In the human neck there are a large number of nerve bundles and blood vessels that ensure the normal functioning of the brain and sensory organs.The most common cause of pinching is cervical osteochondrosis - a dangerous degenerative disease of cartilage and bone tissue, which is accompanied by severe pain, deterioration of hearing, vision and cognitive functions, a feeling of numbness in the face and gradual loss of the ability to work.
If you experience pain and stiffness when turning your head, frequent dizziness or weakness in your arms, it's time to think about treatment for cervical osteochondrosis.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis has its own characteristics due to its anatomical structure.The vertebrae of the cervical spine are smaller than the lumbar and even thoracic vertebrae, and also suffer constant static load (the weight of the head).During the day, loads can be expressed in maintaining the same posture - for example, when reading documents, working at a computer.At night, the neck is also often deprived of rest due to an unphysiological sleeping position and an uncomfortable pillow (the head “hangs” on the pillow or is a point of support and is subject to pressure).As a result of this pre-pathological condition, so-called muscle overtraining occurs.Certain muscle groups suffer excessive stress and, therefore, need a longer period of rest and recovery, but they do not receive it – after all, no one canceled the schedule.
All this causes constant tension in some muscle groups and dystrophic changes in others, and often leads to the appearance of a “turtle neck” (the person is hunched over, while the head protrudes forward and the neck forms a characteristic deflection).In this situation, the weight of the head falls on the atlas, the first cervical vertebra.He is forced to take on part of the load that the neck muscles bear during normal physical development.But the fact is that it is not at all suitable for such a task!
Additional factors that can accelerate the wear and tear of intervertebral cartilage in the cervical spine often include:
- hormonal and age-related changes - most often after the age of 45 (inorganic substances predominate over organic ones, which reduces the flexibility of bones and provokes their mineralization, and the destruction of bone tissue occurs faster than its growth);
- injuries to the neck and other parts of the spine;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- congenital anomalies of the musculoskeletal system and acquired postural disorders;
- physical inactivity (after all, the intervertebral joints of the neck are the most mobile and a variety of loads are necessary for their health);
- smoking and other bad habits.
Stages of cervical osteochondrosis
The stage of cervical osteochondrosis is established based on diagnostic criteria.These include the patient's own sensations, palpation, assessment of neck mobility, as well as the release of the joint space between the vertebrae and other indicators on an x-ray.Depending on the stage of the disease, the orthopedist selects treatment for cervical osteochondrosis, preventive measures and, if necessary, supportive orthoses.
1st degree of cervical osteochondrosis
Grade 1 cervical osteochondrosis is also called preclinical stage.Patients, as a rule, ignore the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and treatment is not carried out due to its mild severity.They are attributed to tiredness after a working day, uncomfortable sleeping position, stress, migraines and various illnesses.Patients feel:
- stiffness in the neck, especially in the morning or after staying in the same position for a long time;
- pain when turning the head sharply;
- frequent headaches (including when the weather changes).
At this stage of the disease, treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women is more likely - because its symptoms are more pronounced.This is due both to the specifics of work and physical activity (for example, working in an office during the day and bending over the sink or doing your child's homework at night), and to hormonal and anatomical characteristics (lower muscle mass and bone mineral density).At the preclinical stage, women are especially characterized by pressure surges, numbness and pallor of the skin (especially on the face), a tendency to fainting and dizziness, nausea and some other symptoms of cerebral hypoxia.
Most often, symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis occur in patients aged 45 to 65 years, but with chronic fatigue, excessive physical activity and other risk factors, they can appear quite early - from the age of 25.
At this stage, the disease can be completely overcome with the help of therapeutic exercises, ointments for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, training in an orthopedic regime and normalization of nutrition.
2nd degree of cervical osteochondrosis
In the 2nd stage of the disease, the height of the intervertebral cartilage, which plays the role of a shock-absorbing coating between the vertebrae, begins to decrease.Because of this, microtraumas to the neck often occur during sharp turns, jumping or excessive loads.Protrusion (bulging) of the intervertebral discs and radicular syndrome (compression of nerve endings) also appear.
These changes cause severe pain - both in the head and neck.The ability to concentrate, the speed of thinking and the sensitivity of the face and hands decrease.Patients complain of increased fatigue and irritability.At this stage, effective drug treatment for cervical osteochondrosis is already necessary.
3rd degree of cervical osteochondrosis
The intense, sharp pain is constant and can radiate to the arms, upper back or neck.One or both of the patient's arms become tired quickly.The process begins to spread to neighboring joints due to violation of the natural compensatory functions of the spine.The patient has difficulty or is unable to turn his head due to the formation of bone protrusions - osteophytes, as well as the fact that the cartilage is replaced by connective tissue.Every movement, if possible, is accompanied by a sudden crisis.The neck loses mobility, its muscles atrophy.Hernias often form and cracks appear in the vertebrae.There is a noise in the ears.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out comprehensively, taking into account the patient's age, constitution, profession, level of physical fitness, his lifestyle and the presence of concomitant diseases.Therefore, the appropriateness of specific therapeutic measures in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men should be determined by the attending physician.

