Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

What is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?

Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the spine, during the development of which the structure of the connective tissue changes.

The disease is often disguised as a disorder of another type, but timely contact with a specialist allows for timely diagnosis and immediate treatment.

Degenerative changes in the tissues of the cervical spine are most often found in the medical history of people of mature (45-59) and elderly (60-74) age.

Despite this, it is worth noting: in modern society there is a rejuvenation of the disease, which is confirmed by the periodic diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis in children and adolescents.

It is important that osteochondrosis can occur both in isolation and in combination with damage to other parts, in particular the thoracic, lumbar and sacral.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

Today it is impossible to name the exact causes of degenerative processes occurring in intervertebral discs. There is no confirmation that cervical osteochondrosis is an aging phenomenon.

Numerous studies conducted by scientists from different countries have found that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has predominantly provoking factors.

Among the predisposing causes of the development of osteochondrosis of the neck are:

low level of activity, inactivity and a predominantly sedentary lifestyle;
types of work that involve a static load on the cervical spine;
excess body weight, insufficient level of physical development;
disruption of connective tissue development processes;
old spinal injuries;
spinal deformity, use of insufficiently comfortable pillows and mattresses for rest;
genetic predisposition.

The vast majority of reasons are in one way or another related to the natural processes of aging of body systems, as well as the likely development of pathologies of bone and cartilage tissue.

Treatment for neck pain

Pain can be caused by various reasons, ranging from muscle spasm to herniated intervertebral discs in the cervical spine. If neck pain appears once (due to a sharp turn of the head, an uncomfortable posture during sleep), then most likely it will go away on its own in a few days. To reduce pain, you only need to reduce the static load on the neck muscles (do not keep your head tilted for a long period of time), do not get carried away with excessive physical activity, and do not make sudden movements of your neck. If neck pain is constant or frequently recurring, accompanied by headache, numbness of the upper extremities, it is necessary to undergo a full examination.

Physiotherapy for neck pain is aimed at relieving pain, improving blood circulation and microcirculation in the affected segment, providing anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects, eliminating metabolic and dystrophic disorders, and reducing movement disorders. Physical factors are used at the stages of inpatient and outpatient treatment, after the patient is discharged from the hospital, as well as in early postoperative rehabilitation. In the acute period:

after 4-5 days (as the severity of the process subsides), laser therapy, pulsed currents (SMT, DDT, interference currents), magnetic therapy, ultraviolet irradiation of the segmental zone, darsonvalization of the cervical-neck zone of the spine and occipital region of the head, electrophoresis of substances with local anesthetic, ganglion-blocking action are prescribed to areas of pain

In the subacute period:
ultraphonophoresis with medicinal substances, magnetic therapy, electrophoresis of medicinal preparations, microwave electromagnetic fields (SWF, UHF), laser therapy
are used In remission:

heat therapy is included, including ozokerite and mud therapy for the cervical-collar area, balneotherapy (iodine-bromine, turpentine baths, laurel baths, bischofite baths), underwater shower-massage, therapeutic massage.

What is the danger of cervical osteochondrosis?

A reduction in the level of mobility and limited flexibility of joints, loss of muscle elasticity and other signs of aging of the body are inevitable, natural processes that accompany a person in ontogenesis.

Annoying pain that occurs when moving much earlier than the natural period of aging often leads to loss of quality of life and even disability.

To determine how to treat cervical osteochondrosis, a professional consultation with your doctor is necessary. In the absence of professional, timely diagnosis and necessary treatment, the disease progresses, which can cause not just a deterioration in well-being, but also serious disruptions to the functioning of the nervous and vascular system.

Combination of several methods

To increase the effectiveness of treatment for cervical osteochondrosis, doctors often prescribe several procedures at once. Of course, all of them must be carried out in strict sequence, since serious complications can occur with improper physiotherapy. For example, in cases of severe pain, doctors can prescribe mineral therapy using a laser - this helps relax the neck muscles. Depending on the individual characteristics of the patient, the doctor may prescribe different sets of procedures.

Physiotherapy is effective for all areas of the body

Physiotherapeutic devices

On a note! You must notify your doctor about all diseases that are related to blood circulation or the functioning of the cardiovascular system. This will prevent the development of many complications and select a more suitable course of therapy for you.

Recommended Exercises

Main signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

The structure of the human skeleton, the ability to walk upright and the impressive size of the head have led to the fact that some parts of the spine are the most vulnerable, in particular the cervical one.

