Few modern people have not heard of osteochondrosis. Most of them have experienced the symptoms of this medical condition repeatedly. The wide spread of the disease is associated with prolonged sitting in front of the computer, passive lifestyle, improper diet, etc. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is manifested by pain, muscle weakness, limited mobility, and a wide range 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 therapy is carried out: taking medication, exercise therapy, physiotherapy, massage, etc. When complications and destruction of the bone-cartilaginous structure appear, an operation is prescribed.
What it is
Osteochondrosis of the neck is a pathology that occurs only in humans. Animals do not suffer from it. This is due to the vertical position of the spine. In this position, the vertebrae squeeze each other, which leads to the fact that the intervertebral discs are gradually destroyed.
The cervical region consists of 7 vertebrae, which are separated from each other by discs. This segment of the spine is quite mobile, making it one of the most vulnerable areas of the spine. The weakest link in the cervical spine is the intervertebral disc, which mainly reflects degenerative-dystrophic changes.
The prevalence of cervical osteochondrosis is also explained by a weak muscular corset in the neck. Also, the small vertebrae are located in this area, have a different structure, and fit too closely together. That is why even a small load on the neck can provoke its displacement, as well as compression of blood vessels and nerve branches. When the vertebral artery, which is located within the spinal column in this area, is pinched, dangerous complications arise.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (CS) threatens protrusions (displacement of the nucleus pulposus without damaging the outer layer) and herniated disc. These formations compress the bundles of nerves, the blood vessels.
Due to degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, the likelihood of the appearance of bony growths (osteophytes) in the joint areas of the vertebrae increases. Due to this, the intervertebral canal narrows and the neurovascular formations are compressed.
Reference. According to medical statistics, people over the age of 35 are more likely to suffer from cervical osteochondrosis. Although now there is a rejuvenation of the pathology, which often develops in patients from the age of 20. This is due to a predominantly sedentary lifestyle and poor diet.
Doctors identified 4 stages of the pathology:
- 1 degree: 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 its outer layer is violated. At this stage, bumps may appear. Pain occurs, neck mobility is limited, and facial sensitivity may be affected.
- Grade 3: The bumps develop into hernias, which constrict the blood vessels and muscles. In addition to the pain syndrome, there is pain in the back of the head, dizziness.
- 4 degrees - osteophytes are formed, which stabilize the vertebrae, but pinch the nerve fibers. The pain does not go away, stiffness of movements occurs, neighboring vertebrae are damaged, and neurological symptoms appear.
It is important to start treatment in stages 1 to 2 to avoid serious complications that can only be corrected by surgery.
Causes
Osteochondrosis SHOP is a long and complex process that can occur under the influence of many negative factors.
For example, in older people, the disease is associated with age-related changes in the body. Then, degenerative-dystrophic changes occur as a result of disruption of local blood circulation, metabolic processes, and weakening of immunity.
However, doctors identified the main causes of cervical osteochondrosis:
- Poor posture.
- Curvature of the spine.
- Cervical segment injuries.
- Excessive weight.
- Tiring physical work.
- Prolonged sitting in front of the computer.
- Passive lifestyle.
- Violation of metabolic processes.
- Frequent hypothermia of the neck.
- Inadequate organization of the place to sleep (mattress too soft, 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 a very long or short neck.
Under the influence of these factors, intervertebral structures, bone tissues begin to collapse, nerve bundles and blood vessels are damaged.
Symptoms
The clinical picture of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (OSHOP) is diverse. For this reason, it is difficult for patients to understand what is happening to them. They attribute the first manifestations of the disease to overwork. And after the appearance of pronounced symptoms, they go to the doctor, but in this case, irreversible changes are already present 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 that surround the affected segment of the spine.
- Excessive sweating
- Violation of the sensitivity of the upper extremities.
- Movement coordination disorders.
- Headache (headache).
- Vertigo (dizziness).
- Hearing and visual disorders.
- Sudden increases in blood pressure, etc.
The nature of the headache in osteochondrosis is different: paroxysmal, constant, pulsating, dull. This symptom manifests itself due to spasm of the cerebral vessels, compression of the nerve bundles of the cervical spine, and increased intracranial pressure.
With OSHOP, pain does not always appear in the area of the cervical segment, it can spread to the shoulders and arms. Discomfort can occur after sleeping, sudden movements, tension in the neck, for example, when coughing or sneezing.
