Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease that affects the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine. Degenerative changes usually develop in the most mobile parts of the spine, therefore, in the cervical region, due to violations in the structure of the vertebrae, nerve roots at the level of C5, C6 and C7 suffer most often.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.
One of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis is a crushing and compressive headache, often radiating to the temples.
The clinical manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis are subdivided into reflex and radicular.
Reflex symptoms
Patients are concerned about the so-called lumbago, a sharp, sharp pain that occurs in the cervical spine, aggravated by movement. Perhaps the appearance of a cracking noise when turning the head, sometimes patients adopt a forced position of the head due to severe pain.
People with cervical osteochondrosis often complain of crushing or constrictive headaches, which can radiate to the temples and eyeballs. Sometimes visual acuity can decrease, patients say that everything floats before their eyes.
When the nerve plexus of the vertebral artery is irritated, vertebral artery syndrome can occur, which is often misdiagnosed as a violation of cerebral circulation, in which the patient develops dizziness. They can occur with a sudden movement of the head, accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
One of the reflex syndromes in the clinic of cervical osteochondrosis is cardialgic, in which the patient has sensations that resemble an attack of angina pectoris. Usually this phenomenon is combined with other signs of the disease, so it rarely causes difficulties in differential diagnosis with heart disease.
Root syndromes
Root syndromes are the result of compression of the spinal root. The motor and sensory disorders that appear in this case depend on which nerve root is affected:
- C1 - violation of sensitivity in the occipital region;
- C2 - pain in the occipital and parietal regions;
- C3: decreased sensitivity and pain in the middle of the neck where the spinal nerve was violated, possibly a violation of the sensitivity of the tongue, speech disturbance due to loss of control over the tongue;
- C4: alteration of sensation and pain in the scapular region of the shoulder, decreased tone of the muscles of the head and neck, possible respiratory disturbances, pain in the liver and heart;
- C5: pain and altered sensation on the outer surface of the shoulder;
- C6 - pain spreading from the neck to the scapula, the forearm, the outer surface of the shoulder, the radial surface of the forearm to the thumb;
- C7: pain extending from the neck to the scapula, the back of the shoulder, the forearm to the II-IV fingers of the hand, altered sensitivity in this area.
- C8: Pain and sensory disability extend from neck to shoulder, forearm to little finger.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
Cervical osteochondrosis is a complex disease that requires long-term, systematic and gradual treatment. The therapy aims to eliminate pain and combat the inflammatory process in the affected area.
Patients are prescribed pain relievers. Recently, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which effectively eliminate pain syndrome and help reduce the activity of the inflammatory process, have become increasingly popular in the treatment of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine.
In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, the appointment of chondroprotectors is indicated - drugs that slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue. Many doctors believe that the use of these drugs also promotes the regeneration of cartilage tissue.
The use of external ointments and gels that contain irritants or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is ineffective. It is unlikely that the drug that is part of its composition will reach the affected area due to the barrier of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscles. However, it makes sense to use these external agents, as when they are rubbed into the skin they massage the neck.
To improve the regenerative and metabolic processes in the affected nerve root, patients are prescribed vitamins of group B. Most often, doctors recommend patients a combined vitamin preparation, which is administered intramuscularly.
Non-pharmacological methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis include acupuncture, hirudotherapy, physical therapy, exercise therapy, massage, and manual therapy.
In severe cases, surgical treatment may be necessary.
Prophylaxis
Daily gymnastics for the cervical spine is a good prevention of osteochondrosis.
Prevention of the development of cervical osteochondrosis is not difficult. It is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, play sports or at least do morning exercises.
The correct organization of the workplace and the mode of work and rest plays an important role in the prevention of the disease. People with sedentary work need to do a little warm-up several times during the work day and during work to control the posture and position of the head.
It is also important to choose a good and comfortable mattress and pillow for sleeping. People with diseases of the spine are advised to use special orthopedic products.
Which doctor to contact
Patients with osteochondrosis of the spine are monitored by a neurologist. There are a large number of doctors from other specialties who help patients with this disease: specialists in physical therapy and massage exercises, osteopaths, manual and reflex therapists, physical therapists and others.