Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. Recommendations for exacerbation...

Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease that affects the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. Cervical osteochondrosis refers to deforming dorsopathies. Involutive changes in the discs are observed as early as 20 years of age. At the same time, they become more sensitive to stress, less elastic, and lose lubricating fluid.

Most often, the pathology occurs in the elderly, but currently there is a significant increase in incidence among children and young people. Neurologists at the Yusupov Hospital identify cervical osteochondrosis using the latest diagnostic tests. After clarifying the diagnosis, complex therapy is carried out with the most effective medications, physiotherapeutic procedures and innovative methods of physical rehabilitation.

The name of the disease consists of two Greek terms “osteon” (bone) and “chondros” (cartilage). Cervical osteochondrosis begins with changes in the central part of the disc. The intervertebral disc loses moisture and decreases in size, this leads to the convergence of the vertebral bodies and pinching of the nerve roots and blood vessels. The vertebrae receive nutrients from surrounding tissues, which causes harm to the body. Compression of nerves and blood vessels leads to a protective muscle spasm, which, as the disease progresses, becomes a cause of pain.

Which doctor treats this disease?

At the Yusupov Hospital, the treatment of osteochondrosis is the field of activity of neurologists. However, if symptoms of neck osteochondrosis appear, you may contact a general practitioner. A neurologist will select medications for cervical osteochondrosis that have the least burden on the body, which is important during drug therapy.

To determine the presence of a pathological process in cartilage tissue and cervicobrachial osteochondrosis, the patient is sent for a comprehensive examination to the diagnostic center of the Yusupov Hospital. Tactics on how to treat cervical osteochondrosis are being developed in accordance with research results.

Interdisciplinary collaboration also makes it possible to treat the patient's comorbidities. In addition, when contacting the Yusupov Hospital, the patient receives full information support: a treatment plan, an extract on the cost of services, information about consultations with specialists and diagnostic measures.

Make an appointment

What to do if there is severe muscle weakness due to osteochondrosis?

The first thing to do if severe weakness develops due to osteochondrosis is to consult a neurologist or vertebrologist. An experienced doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and help eliminate the cause of the development of such a clinical symptom.

The procedure of traction traction of the spinal column will help quickly eliminate muscle weakness due to osteochondrosis. This will eliminate compression of the radicular nerves and spinal cord stenosis caused by posterior protrusion of the intervertebral disc.

In the future, the following methods are used for treatment:

1. massage and osteopathy restore tissue elasticity, increase blood supply and outflow of lymphatic fluid;
2. therapeutic exercises and kinesitherapy allow you to restore muscle performance and start the process of impaired diffuse nutrition of the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs;
3. reflexology launches tissue regeneration processes using the body’s hidden reserves;
4. physiotherapy speeds up the recovery process.

The course of treatment is always developed individually for each patient. Therefore, we recommend making an appointment with a neurologist or vertebrologist in our manual therapy clinic. The first appointment is free. The patient is diagnosed. Individual treatment is prescribed. Recommendations are given for organizing work and sleeping space, developing a diet and diet, etc.

Causes

Cervical osteochondrosis develops under the influence of various provoking factors. No specific cause of cervical osteochondrosis has been identified. Often the disease is associated with metabolic disorders and aging of the vertebrae.

Researchers suggest that cervical osteochondrosis develops for the following reasons:

• Excessive load on the spine. A high load on the spine is observed when wearing incorrect shoes, flat feet, obesity, and prolonged sitting;
• Metabolic disorders. Deficiency of vitamins, minerals, and calcium metabolism disorders can cause degenerative processes in the vertebrae;
• Congenital and acquired anomalies of the development of the spine and ligamentous apparatus (thickening of the ligaments, lumbarization, sacralization);
• Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract leading to insufficient absorption of nutrients;
• Infections, intoxication;
• Injuries, bruises, spinal fractures, as a result of which the blood supply and innervation of the spinal column are disrupted, which causes their degenerative disorders;
• Stress;
• Wearing shoes with heels;
• Pregnancy, especially multiple pregnancy;
• Autoimmune connective tissue lesions, pathological structure of collagen types 1 and 2;
• Occupational hazards (lifting heavy loads, prolonged vibration, working in a sitting position with constant head tilt);
• Atherosclerotic and other changes in the vertebral arteries;
• Curvature of the spine (kyphosis, scoliosis, kyphoscoliosis).

An important risk factor for the development of cervical osteochondrosis is family history. This fact proves the presence of osteochondrosis in children when the spine is not yet overloaded.

Fully or partially limited products

In the diet for osteochondrosis of the spine, fatty concentrated broths, fatty red meat, refractory animal fats, poultry (duck goose), coffee and drinks containing caffeine (strong tea, chocolate) should be excluded. The consumption of sweet foods and alcohol-containing drinks is limited.

