Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine without surgery

18 December 2021

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease characterized by damage to the intervertebral discs.

Cervical osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases in the world. Statistically, about 60% of the world’s population has faced this, as modern people suffer from physical inactivity and also spend a huge amount of time in sedentary work. Osteochondrosis manifests itself in the form of damage to the intervertebral cartilage, as well as reactive processes in adjacent tissues.

The vertebrae of the cervical spine are much smaller than the vertebrae of the other spine, but the load on them is not less. We are constantly turning our heads, which is why the neck is in a systematic movement. In the initial stages, the disease is difficult to recognize, and the basic manifestations of the disease are often ignored by patients. The result is the initiation of osteochondrosis of the cervical collar, which significantly complicates the further treatment process.

The modern clinic successfully treats osteochondrosis of the neck with non-surgical methods with correction and kinesiotherapy.

Causes of osteochondrosis of the neck

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of osteochondrosis:

Physical inactivity is the main reason that precedes the onset of a dangerous disease. The complete absence of moderate physical activity leads to degradation of the musculoskeletal system. Insufficient daily activity is not just a problem of office workers and drivers. People who prefer to spend their free time at the computer or watching television suffer from hypodynamics.
Excessive physical activity. This is most often suffered by professional athletes who are exposed to axial loads on their backs. Working at the limit of possibilities also threatens novice athletes who train without the supervision of a professional coach and perform exercises with incorrectly set technique.
Negative factors for posture are walking on high heels and uncomfortable shoes, scoliosis, flat feet, as well as incorrect body position during sleep.
Excessive weight leads to excessive loading of the spine, which leads to displacement of the spine and wear of cartilage structures.
Rheumatism.
Endocrine disorders.
Stress.
Hypothermia of the neck.
Sedentary lifestyle (such as drivers and office workers) or excessive physical activity (such as athletes).

As a rule, under the influence of these factors, there is a load on the cervical spine, which causes the creation of muscle spasm. As a result, there is a disturbance of blood circulation and deterioration of metabolism, which leads to degenerative changes.

Interesting fact: the risk of developing such a disease as osteochondrosis is largely associated with evolutionary changes in the human body. It's about upright walking. During the entire life cycle, the spinal column performs the function of the "core" of our body. The vertebrae, pressing the cartilaginous discs, gradually wear them out, so the connective tissue decomposes. This is why osteochondrosis is often felt in old age.

The symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine will largely depend on the reasons that caused the appearance of the disease. In order to develop an individual treatment plan, doctors conduct a series of examinations. Self-treatment of neck pain is strongly discouraged. Improper massages, medicines or methods of traditional medicine can worsen the situation and lead to a number of irreparable consequences!

Cervical osteochondrosis: symptoms and treatment

Manifestations of dangerous diseases depend on 2 main factors:

Type of load on the cervical spine.
The site of damage to the cartilaginous structure of the intervertebral disc.

Nerve roots perform a number of functions, so the symptoms of damage to individual parts can vary greatly. In addition, you need to consider the stage of disease development. There are 4 of them, each of which is heavier than the previous one.

Cervical osteochondrosis 1 degree

This degree is called preclinical and is mild, which is why patients attribute the symptoms to stress, lack of sleep and other seemingly unserious problems. The spine begins to defend itself against "destructive" movements and excessive stress, so people begin to feel discomfort.

The main symptoms are:

headache
discomfort in the neck, shoulders and arms
mild visual impairment
slight decrease in motor activity of the neck

One of the most noticeable symptoms of the preclinical phase of cervical osteochondrosis is constant tension of the neck muscles. The muscles quickly overload, which leads to a feeling of tolerable pain, as well as crunching when turning / tilting the head.

Since the above problems do not cause much discomfort, most patients prefer to let the situation go its course. In fact, it is already necessary to start treatment for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, because the sooner therapy begins, the more effective it will be.

Grade 2 cervical osteochondrosis

In this case, patients begin to feel noticeable pain when tilting / turning their head. Often the uncomfortable feelings spread to the arms, shoulder joints and hands. Problems with the state of the nervous system begin to appear: the person becomes irritable, absent, his daily work capacity is significantly reduced. The basic symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women are almost identical to the symptoms of problems with the reproductive system (weakness, fatigue, apathy and much more).

Despite the obvious signs of disease development, it is still possible to get rid of osteochondrosis of the neck. First of all, doctors are working to eliminate the risk of hernias, which lead to impaired limb mobility and blood flow to the brain.

The main symptoms are:

severe neck pain
noise in the ears
visual impairment
decreased sensitivity of the skin of the shoulders and arms
worsening of tendon reflexes

Cervical osteochondrosis 3 degrees

At this stage of development, the disease is already considered neglected. Treatment of third-degree cervical osteochondrosis is more difficult because the destruction / deformation of cartilage structures is often irreversible. The pain syndrome is getting stronger, which is associated with the active development of hernias and the friction of the bone tissue of the vertebrae against each other.

