Shoulder pain due to osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

The neurology of intervertebral joints and discs includes cervicobrachial osteochondrosis, characterized by severe acute or aching pain in the area of ​​the 4th and 5th vertebrae, as well as throughout the entire upper lobe of the back - from the neck to the area of ​​the shoulder blades. The disease often occurs in the middle category of people, who are most susceptible to deformation of the spinal region with the presence of hernias, due to heavy loads or sedentary work. However, the disease can be comprehensively treated using medications and physiotherapy.

What is osteochondrosis?

The sedentary lifestyle characteristic of modern humans leads to irreversible changes in the intervertebral discs. The cartilage tissue hardens, the size of the discs decreases, which leads to the convergence of the vertebrae. The result is back pain, dizziness, nausea and other symptoms. According to statistics, more than 80% of people currently suffer from osteochondrosis.

It is the wrong position during sleep that results in ailments in the morning. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right surface for sleeping at night.

Symptoms and nature of pain

Types of mattresses used for osteochondrosis

There is no one-size-fits-all option for people suffering from back pain. With the right approach, any type of anatomical mattress can be used:

• 1. Models with a dependent spring block are the least popular among patients. This is due to the lack of rigidity zones in such a product. The impact on some springs causes others to move, which can result in a “hammock” effect. This is what often leads to back pain. However, having an extra hard layer of coconut coir or other filler can improve the situation. You can also sleep on a mattress with a dependent spring block if you use a special mattress cover.
• 2. Products with an independent spring unit are most preferable for people suffering from back pain. The anatomical model provides full support for the spine during sleep in any position. Allows you to fully relax without creating unnecessary back pressure.
• 3. Springless mattresses can be a real salvation for those who are plagued by spinal diseases. Thanks to the proper arrangement of layers, you can achieve the most positive effect.

Treatment of shoulder pain with cervical osteochondrosis

An ECG may be needed to make an accurate diagnosis.
Cervicobrachial syndrome must be diagnosed and treated in stages. Treatment should be aimed at relieving pain in the neck and shoulders and relieving inflammation. A neurologist or therapist can make a diagnosis when pain occurs. Acute pain is the main sign of providing immediate assistance in the form of applying a splint on the arm or fixing the sore area. Painkillers are prescribed and the chest, neck or arm should be kept at rest. However, to determine an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a number of studies:

• chest x-ray;
• electrocardiogram;
• general blood and urine tests;
• CT or MRI.

Drug therapy

Drug treatment is prescribed after a correct diagnosis and can consist of several options:

• Analgesics - “Nimesulide”, “Analgin”.
• Anti-inflammatory - Diclofenac, Indomethacin.
• Chondroprotectors - “Fermatron”, “Osenil”.
• Antispasmodics - “Mydocalm”, “No-Shpa”.
• Muscle relaxants - Baclofen, Clonazepam.
• Ointments and gels - “Dolobene”, “Voltaren”.

What to do if you have surgery?

Decompression of the nerve roots can be treated surgically.
If conservative treatment carried out for 2-3 months is unsuccessful, and pain makes itself felt, you should resort to surgical methods. For cervical and shoulder diseases, the following types of operations are offered:

• Root decompression is performed when spinal nerves are compressed and helps reduce pressure on the spinal cord.
• Removing a herniated disc involves removing a section of vertebral bone above a nerve root.
• Dissection of the scalene muscle - the operation is aimed at removing the rib in order to release damaged blood vessels and nerve compression.
• Removing part of a rib.
• Elimination of clavicular fragments.
• Excision of the tumor.

Cervical brachial syndrome and exercise therapy

Treatment of osteochondrosis in the shoulder area may include therapeutic exercise. In addition to them, in case of illness in the cervical-shoulder area, applying compresses with Dimexide is allowed. Exercises can be as follows:

An exercise to stretch straight arms up, clasped in a lock, will help relieve unpleasant symptoms.

• circular movements of the shoulders, hands at this moment are on the belt;
• shoulder lunges back and forth;
• stretching the arms connected “in a lock” above the head;
• modified previous exercise with limbs behind the back.

Exercises should be performed only when the disease is in remission.

Physiotherapy

Diseases of the cervical spine are also treated with physiotherapeutic methods. However, their use is unacceptable in case of tumor processes, since heating can cause the growth of cancer cells, and thermal procedures also contribute to the exacerbation of pain. In the chronic form, course therapy must be repeated 2-4 times a year. Physiotherapy procedures are as follows:

• massage;
• diadynamic therapy;
• electrophoresis with novocaine or chlorine;
• magnetic therapy;
• mud therapy;
• acupuncture method;
• ultrasound on the neck area.