Table of prohibited products

Degrees

Thanks to the special structure of the spine, it is able to perform its functions. The main structural unit is considered to be the spinal motion segment (SMS). It consists of two adjacent vertebrae, an intervertebral disc and a muscular-ligamentous apparatus. Osteochondrosis leads to dystrophic-degenerative processes, first in the intervertebral disc, then in the vertebra. When one vertebra is damaged, its functions are provided by adjacent ones. This leads to increased load and loss of mobility of the affected segment.

Doctors distinguish several stages in the development of cervical osteochondrosis:

1. First degree of cervical osteochondrosis. Since the intervertebral disc is deprived of its own blood supply and receives nutrients from surrounding tissues, it is susceptible to degenerative changes. Osteochondrosis at the 1st stage of development is characterized by destruction of the nucleus pulposus and cracks in the fibrous ring. Clinically, this is manifested by acute or persistent local pain in the neck (cervicalgia) and stiffness;
2. Osteochondrosis of the second degree of the cervical spine. At this stage, the destruction of the fibrous ring continues, pathological mobility and instability of the vertebrae appear. Patients complain of pain in the neck, aggravated by physical activity, tilting the head or in a certain position;
3. The third stage of the disease is characterized by complete destruction of the fibrous ring. The nucleus pulposus is not fixed. Intervertebral hernias may occur, which cause severe pain. At this stage, due to poor fixation of the SMS, spinal curvature may form;
4. At the fourth stage of the disease, the intervertebral disc is replaced by connective tissue, and other adjacent segments are affected. Spondyloarthrosis and arachnoiditis develop. The joints become completely immobile - ankylosis develops. Bone tissue grows around the affected area - osteon is formed. With the fourth degree of cervical osteochondrosis, clear symptoms are observed: severe pain that radiates to the arm, sternum, to the area between the shoulder blades, sensitivity disorders.

Characteristics of the disease

Osteochondrosis refers to diseases of a degenerative-dystrophic nature and is one of the most common pathologies of the spine. What is he like? Without resorting to scientific terms, we can say that this is the gradual destruction of intervertebral discs and the degeneration of cartilage tissue into bone tissue. The discs lose their elasticity and cease to perform a shock-absorbing function, as a result of which the spine becomes less flexible and the vertebrae touch each other. This leads to compression of blood vessels and nerve fibers with all the ensuing consequences: impaired blood flow, blocking of nerve impulses, loss of sensitivity, and so on.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

If treatment is not started in a timely manner, other diseases begin to develop against the background of osteochondrosis: intervertebral hernias, radiculitis, neuralgia, spinal curvature, protrusions.

Massage pillow for neck and shoulders

Intervertebral hernias and protrusions

But even in the absence of complications, a woman’s quality of life noticeably deteriorates, which affects her performance, emotional state, and appearance.

Cervical osteochondrosis is usually classified according to two parameters - the degree of disc changes and the severity of clinical manifestations. As for the first, there are three stages:

• stage 1 – individual tiny tears are observed inside the disc, there are no changes in tissue structure;
• stage 2 – multiple ruptures and structural changes are noted inside the disc, while on the outside the integrity of the tissue is not compromised;
• stage 3 – the integrity of the fibrous ring is disrupted, and the disc protrudes from under the vertebral body.

Stages of osteochondrosis

According to clinical manifestations, there are 4 degrees of osteochondrosis , each of which requires its own approach and separate therapy.

Only a specialist can accurately determine the extent of the disease when conducting research. It is impossible to do this on your own, guided by sensations and symptoms; moreover, there are many diseases with similar manifestations.

Symptoms and signs

Signs of cervical osteochondrosis in the initial stages may be nonspecific: dizziness, headaches, weakness, crunching when moving the head. As the disease progresses, the following symptoms develop:

• Severe pain in the neck and shoulders;
• Numbness of the hand;
• Dizziness;
• Increased blood pressure;
• Impaired coordination of movements;
• Increased sweating.

There are several syndromes that appear with the development of a pathological condition of the muscles of the back and cervical spine:

• Cervical migraine syndrome.
• Vertebral artery syndrome.
• Hypertension syndrome.
• Cardiac syndrome.
• Radicular syndrome.

They occur when nerve endings are injured, arteries and veins are compressed during the development of the disease. The most dangerous complication is considered to be vertebral artery syndrome. There is a disruption of blood flow through the artery supplying the brain and spinal cord. The patient's hearing decreases, vision decreases, and constant dizziness develops. The patient may lose consciousness while moving due to a sudden disruption of blood flow.