In addition to pain, the patient feels weak and complains of dizziness. The reason for this is an injury to the large veins and nerves that run through the spine. The brain receives inadequate amounts of food and oxygen, which can lead to blurred consciousness. The pain spreads to the upper extremities, there is a feeling of weakness in the hands. Another clear sign of grade 3 osteochondrosis is loss of sensitivity in the fingers as well as tingling in them.

The main symptoms are:

increased pain
cervical spine hernia
very weak tendon reflexes
paralysis of the upper limbs

Cervical osteochondrosis 4 degrees

The cartilaginous tissue of the intervertebral discs has already undergone major changes due to destruction. In the 4th stage of the disease, in 99% of cases there are protrusions and hernias, which significantly negatively affect the patient's condition. The body begins to recover on its own and "builds" tissue in areas of disc damage. As a result, the pillar itself loses its mobility.

As nerves and blood vessels are compressed, a person loses coordination of movements. Drowsiness, apathy and pain only intensify. Patients often complain of annoying tinnitus. In addition, stage 4 cervical osteochondrosis threatens a number of consequences:

Cerebral ischemia, risk of developing spinal stroke. This is due to the strong compression of the vertebral arteries.
Disorder of perception of the surrounding world and systematic loss of consciousness. The reason is pinching of blood vessels and insufficient blood supply to the cerebral cortex.
Fatal outcome. As a result of spinal cord contractions, catastrophic consequences can occur.

The main symptoms are:

depression of brain activity
lack of coordination
increased dizziness
paralysis
hearing and vision loss
angina pectoris, shortness of breath

How to cure cervical osteochondrosis: diagnostic phase

Before starting to eliminate the disease, doctors conduct a comprehensive examination of the patient's cervical spine. This is necessary in order to determine the fact of the presence and neglect of the disease. Diagnosis consists of several stages:

x-ray. This is a visual way to determine the location of vertebrae, as well as changes in their mobility.
Laboratory research. With the help of tests, doctors determine spinal disorders, and make the final diagnosis.
CT. This is a modern technique for assessing ruptures and changes in the height of intervertebral discs. Also, computed tomography helps monitor the instability of individual vertebrae.
MRI. The presented phase of the examination is performed in order to determine the condition of the nerve roots, the quality of blood circulation, as well as pathological changes in the cartilage-bone structures.
Differential diagnostics. These include ultrasound, cardiogram and several other procedures. They are necessary so that osteochondrosis is not confused with other diseases that have identical symptoms. These include diseases of the urinary system, all types of spinal deformities, hip injuries, as well as disorders of the central nervous system.

Determining the symptoms and treating cervical osteochondrosis is impossible without a comprehensive diagnosis. The sooner it is carried out, the more effective the therapy will be. If you notice symptoms of the disease, consult your doctor as soon as possible. He will give referrals for examinations to specialists of narrower profiles: neurologists and orthopedists. In some cases, it may be necessary to consult a cardiologist if the signs of the disease overlap with the suspicion of angina pectoris or ischemia of the heart muscle.

In modern clinics, the diagnosis and successful treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out on the basis of kinesitherapy. With the help of this healing technique, patients, performing a series of physical exercises on special recovery devices, significantly improve their health.

Basic methods of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men

A quality and stable result in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can only be achieved through an integrated approach to the problem. The effectiveness of recovery largely depends on the mood of the patient, who will have to completely revise lifestyle, diet, sleep and wakefulness.

It is by no means possible to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in women and men on their own, because the basic symptoms of the disease can signal the development of a completely different disease. Medications selected without the knowledge of a doctor can seriously worsen the situation. Even the elementary intake of painkillers does not always give the expected effect, which once again proves the need for prior consultation with a specialist.

Removing pain aggravation

The disease often manifests itself in the form of stabbing, aching and traction pain syndromes. The main task of the doctor is to alleviate your suffering, therefore, first of all, experts prescribe:

Anti-inflammatory drugs;
Vitamins;
Painkillers;
Chondroprotectors.

The last category of drugs is aimed at restoring cartilage structures, which is especially important in advanced stages of the disease. In addition, patients are prescribed medications to relieve muscle cramps and improve blood flow to the body.

Therapeutic gymnastic exercises

Physical therapy specialists know how to get rid of cervical osteochondrosis in the most affordable ways. Exercise therapy is one of the most effective methods of treating osteochondrosis, which can be used even at home. The intensity of the exercise in this case does not play any role. Regularity of moderate physical activity will help achieve results. Here is the effect of exercise:

Strengthen the muscles in the neck, which are responsible for supporting weakened vertebrae.
Stimulation and normalization of the blood supply in the body, which is especially important for the cerebral cortex.
Increasing general tone, energy charge, restoring a person's productivity and work capacity.

