Few modern people have not heard of osteochondrosis. Most of them have experienced the symptoms of this disease on several occasions. The wide prevalence 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 weakness, limited mobility and a number 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, exercising, physiotherapy, massage, etc. When complications and destruction of the bone and cartilage structure occur, surgery 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 are compressed 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 by discs. This segment of the spine is quite mobile, which is why it is one of the most vulnerable areas of the spine. 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 muscular corset on the neck. In addition, there are small vertebrae in this area, they have a different structure and fit too tightly together. Therefore, even a small load on the neck can cause them to move, as well as compression of blood vessels and nerve branches. When the vertebral artery, which is located inside the spine in this area, is constricted, dangerous complications occur.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (CS) threatens protrusions (moving the nucleus pulposus without damaging the outer shell) and disc herniation. These formations compress the nerve bundles, the 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 that, 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 there is now a rejuvenation of the pathology, which often develops in patients over 20 years of age. This is due to a predominantly sedentary lifestyle and poor diet.
Doctors have identified 4 stages of pathology:
- Grade 1 - the cartilaginous lining between the vertebrae begins to collapse. At this stage, the disease cleared the symptoms. Unfortunately, patients do not notice them.
- Grade 2 - under the pressure of the vertebrae, the height of the disc decreases, the integrity of its outer shell is violated. Bumps may appear at this stage. Pain occurs, neck mobility is limited, and facial sensitivity may be impaired.
- Stage 3 - The protrusions turn into hernias, which narrow the blood vessels and muscles. In addition to the pain syndrome, there is also pain in the back of the head, dizziness.
- Grade 4 - osteophytes are formed that stabilize the vertebrae, but tighten the nerve fibers. The pain does not disappear, there is stiffness of movement, the adjacent vertebrae are damaged, neurological symptoms appear.
It is important to start treatment in stages 1 - 2 to avoid serious complications that can only be corrected by surgery.
Causes
Osteochondrosis SHOP is a complex and long-lasting 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 degenerative-dystrophic changes occur as a result of disorders of local circulation, metabolic processes, weakening of immunity.
However, doctors have identified the main causes of cervical osteochondrosis:
- Bad posture.
- Curvature of the spine.
- Injuries to the cervical segment.
- Overweight.
- Exhausting physical work.
- Prolonged sitting at the computer.
- Passive lifestyle.
- Violation of metabolic processes.
- Frequent neck hypothermia.
- Improper organization of sleeping places (soft mattress, high pillow).
- Frequent stress, chronic murder.
- 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 tissue begin to collapse, nerve bundles and blood vessels are damaged.
Symptoms
The clinical picture of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (OSHOP) is diverse. For that reason, it is difficult for patients to understand what is happening to them. Early manifestations of the disease are attributed to overwork. Even 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 sensations in the neck, shoulders.
- Weakening of the muscles surrounding the affected segment of the spine.
- Excessive sweating.
- Violation of upper limb sensitivity.
- Movement coordination disorders.
- Cephalalgia (headache).
- Dizziness (vertigo).
- Hearing and vision disorders.
- Increase in blood pressure, etc.
The nature of the headache in osteochondrosis is different: paroxysmal, constant, pulsating, dull. This symptom is manifested due to spasm of cerebral vessels, compression of 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 sleeping, sudden movement, tension in the neck, for example, when coughing or sneezing.
In osteochondrosis of the SHOP, pressure jumps are observed depending on the time of day, constant hypertension is uncharacteristic of the pathology. Usually, with increasing pressure, the following manifestations are observed: cephalalgia, pain in the hands, numbness of the cervical-cervical zone. A drop in pressure is often observed after nervousness or muscle tension, prolonged uncomfortable posture.
Cervical osteochondrosis syndromes
Several syndromes have been observed in OSHOP (typical conditions accompanied by characteristic symptoms). 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 the artery that feeds the brain. Then the patient suffers from hearing, vision, dizziness, drop in pressure, migraine, etc.
- Cardiac - develops when the nerve bundles innervating the diaphragm or pectoral muscle are compressed. Then there is burning pain in the chest, difficulty breathing, weakness, heart rate accelerates.
- Hypertensive - caused by compression of the veins, due to which the outflow of blood from the head is disturbed. 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 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 complex of symptoms in OSHOP. It is caused by compression of one of the nerve bundles in the vertebrae of the cervical segment. If the conduction of 1-2 roots of the cervical vertebra is disturbed, the sensitivity is disturbed or pain in the back of the head occurs. If 3 pairs are damaged, the tongue is 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 complexes of symptoms at once, then the diagnosis is difficult. Therefore, you should not figure it out yourself, it is better to contact an expert.