As a result of compression of the nerves responsible for the innervation of the muscles of the chest and diaphragm, pain appears in the heart area, not associated with heart disease, but at the same time tachycardia, arrhythmia and hypotension may develop. Compression of the veins leads to the development of hypertensive liquor syndrome. Intracranial pressure increases, nausea, vomiting, and severe headache appear due to impaired blood flow from the brain.

As a result of compression of the neck, radicular syndrome develops - severe pain appears in the neck, shoulders, shoulder blades, and back of the head. With this syndrome, the arms and neck area become numb. With cervical migraine syndrome, the patient experiences severe pain in the back of the head, which is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Reflex syndromes occur when the spinal roots are not yet affected. Patients complain of pain in the neck, head (especially the back of the head), and arms on one or both sides. Reflex pain, unlike radicular pain, is not combined with sensory disturbances. Cervicalgia can be dull and aching. Acute sharp “shoots” of pain are called cervicago. There is muscle spasm and pain, pain in the paravertebral points. Signs of cervical osteochondrosis intensify in an uncomfortable position, when tilting the head, coughing, or physical activity. Signs of epicondylosis, glenohumeral periarthrosis and shoulder-hand syndrome appear due to nerve impulses from the annulus fibrosus of the affected segment, which causes compensatory muscle spasm.

Radicular syndromes are accompanied by impaired motor activity and sensitivity. In this case, nerves and blood vessels are infringed, venous and lymphatic outflow in the pathological focus is disrupted as a result of a decrease in the intervertebral canal. The pain with radicular syndrome is acute and intense. A common cause of pinched spinal nerves is the formation of a hernia. In the area of ​​the pathological focus, muscle tone decreases. With radiculoischemia, in addition to nerves, blood vessels are compressed.

If the phrenic nerve is involved in the pathological process, cardiac syndrome occurs. It manifests itself as a burning, acute pain in the left half of the chest with radiation to the arm and interscapular region. The name of the syndrome is due to the fact that the nature of the pain is similar to an attack of angina. The main difference between pain during angina pectoris is that it is relieved after taking nitroglycerin, can occur at rest and is combined with interruptions in heart rhythm (tachycardia, arrhythmia).

Signs of cervical osteochondrosis depend on the location of the pathological process. When the upper cervical vertebrae are affected, the blood supply to the brain is disrupted due to compression of the cerebral arteries. This leads to headaches (especially in the occipital region), dizziness, fainting, and high blood pressure. Dizziness with cervical osteochondrosis is caused by a decrease in blood flow to the inner ear. Patients also experience nausea and vestibular and ocular symptoms.

With combined damage to the vertebrae, they speak of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis. The disease is manifested by the following symptoms:

• Dizziness;
• Pain in the neck and arm;
• Tingling, crawling sensation on the upper limb;
• Intercostal neuralgia.

Make an appointment

Features of the pathology

Of all the parts of the human body, the neck is considered the most mobile. The cervical spine includes 7 individual vertebrae. Between these vertebrae there are elastic discs, which become damaged and deformed when osteochondrosis develops . As a result, the distance between the vertebrae gradually decreases, causing pinched nerves. The main reason for the development of pathology is a violation of metabolic processes in the cervical spine.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Cervical osteochondrosis can affect anyone, regardless of gender or age. But there are certain factors that contribute to the development of the disease:

• mechanical damage to the spine in the neck area;
• improper or unbalanced diet;
• disruption of metabolic processes in the body;
• passive lifestyle.

Orthopedic chair

Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?

On a note! At an early stage of development, cervical osteochondrosis, as a rule, does not manifest itself, so the patient can simply not pay attention to the pathology. As a last resort, he will take a painkiller tablet if the illness does manifest itself. But such ignorance will not lead to anything good.

Stages of osteochondrosis

To avoid serious complications, at the first signs of cervical osteochondrosis, you should immediately seek help from a doctor. As a rule, the disease is accompanied by attacks of vomiting, loss of consciousness, general weakness of the body, increased fatigue, decreased sensitivity in the hands, pain in the neck, and dizziness.

Diagnostics

Cervical osteochondrosis is a chronic disease that can lead to the formation of hernias and compression of the spinal cord. Therefore, it is important to establish an accurate diagnosis in a timely manner and begin therapy. To identify cervical osteochondrosis, the following types of instrumental diagnostics are used:

• Spondylography or radiography of the spine. This research method is painless, highly informative and does not require special training. An X-ray of the spine allows you to evaluate its anatomical and functional features. In the picture, attention is paid to the structure of the vertebrae, their relationship to each other, the distance between them, the lumen of the spinal canal;
• Computed tomography - provides information mainly about the condition of bone tissue, allows you to identify narrowing of the spinal canal and disc herniation;
• Magnetic resonance imaging - allows you to determine changes in soft tissues. The MRI image clearly shows changes in the intervertebral discs and spinal cord.

