Few modern people have not heard of osteochondrosis. Most of them have experienced the symptoms of this disorder on several occasions. The widespread spread of the disease is associated with prolonged sitting at the computer, passive lifestyle, improper diet, etc. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine manifests itself in pain, muscle weakness, limited mobility and a wide 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 performed: taking medication, exercise therapy, physiotherapy, massage, etc. When complications arise and the destruction of the bone-cartilage structure, surgery is prescribed.
What is it
Osteochondrosis of the neck is a pathology that only occurs in humans. Animals do not suffer from it. This is due to the vertical position of the spine. In this position, the vertebrae pinch each other, leading to the gradual destruction of the intervertebral discs.
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 spine. The weakest link in the cervical spine is the intervertebral disc, which primarily reflects degenerative-dystrophic changes.
The occurrence of cervical osteochondrosis is also explained by a weak muscle cross in the neck. In addition, small vortices are located in this area, they have a different structure and fit too tightly to each other. This is why even a small strain 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 occur.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (CS) threatens with protrusion (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 growth (osteophytes) in the areas of the vertebral joints increases. Because of this, the intervertebral canal narrows and neurovascular formations compress.
Reference. According to medical statistics, people over 35 are more likely to suffer from cervical osteochondrosis. Although there is now a rejuvenation of the pathology, which often develops in patients from 20 years. This is due to a predominantly sedentary lifestyle and poor diet.
Doctors identified 4 stages of pathology:
- 1 degree - the cartilage lining between the vertebrae begins to collapse. At this stage, the disease has erased 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 exterior must be violated. At this stage, protrusions may occur. Pain occurs, neck mobility is limited, and facial sensitivity may be impaired.
- Grade 3 - protrusion transforms into hernia, which pulls blood vessels and muscles together. In addition to the pain syndrome, there is pain in the back of the head, dizziness.
- 4 degrees - osteophytes are formed, which stabilize the vertebrae but squeeze the nerve fibers. The pain does not go away, stiffness of movements occurs, neighboring vertebrae are damaged, and neurological symptoms occur.
It is important to start treatment at steps 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, the disease in older people is associated with age-related changes in the body. Then degenerative-dystrophic changes occur as a result of disturbance of local blood circulation, metabolic processes, weakening of immunity.
However, doctors identified the main causes of cervical osteochondrosis:
- Bad attitude.
- Curvature of the spine.
- Injuries to the cervix.
- Excess weight.
- Exhausting physical work.
- Sits at the computer for a long time.
- Passive lifestyle.
- Violation of metabolic processes.
- Frequent hypothermia of the neck.
- Improper organization of the sleeping area (too soft mattress, high pillow).
- Frequent stress, chronic fatigue.
- Congenital pathologies in 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 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 this reason, it is difficult for patients to understand what is happening to them. They attribute the early manifestations of the disease to overtime. 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 neck, shoulders.
- Weakening of the muscles around 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 visual disturbances.
- Increases in blood pressure, etc.
The nature of the headache in osteochondrosis is different: paroxysmal, constant, pulsating, dull. This symptom manifests itself due to spasms of cerebral vessels, compression of the nerve bundles in 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 movements, neck tension, for example by coughing or sneezing.
With osteochondrosis of SHOP, pressure increases are observed depending on the time of day, constant hypertension is uncharacteristic of pathology. Usually, with an increase in pressure, the following manifestations are observed: cephalalgia, pain in the hands, numbness in the cervical-collar zone. Pressure drop is 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 damage, vision, dizziness, pressure drop, migraine, etc.
- Heart - develops when the nerve bundles innervating the diaphragm or pectoral muscle are compressed. Then there is a burning pain in the chest, shortness of breath, weakness, the pulse rises.
- Hypertensive - caused by compression of the veins, due to which the outflow of blood 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 migraine-like pain in the back of the head. The attack lasts about 10 hours and is often accompanied by outbreaks 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 wire of 1 - 2 roots of the cervical vertebra is disturbed, the sensitivity is disturbed or pain occurs 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 accompanied by pain in the collarbone, hiccups, difficulty swallowing. If the lead 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 find out on your own, it is better to contact a specialist.
Establishment of a diagnosis
If you do not know what to do when suspicious symptoms occur, then it is better to contact a therapist immediately. If necessary, your doctor will refer you to an orthopedist, vertebrologist, neurologist.
The following instrumental tests are used in the 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 the nerve bundles.
