumbar (lumbosacral) department

Constant pain in the back of a aching character.
Sensation of aches and numbness in the limbs.
Decreased motor activity.
Increased pain when making sudden movements, lifting weights, physical activity, during sneezing and coughing.

cervical

Pain in the arms and shoulders, headaches.
vertebral artery syndrome(burning throbbing headache, dizziness, noise in the head, colored spots and "flies" before the eyes).

Thoracic

Pain in the internal organs, in particular chest("stake" in the chest) and the region of the heart.

Definition of the diagnosis

Treatment of osteochondrosis with medicines

To begin with, it should be noted that initial stage development of osteochondrosis in certain cases, you can do without drugs. It will be enough to use therapeutic exercises, all kinds of applicators (Lyapko roller, Kuznetsov's applicator), as well as reducing stress and eliminating other causes of the disease. If the symptoms are gaining strength, and studies have shown characteristic changes, you should connect medicines helping to influence both the cause and the symptoms of osteochondrosis.

Treatment of osteochondrosis with medicines is indicated during its exacerbation and is aimed at relieving the inflammatory process, relieving pain and enhancing metabolic processes due to internal intake or administration of drugs using injections.

Due to the fact that osteochondrosis is a systemic disease that negatively affects various organs and systems, its treatment should be comprehensive. Medicines for the treatment of osteochondrosis perform the following tasks:

anesthesia,
removal of inflammation
improvement of blood circulation in the affected tissues,
cartilage restoration,
return of mobility to the joints,
elimination of depression caused by constant pain.

So what are medications can be prescribed by a neurologist for the treatment of osteochondrosis?

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

Eliminate inflammation and pain. They are applied externally (gel, cream), inside (capsules, tablets), as well as in the form of injections (intramuscularly, intravenously, subcutaneously).

diclofenac(voltaren, diclak)
ibuprofen(nurofen, longevity)
ketoprofen(ketonal, febrofid)
nimesulide(nimesil, nise)
meloxicam(movalis, movasin)

Vasodilators (vasodilators)

As a result of muscle tension and pain in osteochondrosis, narrowing of blood vessels occurs. To avoid this background undesirable consequences may be prescribed by a doctor pentoxifylline(trental), which dilates blood vessels and improves tissue nutrition, as well as actovegin And berlition for a better restorative effect.

Muscle relaxants (muscle relaxers)

They have a relaxing and soothing effect on the muscles. The healing process without drugs of this group proceeds more slowly, because thanks to their properties, blood circulation is normalized, pain sensations are dulled, mobility returns, and the affected tissues recover faster. For these purposes, the doctor may be prescribed sirdalud,mydocalm or baclofen.

Chondroprotectors

Chondroprotectors do not give further destruction, stabilize the condition. Reception of chondroprotectors is long-term, lifelong, the effect occurs after treatment for a period of at least 6 months. Chondroprotectors are used externally, inside and in the form of injections.

glucosamine(dona)
chondroitin(chondroxide, structum)
glucosamine + chondroitin(arthra)
glucosamine + chondroitin + vitamins(teraflex)
alflutop(concentrate of 4 types of marine fish)

Sedatives (sedatives)

Prolonged pain syndrome can provoke stress and depression. In this case, preparations of valerian, motherwort, combined herbal preparations are prescribed. With more severe disorders use antidepressants (symbalta), and to improve the process of falling asleep and the quality of sleep - sleeping pills (donormil).

Vitamins and vitamin-mineral complexes

B vitamins are of greater importance here, as they are able to restore the sensitivity of the affected nerve fibers and reduce pain. They are included in drugs such as milgamma(tablets and solution for injection) and neuromultivit(pills).

For the purpose of general strengthening of the body, vitamin-mineral complexes can also be prescribed. (complivit, multi-tabs).

Treat a disease such as cervical osteochondrosis needs special care and attention. This pathology has its own nuances. During such a disease, the human nerve tissues undergo deformation, the vertebrae become more fragile, and the cervical canal becomes narrower. Such a picture inevitably leads to serious consequences without proper treatment.

In the cervical region, the joints more often than others begin to wear out, which leads to the formation hernia, which in turn begin to put pressure on the vessels and the human spinal cord. If you do not want to bring yourself to such conditions, immediately consult a specialist and undergo medical treatment.