At the Yusupov Hospital, the patient undergoes a comprehensive examination. Doctors take into account the individual characteristics of his body and concomitant diseases. An important advantage of the neurology clinic is the availability of modern, high-quality equipment and specialized specialists: neurologists, neurosurgeons, oncologists.

The importance of proper nutrition for the spine

Osteochondrosis requires foods containing large amounts of collagen.

Often people, faced with spinal diseases, do not even think about the need to switch to proper nutrition. By creating the right diet, you can slow down the ongoing dystrophic-degenerative changes in the tissues of the spine.

With osteochondrosis, it is important that the body receives the maximum amount of substances involved in the synthesis of cartilage tissue . Chondroprotectors are responsible for the formation and maintenance of normal cartilage. They are also known as mucopolysaccharides . These substances are found in large quantities in traditional Russian jellied meat and jellied fish.

Patients with osteochondrosis can also focus on jelly. But it is advisable to prepare it yourself from fruits and gelatin. The composition of purchased packaged jellies includes a large number of components that are not advisable for people who decide to eat healthy.

Jellied meat and jellied meat contain collagen and proteins . They are necessary to maintain connective tissue in normal condition.

Structure and structure of intervertebral disc cartilage

Drug treatment

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine consists of drug and non-drug therapy. Even after complete recovery, to exclude relapses of the disease, neurologists at the Yusupov Hospital carry out preventive measures. In the acute period, for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, doctors prescribe medications to patients from the following pharmacological groups:

• Non-narcotic analgesics (analgin, baralgin, trigan). They are taken orally or administered intramuscularly to quickly achieve an effect;
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, ketanol);
• B vitamins in large doses.

In order to reduce fluid retention in the area of ​​the spinal root and surrounding tissues, diuretics (furosemide, Triampur, Lasix) are used. Antihistamines (diphenhydramine, suprastin, pipolfen) potentiate the effect of analgesics. Muscle spasms are eliminated by muscle relaxants (sirdalud, miorix, mydocalm, flexen). For prolonged severe pain, neurologists perform a nerve block.

To improve metabolic processes in the intervertebral disc, chondroprotectors (alflutop, evalar) are used. These drugs increase the content of glycosaminoglycans, increase the firmness, elasticity and shock absorption of the intervertebral discs.

Anti-dizziness pills

Patients often experience dizziness with cervical osteochondrosis. To reduce them, doctors prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. NSAIDs belonging to different groups differ in their mechanism of action and effect, so only a qualified specialist can determine the appropriate drug.

It is important to remember that medications for cervical osteochondrosis cannot be taken without a doctor’s prescription. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have side effects, so before prescribing them, the neurologist determines the presence of contraindications in the patient and the required dosage. Drugs for dizziness in cervical osteochondrosis can improve the patient’s quality of life.

Injections for osteochondrosis

Injections for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine help relieve pain during an exacerbation. With this method of drug administration, the effect occurs quickly. Neurologists use various injections.

Nurses administer drug solutions subcutaneously, intramuscularly or intravenously. During the period of exacerbation of the disease, drugs that are administered by injection for cervical osteochondrosis have an exclusively symptomatic effect. To treat the disease, contact the neurology clinic of the Yusupov Hospital.

Make an appointment

Headache treatment

Headache is a symptom that occurs with various disorders. However, cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by attacks of intense headaches. Head movements increase symptoms, so to eliminate them, doctors prescribe analgesic tablets and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapeutic procedures pursue a number of goals:

• Localization of the inflammatory process;
• Relieving muscle spasm;
• Pain relief;
• Launch of regenerative processes;
• Increasing general and local immunity;
• Restoring the normal position of nerve fibers, eliminating compression and pinching.

Most often, the following procedures are prescribed for cervical osteochondrosis:

1. Shock wave therapy. Using a special device, the acoustic wave is directed directly to the cartilage tissue of the spine that has been damaged. As a result, metabolic processes are launched, salt and calcium deposits are destroyed, which interfere with the normal movement of joints and vertebrae. The procedure is characterized by a cumulative effect, often the first results become noticeable only 2-3 months after the start of treatment.
2. Acupuncture. Acupuncture is often used to treat and prevent cervical osteochondrosis. It is important that the procedure is performed only by a qualified doctor, otherwise you may not only experience a lack of effect, but also a worsening of the current condition. The essence of the procedure is that special needles are installed on biologically active points, forcing the body to start metabolic processes and stimulate the production of natural painkillers.
3. Massage. The main goal is to reduce pain and improve blood circulation in the damaged area of ​​the cervical spine. With proper massage, the muscles acquire the lost tone, and as a result, it is possible to eliminate the risk of relapse of osteochondrosis in the future. When attending the first massage sessions, the patient encounters severe pain; it is important not to stop treatment due to pain, but to go through all the procedures prescribed by the doctor.

