In this article, we will talk about various gels and ointments for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine - how effective they are for this disease, share the names of the best remedies, and talk about the medical treatment of this disease at different stages of its development.
What is osteochondrosis
What is osteochondrosis? In medicine, it is believed that these are degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine that affect primarily the cartilage, and with the further development of the disease, they can also spread to the bone structure of the vertebrae and the ligamentous apparatus.
Medical statistics say that approximately 80% of cases when pain occurs in various parts of the back are associated with manifestations of osteochondrosis. This disease has become, in fact, a kind of “scourge” of modern humanity, because in our days it is very common.
It is very unpleasant that the tissue of cartilage is very difficult and takes a long time to recover, so without active timely measures there is practically no chance to reverse the disease, and the disk affected by osteochondrosis will be doomed to gradual destruction. That is why it is so important to start treatment in time, which will stop the destruction in the spine at the first stage, and then start using recovery drugs.
What symptoms may indicate osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
We promised to talk about ointments for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, but first we want to describe the most characteristic symptoms that appear in this condition. Here they are:
1. Pain is the most common symptom that is hard to ignore. Pain can be localized in the neck, and can spread to the occipital muscles or shoulders. Headache is also a fairly common occurrence with osteochondrosis in the cervical region. Modern painkillers and ointments for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine help reduce or even completely relieve pain, but this does not mean that the disease has passed, it can quietly develop further, therefore, after stopping the pain, you must definitely see a doctor.
2. Nausea. This can result from blood flow disorders in the vessels of the brain. Sometimes the patient may experience not only nausea, but even severe vomiting, which can be triggered by a sharp tilt of the head or its rotation.
3. A feeling of lack of air. When osteochondrosis affects the cervical spine, the phrenic nerve, which is involved in adjusting the frequency and depth of breathing , may be irritated. Therefore, the patient begins to have difficulty breathing, feels short of breath.
4. Tinnitus and ringing. Vertebral arteries supply blood to the vestibular apparatus; osteochondrosis in the neck can contribute to dysfunction of the inner ear.
5. Pharyngeal symptoms. Manifestations in the form of a sore throat: sometimes it seems to a person that a foreign body has entered the larynx, swallowing may be difficult. All this is associated with disorders in the neurovascular trunks of the spinal cord.
6. Visual impairment. Such a symptom is quite rare, but it still occurs.
7. Sudden fainting. Loss of consciousness in a patient with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can occur due to interruptions in the passage of blood through the arteries of the brain.
8. Jumps in blood pressure.
9. Violations of the mobility of the neck.
What is the danger of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?
When something hurts us, we often immediately run to the pharmacy and ask them to sell some effective medicine. With severe pain in the neck, a person is ready to buy everything that a pharmacist will advise - both inexpensive Ibuprofen and Voltaren - ointment, the price of which is quite high. “Perhaps it will help,” we think. Meanwhile, the first thing to do is go to the doctor. It is the specialist who should prescribe the treatment.
After all, changes in the cervical spine can subsequently cause a lot of trouble, especially if you start the disease. If osteochondrosis is not treated, then it threatens with protrusion of the discs, and then the appearance of intervertebral hernias. Even a slight protrusion of the disk in the cervical region turns into mechanical pressure on the spinal cord and vertebral artery. If you do not deal with treatment, then osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can lead to such a life-threatening condition as ischemic stroke.
Treatment methods
Ointments for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are one of the parts of the complex treatment, which, according to the doctor’s prescription, can include injections, ingestion of tablets, physiotherapy, therapeutic massage and physical education, manual therapy. In some cases, surgery can be applied, but, fortunately, with osteochondrosis this does not happen so often.
What drugs and drugs are used to treat exacerbation of osteochondrosis
In the acute period, acute pain is the dominant symptom. Therefore, the first thing to do is to try to stop the pain syndrome and quickly alleviate the human condition. Applying an external agent to a sore spot with anesthetic and at the same time anti-inflammatory effect is the shortest way to get the result.
The following analgesic ointments for osteochondrosis can be recommended:
- Piroxicam.
- Rofecoxib.
- Diclofenac.
- Ibuprofen
- Celecoxib.
- Nimesulide.
- Indomethacin ointment.
The price of one ointment can differ significantly from another - perhaps this is the only fundamental difference between the listed external means. And so all of these drugs belong to a very effective modern non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. They not only remove pain, but also directly relieve swelling that compresses the nerve roots and blood vessels.