Exercise therapy classes are allowed on a daily basis. The set of exercises includes all types of rotations and tilts of the head. With the appropriate level of physical fitness, the degree of weight increases and hand movements are associated with work. The advantage of the elements of therapeutic gymnastics is that they can be used even in the workplace. But remember that they can be performed only after the acute pain syndrome has been eliminated.

As an additional burden, doctors recommend patients to visit the pool, because swimming relieves stress on the spine and relieves stress from the intervertebral discs. Work with light dumbbells in order to strengthen the shoulder girdle is also shown.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy methods are numerous:

Electrophoresis.
Magnet, laser and shock wave therapy.
Mud therapy.
Medicinal baths and showers.

The above are just the main therapeutic methods aimed at restoring the blood supply to the affected spine, eliminating inflammation, pain and slowing down the process of ossification of the neck.

Massage

Massage treatment of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine is widespread throughout the world. But this method should be used with great care, because a rough and incapable blow to the damaged parts of the neck can lead to a worsening of the condition. Before you make an appointment with a masseur, you need to consult your doctor.

Thanks to the influence of the hands on the painful area, muscle tone is reduced, which leads to the elimination of painful cramps. It also improves blood circulation, restores clarity of thought and general well-being of the patient.

Operation

The last stage of disease development leads to the formation of severe intervertebral hernias, as well as narrowing of the lumen of the spine. Treatment of the patient in this case may require surgical intervention. The surgeon decides whether surgery is necessary. It also determines the complex of preparatory measures, the period of postoperative recovery and rehabilitation.

Most surgical interventions involve the removal of hernias, as well as the replacement of damaged vertebrae.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in the clinic

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in a professional clinic involves the use of exclusively non-surgical methods. Specialists work according to a unique technique developed on the basis of the principles of kinesitherapy. Patients who turn to us for help are treated with a set of physical exercises in a specially equipped room.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out according to an individually developed program. The therapeutic effect is not only on a certain part of the spine, but also on the internal organs. The process of treatment without medication and without surgery is difficult, but we provide comprehensive support to patients, help them become more determined and reconsider their attitude towards their own illness.

This is what the healing process is made of:

Trainings in the rehabilitation hall at least 2-3 times a week.
Partner therapeutic gymnastics.
Thermotherapy according to individual indications.
Pain relief with ice massage.
Therapeutic / restorative massage.
Flexible exercises for work at home.
Microanatomical ultrasound studies to monitor recovery over time.
Personal consultations with the specialists of the kinesitherapy clinic.

Prevention of osteochondrosis

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in the context of modern medicine involves many effective methods. But it is much better not to allow this problem to appear at all than to deal with its elimination. There are a number of preventive measures that will reduce the risk of occurrence and development of dangerous diseases:

Take a warm shower every day for 10 minutes. A systematic visit to the baths / saunas is also recommended. Please note that these recommendations are only suitable for people without cardiovascular health problems.
Go for a swim and take regular walks in the fresh air at a relaxed pace. Physical inactivity is one of the main causes of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Refuse excessive physical exertion at the limit of human capabilities. This is especially true of gym work. Critical axial loads on the spine lead to protrusion.
Try to avoid back stabs, especially if you are over 30 years old.
Examine your diet. Try to exclude sweets, flour, moderate salt and sugar intake. Reducing the calorie content of food allows you to avoid gaining extra pounds, which further burdens the spine.
If you work in an office and spend a lot of time at the computer, take care to buy a special chair with support for the lumbar and neck area. Try doing basic warm-up exercises every 60 minutes.
In case the pain appears after waking up, consider buying an orthopedic mattress and pillow. If possible, get a bed with a flat, hard surface.
To avoid degenerative and dystrophic changes in the cervical spine, visit a professional masseur at least 2-3 times a year. Neck and collar massage is one of the most effective preventive measures.
Women should minimize walking on high-heeled shoes, as this interferes with the natural position of the spine. For diagnosed flat feet, it is recommended to buy special shoes or insoles, because orthopedic products correct the position of the feet and relieve unnecessary stress on the spine.

As well as:

bathing should be visited regularly
you need to give up bodybuilding, which can contribute to the protrusion of the cervical disc
light exercise can be a good disease prevention

Outcome

Treatment of osteochondrosis in a professional clinic takes place under the strict supervision of highly qualified specialists. Physicians adhere to an integrated approach in working with patients, and even with advanced stages of the disease. If you notice symptoms of osteochondrosis, you do not have to suffer, self-medicate and postpone a visit to the doctor. Start your journey to a healthy, happy life!