Surgery

It is mainly prescribed in advanced stages of the disease, when the use of medications and visits to physiotherapeutic procedures does not bring any results. The indication for surgical intervention is catastrophic narrowing of the spinal canal.

Modern surgical techniques allow the patient to be discharged from the hospital within 3-5 days and begin outpatient treatment of the symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis. Over the next three months, the patient undergoes rehabilitation.

Physiotherapy

A correctly chosen set of exercises for osteochondrosis can not only improve the patient’s general condition, but also speed up the process of treating the disease. There are several effective exercises:

1. Turns and tilts the head in different directions. The exercise is performed in a sitting position, it is important not to jerk, all movements should be smooth with a gradual increase in the number of repetitions and the amplitude of the inclination.
2. Tilt the head to the sides with resistance. Body position - sitting at the table, one elbow stands on the table, while the palm presses on the temple. Tilt your head towards your hand, creating slight resistance.
3. Shoulder lift. Raise your shoulders as high as possible and hold in this position for a while.
4. Self-kneading of the back of the head and neck with your fingertips. It is important that the movements are soft and do not cause pain. You can perform self-massage in any comfortable position.

It is important not to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home without consulting a neurologist; a set of exercises must be agreed upon with the attending physician.

Non-drug therapies

Complex non-drug therapy for cervical osteochondrosis of the spine includes:

• Protective mode - if the roots are pinched, patients lie on a hard surface,
• Massage;
• Physical therapy;
• Spinal traction;
• Physiotherapeutic procedures.

Massage for cervical osteochondrosis is used to reduce pain and swelling, improve peripheral blood supply, and eliminate muscle spasms. A contraindication to performing this procedure is the presence of acute pain. Massage the neck and back in the direction of lymph outflow. Particular attention is paid to the interscapular and paravertebral zones.

Therapeutic exercises for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are aimed at eliminating muscle spasms and strengthening the muscular frame. Since instability of the vertebrae often occurs in the cervical spine, the exercise therapy instructor conducts individual classes, during which he teaches the patient how to safely perform exercises. Some authors recommend conducting physical therapy classes in a Shants collar.

To improve the mobility of the cervical vertebrae, rehabilitation experts recommend performing the following exercises:

• Flexion and extension of the neck. Bend your head forward toward your sternum without pulling your shoulders forward and then back. Hold the incline for 3 seconds, repeat each exercise 8-10 times;
• Neck turns. Turn your neck first to the left until it stops, then to the right, without changing the position of your shoulders and the level of your chin;
• Lower your head all the way down. Then tilt your head back without changing the level of your shoulders. Hold the position for 5 seconds.

The following exercises have been developed to strengthen the neck muscles:

• Place your hand on the back of your head. Tilt your head back, resting on your hand;
• Place your hand in the temporal region. While tilting your head, resist with your hand;
• Place your hand on your forehead, resisting it, tilt your head forward;
• With your right hand, tilt your head to the side, your left hand should be behind your back. Repeat the exercise on the other hand.

Autogravity therapy is the exact name for the spinal traction procedure. It is carried out using special devices. The goal of therapy is to reduce muscle spasm and restore the correct position of the vertebrae. To avoid complications, spinal traction is performed by a doctor.

To improve blood supply to the pathological focus, relieve swelling and eliminate pain, the following physiotherapeutic procedures are used in the Yusupov Hospital:

• Diadynamic currents. During this procedure, low-frequency currents are applied using a special device, which stimulate the muscles, relieve spasm and pain. They have a positive effect by improving tissue trophism;
• Ultraviolet irradiation. Under the influence of UV radiation, vitamin D metabolism improves, calcium content increases, bone tissue becomes stronger;
• Exposure to ultrasound - used to accelerate blood flow, antispasmodic and reparative effects. Ultrasound is capable of penetrating deep into tissues; sometimes it is used for better absorption of medicinal substances;
• Amplipulse therapy - allows you to relieve pain by blocking nerve impulses from the source of pain.

In the acute period of the disease, which lasts 4-7 days, painkillers, antispasmodics, and irritants are used to reduce pain. The patient is provided with rest. Immobilization of the cervical spine is carried out using a Shants collar. Exercise therapy and massage are contraindicated. Ultraviolet radiation is used.

The duration of the subacute period is 29 days. After complete recovery, the patient should rest for several days. Then you can begin a course of rehabilitation therapy. In the chronic course of the disease, the patient is prescribed muscle relaxants, chondroprotectors, B vitamins, and for pain - analgesics, NSAIDs. Physical therapy classes and massages are provided. The patient is given physiotherapeutic procedures (amplipulse, alternating current exposure), and spinal traction is performed.

