Ointments For Osteochondrosis Of The Cervical Spine: A List Of The Best

2024 Author: Rachel Wainwright | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-15 19:51

Ointment for cervical osteochondrosis

The content of the article:

Ointments, creams, gels
Classification
List of effective ointments
1. Ointments based on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
2. Warming ointments
3. Complex ointments
4. Ointments with chondroprotectors
5. Massage aids
General terms of use
Video

Ointment for cervical osteochondrosis, a chronic dystrophic process that primarily affects the intervertebral discs, and then the osteo-ligamentous structures of the cervical spine, is an integral part of complex drug treatment. Possessing anti-inflammatory, analgesic, warming effect, improving blood circulation and promoting the regeneration of all joint tissues, ointments help to eliminate manifestations of the disease and normalize the patient's motor activity.

Ointments, creams, gels

With osteochondrosis, the cartilaginous tissue of the joints suffers, most often this pathological process affects the intervertebral discs. All parts of the spine are affected: cervical, thoracic, lumbar. The vascular bed in the intervertebral discs in an adult is absent, therefore, the cartilage is nourished diffusely. Violation of trophism leads to loss of elasticity, strength, changes in the shape and consistency of the discs. This is manifested by pain, impaired sensitivity, muscle spasm, and decreased range of motion.

In addition to ointments, creams and gels are widely used for these purposes. They differ from each other in the basis that determines their consistency and absorption.

Dosage form	Composition	Properties
Ointment	Contains a large amount of fat.	It forms a continuous film on the skin surface, characterized by the greatest penetration depth of the active substances included in the composition. Applied to exposed skin, applying under the bandage further increases the depth of penetration. Fatty components are not absorbed into the skin and therefore can contaminate clothing.
Cream	The base contains oils, water and an emulsifier to achieve a uniform consistency.	The penetration depth of the substances that make up the composition is less than that of the ointment. It is well and quickly absorbed into the skin without leaving a greasy sheen and marks on clothes.
Gel	The base is water, does not contain fats and oils.	It has a soft and viscous texture, the pH is close to that of the skin. Does not clog pores. It spreads quickly and evenly, but has a more superficial effect than products containing fats and oils.

Classification

Ointments for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are divided according to the mechanism of action. There are the following types:

analgesics, or pain relievers;
anti-inflammatory;
warming and improving local blood flow;
promoting tissue regeneration;
complex;
massage.

Separation according to this principle is considered conditional, since usually even one active substance that forms the basis of the ointment has several therapeutic effects. Moreover, the majority of modern drugs for topical use are multicomponent.

List of effective ointments

Patients often feel that a doctor's recommendation is not required for the use of ointments. This is the wrong approach. They are usually effective at the initial stage of the disease and in a complex of therapeutic measures. Their use in the late stages of pathology does not bring the desired result. They should be used according to indications and after consulting a specialist.

Ointments based on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are the basis of this group of drugs, reduce pain, relieve inflammation. With prolonged intake, they have a negative effect on the digestive tract: they affect the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum with the formation of ulcers and the development of bleeding. But the external use of the dosage form in the form of an ointment minimizes these side effects due to the extremely low systemic absorption of active ingredients.

Name	Dosage form	Active substance
Diclofenac	Ointment, cream, gel	Diclofenac sodium
Diklak	Gel	Diclofenac sodium
Ortofen	Gel	Diclofenac sodium
Voltaren	Gel	Diclofenac sodium
Diklovit	Gel	Diclofenac sodium
Ibuprofen	Ointment, gel	Ibuprofen
Nurofen	Gel	Ibuprofen
Dolgit	Cream, gel	Ibuprofen
Ketoprofen	Gel	Ketoprofen
Febrofid	Gel	Ketoprofen
Fastum	Gel	Ketoprofen
Indomethacin	Ointment	Indomethacin
Nimesulide	Gel	Nimesulide
Nise	Gel	Nimesulide

The listed drugs are used in combination with other drugs to eliminate pain and inflammation during an exacerbation. The frequency of application is usually from 2 to 4 times a day. A small amount of the product is applied in a thin layer to the neck and rubbed lightly with light massaging movements.

When using the gel, a 3-5 cm long strip is squeezed out of the tube and evenly distributed over the skin over the affected area. Rubbing the gel is not required. A few minutes after its application, you can put on clothes - this dosage form does not leave marks on it.

Gel Voltaren - a product with NSAIDs in the composition

Means for external use based on NSAIDs are contraindicated in children under 6 years of age, pregnant and breastfeeding. If they are used in parallel with other forms of NSAIDs, then a prerequisite is to take into account the total amount of the active substance. To prevent complications from the gastrointestinal tract, do not exceed the maximum permissible daily dose indicated in the instructions.

Warming ointments

Means of this group warm up the tissues. Excitation of skin-visceral receptors and enhancement of local blood circulation is realized by an analgesic, warming and antispasmodic effect. This leads to less muscle pain and improved joint mobility.

