To date, the disease has become much "younger" and more and more often people aged 25 and over are exposed to it, although more recently the age of 30-35 was considered dangerous. Cervical pathologies are more common, so you should be able to quickly recognize the symptoms of the disease to begin treatment.
So what is cervical osteochondrosis called? This term describes the degenerative-dystrophic process in the intervertebral disc, which acts as a kind of shock absorber between the parts of the spine. This condition leads to changes in the structure and anatomy, parts and joints of the cervical spine. Osteochondrosis of the neck is characterized by severe pain symptoms that require timely treatment.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Where does cervical osteochondrosis come from? A little below we list the factors, the chronic or intense action of which leads to increased stress in the neck. As a result, the body compensates for the increased loads with the work of the muscles, however, due to the constant tension, convulsions occur in those with reduced blood circulation. Together, these factors lead to degenerative changes in the spine, changes in its structure, problems with blood nutrition and metabolism. Then comes the series of changes in the intervertebral joints, there is overgrowth of the bone tissue of the parts of the spine.
Let us list the factors that contribute to the development of the disease:
- Scoliosis and poor posture.
- Excess weight.
- Prolonged stay in the wrong and unnatural position.
- Regular overexertion of the back and cervix, for example, due to the peculiarities of work.
- Low mobility, sedentary physical inactivity.
- Spinal cord injury in the past.
- Metabolic problems.
- Excessive physical activity.
- Stress exceeds, prolonged sensitivity to depression.
- The factor of heredity
- Abnormal growth of the vertebrae.
Degrees of cervical osteochondrosis
It is necessary to be able to distinguish between the concepts of "stage" and "degree", which characterize the osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. We will look at the stages a little later, now we will talk about the degrees that depend on the general clinical condition and the patient's complaints, they have different symptoms and therefore require different treatment.
- First degree - 1. . . Osteochondrosis of the cervix is characterized by small manifestations of the disease, the main symptoms are pain in the neck area, which does not occur often, intensifies if you turn your head. They may be accompanied by slightly tense muscles.
- Second degree - 2. . . The severity of the pain and symptoms is much stronger and can give in the shoulder area. This is due to the fact that the intervertebral disc became lower in height, which led to a sting of the nerves. Pain syndrome tends to increase with movement, feeling weak and headache leading to decreased performance.
- Third degree - 3. . . This development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by the formation of hernias in the intervertebral space. The differences from the previous degrees are in the symptoms, which are even more intense and painful - it gives more intensity to the shoulder and arm, in them it is possible to feel numbness and weakness. The disease is accompanied by the same headache, weakness, neck mobility is limited and a distinct pain syndrome is detected on palpation.
- Fourth grade - 4. . . This degree is characterized by complete destruction of the tissues of the intervertebral disc. Problems with the blood supply to the brain are possible, especially through the vertebral artery, which carries blood to the cerebellum and back of the head. In this context, there are difficulties in tuning, dizziness, ringing in the ears.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Osteochondrosis of the cervix has some differences from osteochondrosis in other areas. They arise due to the narrower arrangement of the parts in relation to each other, the more complex structure of the first two parts - atlas and axis. In addition, there are fewer shock absorbers between the elements of the spine and, as a result, they wear out and disintegrate faster. In addition, it is the osteochondrosis of the cervix that often leads to compression of the nerves of the spinal cord.
Osteochondrosis of the cervix - the most common symptoms:
- Painful sensations. . . They are characterized by a different location - on the back of the head, shoulder and neck area. The appearance of pain in the shoulder joint indicates pressure on the nerve that is responsible for transmitting the pain pulses to this position. Occipital pain reflects the presence of spasm of the neck muscles due to difficulties in blood flow to this area. Perhaps a feeling of pain in the vertebrae, the presence of a crisis.
- Weakness in the hand. . . It is caused by damage to the nerve that is responsible for the motor activity of the upper limbs.
- Poor sensitivity in the hand. . . The nerve that moisturizes the skin on the hand is damaged.
- Limited movement, critical moment. . . It is a consequence of the low height of the intervertebral disc, the development of the bones in the parts of the spine, the presence of small affected structures.
- Coordination problems, feeling weak and dizzy. . . Due to the progression of the pathology, fibrous tissue is formed. It partly leads to contraction of the spinal artery, which has its own channel in the spine elements. This narrows the lumen of the vessel, creating a blood deficit in the occipital and cerebellum.
