Among all disorders of the musculoskeletal system, the second highest prevalence is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Symptoms and treatment of the disease are determined by the stage of its development, so it is so important not to miss the signs of an impending ailment.
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Causes and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is called dystrophic changes in the articular cartilage against the background of damage to the intervertebral discs. Cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by pathological destruction of the cartilaginous tissue of the vertebrae supporting the head.
Most often, the disease is diagnosed in people aged 30 to 40 years. In developed countries, one or another degree of cervical osteochondrosis is diagnosed in 80% of the population.
The neck is considered the most mobile part of the spine. Moreover, around the neck there is an insufficient number of muscles that can compensate for the load on the spine. Therefore, the bulk of the load falls on the intervertebral discs, which play the role of a shock-absorbing pad.
As a result, discs wear out, dry out and flatten, and osteochondrosis develops.
The reasons that contribute to the appearance of pathology lie not only in anatomy, but also in human behavior:
- immobility and static, sedentary work - at the computer, driving a car, in the office;
- excess weight;
- large physical exertion;
- smoking;
- malnutrition;
- poor physical condition;
- spinal injury.
Additional provoking factors for the development of osteochondrosis are: flat feet, soft mattresses and pillows, the habit of carrying a bag on his shoulder, hypothermia and stress.
How is the disease manifested?
At the beginning of the disease, only neck flowing, which is usually not paid attention to, can testify to its development. As the pathology progresses, the number and intensity of manifestations increases.
Characteristic symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis occur:
- pain in the back of the head, at the base of the neck, extending to the limbs;
- crunching and soreness when turning the head;
- numbness or tingling of the areas between the shoulder blades and at the base of the neck, burning, discomfort and stiffness;
- headaches, migraines, dizziness;
- weakness, fatigue.
Secondary symptoms are impaired vision, hearing, memory problems, sleep disturbance, carelessness, distraction, pressure surges.
Syndromes due to osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Doctors classify signs of osteochondria as syndromes associated with a particular type of spinal lesion.
Stenosis. It develops against the background of a hernia of the intervertebral discs and is accompanied by a violation of blood circulation and proliferation of bone tissue. It is manifested by numbness of the limbs.
Reflex Irritative Syndrome - A consequence of compression of the vertebral artery in case of neck curvature and impaired posture. It manifests itself in severe paroxysmal pain in the occipital part with a gradual spread to areas around the forehead.
Radicular syndrome. It is observed with flattening of the spinal roots - the consequences of a hernia. In this case, the sensitivity in the affected areas decreases, and motor activity becomes limited. May be accompanied by the development of speech defects, snoring, impaired sense of smell, decreased sensitivity of the muscles of the tongue.
The degree of development of cervical osteochondrosis
The complexity of the process is determined by the state of the pulpous nucleus filling the vertebral space.
Degenerative lesions of the cervical region are conventionally divided into three stages:
- first one. The intervertebral disc is compacted. The hook-shaped processes of the vertebrae increase. Muscle stiffness appears, but their mobility does not change. There may be slight swelling and pain when turning the head;
- second one. It develops against the background of progress of the first stage of the disease, if the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine was absent or was carried out incorrectly. The intervertebral openings narrow, the height of the intervertebral discs becomes smaller due to their flattening. There is a pinched nerve roots. The patient feels pains of a pointed nature;
- the third. Cracks in the fibrous ring surrounding the intervertebral disc lead to rupture of its capsule and deformation of muscle tissue. The stability of fixation of the pulpous nucleus inside the intervertebral disc is impaired. An intervertebral hernia develops. It is characterized by acute pain in the neck, numbness of the tongue, swelling, limited mobility, curvature of the spine.
The correct position of the vertebrae of the cervical spine determines the functionality of the optic and auditory nerves, nose, lips, mouth, throat ligaments, teeth, facial nerve, pituitary gland, brain, parasympathetic nervous system, muscles of the neck and forearms, thyroid gland, elbow and shoulder joints.
Diagnostic Methods
An accurate determination of the cause of osteochondrosis allows you to target the disease purposefully. A preliminary diagnosis is indicated after the initial examination by a doctor.
The patient's complaints about the nature of pain syndromes are taken into account, as well as information obtained during examination of the spine in various positions. The study of the cervical spine allows you to determine the presence of seals and deformities.In addition, attention is paid to muscle tone and motor capabilities of the patient.