When should you buy an anatomical mattress?

If you have back problems, you need to choose mattresses very carefully so as not to aggravate the situation. Anatomical properties must be calculated individually in each specific case, and when purchasing, it is best to consult a doctor.

General indications for the use of anatomical products are:

• 1. For good health, the hardness of sleeping mattresses should be medium.
• 2. During periods of exacerbation of back pain, you need to sleep on a harder surface.
• 3. It is recommended to pay attention to natural fillers with good elasticity, especially coke fiber and coir.
• 4. Products with a dependent spring block can only be used in conjunction with a mattress pad, which provides additional support in the shoulder and hip area.

Types of fillers

The correct choice of mattress is based on the correct selection of filler. And if everything is clear with spring options, then springless or combined models require more attention. However, they can also boast of increased efficiency.

• 1. Polyurethane foam is the most common filler option, characterized by an affordable price and good anatomical properties. It can follow the shape of the body, providing soft support to the sleeper. This material is perfect for people with spinal problems during remission. The main thing is to choose an option where polyurethane foam is combined with more rigid layers.
• 2. Memoryform, memoryx - materials with a “memory” effect softly envelop the body. This feeling allows you to completely relax and fully relax. The filler is great for people with back pain, but it needs to be combined with tough layers of coir to have a positive effect.
• 3. Latex can be considered the “champion” among fillers. It is hypoallergenic, has good rigidity, excellent spine support, and boasts a fantastic service life. The artificial version of the material is almost in no way inferior to the natural one. This is one of the best solutions for a person with spinal problems.
• 4. Coconut coir and fiber are a natural, fairly hard and elastic filler that is always used in combination with softer options. Withstands high loads well, perfect for people with large body weight.
• 5. Other materials. Modern models can also use horsehair, sisal, buckwheat husk, etc. Each option has its own advantages, but can only be an addition to the base filler.

Cervical chondrosis and its causes

In modern medical literature, cervical chondrosis is defined as a multifactorial disease. Its occurrence can be contributed to:

• injury to the head, neck, back;
• infections;
• intoxication syndrome;
• increased load on the spine in the neck area;
• metabolic and hormonal disorders;
• abnormalities in the structure of the spine;
• alcoholism and smoking;
• poor nutrition that does not provide the body with essential nutrients;
• hypothermia;
• stressful situations;
• physical inactivity;
• hereditary predisposition to diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

In older people, the disease is detected much more often than in young people.

How to choose anatomical mattresses for osteochondrosis

Choosing the right mattress for sleeping in case of back problems is not so easy, but it is definitely worth spending time on! Good support of the spine during sleep will alleviate the symptoms of the disease and give a boost of vigor and strength for the whole day.

To make the right choice, you first need to take into account such points as the severity of the disease, the person’s weight, his preferences, as well as the presence of allergic reactions to certain materials.
And, of course, you should not neglect the advice of specialists. Share:

How to treat cervical chondrosis

The appearance of symptoms of cervical chondrosis is the basis for a visit to a neurologist, orthopedic traumatologist or vertebrologist. The doctor, who has examined the patient and carried out all the necessary studies, draws up a treatment regimen taking into account the severity of the pathological process. Based on the diagnosis, he determines how to treat cervical osteochondrosis in this case. The most commonly used conservative treatment methods are:

• drug therapy, including taking muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, B vitamins;
• fixation of unstable vertebrae using a Shants collar;
• bed rest in the acute period;
• the use of painkillers and irritating gels, creams;
• performing special exercises;
• manual therapy;
• setting up novocaine blockades;
• intramuscular injection of corticosteroid hormones for severe pain;
• swimming;
• reflexology (acupuncture);
• massage;
• physiotherapy (laser irradiation, ultrasound, magnetic therapy, electrophoresis, etc.);
• diet (limiting salt intake, avoiding smoked foods, canned food, carbonated drinks, coffee, fatty meats, baked goods, sweets).

If conservative therapy is ineffective, the patient is recommended to undergo surgery. The most common procedures are nucleoplasty, microdiscectomy, and replacement of damaged elements of spinal motion segments with implants.

completely cure cervical chondrosis .
However, with a competent approach to treatment, it is possible to slow down or completely stop the progression of the pathology, restore mobility of the spine and avoid complications of the disease. To do this, call to make an appointment with a doctor at our clinic. We specialize in the treatment of chondrosis and have practical experience in its effective therapy. osteochondrosis