- Hearing, vision, speech problems. . . They are a further development of the vasoconstriction that supplies the cerebellum and the occipital region.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis is made in the presence of typical symptoms and complaints of a person. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is diagnosed by various methods, aimed mainly at imaging the condition of the damaged part. Commonly used:
- X-ray. It is not very informative, it only shows the presence of deviations, it is mainly suitable for early diagnosis.
- Computed tomography. Compared to X-rays, the appearance of pathologies of the parts of the cervical spine improves, but it does not accurately determine the presence of a hernia, what size it is. In addition, this process cannot determine the "contraction" of the canal with the spinal cord.
- Magnetic resonance imaging. Such a diagnosis is the most modern, characterized by increased content of information, allows you to assess in detail the defects of the bone structure, the condition of the intervertebral discs, the presence of a hernia, the size and direction of their development.
- If a worsening of the current in the vertebral arteries is suspected, additional diagnostics are performed with the double-sided ultrasound scan procedure. Such a study accurately identifies the presence of barriers that reduce blood flow.
Based on the data obtained during the diagnosis, we can talk about different stages:
- Stage 1, characterized by minor violations of the anatomy of the vertebrae.
- Stage 2. . . Possible non-observance of the position of the vertebrae between them, displacement, rotation in relation to the axis of the spine, the intervertebral disc may have a slightly reduced height.
- Stage 3. . . The disc is reduced in height by a quarter, the joints change, there are developments of bone tissue, tightening of the intervertebral segments and the spinal canal.
- Stage 4. . . It is even worse than before. The disc is significantly reduced in height, there are deep joint pathologies and extensive bony growths in the back, the spinal canal and the passages below the spinal cord are strongly compressed.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The main methods of this treatment are: drug therapy, physiotherapy, use of massage of the affected area, therapeutic gymnastics. Let's take a closer look at some of the methods.
Drug treatment
The prescription of any medicine should be done only by a competent specialist.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs of non-steroidal origin. Their action is effective removal of the pain syndrome, inflammatory and edematous process of the terminal nerve endings.
- Vitamin B is taken to improve metabolic processes in the vertebrae and nerves.
- Drugs that increase blood flow. It is used to nourish the altered nerve endings and improve blood flow to the brain.
- Cartilage protectors are used to repair cartilage tissue and intervertebral discs.
- Muscle relaxants, anti-convulsions.
Physiotherapy
- Electrophoresis. . . Delivery of drug ions to the desired part of the pathology using the action of an electric field. Prior to the procedure, novocaine is anesthetized and aminophylline is also used, which improves blood flow.
- With ultrasound. . . Relieves inflammation, pain, promotes metabolism at the application site.
- Magnetotherapy. . . It has analgesic action, relieves swelling.
- Laser treatment. . . The treatment is performed by exposure to light waves of special frequency. It relieves inflammation well and promotes blood circulation.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is allowed only if there is no worsening of the disease. The techniques will be effective in the absence of pain and discomfort when performing, in addition, they are very effective as a means of prevention. Here are some basic exercises:
- Lie on your stomach and rest your bent arms on the floor. Lift your head and torso for 60-90 seconds, keeping your back straight and then return smoothly to its original position. Do 2-3 repetitions.
- Lie on your stomach with your arms extended down your torso. Turn your head left, right, in turn, trying to reach the floor with your ear. Do 5-7 repetitions with each side.
- In a sitting position, inhale, bend forward, trying to reach the chest with your head. Then, on the exhale, instead, lean back, throwing your head back. Do 12 repetitions.
- In a sitting position, place your palms on your forehead. Apply mutual pressure to the forehead on the palm and vice versa. Continue for up to half a minute, repeating 3 times.
- Neat rotational rotation of the heads sideways, 5-7 rotations each. If you feel dizzy, reduce the number of repetitions or reduce the speed.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine: question - answer
Does it happen that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine must be treated with surgery?
It happens, but in these rare cases when conservative treatment does not work half a year after its start. In such situations, there is usually chronic pain and tightness of the nerve endings.
How long can you take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs?
Most of these drugs affect the condition of the gastric mucosa, so their frequent and regular use is not recommended. The exact duration of medication is determined by the treating physician, who has information about the stage of osteochondrosis in the patient, as well as whether there are concomitant pathologies.
Are chondroprotective drugs effective in repairing damaged intervertebral disc tissue?
Confirmation of the effect of taking such drugs has not been proven, as a result of which doctors rarely recommend them.
What to do at home when there is no outburst to avoid future deterioration?
For preventive purposes, it is best to do physical therapy exercises, neck massage, rejection of important physical activity.