At the Yusupov Clinic, doctors have extensive experience in successfully treating cervical osteochondrosis. Patients are given the opportunity to undergo a full course of rehabilitation: physiotherapeutic procedures, massage, spinal traction. The neurology clinic employs specialists of the highest medical category, professors, who use proprietary methods for the treatment of osteochondrosis.

How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is determined by a specialist and depends on the degree of development of the pathology, the form of its course and the characteristics of the clinical manifestation of the disease.

Today, the most effective methods of treating the disease are:

• treatment with conservative methods, including medicinal/non-medicinal;
• surgical intervention;
• complex combination of techniques.

Physiotherapy

Involves the impact of physical factors on the affected area. With an integrated approach and proper implementation of all procedures, improvements become clearly noticeable already in the second or third month of treatment.

Among the most popular areas of physiotherapy prescribed for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are:

• electrotherapy;
• shock wave therapy;
• magnetic therapy;
• ball therapy;
• laser therapy;
• vibration massage.

Neck massage for osteochondrosis

Massage should be performed carefully, without the use of force. Violation of massage technique can cause negative consequences.

The starting position for the massage is the “lying on your stomach” or “sitting with a straight back” position.

All existing massage techniques are based on techniques such as:

• stroking - influencing the surface layers of the skin. It is performed with the palms of the hands and fingertips downwards from the back of the head, to the level of the upper third of the back;
• squeezing - influencing the deep layers of skin in the upper third of the back. Performed with two fingers (thumb and index), carried across the neck;
• rubbing – the main goal is to warm up the skin and increase blood flow in the desired area;
• kneading – affects deep-lying tissues; it must be used with caution, as improper use can aggravate the situation.

Therapeutic exercises for cervical osteochondrosis

There are certain exercises for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. The most effective of them include:

Self-extension

Starting position: sitting/standing with a straight back.

Execution order: while maintaining the starting position, try to lower your shoulders as low as possible, while stretching your head up.

Intensity of execution: at least 10 times (2-5 seconds each), at least 3 times a day.

Self-massage

Equipment: terry towel.

Starting position: sitting/standing, wrap a towel around your neck, and grab its ends with your hands.

Procedure: pull the ends of the towel one by one, gently kneading the neck muscles.

Important! During the exercise, you must ensure that the towel does not slip and rub your neck.

Gymnastics (flexion/extension, turns, bends)

Starting position: sitting/standing with a straight back.

Execution order: from the starting position, perform smooth flexion/extension, rotation or tilt of the head, first in one direction, then in the other.

Intensity of execution: 5-7 movements in one direction.

Nutrition

Proper nutrition for osteochondrosis is an important condition for achieving remission. The progression of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis stops with diet and therapeutic measures. Neurologists at the Yusupov Hospital know how to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, so they create a complex of treatment measures, including procedures, exercise therapy, proper nutrition and lifestyle changes.

Many patients turn to neurologists with the question of how to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and whether there are any dietary restrictions. Specialists at the Yusupov Hospital create individual nutrition programs that take into account the patient’s preferences. The diet for osteochondrosis is based on balanced, low-fat foods that are rich in nutrients. The patient's daily diet includes foods high in calcium.

Authorized Products

• The diet is allowed to include various soups and other first courses (borscht, rassolnik, cabbage soup, solyanka) cooked in weak, non-concentrated broths.
• Recommended rye or grain bread made from coarse flour.
• Red meat and poultry should be lean and can be prepared in any way.
• It is recommended to include white and red fish, seafood, and chicken eggs in any form in your diet.
• As a side dish you can eat various cereals and rice, pasta made from durum flour.
• Be sure to consume fermented milk drinks (kefir, yogurt, acidophilus), cottage cheese, milk, hard cheeses, and sour cream every day.
• The diet should include a wide variety of vegetables, both raw and after cooking. It is necessary to add ground sesame seeds and flax seeds to vegetable salads. It is important to include various types of vegetable oils and butter in your diet.
• The presence in the diet of such dishes as jellied fish, jelly and gelatin-based dishes - jelly and fruit jellies is mandatory.
• For drinks, it is recommended to consume compotes, rosehip infusion, herbal decoctions, green tea, freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices, and still mineral water.

Table of permitted products

How to sleep with cervical osteochondrosis

For patients with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the question of how to sleep properly with cervical osteochondrosis is relevant. Sleeping on your stomach provokes further development of the disease, so it is better to avoid sleeping in this position. The most optimal positions are on the back and side.