With TENT osteochondrosis, pressure increases are observed depending on the time of day, constant hypertension is not characteristic of pathology. Usually with increased pressure, the following manifestations are observed: headache, pain in the hands, numbness of the cervical neck area. Pressure drops are often observed after nerve or muscle tension, prolonged awkward posture.
Cervical osteochondrosis syndromes.
Several syndromes (typical conditions accompanied by characteristic symptoms) are seen in OSHOP. Its manifestation depends on which nerve branches and vessels are damaged.
Cervical osteochondrosis syndromes:
- Vertebral artery: occurs as a result of compression or irritation of an artery that feeds the brain. Then the patient suffers from problems with hearing, vision, dizziness, pressure drops, migraines, etc.
- Cardiac: develops when the bundles of nerves supplying the diaphragm or pectoral muscle are compressed. Then there is a burning pain in the chest, shortness of breath, weakness, increased heart rate.
- Hypertensive: caused by compression of the veins, which alters the flow of blood from the head. Then the intracranial pressure rises, the patient suffers from headache, nausea, vomiting.
- Cervical migraine: occurs due to compression of the nerves that surround 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 usually accompanied by a rash of vomiting.
- Radicular is the most common symptom complex in OSHOP. It is caused by compression of one of the nerve bundles in the vertebrae of the cervical segment. If the conduction of 1 to 2 roots of the cervical vertebra is disturbed, sensitivity is altered or pain appears in the back of the head. If 3 pairs are damaged, the tongue becomes 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 clavicle, hiccups, difficulty swallowing. If the conduction of 5 to 8 pairs of nerve bundles is disturbed, it is difficult for the patient to move the arms.
Reference. Often osteochondrosis of the cervical spine manifests itself in several symptom complexes at once, therefore the diagnosis is difficult. Therefore, you should not solve it on your own, it is better to contact a specialist.
Establish a diagnosis
If you don't know what to do when suspicious symptoms appear, it is best to immediately contact a therapist. If necessary, the doctor will refer you to an orthopedist, vertebrologist, neurologist.
The following instrumental studies are used in the diagnostic search:
- Bone scan.
- CT or MRI scan.
- Electroneuromyography.
All of the above studies provide some information on the cervical spine. For example, X-rays, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging are used to detect pathological 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, decrease in the height of the cartilaginous spacers between the vertebrae, deformation of the SC, presence of bone growths, etc. .
Treatment
OSHOP therapy must be comprehensive. The decision on the choice of technique is made by the doctor, taking into account the stage, the form of the disease and the severity of the symptoms.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is long and complex. It is unlikely that it will be possible to completely cure the pathology, especially when it comes to an elderly patient. However, it is quite possible to stop degenerative-dystrophic disorders in the cervical segment at any stage.
In the early stages of the disease, conservative methods are used: drugs, corrective gymnastics, physiotherapy procedures, massages, orthopedic devices. Most of the above methods can be used at home.
In 3-4 stages, which is accompanied by the destruction of not only the cartilage, but also the vertebral bodies, surgical intervention may be necessary.
The following medications will help eliminate pain, inflammation, relax tight muscles, and improve the condition of cartilage tissue:
- Analgesics. If the pain is severe, you can help yourself by taking a pain reliever pill. For the same purpose, NSAIDs are used, which allow you to cope not only with pain, but also with inflammation.
- Steroids stop inflammation and pain. For this purpose, glucocorticoid-based drugs are used in the form of tablets or ointments.
- Muscle relaxants help relax the spasmodic muscles around the affected area. For this, solutions for parenteral administration based on glycerol or benzimidazole are used. They normalize muscle tone and relieve pain.
- Antispasmodics help fight pain and muscle cramps.
- Vitamins accelerate the recovery of the nervous system. For this purpose, drugs are taken on the basis of elements of group B, A, C, D, E. Vitamin-mineral complexes are quite effective.
Reference. If the pain syndrome is very severe and oral analgesics do not help, the doctor may prescribe a therapeutic block. Injections with the use of anesthetic or steroid solutions are placed directly into the focus of the pathology. This procedure should only be performed by an experienced technician.
As part of complex therapy, creams, gels, ointments with anti-inflammatory, warming and 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.
Gymnastics is especially popular at OSHOP, which is usually carried out in the gym with the use of special simulators. However, if you want, you can practice at home.
Exercise therapy complex for cervical osteochondrosis:
- Gently tilt your head toward 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 back a little, turn to the right and then to the left shoulder.
- Press your left shoulder with your right hand, slightly raise your elbow. Then turn your head to the right, stay, feeling the muscle tension.