Fundamentals of conservative treatment of osteochondrosis

This disease proceeds with a change in stages. At each new step, changes in the body of a negative nature will only increase. In the initial stages, the space between the intervertebral discs will begin to shrink, after which their destruction begins. The result of such processes will be a compensated growth of tissues and bone processes.

Nerve endings and some tissues begin to squeeze, and this causes swelling, inflammation and frequent pain. Such a disease does not allow blood to flow normally to the brain, which leads to frequent dizziness, and sometimes it can even end in fainting. Treatment of osteochondrosis with medicines should be accompanied by massage and physiotherapy.

It is better to start treatment from the earliest stages, so you will avoid the need for surgical intervention.

The main goal of this treatment is elimination of inflammation, which slows down the process of development of pathology. Certain medicines will be needed to eliminate inflammation, but other methods will have to be used to slow down the development of the disease. Usually, the treatment of osteochondrosis begins with medication.

Degenerative changes should be treated in stages:

Elimination of pain, removal of inflammation;
Restoration of metabolism and blood supply to the brain;
Stimulation of cells to recovery;
Reducing the rate of development of cartilage destruction between the vertebral discs.

Remember that only drug treatment of cervical osteochondrosis will be practically ineffective. It is mandatory to connect physiotherapy classes, manual therapy, massage. All these activities should be prescribed by a doctor strictly on an individual basis.

Many drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis cause side effects Therefore, their reception should be carried out under the strict supervision of a specialist.

What is the difference between the treatment of acute and chronic osteochondrosis

If your doctor has diagnosed you with cervical osteochondrosis, then you need to treat the pathology with medicines not only in the exacerbation phase, but also during the remission period. In this case, the drugs taken will vary, because each stage has its own symptoms, and the drugs should eliminate them.

Acute treatment:

Paravertebral blocks- eliminate pain, eliminate muscle spasm;
Anti-inflammatory drugs- relieve inflammation;
Local preparations- relieve pain at the external level, complement the effect of painkillers, usually available as an ointment for cervical osteochondrosis.

When the stage of remission occurs or the completed course of drugs has removed unpleasant symptoms, the treatment regimen changes. Inflammatory processes no longer bother the specialist, now his actions are aimed at restoring the work of nerve tissues and returning the vessels to a normal state. For this, the doctor prescribes:

Angioprotectors;
Vitamin composition of group B;
Homeopathic remedies.

Among other things, therapy should slow down the process of destruction of the cartilage of the articular discs. For such purposes, chondroprotectors are used in medicine.

If the degree of development of the pathology has led to the formation of a hernia, then only a surgeon can help. Comprehensive drug treatment will begin after surgery.

Varieties of drugs used in this disease

A competent choice of drugs for the treatment of such a pathology can only be made by a doctor. The composition of the drugs will be determined by the degree of spinal deformity, symptoms and their severity, the course of the disease and its form. There are many groups of drugs for such therapy, I would like to highlight the most used of them.

Hormone therapy and pain relief

When a pain syndrome develops that cannot be tolerated, painkillers are prescribed, which are dispensed without a doctor's prescription - Spazmalgon, Analgin and others. Such drugs are a kind of first aid and soften the reaction of nerve endings to the development of the disease. If the patient has already formed a hernia and causes pain, the doctor prescribes prescription drugs for pain relief with a non-narcotic composition. It is necessary to drink such funds only for a short course and under the supervision of a specialist.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

How to treat cervical osteochondrosis with drug treatment in an acute form? With the help of painkillers alone and without the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, it will be impossible to eliminate the pathology. Preparations of a similar orientation eliminate the very cause of pain - an inflammatory and edematous process. The most successful is the scheme of administration of several injections and the subsequent administration of the tablet form of drugs. Popular drugs of this group are Ibuprofen, Ketonal, Diclofenac, etc..

There are modern anti-inflammatory drugs that have a more gentle effect on the human body - Dexalgin, Arcoxia and others. Such treatment has a prolonged character and retains its effectiveness for a long time.

But you should know that you should not overdo it with the use of such drugs, they often cause the development of ulcers, gastritis or colitis.

Chondroprotectors

Such drugs are aimed at improving the condition of the cartilage of the body. The use of such funds is long, the course can be up to six months. A successful scheme is considered to be first the use of injections, no more than 15 injections, and after that the patient is transferred to taking pills. To restore the elasticity of the vertebrae and restore their structure, blockades of such agents are often used, which are carried out inside the vertebra. Among the common drugs in this group, I would like to note Chondroxide, Teraflex and others.

