Few modern people have heard of osteochondrosis. Most of them have experienced the symptoms of this disease several times. The wide spread of the disease is associated with prolonged sitting in front of the computer, passive lifestyle, poor nutrition and more. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is manifested by pain, muscle weakness, limited mobility and a 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: medication, exercise, physiotherapy, massage and more. When complications occur and the destruction of the cartilaginous structure, 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 pressed against 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 reflects mainly degenerative-dystrophic changes.
The prevalence of cervical osteochondrosis is also explained by a weak muscular corset in the neck. In addition, small vertebrae are located in this area, they have a different structure and fit too tightly to each other. Therefore, even a small load on the neck can provoke their displacement, as well as compression of blood vessels and nerve branches. When pinching the vertebral artery, which is located inside the spine in this area, dangerous complications occur.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (CS) threatens with protrusions (displacement of the pulpal nucleus without damage to the outer shell) and disc herniation. These formations compress nerve bundles, blood vessels.
Due to degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, the likelihood of bone growths (osteophytes) in the areas of the vertebral joints increases. Due to this, the intervertebral canal narrows and the neurovascular formations are compressed.
Help. According to medical statistics, people over the age of 35 are more likely to suffer from cervical osteochondrosis. Although there is now a rejuvenation of the pathology, which often develops in patients over 20 years of age. This is mainly due to a sedentary lifestyle and poor nutrition.
Doctors identify 4 stages of pathology:
- Grade 1 - the cartilage between the vertebrae begins to collapse. At this stage, the disease has erased the symptoms. Unfortunately, patients do not notice them.
- 2nd degree - under the pressure of the vertebrae the height of the disc decreases, the integrity of its outer shell is violated. Protrusions may appear at this stage. Pain occurs, neck mobility is limited, and facial sensitivity may be impaired.
- Grade 3 - The bulges transform into hernias that constrict blood vessels and muscles. In addition to the pain syndrome there is pain in the back of the head, dizziness.
- Grade 4 - osteophytes are formed, which stabilize the vertebrae, but compress the nerve fibers. The pain does not disappear, stiffness of movements occurs, neighboring vertebrae are damaged and neurological symptoms appear.
It is important to start treatment in stages 1 - 2 to avoid serious complications that can only be corrected by surgery.
Reasons
Osteochondrosis STORE is a complex and lengthy 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. Then there are degenerative-dystrophic changes as a result of disturbances in local blood circulation, metabolic processes, weakening of immunity.
However, doctors have identified the main causes of cervical osteochondrosis:
- Bad posture.
- Spinal curvature.
- Injuries to the cervical segment.
- Overweight.
- Exhausting physical work.
- Prolonged sitting in front of the computer.
- Passive lifestyle.
- Disruption of metabolic processes.
- Frequent hypothermia of the neck.
- Improper organization of the sleeping place (too soft mattress, high pillow).
- Frequent stress, chronic fatigue.
- Congenital pathologies of the structure of SHOP.
- 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 break down, 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 early manifestations of the disease to fatigue. Even after the appearance of pronounced 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 around the affected segment of the spine.
- Excessive sweating.
- Impaired sensitivity of the upper extremities.
- Disorders of coordination of movements.
- Cephalgia (headache).
- Vertigo (dizziness).
- Hearing and vision disorders.
- Blood pressure spikes, etc.
The nature of the headache in osteochondrosis is different: paroxysmal, constant, throbbing, dull. This symptom is due to spasm of cerebral vessels, compression of the nerve bundles of the cervical spine and increased intracranial pressure.
In OSHOP, the pain does not always appear in the area of the cervical segment, it can spread to the shoulders and arms. Discomfort may occur after sleep, sudden movement, tension in the neck, such as coughing or sneezing.
In osteochondrosis of the STORE there are pressure jumps depending on the time of day, constant hypertension is uncharacteristic of the pathology. Usually the following manifestations are observed with increasing pressure: cephalgia, pain in the hands, tingling in the neck and ovarian area. There is often a drop in pressure after nervous or muscular tension, prolonged awkward posture.
Cervical osteochondrosis syndromes
There are several syndromes 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 squeezing or irritating an artery that supplies the brain. Then the patient suffers from impaired hearing, vision, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, migraine and more.
- Cardiac - develops when the nerve bundles that innervate the diaphragm or pectoral muscle are compressed. Then there is a burning pain in the chest, shortness of breath, weakness, heart rate increases.
- Hypertensive - caused by compression of the veins, which disrupts the flow of blood from the head. Then the intracranial pressure rises, the patient suffers from cephalgia, nausea, vomiting.
- Cervical migraine - occurs due to compression of the nerves that surround the spinal 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 an eruption 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 segment. If the conduction of 1-2 roots of the cervical vertebra is impaired, sensitivity is impaired or pain occurs in the back of the head. If 3 pairs are damaged, the tongue tingles, the area behind the ears, it is difficult for a person to chew food. Inflammation of 4 pairs of roots is accompanied by clavicle pain, hiccups, difficulty swallowing. If the conduction of 5 - 8 pairs of nerve bundles is disturbed, then the patient has difficulty moving his arms.
Help. Often osteochondrosis of the cervical spine manifests itself in several sets of symptoms at once, then the diagnosis is difficult. That is why you should not understand it yourself, it is better to contact a specialist.
Diagnosis
If you do not know what to do when suspicious symptoms appear, then it is better to contact a therapist immediately. If necessary, the doctor will refer you to an orthopedist, vertebrologist, neurologist.
The following instrumental tests are used in the diagnostic search:
- Radiography.
- Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
- Electroneuromyography.
