Few modern people have not heard of osteochondrosis. Most of them have experienced the symptoms of this disease in some cases. The widespread spread of the disease is associated with prolonged stay at the computer, passive lifestyle, improper diet, etc. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is manifested by pain, muscle weakness, limited movement and a range of other symptoms.
Do not ignore the signs of osteochondrosis, because the earlier you start treatment, the sooner you will get rid of the disease. In the initial stages, conservative therapy is performed: taking medication, exercise therapy, physiotherapy, massage, etc. When complications and destruction of the bone-cartilage structure occur, an operation is prescribed.
What is it
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, so it is one of the most vulnerable areas of the spine. The weakest connection 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 corset of muscle in the neck. In addition, small beads are located in this area, they have a different structure and fit very tightly with each other. This is why even a small load on the neck can provoke their displacement as well as the compression of blood vessels and nerve branches. When the vertebral artery, which is located inside the spine in this area, is compressed, dangerous complications arise.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (CS) threatens with elongation (displacement of the pulposus nucleus without damaging the outer shell) and disc herniation. These formations suppress nerve bundles, blood vessels.
Due to the degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, the possibility of the appearance of bone growths (osteophytes) in the areas of the vertebral joints increases. Because of this, the intervertebral canal narrows and neurovascular formations are compressed.
Reference. According to medical statistics, people over 35 are more likely to suffer from cervical osteochondrosis. Although there is now a resurgence of pathology, which often develops in patients from the age of 20 years. This is due to a mostly sedentary lifestyle and poor diet.
Doctors identified 4 stages of 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 shell is compromised. At this stage, extensions may appear. Pain appears, neck mobility is limited and facial sensitivity may be impaired.
- Stage 3 - extensions turn into hernias, which narrow blood vessels and muscles. In addition to pain syndrome, there is pain in the back of the head, dizziness.
- 4 degrees - osteophytes are formed, which stabilize the vertebrae, but tighten the nerve fibers. The pain does not disappear, stiffness of movements appears, 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 with surgery.
Causes
Osteochondrosis SHOP 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. Degenerative-dystrophic changes then occur as a result of disruption of local blood circulation, metabolic processes, weakening of immunity.
However, doctors identified the main causes of cervical osteochondrosis:
- Bad attitude.
- Bending of the spine.
- Injuries of the cervical segment.
- Excess weight.
- Exhausting physical work.
- Prolonged stay at the computer.
- Passive lifestyle.
- Violation of metabolic processes.
- Frequent neck hypothermia.
- Improper organization of the sleeping place (very soft mattress, high pillow).
- Frequent stress, chronic fatigue.
- Congenital pathology 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 tissue begin to collapse, nerve bundles and blood vessels are damaged.
Symptoms
The clinical picture of cervical spine osteochondrosis (OSHOP) is diverse. Because of this, patients find it difficult to understand what is happening to them. They attribute the early manifestations of the disease to overwork. And after the appearance of pronounced symptoms, they rush 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 sensation in the neck, shoulders.
- Weakening of the muscles surrounding the affected segment of the spine.
- Excessive sweating.
- Violation of the sensitivity of the upper limbs.
- Movement coordination disorders.
- Cephalalgia (headache).
- Vertigo (dizziness).
- Hearing and vision disorders.
- Increases 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 nerve bundles of the cervical spine and increased intracranial pressure.
With OSHOP, the pain does not always appear in the area of the cervical segment, it can spread to the shoulders and arms. Discomfort can occur after sleep, sudden movements, neck tension, for example, when you cough or sneeze.
With SHOP osteochondrosis, increased pressure is observed depending on the time of day, persistent hypertension is uncharacteristic of the pathology. Usually, with an increase in pressure, the following manifestations are observed: headache, pain in the hands, numbness of the cervical area. The drop in pressure is often observed after nervous or muscular tension, uncomfortable prolonged stay.
Cervical osteochondrosis syndromes
Several syndromes (typical conditions associated with characteristic symptoms) are observed in OSHOP. Their appearance depends on which branches and nerve vessels are damaged.
Cervical osteochondrosis syndromes:
- Vertebral artery - occurs as a result of compression or irritation of an artery that feeds the brain. The patient then suffers from hearing, vision, dizziness, hypotension, migraine, etc.
- Cardiac - develops when the nerve bundles innervating the diaphragm or pectoralis 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, due to which the blood flow from the head is impaired. Then the intracranial pressure increases, the patient suffers from cephalalgia, nausea, vomiting.
- Cervical migraine - occurs due to compression of the nerves surrounding the vertebral artery. Then there is a painful pain like migraine in the back of the head. The attack lasts about 10 hours and is often accompanied by an outbreak 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 disturbed, tenderness is disturbed 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 associated with pain in the clavicle, hiccups, difficulty swallowing. If the conduction of 5 - 8 pairs of nerve bundles is disturbed, then the patient finds it difficult to move the arms.
Reference. Often, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine manifests itself in some complex of symptoms immediately, then the diagnosis is difficult. Therefore, you should not understand it yourself, it is better to contact a specialist.
Establishing a diagnosis
If you do not know what to do when suspicious symptoms appear, then it is best to contact a therapist immediately. If necessary, the doctor will refer you to an orthopedist, vertebrologist, neurologist.