Physiotherapy for cervical osteochondrosis
To relieve pain, relieve inflammation, improve nerve conduction and nourish the brain, the following physiotherapeutic methods are used to treat cervical osteochondrosis:
- ultrasound therapy and phonophoresis - have a warming effect, improve the effect of external medicines;
- electrophoresis – enhances the effect of administered medications, has a stimulating and warming effect;
- shock wave therapy (SWT) – activates blood supply, relieves inflammation and improves the regeneration processes of bone and cartilage tissue;
- electromyostimulation – improves mobility and resistance of the neck and arms, relieves pain;
- cold and ozone therapy - reduces pain and inflammation, helps reduce corticosteroid dosage;
- physiotherapy and kinesiotherapy – strengthens the neck muscles, improves blood circulation and metabolism, maintains neck mobility;
- manual therapy and mechanical traction (traction) – helps get rid of tension and pain;
- acupuncture – helps maintain mobility and nerve sensitivity;
- paraffin applications - stimulate metabolic processes, reduce pain.
Sanatorium methods for treating cervical osteochondrosis are effective and advantageous - for example, balneotherapy (hydrogen sulfide, radon and turpentine baths), hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches).
Massage in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Therapeutic massage, lymphatic drainage and physiotherapy have a positive effect on intervertebral discs, bone tissue, muscles and ligaments of the cervical spine.Some movements can be performed independently - for example, rubbing the cervical collar, parotid region and shoulders, massaging the neck with fingers and the edge of the palm, tapping, stroking and upward movements along the back of the head.In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebra, it would be useful to do a circular massage of the back of the head, as well as warming up the clavicular region, shoulders and upper back.Massage before exercise therapy exercises is especially effective.You can combine it with the application of an ointment to treat cervical osteochondrosis.
For osteochondrosis of the neck, hydromassage is also recommended - a physiotherapeutic technique that improves metabolism, inhibits fibrous growth, helps eliminate headaches and improves nerve conduction.
Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis
Lack of adequate physical activity in the neck and back muscles is the main reason for the development and progression of cervical osteochondrosis.Therefore, daily exercise is used both for the prevention and treatment of this disease (but not for the treatment of exacerbations of cervical osteochondrosis!).Remember that exercises must be performed at least 3 to 5 times a day (once in the morning, upon waking up).All movements should be smooth, without jerks.If you feel pain when performing the exercise, stop, and if performing the entire complex is painful for you, contact an orthopedist for drug treatment of cervical osteochondrosis and also consult a physiotherapy instructor.
You can perform the following exercises daily (5-7 repetitions):
- Press your palm to your forehead and stretch your neck, trying to move your palm with your forehead.Repeat this exercise for the back of the head and then the right and left temples.
- Tilt your head back and slowly lower it, pressing your chin to your chest.
- Stand up straight and turn your head as far to the left as possible.Repeat the exercise on the right side.
- Tilt your head back and try to touch your ear to your shoulder.Repeat on both sides.
- Lower your chin to the jugular notch and turn your head first in one direction (5 times or more) and then, in the same way, in the other.
Shoulder warm-ups such as the “mill” will also be helpful.Daily exercise in the early stages of the disease helps to do without pills for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
Note: If you have already been diagnosed with osteochondrosis, you should not describe your head in a full circle, as this can be traumatic.
Medicines and preparations for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Starting from the 2nd stage of the disease, medications are used to treat exacerbations of cervical osteochondrosis.But it will not be possible to control the disease only with the help of pharmacotherapy - therefore, it is important to combine the drugs and medications listed below for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with therapeutic exercises, physiotherapy and the use of orthoses (for example, the Shants collar).
Chondroprotectors for cervical osteochondrosis
Chondroprotectors activate the regeneration processes of cartilage and bone tissue and are therefore excellent as a supportive treatment for osteochondrosis of the neck.They are taken for 3 to 6 months.They are produced both in the form of tablets for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, and in the form of sachets, injections and capsules.
To consolidate remission and treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, doctors recommend chondroprotective medications.
Anti-inflammatory drugs for cervical osteochondrosis
Anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are divided into non-steroidal (NSAID) and steroid (hormonal) drugs.Both groups are administered in short courses prescribed by a doctor - in the form of tablets for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis or intramuscular injections.Steroids are used in the more advanced stages of the disease, when the pain cannot be overcome in any other way.
Antispasmodics and angioprotectors
When treating cervical osteochondrosis, it is important to protect the central nervous system, which is at risk with this disease.Therefore, for effective drug treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, doctors recommend taking:
- Antispasmodics.
- Angioprotectors.
- Nootropics, amino acid complexes and brain vitamins.
External heating agents
Warming gels, creams and ointments for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis improve blood flow, relieve inflammation and distract the patient from pain.
Diet in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can be classified as the so-called.“diseases of the whole body”.Therefore, in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, the diet has two goals: to saturate the body with nutrients and limit substances that contribute to dehydration, mineralization of joints and their destruction.
Therefore, in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, a special place in the diet should be given to:
- Poultry, lean meat, game, liver and offal.
- Seafood – fish, shellfish, crustaceans, edible algae.
- Eggs and dairy.
- Whole grains and legumes – oats, wheat (including sprouted wheat), brown rice, beans, peas.
- Vegetables – carrots, spinach, peppers, broccoli, lettuce and others.
- Fruits - apricots, bananas, citrus fruits, plums, apples, avocados, peaches, pomegranates.
- Nuts.
- Any berries (fresh, dried, frozen) and dried fruits.
But it is better to completely exclude marinades, salty dishes, fast food, semi-finished products and sausages.It is also important to reduce white bread, potatoes, sweets (except dark chocolate and dried fruits), soft drinks and coffee “in bags” in the menu - this will reduce the need for drug treatment for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.