Among the striking features of the structure of the cervical spine, it is worth highlighting the presence of predominantly small vertebrae and a relatively small number of muscles, and therefore it is in this area that ailment such as osteochondrosis most often occurs.

Pain is the most characteristic syndrome of spinal column disease. Depending on the affected area, it can concentrate:

in the collarbone and/or shoulder;
along the entire cervical spine;
not the anterior surface of the sternum.

It is quite difficult to independently determine the primary signs of the disease, because in the vast majority of cases they are insignificant and very nonspecific:

pain in
the neck
, mainly in the evening;
heaviness,
pain in the back of the head;
slight numbness,
tingling in the shoulder, hands;
crunch,
clicking sound when turning the head.

The progression of the disease is accompanied by a number of already noticeable leading symptoms.

Vegetative-dystonic symptom

It is characterized by shooting pains in the neck, especially noticeable in the area just below the back of the head.

Pain often occurs when staying in the same position for a long time, for example, in the morning.

The neck muscles are tense, there are difficulties when moving the arm to the side, and stiffness in the movements of the fingers.

Due to compression of the vertebral arteries, neurological manifestations often occur:

recurrent headaches;
nausea;
fainting.

Spinal symptom

Localization of the area is on the left behind the chest.

In the process of gradual disruption of the structure of the intervertebral discs, compression occurs and, as a result, pinching of the nerve roots occurs, which leads to narrowing of the arteries and veins, which in turn leads to the formation of radicular and ischemic syndrome.

Poor circulation causes:

severe, migraine headaches;
dizziness;
visual impairment, tinnitus;
disorders of autonomic functions.

In rare cases, a manifestation of cardinal syndrome can be observed, accompanied by compressive pain in the heart muscle, lack of air, and cardiac arrhythmia.

Treatment for back pain

There are many reasons for these pains. First of all, excruciating pain may appear due to a hernia (protrusion) of the intervertebral disc, osteochondrosis, or pathology of the nervous system. Most often, back pain occurs in those people who remain in the same position for a long time.

And yet the most common reason is lack of physical activity! This reduces blood flow to the ligaments, joints and intervertebral discs, causing the cartilage that forms them to begin to deteriorate. It is the weakening of the ligamentous apparatus that is the cause of all diseases of the spine. If pain occurs, you should immediately consult a doctor who will determine its cause, make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment. In order to reduce the risk of back pain, you need to move more, watch your weight and do at least minimal exercise (15 minutes a day is enough). Proper nutrition is also very important - after all, it is one of the keys to good health and longevity, and the spine needs proteins to maintain flexibility and calcium for strength. Calcium is found in large quantities in hard cheese, liver, nuts, cottage cheese, eggs, and protein is found in meat and dairy products. The bones and ligaments of the spine also need microelements: phosphorus (there is a lot of it in bran, peas, fish), magnesium and manganese (they are found in sea fish, onions, potatoes), as well as fatty acids - their source is walnuts, fatty seaweed fish and olive oil.

When back pain worsens, treatment begins with medications—usually painkillers, diuretics, and medications that relieve muscle spasms. However, there are no medications without side effects, they are used only for a limited time, and most importantly, they do not eliminate the cause of back pain and do not prevent relapse of the disease. In the acute period, treatment methods such as traction, as well as wearing collars and corsets, are also used, which allows you to relieve the diseased part of the spine.

In addition to emergency medicine - medications that relieve muscle spasms and pain, the most important treatment for osteochondrosis is physiotherapy

, which helps reduce pain in the acute period of the disease, improve blood circulation in tissues, prevent nutritional disorders of ligaments, muscles and joints and prevent movement disorders.

Modern physiotherapy is a branch of medicine that has a powerful arsenal of treatment tools; it consists of two large blocks - physical therapy with massage and electrotherapy. Therapeutic massage is one of the most effective methods for treating osteochondrosis and back pain, as it improves blood circulation in deep tissues and eliminates muscle blocks (“clamps”), which are the main cause of severe pain.

