Few modern people have heard of osteochondrosis. Most of them have experienced the symptoms of this condition in several cases. The widespread spread of the disease is associated with prolonged sitting at the computer, passive lifestyle, improper diet, etc. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is manifested by pain, muscle weakness, limited mobility and a whole host of other symptoms.
Do not ignore the signs of osteochondrosis, because the earlier you start treatment, the faster you will get rid of the disease. In the initial stages, conservative treatment is performed: medication, exercise therapy, physiotherapy, massage, etc. When complications occur and the bone-cartilage structure is destroyed, surgery is prescribed.
What is
Osteochondrosis of the neck is a pathology that occurs only in humans. Animals do not suffer from this. This is due to the vertical position of the spine. In this position, the vertebrae are compressed together, which leads to the fact that the intervertebral discs are gradually destroyed.
The cervical region consists of 7 vertebrae, which are separated by discs. This part of the spine is quite mobile, which is why it is one of the most vulnerable areas of the spine. The weakest link in the cervical spine is the intervertebral disc, which primarily reflects degenerative-dystrophic changes.
The prevalence of cervical osteochondrosis is also explained by a weak muscular corset in the neck. In addition, in this area are small vertebrae, they have a different structure and fit very tightly together. This is why even a small load on the neck can cause them to shift, as well as compress blood vessels and nerve branches. When the vertebral artery, which is located inside the spine in this area, is pinned, dangerous complications occur.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (DS) threatens with protrusions (displacement of the pulpal nucleus without damaging the outer sheath) and disc herniation. These formations compress nerve bundles, blood vessels.
Due to degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, the possibility of bone growths (osteophytes) in the areas of the vertebral joints increases. Because of this, the intervertebral canal narrows and the neurovascular formations are compressed.
Report. According to medical statistics, people over the age of 35 are more likely to suffer from cervical osteochondrosis. Although now there is a resurgence of pathology, which often develops in patients from the age of 20 years. This is mainly due to the sedentary lifestyle and poor diet.
Doctors identified 4 stages of pathology:
- Grade 1 - the cartilaginous lining between the vertebrae begins to collapse. At this stage, the disease has erased the symptoms. Unfortunately, patients do not notice them.
- 2 degrees - under the pressure of the vertebrae, the height of the disc decreases, the integrity of the outer shell is violated. At this stage, protrusions may appear. Pain occurs, neck mobility is limited and facial sensitivity may be affected.
- Grade 3 - the protrusions turn into hernias, which constrict blood vessels and muscles. In addition to pain syndrome, there is pain in the back of the head, dizziness.
- Grade 4 - osteophytes are formed, which stabilize the vertebrae, but pinch the nerve fibers. The pain does not disappear, stiffness of movements appears, neighboring vertebrae are destroyed and neurological symptoms appear.
It is important to start treatment in stages 1-2 to avoid serious complications that can only be corrected with surgery.
Causes
Osteochondrosis SHOP is a complex and time consuming process that can occur under the influence of many negative factors.
For example, in the elderly, the disease is associated with age-related changes in the body. Degenerative-dystrophic changes then occur as a result of disruption of local blood circulation, metabolic processes, weakening of immunity.
However, doctors have identified the main causes of cervical osteochondrosis:
- Poor posture.
- Curvature of the spine.
- Cervical injuries.
- Excess weight.
- Exhaustive physical work.
- Extended computer seat.
- Passive lifestyle.
- Violation of metabolic processes.
- Frequent hypothermia of the neck.
- Improper organization of the sleeping area (very soft mattress, high pillow).
- Frequent stress, chronic fatigue.
- Congenital pathologies of the SHOP structure.
- Autoimmune diseases that cause cartilage degeneration.
- Infections.
- Characteristics of body parts, such as very long or short neck.
Under the influence of these factors, the intervertebral structures, bone tissues begin to collapse, nerve bundles and blood vessels are destroyed.
Symptoms
The clinical picture of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (OSHOP) is varied. Because of this, it is difficult for patients to understand what is happening to them. They attribute the early manifestations of the disease to fatigue. Even after the onset of severe symptoms, they rush to the doctor, but in this case, there are already irreversible changes and it will no longer be possible to restore the structure of the cervical spine.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- Painful sensations in the neck, shoulders.
- Weakening of the muscles surrounding the affected part of the spine.
- Excessive sweating.
- Violation of the sensitivity of the upper extremities.
- Movement coordination disorders.
- Headache (headache).
- Ίλιγγος (dizziness).
- Hearing and vision disorders.
- Increase in blood pressure etc.
The nature of the headache in osteochondrosis is different: paroxysmal, constant, throbbing, dull. This symptom is manifested due to spasm of cerebral vessels, compression of the nerve bundles of the cervical spine and increased intracranial pressure.
With OSHOP, pain does not always occur in the cervical region, it can spread to the shoulders and arms. Discomfort may occur after sleep, sudden movement, neck tension, for example, when coughing or sneezing.
With SHOP osteochondrosis, there are increases in pressure depending on the time of day, stable hypertension is not typical for the pathology. Usually, with increasing pressure, the following manifestations are observed: headache, pain in the hands, numbness of the cervical region. Drop in pressure is often observed after nervous or muscular tension, prolonged uncomfortable posture.