Cervical osteochondrosis progresses while resting on a bed with a soft mattress. Therefore, experts recommend giving preference to elastic mattresses, as well as moderately soft pillows. If a patient is diagnosed with cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, experienced specialists at the Yusupov Hospital will tell you which bedding is safe for sleeping.

Weakness in the legs with lumbar osteochondrosis

Long-term developing lumbar osteochondrosis can cause weakness in the legs and even lead to muscle fiber dystrophy. With degeneration of intervertebral discs in the lumbosacral spine, not only the process of innervation of soft tissues is disrupted. Blood microcirculation changes. The venous bed, against the background of impaired innervation of the muscle wall and valve system, loses its functionality. Varicose veins of the lower extremities develop.

Weakness in the legs with osteochondrosis may be a consequence of the development of cauda equina syndrome. In this case, the complex nervous structure responsible for the innervation of not only the lower extremities, but also some organs of the abdominal cavity and pelvis is affected. With cauda equina syndrome, paralysis of the lower extremities develops and the functioning of the intestines and bladder is disrupted. This condition is dangerous to human life.

Prevention

To prevent the occurrence or progression of cervical osteochondrosis, doctors recommend:

• Maintain correct posture;
• Lead an active lifestyle, take breaks at work;
• Do physical therapy exercises regularly;
• Sleep on a hard and flat surface, orthopedic mattress and pillow;
• Get rid of bad habits, especially smoking;
• Choose shoes taking into account the physiological structure of the foot;
• Do not carry bags on one hand, this leads to curvature of the spine;
• Lead a healthy lifestyle, eat right, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables;
• Do not sit for a long time with your head bowed;
• Go swimming.

In order to improve blood circulation, you should regularly undergo therapeutic massage.

Treatment of fatigue and its causes

To eliminate weakness, drowsiness, and constant fatigue, it is necessary to treat the disease that provokes them. If this is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the resulting vertebral artery syndrome or other disorders, treatment is selected by a neurologist. But in any case, it is always developed strictly on an individual basis, taking into account the nature of the existing pathological changes, the degree of their severity and the individual characteristics of the patient.

In the absence of critical changes, patients are prescribed conservative therapy. It is always comprehensive and aimed at:

• increasing the intensity of recovery processes in the intervertebral discs;
• improving the quality of blood circulation;
• relief of inflammatory processes;
• normalization of nerve conduction;
• restoration of normal anatomy of the spinal column;
• improvement of general condition by eliminating the symptoms of the disease (symptomatic therapy).

Thus, treatment is simultaneously carried out aimed at eliminating the underlying disease and improving the patient’s quality of life. Therefore, it is always comprehensive and includes:

• drug therapy;
• physiotherapy;
• exercise therapy;
• manual therapy.

In addition, when spinal pathologies are detected, it is important to adjust your lifestyle and bring it as close to healthy as possible. First of all, the level of physical activity requires a review: it is important to avoid prolonged stay in a static position, especially with a bowed head, as this contributes to the progression of degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs. Therefore, all patients with cervical osteochondrosis, and especially office workers, need to make it a rule to take breaks from work at least every hour and spend them actively.

But during exacerbation of the disease, bed rest and limitation of physical activity are indicated.

It is also recommended to review your diet. Eliminating processed foods, fast food and other harmful products from it will have a positive effect on the condition of blood vessels and will allow you to lose weight. This will reduce the risk of developing vertebral artery syndrome and rapid progression of the underlying disease.

Also, if you experience increased fatigue, it is important to:

• normalize work and rest schedules;
• review your work schedule and workload distribution in order to allocate the most productive hours for solving important tasks;
• use complex vitamin preparations, and also increase the amount of fresh fruits, vegetables and berries in the daily diet.

Often a change of environment and a short vacation have a positive effect on the psycho-emotional state.

Drug therapy

For diseases of the spine, the use of a complex of drugs is indicated, which can be prescribed in different dosage forms depending on the severity of its course. These may include:

• NSAIDs – used to relieve pain and inflammation;
• muscle relaxants - indicated to eliminate muscle spasms, which helps reduce pain and limitations in mobility;
• corticosteroids – used to relieve severe inflammatory processes and are prescribed exclusively in short courses;
• chondroprotectors - used to activate the processes of regeneration of intervertebral discs, but are most effective only in the initial stages of development of degenerative-dystrophic changes;
• B vitamins – indicated to improve nerve conduction;
• vascular drugs - prescribed to improve blood circulation;
• Vitamin D – is used to improve the condition of bone tissue and the processes of higher nervous activity.

In case of severe pain that makes a person unable to work, novocaine or lidocaine blockades can be performed. They allow you to almost immediately eliminate painful neck pain, but do not affect the causes of their occurrence. But such procedures are carried out exclusively in medical institutions.

