Osteochondrosis is a dangerous and painful disease of the spine associated with degenerative-dystrophic changes in the structure of the intervertebral discs and adjacent joints and bone tissues. Often the pathology develops precisely in the cervical spine. The disease is accompanied by malaise and significantly reduces the quality of life. In this case, cervical osteochondrosis can occur at any age. Today, this disease is diagnosed even in schoolchildren and young people, which is associated with the prevalence of a sedentary lifestyle.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis.
There are many factors that lead to pathological changes in the spine. Often, the appearance of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is preceded by a combination of several reasons that contribute to the displacement and pathological destruction of the discs. These include:
- various neck injuries, including birth;
- prolonged stay in one position (driving, computer);
- hereditary predisposition;
- metabolic disorders, vitamin deficiency and hypovitaminosis;
- excessive and incorrect loads, which cause rapid erasure of discs;
- hormonal and autoimmune disorders;
- natural aging;
- less often: infectious diseases, hypothermia, stress, etc.
Characteristics and stages of the development of the disease
The cervical region is the most mobile part of the spine. It includes seven vertebrae (C1 - C7), which are connected by elastic and resistant intervertebral discs. The latter consist of the nucleus pulposus and the annulus fibrosus. Due to various factors, the position of the discs and the structure of their tissues change, which leads to the appearance of osteochondrosis.
The disease develops in several stages:
- As a result of injury or improper loading, the normal position of the intervertebral disc is disturbed.
- Impaired metabolism reduces the strength and elasticity of the annulus fibrosus, as a result of which the distance between the vertebrae decreases.
- A decrease in the elasticity of the disc leads to an incorrect distribution of the load, which leads to the bulging of the nuclei, the formation of hernias and the curvature of the spinal line.
- Due to a decrease in intervertebral distance, nearby nerves and blood vessels are pinched, pain occurs, and the work of other organs is interrupted.
- As a result of friction of the vertebrae, bony growths (osteophytes) arise. The ligaments of the cervical spine become practically immobile, and the symptoms of the disease become pronounced.
Treatment started at any stage allows you to prevent irreversible changes in the structure of the spine and avoid dangerous disturbances in the work of other body systems.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Pathological changes in this part of the spine have very specific manifestations. The most typical symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- Drawing pains in the back of the head, neck, shoulder, or arm, aggravated by physical exertion, sneezing, or coughing
- creaking in the cervical spine when turning or tilting the head;
- numbness and tingling in the hands and feet;
- regular dizziness and fainting spells;
- persistent tinnitus and hearing loss;
- dull pain between the shoulder blades and in the region of the heart;
- feeling of general weakness and increased fatigue.
Diagnostics
If there is a suspicion of cervical osteochondrosis, it is important to undergo a comprehensive examination, which will help to determine the condition of the spine and the degree of progression of the disease. For an accurate diagnosis, physiological examination with palpation and percussion of the neck, as well as instrumental examination, is traditionally used:
- radiography (lateral, direct);
- Computed tomography;
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
To determine the cause of the onset of the disease, an ultrasound of nearby organs, an electrocardiogram of the heart, a duplex scan of blood vessels, blood and urine tests may also be prescribed.
Methods for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
Stopping pathological changes and eliminating existing manifestations of the disease is possible only with the help of complex therapy. In the early stages, you can get rid of cervical osteochondrosis without surgery, with the help of conservative treatment.
Experts select an individual therapy course for each patient, taking into account the individual characteristics of the organism, age and lifestyle. Usually the complex includes several types of treatment at once, the main purpose of which is to eliminate symptoms, prevent the progression of the disease, and restore normal function of the spine.
- Drug therapyDuring the period of exacerbation, various means are used that help reduce pain and other manifestations of the disease. The patient may be prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, B vitamins, chondroprotectors, ointments with a warming effect, drugs to restore cartilage tissue, and others.
- Physiotherapy.It allows you to reduce pain and neutralize inflammation using ultrasound, laser, or magnetic vibrations. In addition, manual therapy, acupuncture, electrophoresis and other procedures aimed at normalizing metabolic processes in the affected area and alleviating unpleasant symptoms can be included in the course of cervical osteochondrosis treatment.
- Massage.It has a firming and relaxing effect on the cervical spine. Eliminates excessive muscle tension, enhances the intensity of metabolic processes. Therapeutic massages are performed using various techniques: classical, acupressure, segmental reflex or vacuum. Hardware methods for influencing the cervical spine give a good result, for example whirlpool or vibration massage.
- Traction.It is done once before starting treatment to release pinched blood vessels and nerve endings. During traction, the spine is stretched using special equipment and simulators. Provides correction of the position of the intervertebral discs and a uniform distribution of the vertebrae along the entire length to normalize blood flow and correct load distribution.
- Exercise therapy.Therapeutic gymnastics is the basis for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. Regular implementation of a special set of exercises allows you to restore the natural mobility of the vertebrae and ensure normal nutrition of the intervertebral discs with useful substances. Therapeutic exercises generally involve bends, twists, and other neck movements performed by the patient in the clinic or at home.
The course of treatment for cervical osteochondrosis lasts a month and a half. Pain and other acute manifestations of the disease usually disappear by the end of the first week of complex therapy. In severe cases, when an intervertebral hernia or osteophytes (spinal-shaped bone growths) are detected during diagnosis, the patient is assigned an operation.
Why are destructive neck changes dangerous?
Due to the structural features (tight fit of the vertebrae) and the close location of the nerve and blood channels that feed the brain, cervical osteochondrosis is considered a rather dangerous disease. Pathological changes in this part of the spine without timely treatment can have serious consequences, for example:
- violation of cerebral circulation;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- hypertonic disease;
- spinal cord and brain ischemia;
- spinal stroke;
- respiratory problems;
- loss of mobility of the spine due to growths;
- radiculopathy (pinched nerve roots);
- hearing, vision and coordination problems;
- compression of the spinal cord;
- intervertebral hernias and so on.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis.
To keep your spine healthy and avoid a recurrence of the disease after the course of treatment, it is important to change your lifestyle. The following methods of prevention of cervical osteochondrosis have been proven effective:
- use of orthopedic mattress and low pillow to sleep;
- maintain correct posture while sitting at the table and walking;
- regular warming of the neck during prolonged work at the computer;
- nutrition rich in vitamins and drinking plenty of fluids;
- general physical activity throughout the day.
You can learn more about cervical osteochondrosis, how this disease is treated, and prevention methods, in consultation with a doctor.