Even some 30 years ago, osteochondrosis was associated exclusively with older people, whose joints become inactive and hurt with every movement. However, times have changed. Today, more and more people are changing hard physical work due to inactive work at the computer, less and less monitoring the quality of nutrition and more and more often they are facing osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Nadara osteochondrosis is called the “disease of the century, ” and almost every person over the age of 25 encounters the symptoms of this disease.
This insidious disease, which begins with unpleasant pain in the neck, very quickly leads to serious consequences in the form of hearing and vision impairment, as well as memory impairment to complete loss. Therefore, everyone should know the causes of osteochondrosis and consult a doctor in a timely manner in case of unpleasant symptoms of the disease. We will discuss them in this article.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
It is paradoxical that all our problems with the cervical spine begin in early childhood, more precisely in primary school, where the child's posture worsens and scoliosis develops. At this point, the system of supporting the head with the spine is disturbed, especially its thinnest and most vulnerable part - the cervical. Another key factor of cervical osteochondrosis, which originates from early childhood, is insufficient physical fitness, especially the weakness of the spinal muscles and the so-called muscular corset designed to support the spine.
These are the two most important causes of the disease. Everything else is a great burden on the weakened spine, which provokes the development of the disease in quite young and healthy people. First of all, it includes a sedentary lifestyle and a lack of physical activity, especially work, which is associated with a long stay in one position. This is most typical for drivers and office workers sitting at a computer in a shift. All this is complemented by being overweight, which seriously increases the load on the spine.
Other causes of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- previous spinal injuries;
- metabolic disorders;
- hereditary predisposition;
- great physical activity;
- constant nervous tension and stress;
- cervical spine anomalies;
- bad habits (holding the headset by the ear and shoulder).
Development of osteochondrosis
These unfavorable factors ultimately lead to an increase in the load on the cervical spine. When trying to compensate for the excessive load on the neck muscles, their spasm occurs, which leads to disturbed blood circulation in this area and a reduction in metabolic processes. All this turns into the development of degenerative processes in the spine. First of all, the vertebrae begin to thin and converge, squeezing their contents (annulus fibrosus) out of the spine. Such a protrusion on the doctor's tongue is called a protrusion.
In the case of a bulge, the annular fibrosus still retains its integrity, but the bulge already displaces the blood vessels and nerves that run along the spinal column and feeds the brain. Moreover, convergent and deformed vertebrae begin to squeeze the roots of peripheral nerves, leading to the development of the so-called "radicular syndrome", which manifests itself as severe pain in the back and neck. If you do not recognize the problem (about which the unpleasant symptoms will eloquently signal) and do not start treating osteochondrosis, the fibrous ring will rupture and a hernia of the spine will appear. In that case, there will be serious problems with brain nutrition.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
In its development, the disease goes through several stages, each of which has characteristic signs and symptoms. It should be noted here that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine differs from degenerative changes in other parts of the spine. The distances between the vertebrae here are minimal, and therefore even small degenerative changes cause unpleasant symptoms and lead to various complications.
1. Osteochondrosis I degree
This is the preclinical stage of disease development, in which the patient experiences mild pain and discomfort during head turning, as well as tension and fatigue in the neck and back during prolonged stay in one position (more often in a sitting position). At this stage, osteochondrosis is perfectly treated by lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and regular exercise.
2. Osteochondrosis II degree
At this stage, instability occurs between the vertebrae in the neck. The person in this case is faced with intense pain radiating to the shoulder, neck or arm. During tilting or turning of the head, the pain increases significantly, because due to the reduction of the distance between the vertebrae, the nerve endings begin to be damaged. The patient begins to get tired quickly, his performance decreases, there is disturbance, forgetfulness, and he suffers from headaches.
3. Grade III osteochondrosis
With the onset of the third stage of the disease, the pain in the back and neck becomes even stronger, the mobility of the neck is noticeably reduced, and when the neck is turned, the crunch of the vertebrae is heard. At night, the patient's fingers begin to tingle (primarily the little finger and ring finger), causing the person to wake up several times at night. Throughout the day, such patients have an uncomfortable weight in their hands. And even a brief phone conversation, in which a person is forced to hold a cell phone close to their ear, turns into uncomfortable tingling and numbness of the fingers. All this indicates an increase in the protrusion, and possibly the appearance of a hernia in the cervical spine.
4. Grade IV osteochondrosis
In the last stage of the disease, the spinal discs are destroyed, which cease to perform their functions and begin to be replaced by connective tissue. The patient in this condition may have a violation of coordination of movements, noise and insane pulsation in the ears appear, headaches increase, and visual and hearing acuity decreases. In some cases, numbness of the tongue may occur.
It should be said here that due to the constriction of blood vessels, the blood flow to the brain is disturbed. As a result, the patient develops neurotic disorders such as insomnia, nervousness, irritability and resentment, frequent mood swings and inability to concentrate. Occasionally, outbursts of anger or fear, melancholy, and depression may occur.
In the later stages of osteochondrosis development, severe vascular spasms can lead to the appearance of “flies” in front of the eyes, feelings of instability on a hard flat surface, severe dizziness, migraines, nausea, vomiting, and frequent fainting.
Diagnosis of the disease
To identify the cause of the pathology, the patient describes to the doctor the unpleasant symptoms of his condition. After questioning the patient, the specialist sends him to one of the following research methods.
1. Radiography. Currently, this diagnostic method is considered uninformative, especially in the last stages of disease development.