Muscle relaxants and vitamin composition

By using b vitamins the doctor seeks to improve the conductivity of nerve tissues, reduces the degree of defects in damaged areas and improves the functioning of nerve cells. Among other things, this vitamin composition improves metabolism. Most often, osteochondrosis therapy is accompanied by the use of drugs orally or in the form of injections. Commonly used drugs are Milgamma, Neurorubin, etc. And in order to restore the bones of the body and replenish the lost calcium, the patient is recommended to take pure vitamin D and calcium.

External substances

The entire scheme of treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine will be prescribed to you by a neurologist. You can start medical treatment at home, for this, local preparations are used. all sorts of ointments, gels and creams absolutely commercially available, they practically do not negative impact on the human body and effectively cope with the elimination of some symptoms. The most commonly used ointments of an anesthetic nature are - Voltaren or Fastum-gel. With the help of warming preparations, you will be able to restore normal blood circulation - Finalgon, Dolobene. Ointments for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, which include a chondroprotector, slow down the destructive processes in the vertebrae - Chondroxide.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is one of the most dangerous types of neurological diseases. What is this disease, how does it manifest itself? What measures help prevent it? How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine? You will find answers to these questions in this article.

Characteristics of the disease

Osteochondrosis in the general concept is a degenerative modification of the intervertebral cartilage discs, which subsequently affects bone tissue And nervous system. What happens with this disease? In the cartilaginous disk, which performs a shock-absorbing function in the structure of the spinal column, due to a metabolic failure, dehydration begins, or simply dehydration. The nucleus begins to put pressure on the ring surrounding it, and the disc extends beyond the vertebrae. This phenomenon is called protrusion. If the shell is torn, then an intervertebral hernia appears, which is even more dangerous.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease that brings a lot of pain and discomfort to a person's life. Unlike the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, the cervical vertebrae are more mobile, they are the smallest and are constantly under load. The disease most often affects these segments of the spine. A large number of nerve and blood ramifications are concentrated in the cervical region. An important large vertebral artery passes here, carrying nutrients to the brain. The state of compression of this vessel is dangerous for the development of ischemia of the spinal cord or brain, as well as a stroke. If this artery and nerve fibers passing in the cervical region are affected, then the person loses precise coordination of movements, his hearing and vision weaken, frequent dizziness and various neurological disorders are observed, which will be discussed below.

Causes

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occurs even in young age. What causes the development of the disease? What causes contribute to the onset of the disease even in people under 30 years of age? Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the treatment of which requires a lot of time and patience, occurs due to two main factors:

hypodynamia, or sedentary image life;
improper nutrition.

As a result, there is a violation of metabolism (metabolism) throughout the body, in particular in bone and cartilage tissues, the level of salts in the blood rises, and they, not finding a way out of the bloodstream, find "refuge" in the tissues of the kidneys, liver and cervical spine . An unbalanced diet leads to a deficiency nutrients in the cartilage, resulting in pathological changes intervertebral discs. Osteochondrosis is especially susceptible to people at risk.

Let's name the factors, the presence of which increases the likelihood of developing the disease:

heredity;
age after 40 years;
overweight;
frequent hypothermia (no wonder they say - "do not chill your neck!");
malfunctions endocrine system that violate metabolism;
spinal injury;
systemic lupus erythematosus;
rheumatism;
the nature of the activity - drivers, office workers, cashiers, athletes, people engaged in heavy physical labor.

Symptoms

How does osteochondrosis of the cervical spine manifest itself? The symptoms of the disease and the nature of the resulting pain depend on which particular segments have been damaged. As a result, the following conditions may develop:

vertebral artery syndrome;
hypertension syndrome;
radicular syndrome;
cervical migraine syndrome.

Let's consider each of them. With the syndrome of the vertebral artery, the appearance of severe headaches is observed already in the early stages. A person often feels dizzy, the gait becomes shaky, and the clarity of vision decreases. Sudden head movements can lead to loss of consciousness. Radicular syndrome is characterized by a variety of manifestations. These include:

cervicalgia, or severe pain in the neck;
crunching when turning the head;
weakness and tinnitus;
numbness and pain in the arm;
disorder of auditory and visual functions;
noise in ears;
cervicobrachialgia, or pain that radiates from the neck to the arms;
feeling of swelling and numbness of the tongue.

