The use of ointments, creams and gels from the cervical chondrosis

Chondrosis – degenerative disease of cartilage. The lesions can affect all the joints of the body, but most often the spine. The intervertebral cartilage becomes stiff and changes the shape. Deformed, it compresses the roots of the spinal nerves, causing clinical symptoms such as neck pain, back pain, paresthesia and sensory disturbances of the extremities.

How to recognize and treat the disease

Cervical and lumbar spine are the most movable. And a big load on the cartilage – the first risk factor in the development of chondrosis.

back Pain is a leading symptom. As a rule, it indicates the location of the chondrosis. With the defeat of cervical Department it is combined with headaches, pain in the upper limbs of their numbness. Chondrosis of the lumbar spine is characterized by the accession of numbness and pain of lower extremities, frequent discomfort in the pelvic area.

Treatment of chondrosis is always complex.

1. lifestyle Changes:
   • Increased physical activity.
   • Decrease in body mass.
   • a Diet rich in calcium, phosphorous, b vitamins
2. physiotherapy.
3. Manual therapy, massage. Along with physiotherapy, these methods act directly on the cause of the disease.
4. Pathogenetic therapy:
   • anti-Inflammatory drugs.
   • Chondroprotectors.
5. Symptomatic therapy:
   • Pain relievers.
   • means of Distraction.
   • Acupuncture.

Before you start treatment, consult a doctor.

Effective ointment

Creams and ointments are the most popular means for pain in the neck and lower back. The pharmacy usually sold without prescription.

anti-Inflammatory cream

Anti-Inflammatory effect due to blockade of the enzyme cyclooxygenase involved in inflammation. Local rubbing ointments, cream, gel provides a local effect. The pain goes away for 0.5 to 1 hour, and to relieve inflammation, a course of 1-2 weeks.

Indometacin has the strongest analgesic effect among non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Used for rubbing as an ointment or gel. The total amount used per day ointment should not be more than 12-14 cm

The Diclofenac sodium (ortofen, voltaren) is used as an ointment and gel. Has powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Strip of ointment 2-3 cm gently rubbing the skin up to four times daily.

Ketoprofen (Ketonal, artroom, bystrumgel, Fastum gel) is also used as an ointment and gel. Method of use is similar to diclofenac.

The Main side effect of anti inflammatory drugs – a negative impact on the gastro-intestinal tract. They do not apply during exacerbation of ulcer, stomach and intestinal bleeding. Treatment of chondrosis is best done under the protection of the proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, etc.).

Gels

Distracting effect is due to the local irritation of nerve fibers (typically, skin). Main source of of nerve impulses becomes the place of use of the drug. New source suppresses still, masking the pain.

Menovazin – alcohol solution, used for grinding. Procaine and benzocaine specified in the composition, are local anesthetics, and menthol has a distracting effect. With a cotton swab moistened mixture diet, you put on the skin. It is not excluded allergic reactions.

Finalgon cream with a characteristic odor of lemon oil. A small amount of ointment (0.5 cm) is extruded at a special applicator. Applicator to gently spread the ointment over the surface of the skin over the painful area. Cover with a woolen cloth. The maximum effect is manifested through 20-30 minutes. Possible Allergy to the drug.

Efkamon – derived salicylic acid. Improves local blood circulation, diverts, stops the pain. Camphor, menthol, mustard oil, tincture of Cayenne pepper heighten the effect. 2-3 g of ointment rubbed into the area of pain, cover with warm bandage.

Viprosal – combined diversionary drug, also improving local tissue trophism. In part: Viper venom, camphor, salicylic acid, turpentine. On painful areas causing 5-10 g of ointment. Contraindicated with sensitivity to snake venom.

Chondroprotectors

The number of Drugs that help protect and rebuild cartilage tissue. Obtained from hyaline cartilage of cattle. Contain chondroitin acid, which together with hyaluronic acid comprise the bulk of the building material of the connective tissue are responsible for the strength and elasticity of bones and cartilages.

Chondroitin gel. Along with intensification of renovation and restoration of cartilaginous tissue reduces inflammation and pain (is responsible for this part of the ibuprofen). Rubbed into the skin of the neck, lower back for 2-3 minutes until the gel is completely absorbed. The course of treatment – 2-3 weeks.

hondroksid, chonsurid, hondrolon – ointment or gel. Drugs, containing chondroitin acid.Apply as chondroitin gel. Side effects are rare.

What if creams don't work?

All the ointments, with the exception of chondroprotectors, have only a symptomatic effect. They are able to alleviate neck pain, back pain, but the treatment of chondrosis should be comprehensive. In advanced cases the effect of their use is short or absent.

A detailed examination using x-ray, computed tomography and other diagnostic methods. The doctor considers the possibility of appointing a manual therapy or surgical treatment.