All of the above studies provide some information about the cervical spine. For example, X-ray, CT, MRI 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, reducing the height of the cartilaginous dividers between the vertebrae, deformation of the CS, the presence of bone growths and more. .
Treatment
OSHOP therapy should be comprehensive. The decision to choose the technique is made by the doctor, taking into account the stage, form of the disease and the severity of symptoms.
The treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is long and complicated. It is unlikely to completely cure the pathology, especially when it comes to an adult 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, therapeutic gymnastics, physiotherapy procedures, massage, orthopedic devices. Most of the above methods can be used at home.
In 3-4 stages, 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, relax tense muscles and improve the condition of cartilage tissue:
- Painkillers. If the pain is severe, you can help yourself by taking an analgesic pill. NSAIDs are used for the same purpose, which allow you to deal not only with pain but also with inflammation.
- Steroids stop inflammation and pain. For this purpose, drugs based on glucocorticoids in the form of tablets or ointments are used.
- Muscle relaxants help relax spasmodic muscles around the affected area. For this purpose, 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.
Help. If the pain syndrome is very severe and oral analgesics do not help, then the doctor may prescribe a therapeutic blockade. Injections using anesthetic or steroid solutions are placed directly in the focus of the pathology. This procedure should only be performed by an experienced technician.
Creams, gels, ointments with anti-inflammatory, warming, analgesic effects are used as part of the complex therapy.
To alleviate the condition of patients, to improve their physical fitness, therapeutic exercises are prescribed. Exercise helps strengthen the muscles around the neck, improves metabolic processes, speeds up blood circulation and relieves stress in a weakened spine.
Gymnastics is especially popular in OSHOP, which is usually performed in the gym with the help of special simulators. However, if you wish, you can practice at home.
Complex of exercises for cervical osteochondrosis:
- Gently tilt your head to your shoulder, lock for 30 seconds, 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 right and then left shoulder.
- Press the left shoulder with your right hand, lift your elbow slightly. Then turn your head to the right, hold, feeling the muscle tension.
- This exercise is performed as the third, only when you turn your head, raise your arms above your head and lock them.
- Put your hands on your knees, spread them apart, trying to connect the shoulder blades, at the same time lift your chin up. This is how you will train your chest.
- Stand up, lower your arms, stretch your neck forward, trying to touch your chin to your shoulder.
Before training, you need to warm up the joints and take a shower to relax the muscles. After completing the complex, stretch.
You can treat osteochondrosis of the neck with the help of physiotherapy:
- UHF.
- Laser therapy.
- Magnetic therapy.
- Electrophoresis with drugs, etc.
Magnetic therapy relieves inflammation, pain. UHF and laser treatment speeds up metabolism in the affected area, helps eliminate puffiness. Thanks to electrophoresis, the drugs penetrate the site of inflammation through the skin, where they immediately show their effect.
With the help of massage normalizes muscle tone, accelerates blood flow to the affected area and improves tissue trophism. 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, relax muscles and improve 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 comprehensive treatment, the patient will be able to get rid of degenerative disc disease of the neck forever. However, this is possible if the disease is detected in stage 1. In other cases, complex measures will help to stop the development of the pathology.
Chondrosis of the cervical spine
Many people believe that chondrosis and osteochondrosis are one 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, hyaline cartilage calcifies and becomes less elastic. Its height decreases, which impairs the function of the vertebrae.
The causes of chondrosis and osteochondrosis do not differ.
Cervical chondrosis has the following symptoms:
- Rapid muscle fatigue around the STORE.
- Bad 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 accidentally, during an X-ray or MRI.
Treatment of chondrosis
The plan for the treatment of chondrosis of the neck is slightly different from the tactics for the treatment of osteochondrosis. At the first disease, doctors prescribe NSAIDs and chondroprotectors. In addition, the patient should avoid excessive exercise or prolonged sitting. It is advisable to perform therapeutic exercises, to eat properly, to give up bad habits.
Additional methods of treatment include massage, manual therapy. In addition, physiotherapeutic procedures are indicated, such as electrophoresis, ultraviolet radiation, amplipulse therapy, diadynamic therapy, balneotherapy, mud therapy. Acupuncture (acupuncture) has proven its effectiveness in the treatment of chondrosis.
Reviews
In most cases, patients manage to get rid of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis for a while, after which 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 have 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 started going to a massage, doing special exercises and using a healing ointment. After the course of treatment I felt considerable relief. After 3 months, however, the neck pain reappeared. Therefore, the course had to start over. "
- "I have been living with cervical osteochondrosis for a long time. From time to time I visit a chiropractor who puts on vertebrae. But physiotherapy exercises help me the most. The doctor offered me some very effective exercises that I try to do every day. But as soon as he misses a few hours, the pain starts again. "
- "Early cervical osteochondrosis is quite treatable. It happened to me. First, doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory therapy that relieves pain and inflammation. Then the treatment is supplemented by gymnastics, massage, acupuncture. I also visited the pool, started taking vitamins and eating right. To forget about 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 lead a healthy lifestyle. "
Main conclusions
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is an insidious disease that manifests itself in various 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 segment. In this case, it will not be possible to restore the condition of the spine. Then treatment is carried out, which helps to stop the development of the pathology and to avoid serious consequences. The treatment of osteochondrosis is a complex and lengthy process that requires patience and organization. After eliminating the pain and inflammation, the patient should exercise regularly, attend massage, physiotherapy procedures, use orthopedic devices, eat properly and give up bad habits. It is important to lead a healthy lifestyle, to observe moderate physical activity, to control weight and to monitor posture. Only in this case you will be able to stop the pathology and live a full life.