Few of modern people have not heard of osteochondrosis. Most of them have experienced the symptoms of this ailment on several occasions. The wide 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 weakening, limited mobility and a whole 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 medications, exercise therapy, physiotherapy, massage, etc. When complications appear and the destruction of the bone-cartilaginous structure, 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, which is why it is one of the most vulnerable areas of the spinal column. 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 muscle 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. That is why even a small load on the neck can provoke their displacement, as well as compression of blood vessels and nerve branches. When the vertebral artery is pinched, which is located inside the spine in this area, dangerous complications arise.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (CS) threatens with protrusions (displacement of the nucleus pulposus without damaging the outer shell) and disc herniation. These formations compress nerve bundles, blood vessels.
Due to degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, the likelihood of the appearance of bone growths (osteophytes) in the areas of the joints of the vertebrae 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 now there is a rejuvenation of the pathology, which often develops in patients from 20 years of age. This is due to a predominantly 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 symptoms. Unfortunately, patients do not notice them.
- 2 degree - under the pressure of the vertebrae, the height of the disc decreases, the integrity of its outer shell is violated. At this stage, protrusions may appear. Pain appears, neck mobility is limited, and facial sensitivity may be impaired.
- Grade 3 - protrusions transform into hernias, which constrict blood vessels and muscles. In addition to the pain syndrome, there is pain in the back of the head, dizziness.
- 4 degree - osteophytes are formed, which stabilize the vertebrae, but pinch 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 at stages 1 - 2 to avoid serious complications that can only be corrected by surgery.
Causes
Osteochondrosis SHOP is a complex and lengthy process that can occur under the influence of many negative factors.
For example, in elderly 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, weakening of immunity.
However, doctors identified the main causes of cervical osteochondrosis:
- Poor posture.
- Curvature of the spinal column.
- Cervical segment injuries.
- Excessive weight.
- Exhausting physical work.
- Prolonged sitting at the computer.
- Passive lifestyle.
- Violation 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 SHOP structure.
- Autoimmune diseases that cause cartilage degeneration.
- Infections.
- Features 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 early manifestations of the disease to overwork. And after the onset 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 sensations 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 (pain in the head).
- Vertigo (dizziness).
- Hearing and vision disorders.
- Blood pressure surges, etc.
The nature of the headache in osteochondrosis is different: paroxysmal, constant, pulsating, dull. This symptom manifests itself 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 appear in the area of the cervical segment, it can spread to the shoulders and arms. Discomfort can occur after sleep, sudden movement, neck tension, for example, when coughing or sneezing.
With osteochondrosis of the SHOP, pressure surges are observed depending on the time of day, constant hypertension is uncharacteristic for pathology. Usually, with an increase in pressure, the following manifestations are observed: cephalalgia, pain in the hands, numbness of the cervical-collar zone. Pressure drops are often observed after nervous or muscle tension, prolonged uncomfortable posture.
Cervical osteochondrosis syndromes
Several syndromes (typical conditions accompanied by characteristic symptoms) are observed in OSHOP. Their 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 hearing impairments, vision, dizziness, pressure drops, migraines, etc.
- 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, due to which the outflow of blood from the head is impaired. Then intracranial pressure rises, the patient suffers from cephalalgia, 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 often accompanied by the eruption of vomit.
- 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, sensitivity is disturbed or pain in the back of the head appears. 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 collarbone, hiccups, difficulty swallowing. If the conduction of 5 - 8 pairs of nerve bundles is disturbed, then it is difficult for the patient to move his arms.
Reference. Often, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine manifests itself in several symptom complexes at once, then the diagnosis is difficult. Therefore, you should not figure it out on your own, 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 better to immediately contact a therapist. If necessary, the doctor will refer you to an orthopedist, vertebrologist, neurologist.
In the diagnostic search, 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 carried out in different projections, it is possible to detect the accumulation of calcium salts, a decrease in the height of the cartilaginous spacers between the vertebrae, deformation of the CS, the presence of bone growths, etc.