Cervical migraine syndrome is characterized primarily by impaired blood circulation in the tissues of the brain, which causes hypertension and the development of symptoms such as noise and ringing in the ears, their congestion, dizziness, rapid pulse. The danger of this condition is the possibility of developing a spinal stroke. Hypertension syndrome is accompanied by headaches, aggravated by head movements, nausea and vomiting (especially in the morning), nervousness, sudden pressure drops, the appearance dark circles under the eyes, pre-fainting. Hypoxia (oxygen starvation) of the brain develops. Cervical osteochondrosis is often manifested by cardiac arrhythmia, in which the uniform rhythm of the heart is lost. Due to pinching of the lateral vertebral arteries, vegetative-vascular dystonia develops.

Diagnostics

The first step in diagnosing cervical osteochondrosis is to examine the patient. A neuropathologist visually examines the condition of the spinal column, back muscles and posture, by probing determines the presence of protruding spinous processes. On palpation, the doctor, according to the patient's reaction, will be able to understand which departments are affected by the pain. Of the hardware diagnostic methods used:

radiography;
CT scan;
Magnetic resonance imaging;
dopplerography.

The first method often uses the introduction contrast medium in one or another tissue (discography, angiography, etc.). This is necessary to obtain more accurate information about the features of the course of the disease.

Treatment

The attending physician will tell you how to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical region and not harm the body. Below are the basic rules and recommendations for dealing with this unpleasant disease, but the beginning of successful treatment is a visit to a neurologist. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical region is carried out using a whole range of methods. Among them:

drug therapy;
physiotherapy;
facilities traditional medicine;
exercises.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is the most dangerous, because important arteries that carry blood to the brain tissues pass through the processes of the vertebrae in this place. Therefore, taking medications and following the doctor's prescriptions must be approached with all responsibility.

Medical therapy

How to treat cervical osteochondrosis using medications? Drug therapy of the disease includes the following drugs:

painkillers;
anti-inflammatory;
vitamins;
chondroprotectors.

Analgesics help relieve the manifestations of pain during an exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis and are used for a short time. As painkillers, the attending physician may prescribe medications "Tramadol", "Mikodalm", "Arcoxia" or "Spasmalgon". At very severe pain it is possible to use injections of Lidocaine, Milgamma.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are designed to reduce inflammation, among them are the drugs Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Piroxicam. Such funds are also used externally. These are various ointments and gels: Diclofenac, Voltaren. Of the vitamins, the most valuable in terms of maintenance therapy for osteochondrosis are the B vitamins, which can reduce the sensitivity of tissues and weaken the neurological manifestations of the disease.

Chondroprotectors

They are developed by pharmacologists to restore cartilage tissue. There are two active substances that make up these drugs - it's glucosamine and chondroitin. Both compounds can be part of the same drug or used separately each. Examples of chondroprotectors: patches with glucosamine, the drug "Elastanga", ointment "Chondroxide", means "Artra", "Teraflex". The latter is also available in the form of a combination with the drug "Ibuprofen" and more actively reduces inflammation in the cartilage. The French-made "Struktum" chondroprotector has proven itself well. These funds should be used for a long time, at least 3-6 months, otherwise you may not achieve the desired result.

Blockade

With severe pain, injections of drugs directly into the lesion site help to alleviate the patient's condition. Such an injection is called a blockade. A mixture of drugs is usually used as a medicine. One of them has an analgesic effect, the other is designed to relieve inflammation. Blockade can only be done by a highly qualified physician, in no case do this procedure yourself! This can not only harm the health of the patient, but also become a threat to his life. This injection is carried out in two ways:

injection of the drug into the ligaments and tissues surrounding the joint;
injection directly into the intervertebral disc.

Physiotherapy

With cervical osteochondrosis, physiotherapy procedures are very effective. They accelerate recovery, act favorably on the whole organism as a whole. Before talking about them, we list the contraindications for physiotherapy:

tumors, oncological diseases;
blood diseases;
dermatological diseases in acute form;
taking medications that can enhance the effect of physiotherapy.