One of the most effective methods of electrotherapy is considered to be medicinal electrophoresis - this is a means of targeted delivery of drugs to a diseased organ, improving blood supply to tissues. Pulsed currents – DDT, SMT – have a pronounced analgesic, antispasmodic and trophic effect. Lasers and magnetic lasers are also used to treat back pain. This method allows you to quickly relieve the swelling that accompanies inflammation, and, accordingly, the pain that occurs in swollen and compressed tissues. Magnetic therapy is used in the form of constant or alternating magnetic fields; it can also quickly relieve swelling and pain. D'arsonval currents are effective - these are “ozonated” currents used to relieve painful muscle spasms, high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations that eliminate inflammation and help resolve scars, increasing tissue elasticity. A special role in physiotherapy belongs to physical therapy. Its importance is often underestimated, but without a full-fledged muscle corset it is impossible to cure back pain and prevent relapses of osteochondrosis. Physical therapy is of particular importance in case of injuries and in the postoperative period. Its use will help prevent the recurrence of back pain that occurs due to so-called “motor stereotypes.” For example, an office worker who spends the entire working day sitting at a computer, or a salesperson whose main workload is on his legs. Regular health-improving gymnastics, yoga, Pilates and other types of exercises can also be a very effective way to combat “motor automatisms.”

Degrees of development of cervical osteochondrosis and their characteristic symptoms

The process of development of the disease proceeds quite slowly, but at the same time it has 4 clearly visible stages:

1st degree cervical osteochondrosis – discomfort and minor pain during prolonged walking or static position. The beginning of the formation of compactions in the intervertebral discs;
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, degree 2 – intense pain. In order to eliminate pain, manual therapy and appropriate medications are used;
3rd degree cervical osteochondrosis – the presence of severe lesions of the connective tissue of the affected area;
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, grade 4, is the final stage of the development of the disease, characterized by damage to almost all parts of the spine.

The last stage of development of the disease requires surgical intervention, which entails a long recovery.

Diagnosis of the disease

If there are characteristic symptoms, in order to diagnose and treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, you must consult an orthopedic doctor or neurologist.

As part of the diagnostic measures, the specialist will determine mobility and pain in the neck area, as well as assess the degree of sensitivity, and identify other functional disorders.

Among the most effective diagnostic methods are:

X-ray of the cervical spine, performed in various projections;
CT (computed tomography);
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), if a hernia/protrusion is suspected.

In case of circulatory disorders, rheoencephalography and fundus examination may additionally be used.

How does cervical osteochondrosis manifest?

The peculiarity of this disease is that it does not manifest itself in all clinical cases, being asymptomatic. But most often, cervical osteochondrosis is accompanied by the following symptoms:

pain in the neck, which can spread to the shoulders;

Cervical osteochondrosis - what does it cause?
decreased muscle tone, weakness;
profuse sweating;
decreased sensitivity in the upper extremities;
development of a mild form of ataxia (impaired coordination of movements);
severe dizziness, decreased visual acuity and hearing impairment;
increased blood pressure, migraine attacks.

How does cervical osteochondrosis manifest?

All of the above symptoms can appear at different stages of pathology development. As a rule, the patient encounters only some of the signs from this list, but in medicine there may be exceptions when cervical osteochondrosis manifests itself in the form of all these symptoms. People who have had to deal with osteochondrosis may not even be aware of the presence of pathology, citing simple fatigue or a pinched nerve. Therefore, they seek help from the right doctor late, which complicates the treatment process.

Syndromes with cervical osteochondrosis

If you want to find out in more detail whether osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can be cured, and also consider the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment methods, you can read an article about this on our portal.

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Possible complications

Lack of timely treatment can lead to serious complications, including:

bulging intervertebral discs
(formation of hernia/protrusion);
intervertebral disc rupture,
accompanied by pinching of nerves and blood vessels, which can cause death;
radiculopathy
(damage to the nerve roots), the formation of osteophytes (spikes on the vertebral body) with the manifestation of numerous paresis and paralysis.

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.

Types of physiotherapy in the treatment of osteochondrosis

Modern physiotherapy offers the following methods of influence:

use of ultraviolet radiation;
laser treatment of affected areas;
vibration method, which includes massage and sound waves;
direction of flow of electrical impulses;
use of mud baths;
use of sound waves.

Electrotherapy

It is considered one of the simplest and most accessible methods of physiotherapy, due to which it is very popular. The essence of the method is to influence the affected tissues with an electric field, which increases blood circulation and creates a feeling of warmth in the tissues.

Diadynamic therapy

This is a method that is based on the use of diadynamic currents with a frequency of 50 and 100 Hz and a trailing edge decaying exponentially. These currents have a complex reflex effect on the body, thereby causing therapeutic effects:

trophic;
anesthetic;
vasoactive;
myoneurostimulating.