Using radiography, which is performed in different projections, it is possible to detect the accumulation of calcium salts, a decrease in the height of the cartilage spacers between the vertebrae, deformation of CS, the presence of bone growth, etc. .
Treatment
OSHOP therapy should be comprehensive. The decision on the choice of technique is made by the doctor taking into account the stage, the 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 cure the pathology completely, especially when it comes to an elderly patient. However, it is quite possible to stop degenerative-dystrophic disorders in the cervical segment at any time.
In the early stages of the disease, conservative methods are used: medicine, remedial gymnastics, physiotherapy procedures, massage, orthopedic devices. Most of the above methods can be used at home.
At 3 - 4 stages, which are accompanied by destruction of not only cartilage but also the vertebral bodies, surgery may be required.
The following medications will help get rid of pain, inflammation, relax tense muscles and improve the condition of cartilage tissue:
- Analgesics. If the pain is severe, you can help yourself by taking a painkiller. For the same purpose, NSAIDs are used, which allow you to not only cope with pain, but also with inflammation.
- Steroids stop inflammation and pain. For this purpose, drugs based on glucocorticoids in the form of tablets or ointments are used.
- Muscle relaxants help to relax the spastic 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 speed up the recovery of the nervous system. For this purpose, drugs are taken based on elements from 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, your doctor may prescribe a therapeutic blockade. Injections using anesthetics or steroid solutions are placed directly in the focus of the pathology. This procedure should only be performed by an experienced technician.
As part of complex therapy are used creams, gels, ointments with anti-inflammatory, warming, analgesic effects.
To relieve the condition of the patients, to improve their physical condition, 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 using special simulators. But if you want, you can practice at home.
Exercise therapy complex for cervical osteochondrosis:
- Tilt your head gently to your shoulder, lock in for 30 seconds, then repeat the movement in the other direction.
- Tilt your head forward, try moving your chin toward your chest, then lift it up and slightly forward.
- Lower your head slightly back, turn to the right and then the left shoulder.
- Press your left shoulder with your right hand, lifting your elbow slightly. Then turn your head to the right, get stuck, feel the muscle tension.
- This exercise is performed as the third, only when you turn your head, lift your arms over your head and lock them together.
- Hands on your knees, spread them apart, try to connect the shoulder blades, and at the same time lift your chin up. So you want to train the thoracic region.
- Stand up, lower your arms, stretch your neck forward, try to touch your chin to your shoulder.
Before exercising, 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 speed up the metabolism in the affected area, help remove swelling. Thanks to electrophoresis, drugs penetrate the focus of inflammation through the skin, where they immediately show their effect.
With the help of massage, the muscle tone is normalized, the blood flow to the damaged area is accelerated, and tissue strophism is improved. 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 lay down on the device or apply it on the affected area. The applicator helps 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 strain on the vertebrae and relieves pain.
With complex treatment, the patient will forever be able to get rid of the degenerative disc disease in the neck. However, this is possible if the disease was 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 statement is erroneous. In the first disease, only the cartilage 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 in the intervertebral disc are disturbed. 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 around the STORE.
- Bad attitude.
- Recurrent discomfort or mild pain in the affected area.
- Limited neck mobility.
As a rule, patients do not notice the symptoms of chondrosis. The disease is discovered by chance during an X-ray or MRI examination.
Chondrosis treatment
The treatment plan for chondrosis of the neck is slightly different from the tactics for 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 treatment methods include massage, manual therapy. In addition, physiotherapy procedures are indicated, for example electrophoresis, ultraviolet radiation, amplipule 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 patient seeking medical attention late or not following 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 started going for massage, doing special exercises and using a medical ointment. After the course of treatment I felt a significant relief. But afterAt 3 months, the pain in the neck reappeared. Therefore, the course had to be started from the beginning. "
- "I have lived with cervical osteochondrosis for a long time. From time to time I visit a chiropractor who puts in 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 gomiss a few hours, the pain starts again. "
- "Cervical osteochondrosis at an early stage is quite treatable. It happened to me. First, the doctors prescribed anti-inflammatory treatment, which relieved the pain and inflammation. After that, the treatment was supplemented with gymnastics, massage, acupuncture. In addition, I visited the pool, began totake vitamins and eat right. 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 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 disorder that manifests itself in a variety of symptoms. The patient does not always understand what is actually 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 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 pain and inflammation, the patient should regularly perform exercise therapy, participate in 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 you will be able to stop the pathology and live a full life.