A drug	Dosage form	Composition	Application
Apizartron	Ointment	Bee venom methyl salicylate (refers to NSAIDs), allyl isothiocyanate (purified mustard oil extract)	Squeeze a 3-5 cm long strip from the tube, distribute it evenly on the skin (smear with a layer of no more than 1 mm) until redness and warmth appear (usually after 2-3 minutes). Then rub slowly and vigorously into the skin. Use 2-3 times a day, no more than 10-12 days. Do not use in pregnant, breastfeeding, children under 6 years of age.
Viprosal	Ointment	Common viper venom, camphor, gum turpentine, salicylic acid	A small amount, no more than 5 g (about 1 teaspoon), apply to the skin, gradually rub in. Use 1-2 times a day for 7-10 days. Contraindications: age up to 12 years, pregnancy, lactation, hepatic, renal failure, tuberculosis.
Finalgon	Ointment, cream	Nonivamide is a synthetic analogue of capsaicin (an alkaloid contained in paprika), nicoboxil - a derivative of nicotinic acid	Apply effortlessly in a small amount (pea size) onto an area of skin no larger than the palm of your hand. The cream begins to warm in 1-3 minutes, the maximum effect occurs in 20-30 minutes. Use no more than 3 times a day. Lactation and pregnancy are contraindications.
Camfocin	Liniment (liquid ointment)	Camphor, methyl salicylate, salicylic acid, capsicum tincture, castor oil, turpentine oil	Apply a small amount of liniment to the skin, distribute with light massaging movements, apply 2 times a day. Contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, children under 6 years of age.
Nikoflex	Ointment	Natural capsaicin, ethyl nicotinate, hydroxyethyl salicylate	Apply a thin layer to the skin in the affected area no more than 2 times a day. Do not use for pregnant, lactating, children under 6 years of age.

Before the first use, the medicines presented in the table must be applied in a minimum amount to a small area of the skin. In the absence of allergic manifestations, further use is allowed. Individual intolerance is a contraindication for treatment.

Capsicam - warming ointment

It is necessary to distinguish between allergic manifestations and therapeutic effects of this group of drugs: local redness, a feeling of warmth. The latter is felt 2-3 minutes after application, gradually increases, after 20-30 minutes it reaches a maximum, lasts up to 1 hour. It is not recommended for patients with sensitive skin to take a hot shower or bath before or after using the product.

Complex ointments

Multicomponent topical agents have a wide spectrum of action. When used, they:

have anti-inflammatory effects;
reduce the intensity of pain;
reduce tissue swelling;
prevent excessive degeneration of connective tissue;
promote regeneration processes.

Most often, experts recommend the following drugs.

Name	Dosage form	Composition	Application
Dolobene	Gel	Dimethyl sulfoxide, dexapanthenol, heparin	Apply a strip of gel about 3 cm long to the skin in the affected area, distribute evenly, without rubbing. Use 2-4 times during the day, do not use during pregnancy, lactation, children under 12 years of age.
Chondroart	Ointment	Chondroitin sulfate, diclofenac sodium, dimethyl sulfoxide	Apply about 1 g (a column of 1 cm, squeezed out of the tube, corresponds to 0.3 g) to apply to the affected area, rub gently until completely absorbed. Apply 2-3 times a day, it is not recommended to use during pregnancy and lactation.
Capsicam	Ointment	Dimethyl sulfoxide, camphor, benzyl nicotinate, nonivamide, turpentine oil	1-2 g of the product is applied to the skin, rubbing with light massaging movements, 2-3 times during the day. Use no more than 10 days, do not use when carrying a fetus and breastfeeding, children under 12 years old.

Ointments with chondroprotectors

Drugs that slow down degeneration and help restore cartilage are called chondroprotectors. The main active ingredients on the basis of which they are produced are chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. The ointments presented in the table contain these substances, both alone and in combination with other components used for the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.

Drug name	Composition	Mode of application
Chondroitin	Chondroitin sulfate	Frequency rate of application: 2-3 times a day. Duration: 2-4 weeks. Apply to the skin over the lesion, rub in for a few minutes until completely absorbed.
Chondroxide	Chondroitin sulfate, dimethyl sulfoxide	Use up to 3 times a day, the course is 2-3 weeks. After application to the skin, rub in with light movements for 2-3 minutes.
Chondrolone	Chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate	Apply the cream or gel 2-3 times a day to the skin of the neck, distribute with light circular movements, without rubbing. Contraindications: individual intolerance.

Chondrolone gel contains chondroitin and glucosamine, which have a chondroprotective effect

There are also homeopathic remedies, but their therapeutic effect has not been proven.

Massage aids

Massage is often included in the complex of rehabilitation measures for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. The use of special creams for this procedure enhances the healing effect. These means include massage balm Valentin Dikul.

The balsam contains: a special oil-wax complex, oil extracts of propolis, pepper, chamomile, St. John's wort, eucalyptus essential oil, sea buckthorn oil, cedarwood, panthenol, bear and badger fat, mummy. The product should be intensively rubbed for 10-15 minutes in the morning and evening into the affected area or used for professional therapeutic massage.

After the procedure, it is advisable to provide peace and warmth to the neck for an hour. The recommended course of therapeutic massage for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is 7-10 sessions.

Dikul's massage balm has a complex composition

General terms of use

To obtain a good therapeutic effect when using ointments at home, you must follow the rules:

apply to skin cleared of other medicines, cosmetics and impurities;
do not use in case of irritation, damage to the integrity of the skin, the presence of rashes on the skin;
do not allow contact with mucous membranes, wound surfaces;
apply with clean hands;
after rubbing in the product, wash your hands well with soap;
when using, do not sunbathe, refrain from visiting the solarium;
if an allergic reaction occurs, wash off the product with warm water, discontinue use;
do not use the drug if there are contraindications specified in the instructions.

It will not be possible to cope with the manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis solely with the help of ointments. It is necessary to treat the pathology after consulting a specialist and additional examination. Therapy should be comprehensive and consistent. You should choose funds for external use from an extensive list of names, relying only on the recommendations of a doctor.