Cervical osteochondrosis syndromes
Several syndromes are observed in OSHOP (typical conditions accompanied by characteristic symptoms). Their manifestation depends on which nerve branches and vessels are damaged.
Cervical osteochondrosis syndromes:
- Spinal artery - occurs as a result of compression or irritation of an artery that supplies the brain. Then the patient suffers from hearing problems, vision, dizziness, pressure drops, migraines, etc.
- Cardiac - develops when the nerve bundles that innervate the diaphragm or chest muscle are compressed. Then there is burning pain in the chest, shortness of breath, weakness, increased heart rate.
- Hypertension - is caused by compression of the veins, due to which the outflow of blood from the head is disrupted. Then the intracranial pressure increases, the patient suffers from headache, nausea, vomiting.
- Cervical migraine - occurs due to compression of the nerves surrounding the vertebral artery. Then there is a painful migraine-like pain in the back of the head. The attack lasts about 10 hours and is often accompanied by a burst of vomiting.
- Radicular is the most common symptom complex in OSHOP. It is caused by the compression of one of the nerve bundles in the vertebrae of the cervical region. If the conduction of 1-2 roots of the cervical vertebra is disturbed, the sensitivity is disturbed or pain occurs in the back of the head. If 3 pairs are damaged, the tongue is numb, the area behind the ears, it is difficult for a person to chew food. Inflammation of 4 pairs of roots is accompanied by pain in the key, hiccups, difficulty in swallowing. If the conduction of 5 - 8 pairs of nerve bundles is disturbed, then it is difficult for the patient to move his arms.
Report. Often, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine manifests itself in several complexes of symptoms at the same time, then the diagnosis is difficult. Therefore, you do not have to figure it out yourself, it is better to contact a specialist.
Establishment of a diagnosis
If you do not know what to do when suspicious symptoms occur, then it is best to contact a therapist immediately. If necessary, the doctor will refer you to an orthopedist, spine specialist, neurologist.
The following organic studies are used in the diagnostic search:
- X-ray.
- Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
- Electroneuromyography.
All of the above studies provide some information about the cervical spine. For example, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs are used to detect abnormal changes in the structure of the spine. Electromyography allows you to assess the condition of the nerve bundles.
With the help of radiography, which is performed in different projections, it is possible to detect the accumulation of calcium salts, the reduction of the height of the cartilaginous dividers between the vertebrae, the deformation of the CS, the presence of bone growths, etc. .
Treatment
Treatment with OSHOP must be complete. The decision to choose the technique is made by the doctor, taking into account the stage, form of the disease and the severity of the symptoms.
The treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is long and complicated. It is unlikely that complete cure of the pathology is possible, especially in the case of an elderly patient. However, it is very likely that degenerative-dystrophic disorders of the cervix will stop at any stage.
In the early stages of the disease, conservative methods are used: drugs, remedial exercise, physiotherapy procedures, massage, orthopedic devices. Most of the above methods can be used at home.
In stages 3-4, which is accompanied by destruction not only of the cartilage but also of the vertebral bodies, surgery may be required.
The following medications will help you get rid of pain, inflammation, relaxation of tense muscles and improve the condition of cartilage tissue:
- Painkillers. If the pain is severe, you can help yourself by taking an analgesic pill. For the same purpose, NSAIDs are used, which allow you to deal not only with pain, but also with inflammation.
- Steroids stop inflammation and pain. For this purpose, glucocorticoid-based drugs in the form of tablets or ointments are used.
- Muscle relaxants help to relax the spasmodic muscles around the affected area. Glycerol or benzimidazole-based solutions for parenteral administration are used for this purpose. They normalize muscle tone and relieve pain.
- Anticonvulsants help fight pain and muscle cramps.
- Vitamins accelerate the recovery of the nervous system. For this purpose, drugs are taken based on elements of group B, A, C, D, E. Vitamin-mineral complexes are quite effective.
Report. If the pain syndrome is very severe and oral analgesics do not help, then your doctor may prescribe a treatment block. Injections using anesthetic or steroid solutions are placed directly at the center of the pathology. This procedure should only be performed by an experienced technician.
As part of the complex treatment, creams, gels, ointments with anti-inflammatory, warming, analgesic effects are used.
To alleviate the condition of patients, to improve their physical condition, therapeutic exercises are prescribed. Exercise helps strengthen the muscles around the neck, improves metabolic processes, speeds up blood circulation and relieves stress on a weakened spine.
Exercise is especially popular at OSHOP, which is usually done in the gym using special simulators. However, if you want, you can practice at home.
Exercise therapy complex for cervical osteochondrosis:
- Tilt your head gently on your shoulder, lock for 30 seconds and then repeat the movement in the other direction.
- Tilt your head forward, trying to touch your chin to your chest, then lift it up and slightly forward.
- Lower your head slightly back, turn to the right and then the left shoulder.
- Squeeze your left shoulder with your right hand, lift your elbow slightly. Then turn your head to the right, stay, feeling the tension of the muscles.