There are also muscle relaxant ointments that relieve muscle cramps, blocking the vertebrae and pinching vessels and nerve endings, these are:
- Midokalm.
- Sirdalud.
- "Baclofen."
In addition to the ointment, a doctor may be prescribed to take some anticonvulsant drug (if there is a pronounced compression of the nerve roots). One such drug is carbamazepine.
Medication for cervical osteochondrosis during remission
When the acute period of the disease has passed, drug therapy should be aimed at stimulating blood circulation in the vessels, improving metabolic processes and at the same time relieving tension in the cervical region. The following external remedies are useful here:
- Gels and ointments with anti-inflammatory effect, containing analgesics and steroids ("Fastum gel", "Nise", "Nurofen", "Diclofenac", "Ketonal", "Voltaren gel").
- Warming ointments, enhancing blood flow to the diseased areas, improving their nutrition (Capsicam, Nikofluks, Finalgon).
- Chondroprotective ointments that restore cartilage tissue.
- Massage creams and ointments containing bee venom and with the addition of various plant extracts.
Often, seeing in the pharmacy an abundance of external drugs, people get lost and buy the first thing that a pharmacist offers. As a rule, the choice of pharmacy workers is inclined towards the most expensive medicine. No need to rush, carefully read the inserts from the boxes. Here, for example, Voltaren - ointment. The price of this drug is usually above 300 rubles. And all because the product is imported, German-made. But, next to the Voltaren, our domestic and inexpensive Diclofenac with exactly the same effect is for sale.
Proper use of warming ointments
Warming ointments are very effective for cervical osteochondrosis. They relieve muscle spasms, increase blood circulation in them, and improve the nutrition of inflamed tissues. With their use, the healing process is noticeably accelerated. But sometimes, due to misuse, patients are very unhappy with some of the side effects of these drugs.
Take, for example, such a popular warming ointment as Finalgon. "Burns the skin so that there is no strength to endure!" - exclaim many. This is because it is necessary to apply the drug to the skin in very small quantities. It has a strong irritating effect. The skin at the place of application of the ointment turns red, the temperature rises there, due to which metabolic processes are activated in painful areas - this is what helps to get a good therapeutic effect.
If you were careless and still applied too much ointment, then you should not try to wash it off with water, the burning sensation may intensify. It is best to remove the product with a cotton swab lubricated with vegetable oil. Another rule: warming ointments are best used in the daytime, as they tone the nervous system and can cause insomnia.
About chondroprotectors
Today, doctors are not silent about the need to prescribe chondroprotective drugs. Their treatment requires considerable financial investments from patients, and yet there is an opinion that they are ineffective. Nevertheless, manufacturers claim that the effect of these drugs is manifested in slowing down the destructive processes in the cartilage and, moreover, in their gradual recovery.
As you understand, the best ointment for osteochondrosis is one that can not only relieve painful symptoms, but also cure it. Long-term use of chondroprotectors gives such hope. Today in pharmacies there are the following ointments-chondroprotectors:
- Chondroart.
- Chondroitin.
- Chondroxide.
- Chondrolone.
Homeopathic ointments
What else can be treated for osteochondrosis? Homeopathic ointments and gels, made on the basis of natural components, are also very successfully used for this disease. These drugs stimulate and enhance the body's defenses, activate the restoration of cartilage, etc. Here is a list of such ointments:
- "Bischofite."
- "Target T".
- "Zhivokost".
- "Traumeel C".
- "Golden mustache".
Ointments for complex effects
We mentioned many names of excellent drugs that help with cervical osteochondrosis. These are chondroprotectors (expensive "Chondroitin" and other ointments), various NSAIDs, for example, "Indomethacin" - an ointment, the price of which is low (30-50 rubles). In general, the choice is very wide - there is something to heal!
There is another group of drugs - ointments of complex action. They are simultaneously
- Anesthetized.
- Microbes are killed.
- Relieve inflammation.
- Tissue regenerate.
- Improve blood supply, etc.
These drugs include external remedies "Fitobene" and "Dolobene."
Conclusion
Which ointment is best for osteochondrosis, it is necessary to decide together with your doctor. Often, an external remedy alone is not enough, it may require injections, physiotherapy, and special exercises. We urge you not to experiment with your own health! Contact the clinic on time, follow all the doctor’s instructions; let it be for them that the most effective ointment for osteochondrosis will be selected for you - this will help to recover as soon as possible.