The patient experiences a sensation of tingling, slight burning, warmth, or vibration.

Interference therapy

A method in which the body is exposed to two or more alternating currents. These vibrations are applied in such a way that they overlap each other deep in the tissue.

One of the currents has a constant frequency of 5000 Hz, and the second varies in the range from 3000 to 5000 Hz. At the point where they intersect, a new current is formed with a variable frequency from 0 to 100 Hz.

The initial currents pass through the skin without causing any discomfort. They can only appear at the point where vibrations overlap. The “beating” that occurs at the site of impact has a stimulating effect on the nerves and muscles, which is why the smooth muscles of the internal organs begin to contract.

This is a bit like a massage, and as a result, blood supply improves, the pain area is blocked, because when the brain is exposed to alternating currents, opioid peptides are produced, which have an analgesic effect.

The main difference from other similar methods is that therapeutic currents are generated inside the patient’s tissues, and not using devices. The disadvantage of therapy is considered to be rapid addiction.

Drug electrophoresis

It is a method that includes the complex effect of electric current (active factor) and a drug that enters the body with the help of current.

Drug electrophoresis has a number of advantages over other methods of introducing drugs into the body. For example:

the drug enters directly into the tissues of the lesion, creating a high concentration there, without saturating the entire body;
with electrophoresis, negative reactions to administered drugs are less likely to occur, and fewer side effects occur;
the substance is introduced into the body not in molecular form, but in the form of individual ingredients (this increases its pharmacological activity, and ballast substances do not enter the body);
To administer the drug, it is not necessary to violate the integrity of the skin, so there is no need to sterilize the drug.

Before starting therapy, you need to understand that there are certain contraindications, in the presence of which it is better to avoid using this method:

the presence of chronic kidney and liver diseases;
presence of tumors;
heart attack or stroke;
the presence of purulent inflammation of internal tissues and organs;
presence of Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis;
in the presence of epilepsy;
heat;
for acute bleeding;
the presence of tuberculosis in the acute phase.

Shock wave therapy (vibration therapy)

This physiotherapeutic procedure is based on the effects of low-frequency acoustic waves. The first application of this method was to crush kidney stones. Subsequently, doctors thought that in this way they could influence not only stones, but also bones.

The procedure is carried out on an outpatient basis in a physiotherapist's office. The specialist conducts an examination and selects the optimal treatment option, after which he applies a special gel to the diseased area, which improves the passage of the acoustic wave and applies the tip of the UVT device to the skin.

The procedure is felt as a dull tapping at the site of inflammation. In the case of a severe inflammatory process, slight jolting pain may occur. The full course includes about 5-7 procedures, and the duration of one procedure is no more than 7 minutes.

Due to the fact that shock wave therapy has an active effect on body tissue, there is a list of contraindications:

pregnancy;
neoplasms near the affected area;
the presence of blood clots in the heart area;
diseases with blood clotting disorders;
if you have a pacemaker;
in acute infectious processes.

ShT is not prescribed for children, since their skeleton is not yet formed, and is also not recommended for people who have just been ill and their body has not yet recovered.

The effect of therapy is evident after 2-5 visits - patients begin to notice a subsidence of painful sensations and an increase in the mobility of the affected limbs.

Detensor therapy

It is a method of gentle traction of the spine. For this, a special mat is used with elastic ribs that fit the body and follow its contours when a person lies on the mat.

At this moment, the body pressure is distributed, tensile forces appear, which are directed along the body - the spine begins to stretch, the load is removed from the intervertebral discs, and the muscles relax.

Therapy has the following effects on the body:

increases the intervertebral space, due to which the nerves begin to receive more nutrients;
damaged disks are restored;
the spine receives unloading;
blood circulation improves;
the person does not experience pain.

Detensor therapy has its advantages:

safety;
the effect appears quickly;
helps even in the presence of very severe pain;
the functioning of the organ system and well-being improves.

Detensor is the name of the mattress itself, the design of which is similar to a system of inclined ribs directed on the sides from the center. Due to its elasticity, the mattress can adapt to a person’s structure, so that the spine is always in a neutral position.

The session lasts 45 minutes. At first, the patient will experience nagging pain in the shoulder girdle or lower back. At the end of the procedure, the discomfort will go away and you will not be able to sit down for another hour after the procedure. The full course consists of 12 procedures.