- This exercise is performed like the third, only when you turn your head, raise your hands above your head and lock them.
- Put your hands on your knees, try to connect the shoulders, at the same time lift your chin up. This will train the chest area.
- Get up, lower your arms, stretch your neck forward, trying to touch your chin to your shoulder.
Before exercising, you should warm up your joints and take a shower to relax your muscles. After completing the set, stretch.
You can treat osteochondrosis of the neck with the help of physiotherapy:
- UHF.
- Laser treatment.
- Magnetotherapy.
- Electrophoresis with drugs etc.
Magnetotherapy relieves inflammation, pain. UHF and laser treatment speeds up metabolism in the affected area, helps eliminate swelling. Thanks to electrophoresis, the drugs penetrate the site of inflammation through the skin, where they immediately show their effect.
With the help of massage, muscle tone is normalized, blood flow to the damaged area is accelerated and tissue nutrition is improved. After completing the course, which usually consists of 10 operations, the development of degenerative-dystrophic processes in the cervical spine stops.
At home, you can use a needle applicator - this is a plastic device with a large number of tips. You must lie down on the device or apply it to the affected area. The applicator helps relieve pain, relaxes muscles and improves blood circulation and movement.
The Shants collar is used when severe pain occurs. This orthopedic device secures the neck in the right position, reduces the load on the vertebrae and relieves pain.
With complex treatment, the patient will be able to get rid of degenerative disc disease of the throat forever. However, this is possible if the disease is detected in stage 1. In other cases, complex measures will help stop the development of the pathology.
Thickness of the cervical spine
Many people believe that cartilage and osteochondrosis are a disease. However, this view is wrong. In the first disease, only the cartilaginous lining of the vertebrae is damaged and in the second, degenerative changes spread to the bone tissue. That is, chondrosis is the first stage of osteochondrosis.
Cartilage of the cervical spine develops when the metabolic processes of the intervertebral disc are disturbed. The collagen fibers are then replaced by useless fibrous tissue, the vitreous cartilage is calcified and becomes less elastic. Its height decreases, due to which the function of the vertebrae is disturbed.
The causes of chondrosis and osteochondrosis are no different.
Cervical cartilage has the following symptoms:
- Rapid fatigue of the muscles surrounding the STORE.
- Poor posture.
- Recurrent discomfort or mild pain in the affected area.
- Limited mobility of the neck.
As a rule, patients do not notice the symptoms of chondrosis. The disease is detected randomly, during radiography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Treatment of chondrosis
The treatment plan for neck chondrosis is slightly different from the treatment regimen for osteochondrosis. In the first disease, doctors prescribe NSAIDs and chondroprotectants. In addition, the patient should avoid excessive physical exertion or prolonged sitting position. It is recommended to do therapeutic exercises, to eat properly, to give up bad habits.
Additional treatment methods include massage, manual therapy. In addition, physiotherapy procedures are indicated, for example, electrophoresis, ultraviolet radiation, amplifier therapy, dynamics therapy, spa therapy, mud therapy. Acupuncture (acupuncture) has proven its effectiveness in the treatment of chondrosis.
Critics
In most cases, patients are able to get rid of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis for a while and then the disease returns. This is usually due to the fact that the patient seeks medical help late or does not follow the doctor's recommendations during treatment. However, there are those who managed to cure OSHOP and no longer face its symptoms.
- "I was diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the neck in 2 stages. Doctors prescribed anti-inflammatory pills and injections. After the pain went away, I started going for a massage, did special exercises and used a medicated ointment. After the course of treatment, I felt significant relief. However, after 3 months, the neck pain reappeared. Therefore, the process had to start from the beginning ".
- "I have been living with cervical osteochondrosis for a long time. From time to time I visit a chiropractor who sets up the vertebrae. But physiotherapy exercises help me more. My doctor suggested some very effective exercises that I try to do every day. "But once I miss a few lessons, the pain starts again. "
- "Cervical osteochondrosis at an early stage is quite treatable. It happened to me. First, doctors prescribed anti-inflammatory treatment, which relieved pain and inflammation. Then the treatment was supplemented with exercise, massage, acupuncture. In addition, I visited the pool, started taking vitamins and eating properly. To forget the pain forever, I had to completely change my life. Not a day goes by without special exercises, but the plus is that nothing hurts me and my physical shape has improved. I have not felt back pain for a long time and I continue to follow a healthy lifestyle ".
Main conclusions
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is an insidious disease that manifests itself with a variety of symptoms. The patient does not always understand what is really happening to him. And when severe pain occurs, he rushes to the doctor, but this sign indicates the presence of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical region. In this case, it will not be possible to restore the condition of the spine. Then treatment is performed, which helps to stop the development of the pathology and to avoid serious consequences. Treating osteochondrosis is a complex and time consuming process that requires patience and organization. After eliminating the pain and inflammation, the patient should regularly perform exercise therapy, attend massages, physiotherapy procedures, use orthopedic devices, eat properly and give up bad habits. It is important to follow a healthy lifestyle, observe moderate physical activity, control weight and monitor posture. Only then will you be able to stop the pathology and live a full life.