How to treat cervical osteochondrosis with the help of physiotherapy? In this regard, the use of many methods gives a good effect. For example, shock wave therapy is the effect of acoustic waves on the affected area. It reduces inflammation, swelling, pain, stimulates collagen synthesis, improves tissue metabolism. Laser therapy, magnetotherapy, ultrasound treatment, vibration therapy are also used. Exposure to a sore spot with pulsed low-voltage currents, or diadynamic therapy, reduces the severity of pain. Electrophoresis with the drug "Novocaine" gives an analgesic effect during the period of exacerbation. Additional methods of physiotherapy are ultraviolet irradiation of the diseased area and spinal traction, or detensor therapy.

Physiotherapy

Gymnastics for osteochondrosis of the cervical region allows you to achieve tangible results. It is important that it is used only at the final stage of treatment, since active movements in the neck are strictly prohibited at the first and intermediate stages. Gymnastics is performed with a supporting cotton-gauze collar worn on the cervical region. Resistance exercises are carried out with the help of a doctor who tries to tilt the patient's head with his palm, and he, in turn, makes an effort to overcome the doctor's actions. This strengthens the muscular corset of the neck. The head hold exercise is also helpful. It consists in the following. The patient, lying on the couch, raises his head and holds it in this position for 5 seconds. This time increases to 40-60 seconds if the pain and neurological syndrome has already been overcome. Physiotherapy provides for the implementation of each exercise no more than 5 times in one approach.

Gymnastics for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is designed to:

improve the blood supply to the affected area;
strengthen the muscles of the back and neck;
reduce the load on the vertebrae;
normalize joint mobility;
accelerate glucose metabolism for active nutrition of intervertebral cartilage discs.

With a disease such as osteochondrosis of the cervical region, massage is required. It refers to the methods of manual therapy and is aimed at relaxing muscles, improving blood circulation and lymph movement at the site of injury.

ethnoscience

Treatment of such an ailment as osteochondrosis of the cervical region, folk remedies considered as an auxiliary measure and by no means as the main therapy. The number of recipes using various herbs and products is very large. They widely use products such as lemon, garlic, burdock or horseradish leaves (as a compress), dandelion root, St. John's wort, yarrow, lavender and many others. The patient himself is responsible for his health when using traditional medicine.

Nutrition Features

How to cure cervical osteochondrosis? Many people ask this question. But how to eat with this disease, what foods will be useful? Let's list them:

dairy products;
lean meat and fish;
aspic;
marmalade;
jelly;
fresh fruits and vegetables;
sources of vitamin B - liver, walnuts, brown rice, broccoli, buckwheat, brewer's yeast, green vegetables, kidneys;
complex carbohydrates - whole grain bread, cereals, vegetables;
vegetable fats - olive, sunflower, linseed oil.

Do not forget about products that can harm in the treatment of osteochondrosis. Do not abuse sweets, rich pastries, alcohol, smoked and salty foods, spicy foods, animal fats, coffee and strong tea. Remove sugar, potatoes and white bread from the menu.

Prevention

Don't neglect morning exercises, as well as warming up the neck during the working day. This helps to improve blood circulation, thereby ensuring the supply of nutrients to the cartilage tissue, and relax the muscles. Move more - regular jogging, fitness classes are considered an important measure for the prevention of osteochondrosis. Excess weight often provokes the development of the disease, so try to follow the arrow on the scales. Do not overeat, do not abuse high-calorie foods, fatty and sweet foods. Eliminate all chronic infections in your body. Particular attention should be paid to the correct position of the body during sleep and rest - the neck muscles should not be squeezed. For example, every patient should have an orthopedic pillow for osteochondrosis of the cervical region, and its use is also useful in the prevention of the disease. Resting on it relaxes the muscles of the neck, and the blood vessels do not experience strong pressure.

Cartilage health and diet

Separately, I would like to mention the tendency of girls and women to experience various diets, which are sometimes so cruel and low in calories that the body begins to use the substances of its own tissues as an energy source. Remember that any diet should be balanced, contain the necessary minimum of nutrients, primarily protein, and be accompanied by the intake of vitamins and minerals. Otherwise, you risk not only becoming the owner of worn cartilage, which is very difficult and expensive to restore in the future, but also getting a number of unpleasant diseases. And remember that the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis will be successful only if the patient follows all the recommendations and prescriptions of the attending physician.