The great advantage of the procedure is that it has no contraindications - even pregnant women and children can use it.

Laser therapy

The method consists of treating osteochondrosis using laser radiation in a very small range, which is safe for humans. The effect is achieved through the interaction of quantum particles of electromagnetic radiation and the biological structures of cells.

To maximize the effectiveness of the procedure, several principles should be taken into account:

complexity of impact;
sufficiency of the dose, which is determined for each patient individually;
changing radiation parameters during treatment.

Osteochondrosis is treated with red light radiation - this happens due to the fact that at this wavelength, the light can penetrate the tissues most deeply - the beam must affect all structures that are located above the surface of the skin.

Laser therapy leads to the following results:

the spasm of the muscle layer cells is relieved;
the lumen of the arteries expands;
the level of oxygen in the blood increases, thereby reducing hypoxia;
the functioning of the nervous system is normalized;
the outflow of lymph and blood improves.

Laser therapy can be performed using several methods:

locally, placing the emitting head directly on the area of change in tissue structure;
to special points, which are also used in acupuncture;
by segment, but taking into account relationships with neighboring bodies;
on nerve fibers and structures, but the light guide is placed in the projection of large neurovascular bundles.

The use of a laser is considered not the safest method, so the procedure may lead to some complications:

dizziness or loss of consciousness may increase;
Symptoms of the disease may increase after the start of the procedure.

Laser therapy is also not prescribed if the following contraindications exist:

presence of tumors;
exacerbation of infectious diseases;
thyrotoxicosis;
vascular lesions;
hemorrhagic stroke;
severe diseases of internal organs;
mental illnesses, especially those that can result in seizures;
hormonal disorders and endocrine imbalance;
blood pathologies.

If you have such problems with your body, you should avoid using laser therapy, as the potential harm will outweigh the possible benefit.

Balneotherapy

It is a treatment with mineral waters. Suitable for both prevention and treatment of various diseases. Unlike conventional hydrotherapy, balneotherapy uses mineral water, thermal or natural.

Mineral waters are considered to be waters that contain a high concentration of mineral and organic chemical elements, and they have some physical properties. Thermal waters are waters whose temperature ranges from 37 to 42 degrees.

To maintain the therapeutic effect, treatment should be carried out exclusively under the supervision of doctors, since various salts, elements and other components can irritate the skin, excite the nervous system, and increase blood circulation.

To achieve results, you should undergo a 2-3 week course of balneotherapy. At the same time, the duration and number of procedures in the course will depend on the recommendations of the doctor and the resort.

Treatment with mineral waters is prohibited if the following contraindications exist:

acute or chronic processes;
predisposition to bleeding;
presence of tumors;
tuberculosis;
allergy to mineral water components;
heart diseases;
poor blood clotting;
epilepsy or diseases of the nervous system.

Magnetotherapy

This method is based on the influence of a magnetic field with a constant frequency. The duration of one such procedure should not be longer than 20 minutes. The magnetic field inductors must be placed opposite each other so that the part of the spine affected by osteochondrosis is located in the center of a strong magnetic field.

There will be no reactions, everything happens at the cellular level, which is why the absence of a quick result or any manifestations does not inspire confidence in this technique.

Using the method helps eliminate inflammation and relieve pain. You can carry out the procedure at home using a special device called a tape recorder.

More information about this type of physiotherapy can be found here.

Ultraviolet irradiation

Ultraviolet rays help our skin synthesize vitamin D, which promotes the absorption of calcium, which is necessary to maintain the structure of cartilage and bone tissue.

For this purpose, ultraviolet irradiation is carried out using special irradiators that have bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effects:

For cervical osteochondrosis, UFO physiotherapy is applied locally on the back of the neck and on the upper part of the shoulder blades, as well as on the outer surface of the shoulder.
If you have osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, they affect the lumbosacral and gluteal region, as well as the back of the thighs and legs.
For osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, the midline of the spine in the sternum area is affected.

Before starting therapy, the patient is tested for sensitivity to rays with the smallest biodoses. Usually 10 to 15 sessions are prescribed.

Acupuncture

This is a treatment method, the essence of which is to use thin needles on acupuncture points, of which there are more than 600 on the human body. Each point is a tangle of nerve endings, plexuses of blood vessels and connective tissue. If such a structure is launched, then metabolic processes are activated, which are regulated by the activity of internal organs.