Diagnosis
If you do not know what to do when suspicious symptoms appear, it is better to contact a therapist immediately. If necessary, the doctor will refer you to an orthopedist, vertebrologist, neurologist.
The following instrumental studies are used in 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 nerve bundles.
With the help of radiography, which is performed in different projections, it is possible to detect the accumulation of calcium salts, reduction of the height of the cartilaginous spacers between the vertebrae, CS deformation, the presence of bone growths, etc. .
Treatment
OSHOP therapy should be comprehensive. The decision on the choice of 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 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, medical gymnastics, physiotherapy procedures, massage, orthopedic devices. Most of the above methods can be used at home.
In stages 3-4, which is accompanied by the destruction of not only cartilage but also the vertebral body, 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 analgesics. 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. Glucocorticoid-based drugs in the form of tablets or ointments are used for this purpose.
- Muscle relaxants help to relax muscle cramps around the affected area. Glycerol or benzimidazole-based parenteral solutions are used for this purpose. They normalize muscle tone and relieve pain.
- Antispasmodics help fight muscle pain and cramps.
- Vitamins accelerate the recovery of the nervous system. For this purpose, drugs based on elements of group B, A, C, D, E are taken. 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 anesthetics or steroid solutions are placed directly in the focus of 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.
In order to alleviate the condition of the patients, improve their physical readiness, 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 want, you can exercise at home.
Exercise therapy complex for cervical osteochondrosis:
- Tilt your head smoothly over 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 slightly forward as well.
- Lower your head back slightly, turn to the right, and then to the left shoulder.
- Press your left shoulder with your right hand, lift your elbow slightly. Then turn your head to the right, hold on, feeling the muscle tension.
- This exercise is performed as the third, only when you turn your head, raise your arms above your head and connect them.
- 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 practice the thoracic part.
- Stand up, lower your arms, stretch your neck forward, trying to touch your chin to your shoulder.
Before exercising, you need to 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. UHF and laser treatment speeds up metabolism in the affected area, helps eliminate swelling. Thanks to electrophoresis, the drugs penetrate the skin into the focus of inflammation, 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.
You can use a needle applicator at home - this is a plastic device with a large number of spikes. You must lie on the device or apply it to the affected area. The applicator helps relieve pain, relaxes muscles and improves circulation and movement.
Shants collar is used when severe pain occurs. This orthopedic device fixes the neck in the correct position, reduces the load on the spine and relieves pain.
With complex 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 stop the development of 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 base 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 occurs when the metabolic processes of the intervertebral disc are disturbed. 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 fatigue of the muscles surrounding SHOP.
- Bad posture.
- Recurrent discomfort or mild pain in the affected area.
- Limited door mobility.
As a rule, patients do not notice the symptoms of chondrosis. The disease is detected by chance, X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging.
Treatment of chondrosis
The treatment plan for neck chondrosis is slightly different from the tactics for treating osteochondrosis. At the first disease, doctors prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and chondroprotectors. In addition, the patient should avoid excessive physical exertion or prolonged sitting. It is recommended to perform therapeutic exercises, proper nutrition, giving up bad habits.
Additional methods of treatment include massage, manual therapy. In addition, physiotherapeutic procedures are indicated, for example, electrophoresis, ultraviolet radiation, amplipulse therapy, diadynamic therapy, balneotherapy, mud therapy. Acupuncture (acupuncture) has proven its effectiveness in treating chondrosis.
Reviews
In most cases, patients manage to get rid of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis for a while, and 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 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 for a massage, performing special exercises and using healing ointment. After the treatment I felt significant relief. However, after 3 months, the neck pain reappeared. So the course had to start over. "
- "I've been living with cervical osteochondrosis for a long time. I visit a chiropractor who performs vertebrae from time to time. 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'm away for a few hours, againthe pain begins. "
- "Osteochondrosis of the cervix in the early stages is quite curable. It happened to me. First the 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 eat properly. To forget the pain forever, I had to completely change my life. The day does not pass without special exercises, but the plus is that nothing hurts, and my physical shape has improved. I have not felt back pain for a long time and continueto 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 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 pathology and avoid serious consequences. Osteochondrosis therapy is a complex and time-consuming process that requires patience and organization. After relieving pain and inflammation, the patient should regularly undergo exercise therapy, attend massage, physiotherapy procedures, use orthopedic devices, eat properly and give up bad habits. It is important to lead a healthy lifestyle, monitor 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.