Read also: symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Doctors obtain complete diagnostic information through studies such as:
- radiography. The procedure allows you to assess the condition of the vertebrae in two projections - direct and lateral. Result - determination of damage, salt deposits and compacted formations;
- magnetic resonance imaging allows you to establish not only any pathology of the spine, but also their severity. Through MRI, the doctor can assess the condition and level of damage to nerve endings, blood vessels and intervertebral discs;
- computed tomography - digitization of information obtained by x-ray irradiation.
In the presence of dizziness, additional investigation of the structural changes in the vessels through dopplerography, angiography, and duplex scanning may be necessary.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis?
After making an accurate diagnosis and finding out the causes of the disease, the neurologist determines how to treat cervical osteochondrosis.
Optimal results are achieved by complex therapy, which involves the use of several methods. The protocols adopted by WHO include drug exposure, hardware procedures, exercise therapy and therapeutic massage.
Drug treatment
In each case, the choice of drugs occurs individually. This depends not only on the severity of the pathology, but also on the specific characteristics of the patient’s body.
The main means of drug treatment:
- anti-inflammatory drugs - pills that relieve pain and inflammation;
- chondroprotectors - drugs that activate the regeneration of cartilage;
- external agents - ointments and gels that stop pain and inflammation;
- Vitamin complex to support the body and stimulate its recovery.
At the first stage of the therapeutic effect, pain syndrome may be intensified - this is a reaction of the muscular system. To reduce discomfort and improve the results of drug treatment, physiotherapeutic procedures are used.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy means the impact on the cause of the disease with the help of special equipment - electrophoresis, tissue electrostimulation. The use of low-frequency currents improves blood circulation in the affected areas, relieves swelling and pain, and at the same time, increases the effectiveness of drug exposure.
The minimum course of hardware treatment is 10 sessions.
Massage for cervical osteochondrosis at home
Manual therapy is a productive way of influencing the affected areas at home. Massage eliminates pinching, muscle cramps and pain, improves blood circulation, and reduces compression of the nerve roots.
Thanks to massage, metabolism improves and spinal tissue is restored.
Physiotherapy exercises for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The best method of restoring the functionality of the organs of the musculoskeletal system and preventing relapse is physical therapy for cervical osteochondrosis. Procedures are prescribed after the complete relief of pain and inflammatory processes.
The main types of exercise therapy:
- physiotherapy;
- dosed walking;
- training on simulators;
- swimming.
In order for exercises with cervical osteochondrosis to bring the expected results, classes should be supervised by competent specialists.
Folk remedies
The complete elimination of cervical osteochondrosis using traditional medicine methods is impossible. On the other hand, the use of folk remedies can improve the patient's condition, relieve inflammation, reduce pain and strengthen immunity.
On average, the treatment period for cervical osteochondrosis takes up to three months.If conservative treatment does not bring the expected results, surgical intervention is used.
What is the danger of cervical osteochondrosis?
Pathologies in the neck are a serious threat to all human health. Since the neck connects the head to the body, in this section of the spine are all important biological communications - arteries that feed the brain, nerve channels.
Any changes in the functionality of the cervical spine entail consequences in the form of:
- circulatory and nutritional disorders of the brain. As a result, hypertension, pathology of the respiratory system and the cardiovascular system, VVD, impaired coordination, problems with hearing, vision and speech develop;
- vertebral artery syndrome. Pathology develops against the background of compression of the vessel that feeds the cerebellum and medulla oblongata. The development of cervical osteochondrosis can cause ischemia and stroke;
- radiculopathy - damage to the nerve roots, proliferation of bone tissue on the vertebrae, resulting in partial or complete loss of mobility.
The most dangerous compression of the spinal cord, which is located inside the spine. Such a pathology leads to rupture of the lining of the spinal cord and causes paralysis. In especially severe cases, cervical osteochondrosis is fatal.
Prevention
Even after full recovery, the ailment may return again if the patient does not reconsider his lifestyle - work and rest, habits, nutrition.
As a preventative measure, neurologists recommend paying attention to such points:
- stiffness of the mattress. Ideal option - orthopedic mattress and low pillow;
- visiting the sauna - necessary for complete relaxation and relieving muscle cramps;
- daily hot shower - a good tool to improve blood circulation in the neck;
- swimming, walking, stimulates blood circulation, strengthens the muscles of the spine;
- proper nutrition - rejection of products that slow down metabolism: fatty, fried, sweet, smoked, flour and alcohol. Recommended dishes with gelatin, dairy products, nuts, vegetables, white meat, seafood.
In everyday life, you should avoid heavy physical exertion, sharp turns of the head, prolonged sitting or being in a static position. In addition, it is advisable to use chairs that provide support for the head and back.
An active life position, a healthy diet and morning exercises are simple but effective ways to avoid most diseases and live a long life without pain and discomfort.