During acupuncture, the following processes begin to occur in the body:

endogenous opiates (enkephalins and endorphins) are produced;
blood circulation is normalized;
cortisol is produced due to activation of the adrenal cortex;
swelling of the spinal nerves decreases;
the regenerative properties of cartilage tissue are improved;
spasms of paravertebral muscles are reduced.

But there are also a number of the following contraindications to acupuncture:

the procedure is prohibited for children under 3 years of age and elderly people over 75 years of age;
pregnancy;
tumors;
skin and blood diseases;
infectious diseases.

Side effects that may occur during the procedure include:

formation of a hematoma at the site of needle insertion;
tissue infection when using untreated needles;
painful sensations during needle insertion.

If the patient experiences nausea, dizziness or chills during the procedure, it should be stopped immediately.

Ultraphonophoresis

This is the complex effect of ultrasound and a medicinal product applied to the skin. For ultraphonophoresis, glucocorticoid hormones, antispasmodics, vasoregulatory drugs, and antibiotics are mainly used, since they are able to potentiate the main therapeutic effects of ultrasound.

The drugs are administered through the excretory ducts of the sweat and sebaceous glands. Transcellular and intercellular routes of penetration are also possible. The ultraphonophoresis technique does not differ significantly from the ultrasound therapy technique. The substance that enters the contact medium can be prepared in the form of an emulsion, ointment or medicinal solution.

Contraindications to the use of phonophoresis are individual intolerance to medications, as well as contraindications to ultrasound itself.

Amplipulsetherapy

Another method of physiotherapy, the essence of which is to influence the patient’s body with sinusoidal currents. During the procedure, electromagnetic oscillations are modeled by amplitude, which is where the name came from.

The main instrument of amplipulse therapy is alternating current with a frequency of 5-10 kHz, which penetrates well under the skin and reaches deep-lying tissues. All this leads to the formation of a series of pulses similar to a beating and having an exciting effect.

As a result, a focus of irritation appears in the nervous system, which suppresses the dominant pain, increases the production of endorphins, and blood flow to all organs.

The method has its contraindications:

thrombophlebitis;
purulent inflammation;
decompensated vascular diseases;
general circulatory disorders.

The following devices are used for amplipulse therapy:

Aplipulse 4,5,6,7 episodes.
El Aesculapius Med TeCo.
AFT SI-01-MicroMed.

Darsonvalization

Darsonval is a special device whose operating principle is based on the use of low-power pulsed high-frequency current. The impact power can be adjusted, since the configuration of the electrodes varies.

Darsonvalization is used for the following factors:

restoration of normal blood supply to spinal tissues;
improving metabolism in spinal tissues;
improving the transmission of nerve impulses;
restoration of skin sensitivity.

The duration of one procedure is about 15 minutes at medium or high power. The procedures must be carried out every other day, and the course of treatment consists of 20 procedures.

Contraindications to darsonvalization include:

pregnancy;
increased skin sensitivity;
malignant and benign tumors:
presence of a pacemaker;
high body temperature;
epilepsy;
tuberculosis;
heart and vascular diseases;
thrombophlebitis.

Drug treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

It is especially important during an exacerbation, since it is through the cervical spine that important blood vessels pass through, providing nutrition to the brain.

Tablets, injections, ointments, as well as other topical agents prescribed by the attending physician can be used as treatment.

Important! Self-medication with drugs of various groups is unacceptable and can lead to disability and death.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

One of the most effective drugs, often used for osteochondrosis in the form of injections, but also available in the form of tablets, patches and ointments.

The key direction of action is to reduce pain, eliminate swelling and inflammatory processes.

Among the most effective drugs in this group it is worth noting Ortofen, Meloxicam, Artradol and Airtal.

Muscle relaxants

Provide effective reduction of muscle tension, which significantly reduces pain.

The recommended treatment period is from 2 to 4 weeks.

Among the most effective remedies, it is customary to highlight Sirdalud and Mydocalm.

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and warming ointments for cervical osteochondrosis

In order to increase efficiency, anti-inflammatory and painkillers contain steroid substances.

Among the frequently prescribed ones are Fastum gel, Nise and Voltaren.

The effect of warming ointments is aimed at pain relief, as well as warming, which activates blood flow at the site of application of the drug. The most effective are considered to be: Nicoflex, Capsicam.

