Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disorder in the articular cartilage tissues, which can be located in any joint, as well as in the intervertebral disc.The cervical spine is subjected to high loads, which over time causes a decrease in the elasticity of the discs and their flattening.The distance between the vertebrae decreases, blood circulation in the affected area worsens, and pain appears in the cervical spine.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis is excessive and unbalanced load on the cervical spine.Loading can occur due to excess weight, being in an uncomfortable position for a long time, or during sedentary work.Osteochondrosis is not always the result of direct stress on the vertebrae.The disease can be caused by metabolic disorders, deficiency of vitamins B, C, D, as well as hormonal and autoimmune diseases, chronic intoxication, injuries and age-related changes.
Currently, there is no exact data on the causes of degenerative spinal diseases.Osteochondrosis can occur for several reasons:
- genetic factor: congenital weakness of connective tissue;
- age-related changes in the spine;
- diseases of the musculoskeletal system (scoliosis, flat feet, torticollis, rheumatic diseases, developmental anomalies);
- vertebral instability (increased mobility of part of the spine);
- low physical activity;
- cervical spine injuries;
- intense physical activity, carrying heavy objects.
Stages of osteochondrosis
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis depends on the stage of development and clinical signs of the disease.Each stage is characterized by certain features:
- Stage 1 – Destruction of osteochondral tissue occurs.During this stage, patients do not notice the symptoms of the disease.This may be discomfort, pain in the cervical spine, pain during movement.
- Stage 2 – MRI reveals protrusions of the intervertebral discs, compression of the spinal roots (radicular syndrome).The changes that occur cause pain in the cervical spine with radiation to the shoulder and upper extremities.Associated symptoms include increased fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
- Stage 3 – painful sensations increase and are permanent, radiating to the upper part of the body.There is numbness in the hands, weakness in the muscles of the upper extremities, and often one side of the body is affected.
- Stage 4 – Bone tissue is replaced, an osteophyte forms and neighboring joints are damaged.
Clinical manifestations
General signs of cervical osteochondrosis:
- pain in the cervical spine;
- radiculopathy: compression of the nerve roots, manifested by pain, sensory disturbances and muscle weakness;
- numbness of the upper extremities appears;
- pain in the cervical region radiating to the occipital region of the head, dizziness.
Diagnosis
The examination includes collecting the patient's anamnestic data, complaints, examination and palpation of the cervical spine, and assessment of the neurological status.To determine the changes present and the stage of the disease, digital x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, and Doppler ultrasound of the main arteries of the brain (USGD) are performed.The diagnosis allows the specialist to create an effective treatment regimen.
Osteochondrosis treatment
To achieve the most positive results and slow the progression of the disease, comprehensive treatment is carried out.The treatment combines pharmacotherapy with physiotherapy procedures, massage, acupuncture, manual therapy, hardware traction of the cervical spine and therapeutic exercises.
flip flop collar
During the period of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, the use of a special orthopedic device is prescribed - the Shants collar.The main purpose of the product is to fix the cervical spine in the correct position.
Surgical treatment
Surgical intervention is indicated in cases where medication and physical intervention are unavoidable.People turn to it if the patient's spinal canal has become catastrophically narrowed.
Surgical intervention is performed to remove a hernia, replace a destroyed intervertebral disc with an implant, and expand the spinal canal.
Massage for cervical osteochondrosis.
Massage allows you to relax muscles, improve blood circulation in the affected area and reduce the load on the vertebrae.Massage combined with exercise and other treatments helps relieve pain.
The massage is performed when the pain decreases or recedes, in the stabilization stage.
The procedure is carried out by a qualified specialist to relieve muscle tension, pain and improve blood circulation.During the massage, caressing, rubbing, kneading and other techniques of classic massage techniques are performed.
During the exacerbation period, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, ultrasound with glucocorticoids, magnetic laser and SMT with anesthetic are prescribed.
Basic exercises for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
Basic exercises for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis:
- and.north.– lying face down, palms resting on the floor, arms stretched, the upper part of the body should be raised, arching the back, stay for a few minutes;
- Y. n.– lying face down, with arms extended along the body, you should turn your head from left to right, trying to bring your ear closer to the floor;
- Y. p.– sitting on the floor, inhale – lean towards the chest, exhale – lean back, throwing your head back.
manual therapy
The influence of the chiropractor's hands on the spine makes it possible to increase the distance between the vertebrae, as a result of which the load is reduced.Prescribed by the treating doctor after X-ray, MRI or CT scan.
Pharmacological treatment
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is aimed at eliminating pain, the inflammatory process during exacerbation and preventing the progress of dystrophic changes in the structures of the spine.
For this, topical therapy with gels with an anti-inflammatory effect is used.
Medications:
- NSAIDs.
- Muscle relaxants.
- Diuretics.
- Opioid analgesics.
- Therapeutic pharmacological blocks with anesthetics or corticosteroids, and drugs that correct blood microcirculation.
- Metabolic therapy (B vitamins, thioctic acid preparations).
- Medications that improve the conduction of nerve impulses.
Additionally, chondroprotectors can be prescribed to improve the regeneration process.
Disease prevention
Prevention should consist in correcting the lifestyle: playing sports (swimming, yoga, fitness) to form a muscle corset, warming the cervical spine and creating comfortable sleeping conditions (comfortable mattress and pillows).
To prevent exacerbation, it is necessary to undergo preventive massage treatment of the cervical neck and back area 2 times a year, acupuncture and hardware traction of the cervical spine.
All of these procedures are performed on an inpatient and outpatient basis.