- This exercise is performed like the third, only by turning the head, raising the arms above the head and interlocking them.
- Hands on the knees, spread them, trying to connect the shoulder blades, at the same time lift the chin. Then you will work the thoracic region.
- Get up, lower your arms, stretch your neck forward, trying to touch your shoulder with your chin.
Before exercising, you should warm up your joints and take a shower to relax your muscles. After completing the complex, stretch.
You can treat osteochondrosis of the neck with the help of physiotherapy:
- UHF.
- Laser therapy.
- Magnetotherapy.
- Electrophoresis with drugs, etc.
Magnetotherapy relieves inflammation, pain. Treatment with laser and UHF accelerates the metabolism in the affected area, helps to eliminate swelling. Thanks to electrophoresis, the drugs penetrate the focus 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 trophism is improved. After completing the course, which usually consists of 10 procedures, 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 spikes. You should lie 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 fixes the neck in the correct position, reduces the load on the vertebrae and relieves pain.
With complex treatment, the patient will be able to get rid of the degenerative disc disease of the neck forever. However, this is possible if the disease was detected at stage 1. In other cases, complex measures will help to stop the development of pathology.
Chondrosis of the cervical spine.
Many people believe that chondrosis and osteochondrosis are a single disease. However, this opinion is wrong. In the first disease, only the cartilaginous lining of the vertebrae is damaged, and in the second, the degenerative changes spread to the bone tissue. That is, chondrosis is the first stage of osteochondrosis.
Chondrosis of the cervical spine develops when the metabolic processes of the intervertebral disc are disrupted. Then the collagen fibers are replaced by useless fibrous tissue, the hyaline cartilage calcifies and becomes less elastic. Its height decreases, so the function of the vertebrae is affected.
The causes of chondrosis and osteochondrosis do not differ.
Cervical chondrosis has the following symptoms:
- Rapid fatigue of the muscles surrounding the SHOP.
- Poor posture.
- Recurring discomfort or mild pain in the affected area.
- Restricted neck mobility.
As a rule, patients do not notice the symptoms of chondrosis. The disease is detected by chance, during an X-ray or an MRI.
Chondrosis treatment
The treatment plan for chondrosis of the neck is slightly different from the tactics for treating osteochondrosis. In the first disease, doctors prescribe NSAIDs and chondroprotectors. Also, the patient should avoid excessive physical exertion or sitting for a long time. It is recommended to perform therapeutic exercises, eat well, abandon bad habits.
Additional methods of treatment include massage, manual therapy. Furthermore, physiotherapy procedures are indicated, for example, electrophoresis, ultraviolet irradiation, amplipulse therapy, diadynamic therapy, balneotherapy, mud treatment. Acupuncture (acupuncture) has proven effective in treating chondrosis.
Reviews (2)
In most cases, patients manage to get rid of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis for a while, 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. But 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 passed, I began to receive a massage, did special exercises and used a medicinal ointment. After the course of treatment, I felt significant relief. However, after 3 months, the pain in the neck reappeared. Therefore, the course had to start from the beginning. "
- "I have been living with cervical osteochondrosis for a long time. Every now and then I visit a chiropractor who fixes the vertebrae. But physical therapy exercises are the ones that help me the most. The doctor suggested some very effective exercises that I try to do every day. But, as soon as I miss some classes, the pain starts again. "
- "Cervical osteochondrosis at an early stage is quite treatable. It happened to me. First, the doctors prescribed an anti-inflammatory therapy, which relieved pain and inflammation. Then the treatment was supplemented with gymnastics, massage, acupuncture. In addition, I visited the pool, I started taking vitamins and eating well. To forget about the pain forever, I had to change my life completely. Not a day goes by without special exercises, but the plus is that nothing hurts and my physical form has improved. No I have had back pain for a long time and continue to lead a healthy lifestyle. "
Main conclusions
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is an insidious ailment that manifests itself in a variety of symptoms. The patient does not always understand what is really happening to him. And when severe pain appears, you rush to the doctor, but this sign indicates the presence of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical segment. In this case, it will not be possible to restore the condition of the column. Then treatment is carried out, which helps to stop the development of pathology and avoid serious consequences. Osteochondrosis therapy is a long and complex process that requires patience and organization. After removing the pain and inflammation, the patient should regularly undergo exercise therapy, attend massages, physiotherapy procedures, wear orthopedic devices, eat right and give up bad habits. It is important to lead a healthy lifestyle, observe moderate physical activity, control weight, and monitor posture. Only in this case you will be able to stop the pathology and live a full life.