Chondroprotectors

They are used to slow down degenerative processes and accelerate the regeneration of connective tissue. Has a cumulative effect.

Recommended dosage: from 2 to 6 months.

Among the most popular drugs in this group are Chondroxyz, Artracam and Alflutop.

Treatment of lower back pain

The sensation of pain in the lower back appears due to an imbalance of the musculo-ligamentous system. In this case, microtraumatization of soft tissues occurs, as a result of which chemical irritants (pain mediators) are released in excess. They cause muscle spasms and the development of back pain. The origin of lumbodynia is mainly associated with osteochondrosis, which is localized in the lumbar region. Lumbodynia is characterized by aching pain in the lower back with moderate or traumatic factors of lumbodynia: physical fatigue, systematic or excessive physical effort; sudden movements; constant work in a “non-physiological” position or prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position; lower back bruise, hypothermia, cold, etc. The treatment program for lower back pain includes the following main points: 1) Bed rest for eight to ten days. The bed should be flat and firm. “Rest” on such a surface allows the back muscles to relax. 2) Drug treatment of lumbago involves taking sedatives and painkillers and using novocaine blockades (for severe, increasing pain). Physiotherapy methods include electrophoresis of analgesics, pulsed currents, and ultraviolet irradiation of segmental zones. In the acute period, the patient may be prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets, injections, suppositories or ointments that relieve muscle spasm. Warming creams can be used only during the rehabilitation period (on the third day of exacerbation). In the acute period, they can cause swelling and increase pain. 3) After eliminating acute pain, treatment of lumbago is continued with the help of exercise therapy, massage and manual therapy. The main task at this stage is to strengthen the muscle corset and reduce compression of the nerve roots. Special exercises for lumbago help normalize metabolism, improve blood circulation and nutrition of the intervertebral discs, relieve muscle tension, increase intervertebral space and relieve stress on the spine. Additionally, during the remission stage, acupuncture, hydromassage, mineral baths, mud therapy and other physiotherapy are prescribed (see Treatment of back pain

). This improves blood circulation and provides an anti-inflammatory and absorbable effect.

Features of nutrition in the treatment and prevention of cervical osteochondrosis

Proper nutrition is undoubtedly an important component of maintaining a healthy body.

In the context of the prevention or treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, diet is an auxiliary, but at the same time a very significant component.

The main goals of proper nutrition in the treatment or prevention of osteochondrosis are:

eliminating the possibility of a deficiency of nutrients necessary for metabolic processes in the tissues of the intervertebral discs;
maintaining optimal body weight;
reducing the risk of developing vascular changes, preventing circulatory disorders.

Principles of diet

Nutrition for cervical osteochondrosis is based on the principles of rationality and functionality:

Minimizing inhibitions - a healthy diet is varied, balanced and at the same time rich in all necessary substances.
Compliance with the drinking regime is an important component in preventing tissue degradation of the intervertebral discs.
Reducing salt consumption eliminates the possibility of increasing the load on blood vessels and ensures support of water and electrolyte balance.
Limiting the consumption of starches and sugars in order to eliminate the possibility of metabolic disorders.

Prohibited and recommended foods

Nutrition in the treatment and prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine requires the exclusion of products that clog the body, such as:

alcohol, which disrupts the water-electrolyte balance and causes tissue dehydration;
fatty meats and smoked meats that are difficult to digest;
acidic, spicy dishes that increase inflammatory processes;
semi-finished products that negatively affect digestion processes;
sweets, sugar, which disrupt blood circulation.

The list of products recommended for consumption includes mainly easily digestible products of plant and animal origin, rich in protein, complex carbohydrates and fiber, including:

chicken, rabbit, lean beef and pork;
Fish and seafood;
dairy products, eggs;
cereals of various types;
whole wheat bread;
fruits, vegetables, berries and herbs.

Goals of physical therapy treatment

The main purpose of physiotherapy prescribed for cervical osteochondrosis is:

Reducing the manifestations of the inflammatory process.
Relieving muscle spasms.
Eliminate pain.
Stimulation of regenerative processes in tissues.
Boosting immunity.
Elimination of compression and pinching of nerve fibers.

Physiotherapy has a complex positive effect on the body, helping to improve metabolic processes, due to which the cure for cervical osteochondrosis proceeds faster and with a lower risk of relapses.

Procedures may be prescribed for preventive purposes.