2. Ultrasonic duplex scanning. This method is used in cases where the expert assumes a violation of blood flow in the arteries that supply the brain. The study shows the speed of blood flow and determines if there are obstacles in its path.
3. CT (computed tomography). This method is more informative compared to radiography because it not only detects the problem, but also allows you to determine the presence and size of the hernia, albeit with difficulty.
4. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Today, the most informative method for diagnosing osteochondrosis, which allows you to see the structures of bones, the presence of hernias, and even the direction of their development.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Let's say right away that you need to see a neurologist to solve a problem as serious as cervical osteochondrosis. True, if the clinic has a vertebrologist, it is better to contact him first.
Osteochondrosis can only be treated in a complex way. The complex of methods used includes drug therapy, neck and collar massage, exercise therapy, physiotherapy methods, as well as proper nutrition. Only a combination of all these methods will help to cope with the disease and normalize the patient's well-being.
Help with severe pain
In case of severe pain, doctors recommend taking medications such as Analgin, Baralgin or Tempalgin. When these medications no longer provide relief, you can switch to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
In general, drug therapy includes the following means:
- NSAIL (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These medications relieve pain, relieve swelling, and deal with nerve root inflammation.
- Chondroprotectors. Such drugs perfectly repair damaged cartilage tissue.
- B vitamins. They are necessary for improving metabolic processes in nervous tissues.
- Muscle relaxants. These drugs work to reduce muscle cramps.
- Preparations that improve the rheological properties of blood. Thanks to such means, the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain and nerve endings is improved.
It should be noted here that it is possible to achieve a tangible effect in the fight against osteochondrosis with the help of ointments and tablets only if the treatment is combined with other methods of therapy. Otherwise, the drugs will have only a temporary effect.
Many specialists tend to treat osteochondrosis with injections to quickly act on the nerve endings and save the patient from possible side effects while taking the pills. However, vitamins are best taken orally, because vitamins are well absorbed in the body by any method of intake, but injections with them can be painful.
Physiotherapy treatments
Drug treatment must be combined with physiotherapy methods. The most effective for this disease are:
- Electrophoresis (in combination with drugs). In this case, the drugs penetrate to the damaged vertebrae under the influence of electric current.
- Ultrasound. This method of exposure allows you to eliminate the inflammatory process, relieve pain and improve metabolic processes in the tissues.
- Magnetotherapy. This type of physiotherapy relieves swelling and pain.
- Laser therapy. It is an excellent method in fighting inflammation and improves blood circulation.
Diet against osteochondrosis
Reconstruction of the affected vertebrae also includes a special diet that normalizes metabolic processes in the body, prevents salt deposition, nourishes and regenerates cartilage tissue, and also strengthens the ligaments between the spinal discs.
In order to achieve this, the following should be excluded from the patient's diet in the first place:
- alcoholic beverages;
- fatty and fried foods;
- spicy and salty foods;
- strong soups;
- weaknesses and rolls;
- strong tea and coffee; pickles and marinades;
- canned products.
The diet of a patient with osteochondrosis should consist of the following foods:
- lean meat and fish;
- skim milk, cottage cheese and kefir;
- butter (small amount); whole grain cereal soups and broths;
- want meat, excessive from fish or meat;
- vegetables, fruits and berries;
- juices, fruit drinks, jellies and compotes.
When osteochondrosis is localized in the cervical spine, it is important to adhere to a drinking regimen, drinking at least 1. 5 liters of water per day. If you are overweight, then you should consider how to get rid of extra pounds that put extra strain on your spine. It is advisable to switch to meals 5 times a day in small meals.
At the same time, as can be seen from the list of permitted foods, the basis of food should be lean vegetarian soup, cooked lean meat, fish, seafood, unsweetened vegetables and fruits.
The sample menu for that day will look like this:
- breakfast: cottage cheese, a couple of apples, tea without sugar;
- lunch: baked pear, some oatmeal;
- lunch: vegetarian borscht, boiled chicken with vegetable salad;
- afternoon snack: dry biscuits and fruit juice;
- dinner: roasted fish with vegetables and tea without sugar.
Osteochondrosis exercise therapy
Physical education gives great results in the treatment of osteochondrosis, although you can only do gymnastics for the cervical spine during the recovery period. Here it is important that in the process of massage or gymnastics the patient does not feel discomfort and pain.
Here are some of the most effective gymnastic exercises aimed at strengthening the neck muscles and improving blood circulation in this area.
Exercise no. 1
Lying on your stomach and resting your hands on the floor, slowly raise your head and torso so that your back remains straight. Hold this position for 1 minute, then return to the starting position. The element is repeated 2-3 times.
Exercise no. 2
Lying on your stomach and stretching your arms along your body, lift your head slightly and start turning it first to the right, trying to touch the floor with your ear, and then to the left. Make 6 turns in each direction.
Exercise no. 3
Sitting on the floor, inhaling, lean forward, trying to reach your chest with your chin, and as you exhale, return to the starting position and tilt your head back. Repeat the element 10-15 times.
Exercise no. 4
Place your palms on your forehead and try to press your head hard. At the same time, while tensing your neck muscles, resist with your hands, not allowing your head to tilt. Hold the pressure for 20-30 seconds, then lower your arms and relax. Repeat the element 2-3 times, then repeat the exercise in the opposite direction, bringing the folded arms to the nape of the neck.
Exercise no. 5
Start slowly turning your head to the right and left, trying to look behind your back. Make 10 turns in each direction.