In diagnostic research, the following instrumental studies are used:
- 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, the accumulation of calcium salts, the reduction of the height of the cartilaginous separators between the vertebrae, the deformation of the CS, the presence of bone growth, etc. can be detected. .
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 the symptoms.
Treatment of cervical spine osteochondrosis 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: medication, remedial gymnastics, 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, surgical intervention may be required.
The following medications will help to 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. 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 medicines are used in the form of tablets or ointments.
- Muscle relaxants help relax spasmodic muscles around the affected area. Glycerin or benzimidazole-based parenteral administration solutions are used for this purpose. 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, medications 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, then the doctor may prescribe a therapeutic blockade. Injections using 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, analgesic effects are used.
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 on a weakened spine.
Gymnastics is especially popular in OSHOP, which is usually performed in the gym with the use of special simulators. However, if you wish, you can practice at home.
Exercise therapy complex for cervical osteochondrosis:
- Bend your head lightly on the shoulder, close for 30 seconds, and then repeat the movement in the other direction.
- Turn your head forward, trying to touch your chin to your chest, then lift up and slightly forward.
- Lower your head slightly back, turn to the right, and then to your left shoulder.
- Press the left shoulder with the right hand, raise the elbow slightly. Then turn your head to the right, stretch, feeling the muscle tension.
- This exercise is performed as the third, only when you turn your head, raise your arms above your head and tie them.
- Hands on knees, spread them, trying to tie the edges of the shoulders, at the same time lift the chin up. So you will process the chest region.
- Get up, lower your arms, stretch your neck forward, trying to touch your chin to your shoulder.
Before exercising, you should do a joint warm-up and take a shower to relax your muscles. After completing the complex, lie down.
You can treat osteochondrosis of the neck with the help of physiotherapy:
- UHF.
- Laser therapy.
- Magnetotherapy.
- Drug electrophoresis etc.
Magnetotherapy relieves inflammation, pain. UHF and laser treatment speeds up metabolism in the affected area, helps eliminate bloating. 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 affected area is accelerated and tissue trophism is improved. Upon completion of 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 pins. You should extend the device or apply it to the affected area. The applicator helps relieve pain, relaxes muscles and improves blood circulation and movement.
Shants collar is used when severe pain appears. This orthopedic device adjusts the neck to the proper position, reduces the load on the vertebrae and relieves pain.
With complex treatment, the patient will be able to get rid of degenerative disease of the cervical disc permanently. However, this is possible if the disease is detected in stage 1. In other cases, complex measures will help stop the development of pathology.
Chondrosis of the cervical spine
Many people believe that chondrosis and osteochondrosis are a disease. However, this view is wrong. In the first disease only the cartilaginous layer 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.
Chondrosis of the cervical spine develops when the metabolic processes of the intervertebral disc are disrupted. Collagen fibers are then replaced by useless fibrous tissue, the hyaline cartilage is calcified and becomes less elastic. Its height decreases, due to which the function of the vertebrae is impaired.
The causes of chondrosis and osteochondrosis do not change.
Cervical chondrosis has the following symptoms:
- Rapid fatigue of the muscles surrounding the SHOP.
- Bad attitude.
- Recurrent discomfort or slight 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 a radiograph or MRI.
Treatment of chondrosis
The treatment plan for neck chondrosis is slightly different from the osteochondrosis treatment tactics. In the first disease, doctors prescribe NSAIDs and chondroprotectors. In addition, the patient should avoid excessive physical exertion or prolonged lowering. It is recommended to perform therapeutic exercises, eat properly, give up bad habits.
Additional treatment methods include massage, manual therapy. Furthermore, physiotherapy procedures are indicated, for example, electrophoresis, ultraviolet radiation, amplitude therapy, diadynamic therapy, balneotherapy, mud treatment. Acupuncture (acupuncture) has proven its effectiveness in the treatment of chondrosis.
evaluations
In most cases, patients manage to get rid of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis for a while, then the disease returns. This usually happens 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 recommended pills and anti-inflammatory injections. Once the pain passed, I started going for massage, doing special exercises and using a medicated ointment. After the course of treatment, I felt considerable relief. "However after 3 months the neck pain reappeared. Therefore, the course had to start from the beginning. "
- "I have been living with cervical osteochondrosis for a long time. Occasionally I visit a chiropractor who places the vertebrae. But physiotherapy exercises help me more. The doctor suggested some very effective exercises that I try to do every day. "But once you miss a few hours of teaching, the pain starts again. "
- "Osteochondrosis of the cervix at an early stage is quite treatable. It happened to me. First, doctors prescribed anti-inflammatory therapy, which relieved pain and inflammation. Then the treatment was supplemented with gymnastics, 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 is"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 a variety of symptoms. The patient does not always understand what is happening to him. And when severe pain appears, 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 performed, which helps to stop the development of pathology and avoid serious consequences. Osteochondrosis therapy is a complex and lengthy process that requires patience and organization. After eliminating the pain and inflammation, the patient should regularly perform exercise therapy, participate in massage, physiotherapy procedures, use orthopedic devices, eat properly and give up bad habits. It is important to lead 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.