Treatment
OSHOP therapy should be comprehensive. The decision on the choice of the technique is made by the doctor, taking into account the stage, form of the disease, and the severity of 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: medicines, remedial gymnastics, physiotherapy procedures, massage, orthopedic devices. Most of the above methods can be used at home.
At 3 - 4 stages, which is accompanied by the destruction of not only cartilage, but also the vertebral bodies, surgical intervention may be required.
The following medications will help get rid of pain, inflammation, relax tense muscles, and improve the condition of cartilage tissue:
- Pain relievers. 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, drugs based on glucocorticoids are used in the form of tablets or ointments.
- Muscle relaxants help relax the 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 based on 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 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, 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, accelerates blood circulation, and relieves stress on a weakened spine.
Gymnastics is especially popular in OSHOP, which is usually carried out in the gym with the use of special simulators. However, if you wish, you can practice at home.
Exercise therapy complex for cervical osteochondrosis:
- Smoothly tilt your head to your shoulder, lock in 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 back a little, turn to the right, and then the left shoulder.
- Press your left shoulder with your right hand, raise your elbow slightly. Then turn your head to the right, linger, feeling the muscle tension.
- This exercise is performed like the third, only when turning your head, raise your arms above your head and interlock them.
- Hands on your knees, spread them apart, trying to connect the shoulder blades, at the same time lift your chin up. So you will work out the thoracic region.
- Stand up, lower your arms, stretch your neck forward, trying to touch your chin to your shoulder.
Before exercising, you need to do a joint warm-up 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.
- Magnetotherapy.
- Electrophoresis with drugs, etc.
Magnetotherapy relieves inflammation, pain. UHF and laser treatment speeds up the metabolism in the affected area, helps to eliminate puffiness. Thanks to electrophoresis, medicines penetrate into the inflammation focus 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 improves. 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 need to lie down on the device or apply it to the affected area. The applicator helps to relieve soreness, 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 stop the development of pathology.
Chondrosis of the cervical spine
Many people believe that chondrosis and osteochondrosis are one disease. However, this opinion is erroneous. 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.
Chondrosis of the cervical spine develops when 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, due to which the function of the vertebrae is impaired.
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.
- Recurrent 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 MRI.
Chondrosis treatment
The treatment plan for chondrosis of the neck is slightly different from the tactics of treating osteochondrosis. At the first disease, doctors prescribe NSAIDs and chondroprotectors. In addition, the patient should avoid excessive physical exertion or prolonged sitting. It is recommended to perform therapeutic exercises, eat right, give up bad habits.
Additional methods of treatment include massage, manual therapy. In addition, physiotherapeutic procedures are indicated, for example, electrophoresis, ultraviolet irradiation, amplipulse therapy, diadynamic therapy, balneotherapy, mud treatment. 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, 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. The doctors prescribed anti-inflammatory pills and injections. After the pain passed, I began to go for a massage, performed 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 be started from the beginning. "
- "I have been living with cervical osteochondrosis for a long time. From time to time I visit a chiropractor who sets the vertebrae. But physiotherapy exercises help me the most. The doctor suggested some very effective exercises that I try to do every day. But, as soon as I miss a few classes, pain starts again. "
- "Cervical osteochondrosis at an early stage is quite treatable. It happened to me. First, doctors prescribed anti-inflammatory therapy, which relieved the pain and inflammation. Then the treatment was supplemented by gymnastics, massage, acupuncture. In addition, I visited the pool, started taking vitamins, and eating right. To forget about 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 form has improved. I have not felt 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 actually happening to him. And when severe pain appears, he hurries 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 pathology and avoid serious consequences. Osteochondrosis therapy is a complex and lengthy process that requires patience and organization. After eliminating pain and inflammation, the patient should regularly perform exercise therapy, attend massage, physiotherapy procedures, use 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 will you be able to stop the pathology and live a full life.