To solve the problem of increased fatigue and decreased performance, especially mental, patients may additionally be prescribed a set of medications to normalize sleep, restore normal levels of mental and physical activity, and generally improve overall well-being. This:

• nootropics;
• neurometabolic drugs;
• herbal preparations;
• anxiolytics.

Taking such medications is absolutely safe and is not accompanied by the risk of side effects, provided they are selected correctly. They are prescribed in courses of varying durations and quickly allow you to:

• increase memory, attention;
• increase your waking time;
• increase resistance to stress and the negative influence of external factors;
• reduce symptoms of weakness and lethargy;
• eliminate anxiety, irritability, apathy.

Therefore, drugs from these groups are included in the treatment regimen for almost any disease and pathology of the spine, in particular in cases where patients complain of increased fatigue and decreased performance.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed outside the period of exacerbation and exclusively in combination with other treatment methods. Most often, for increased fatigue caused by diseases of the spine, the following courses are indicated:

• electrophoresis with the introduction of drugs;
• ultrasound therapy;
• traction therapy;
• detensor therapy;
• magnetic therapy;
• UHF.

Exercise therapy

Therapeutic exercise is one of the most important elements of treatment, acting directly on pathologically altered tissues. Thanks to it, it is possible to normalize muscle tone, in particular, to strengthen muscles that have weakened as a result of leading a sedentary lifestyle. This is important because a strong muscle corset is the basis for a healthy spine. Therefore, exercise therapy helps stop the progression of pathological changes in the intervertebral discs, and, in addition, activates blood flow and increases the intensity of metabolic processes. This has a positive effect on the condition of all anatomical structures and helps eliminate weakness.

But for each patient, the load and nature of the exercises are selected individually, taking into account the characteristics of the existing disease, the patient’s age, his level of physical fitness and other factors. But exercise therapy should always be performed in a calm environment without haste or sudden movements. At the same time, their regularity is extremely important. Therefore, in order to achieve maximum results, it is necessary to engage in physical therapy daily.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy sessions are one of the mandatory components of the treatment of diseases of the cervical spine. They can be carried out outside the period of their exacerbation and allow one to obtain a pronounced therapeutic effect, as well as improve the general condition and get rid of increased fatigue. But it is important to trust only qualified specialists to carry out manual therapy, since the cervical spine is easily injured. Therefore, errors in the technique of performing various techniques can lead to a deterioration in well-being.

Properly conducted manual therapy sessions allow you to:

• restore the normal position of the vertebrae as completely as possible and thereby reduce the load on the intervertebral discs, release the pinched spinal roots, normalize the position of the vertebral arteries and the length of the spinal canal;
• activate blood circulation, which has a positive effect on the course of regeneration processes;
• eliminate weakness and increased fatigue by normalizing blood supply to the brain and cerebrospinal fluid circulation;
• improve the functioning of internal organs that have undergone changes as a result of disturbances in their innervation due to compression of the nerve roots;
• increase the body's overall resistance to negative external influences.

Thus, fatigue and decreased performance may indicate not only professional burnout, but also be a sign of the development of disorders in the functioning of the body. Most often, spinal diseases and in particular osteochondrosis manifest themselves in this way. However, if you immediately pay attention to such changes in well-being and contact a neurologist, treatment will be as easy and quick as possible, and the condition will progressively improve. But even in more advanced cases, you can achieve a significant improvement in well-being and restoration of normal performance. The main thing is not to ignore the problem, but to seek qualified medical help.

0 0 votes

Article rating

Treatment in Moscow

At the Yusupov Hospital, doctors have been treating cervical osteochondrosis for many years. For the rehabilitation and restoration of performance of patients with osteochondrosis, the rehabilitation clinic has all the necessary equipment. You can find out the cost of treatment on the official website of the hospital.

Make an appointment with a neurologist online or call the contact center phone number. The neurology clinic employs the best doctors in Moscow, leading experts in the treatment of degenerative-destructive diseases of the spine. Patients are offered a comprehensive rehabilitation program, the cost of which is lower than the use of individual procedures.

Make an appointment

Are there any contraindications?

Despite the large number of positive properties, almost all drugs have contraindications, which must be taken into account when treating cervical osteochondrosis. In addition to medical recommendations and regulations, you must carefully read the instructions for the drug used. It may contain components whose use requires compliance with certain restrictions.

Always read the instructions before use

Achieving the maximum therapeutic effect in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is possible only if two main rules are observed. First, the patient must strictly follow all the doctor’s recommendations throughout the therapeutic course. Secondly, taking this or that drug is allowed only after the consent of a highly qualified doctor .

Effective treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Also, upon completion of the course of treatment, it is necessary to carry out certain preventive measures, including regular exercise, giving up bad habits and following a therapeutic diet.