Osteochondrosis is called pathological processes in the cartilage of the intervertebral discs and nearby tissues. The disease can occur in any part of the spine, however, the cervical spine is more susceptible to osteochondrosis. This is due to the anatomical features of the body. The vertebrae in the neck are smaller than those in the thoracic and lumbar regions and are very close to each other. In addition, the neck is characterized by increased mobility and is subjected to regular stress while supporting the head.
Why does the disease appear?
The development of the disease is mainly associated with changes due to age. Other reasons are noted:
- lack of physical activity;
- diseases of the spine;
- excessive overload;
- wrong posture;
- unfavorable inheritance;
- increased body weight;
- autoimmune disorders in which cartilage is damaged.
The state of bone and cartilage tissue is seriously affected by nutrition. The development of pathology is facilitated by a diet with a lack of calcium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, vitamins A and E, vitamin D. The high-risk group includes office workers, professional athletes, people who perform hard physical work.
How to identify cervical osteochondrosis
Symptoms of the disease depend on the clinical case and stage of development. The most common signs are:
- pains that affect not only the neck and head, but also other parts of the body;
- weakness, decreased sensitivity of the hands, numbness of the face;
- a crack in the neck when you need to turn your head;
- dizziness, weakness, darkening of the eyes caused by pinched blood vessels;
- impaired vision and hearing.
Pain in osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae bothers almost all patients. With pathology, vessels, bundles of nerve endings in the neck area are pinched. As a general rule, the pain is felt more in the region of the head, occiput, shoulders and radiates to the scapula and chest.
In the context of the disease, the heart rhythm can be altered. In the neck area, there are several arteries that are responsible for the blood supply to the brain. When the blood vessels are pinched, the patient faces problems such as impaired coordination of movements, arrhythmia, and ischemic heart disease. In severe cases, blocked blood circulation leads to strokes and other life-threatening conditions.
Stages of the disease
The progression of the disease is divided into four stages:
- In the initial stage, bone and cartilage tissue is just beginning to break down. The pathology manifests itself as mild pain and fatigue, which patients associate with stress.
- At the second stage, there is a decrease in the disk, the appearance of cracks. The pain increases, there may be numbness of the face and decreased sensation of the extremities.
- In the third stage, intervertebral hernias begin to form. The process affects muscles and blood vessels. The patient experiences not only pain, but also dizziness.
- In the last stage, the growth of bone tissue occurs, nerve endings are pinched. The disease manifests itself with pronounced symptoms: pain, dizziness, numbness. Many patients have impaired motor activity.
Diagnostics
If you suspect cervical osteochondrosis, the patient should consult a neurologist and undergo a diagnosis. Its task is to assess the state of bone and cartilage tissue. Previously, X-rays were used to diagnose diseases of the spine. Preference is now given to more advanced research methods:
- Computed tomography;
- Magnetic resonance;
- duplex examination of the vessels of the cervical spine.
Most often, the doctor prescribes a comprehensive diagnosis. It allows you to determine the presence and location of hernias, the speed of blood flow, the presence of obstacles to normal blood circulation.
Treatment
A patient diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should reconsider his lifestyle, ensure regular physical activity and eat well. To improve the condition, it is recommended to sleep on an orthopedic mattress and a comfortable pillow to relieve stress on the spine.
Medicines
With cervical osteochondrosis, the patient is shown drugs that relieve inflammation, improve blood flow, and reduce pain. The doctor prescribes drugs for vasodilation, muscle relaxants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs to improve cerebral circulation, chondroprotectors - means of restoring cartilage tissue. To slow down the breakdown of bone tissue, the body needs B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, niacin.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is the main method of treating osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Specialists use many procedures, the task of which is to improve metabolic processes in bone and cartilage tissues, reduce pain, relieve spasms and improve blood circulation. Here are the basic techniques:
- Shock wave therapy. . . Low-frequency acoustic waves affect the cartilage tissue of the cervical spine. They contribute to the restoration of tissues, slow down the formation of osteophytes, growths in the bones that squeeze the nerve endings and blood vessels. The low-frequency wave source is a special apparatus, therefore the SWT course can only be taken in a medical institution.
- Massage. . . This is the most common method of conservative therapy for cervical osteochondrosis. Massage helps improve blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms. The therapeutic massage technique is selected depending on the stage of the disease and the clinical picture. This is a very important condition, since if the massage is performed unprofessionally, it can harm the patient, cause a deterioration in well-being. It is worth giving up massage for vascular diseases, high blood pressure. During an exacerbation, the massage should be as delicate as possible. It is allowed to caress, rub, that is, impact on the upper layers of tissues.
- Therapeutic gymnastics (exercise therapy). . . Exercise therapy helps strengthen muscles and improve blood circulation. There are sets of special exercises for patients with osteochondrosis. Gymnastics can be performed not only in the office of a medical institution, but also at home. As a general rule, exercise therapy is most effective during the remission period, when the patient does not feel severe pain. Wellness exercises should be combined with walks, water procedures.
- Acupuncture. . . This is an auxiliary method for the treatment of osteochondrosis, which is based on the effect of special needles on biologically active points. Thanks to this, the metabolism is activated, the pain syndrome decreases.
- Kinesitherapy. . . This is a hardware technique used to treat spinal diseases, rehabilitation after injuries. Thanks to the exercises, the load on the spine is removed, its mobility is improved and blood circulation is restored. Kinesitherapy classes are conducted under the guidance of an instructor. There are many methods and apparatus for performing exercises, therefore an appropriate set of exercises is selected for each patient.
- Laser therapy. . . Thanks to laser radiation, a positive effect is achieved, improves the patient's well-being. The procedure reduces inflammation and pain and has a positive effect on metabolic processes.
- Electrotherapy. . . Specialists use devices that are a source of pulsed galvanic alternating current. The purpose of the procedure is to reduce pain, relieve spasms, and stimulate.
- Water procedures. . . Water is the best medicine for osteochondrosis. Patients with this disease are shown therapeutic baths, swimming, underwater massages. Very useful for the prevention and treatment of pathology is a regular visit to the pool.
Osteochondrosis surgery
Spinal surgery for osteochondrosis is indicated for patients with an advanced stage of the disease, in whom it is not possible to achieve remission with conservative methods. Surgery is used to remove herniated discs and affected discs. Also, operations are performed to expand the diameter of the spinal canal, remove the vertebral arch. Its goal is to remove compression from the nerves and spinal cord, allowing you to get rid of discomfort.
All manipulations are performed under anesthesia by means of X-rays and microsurgical control.
For the disc bulge, the laser discectomy method is used. This is a minimally invasive technique that allows you to vaporize the nucleus pulposus of the disc using a laser beam, thus eliminating compression.
Nutrition for osteochondrosis
Inadequate nutrition increases the risks of developing degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including osteochondrosis. To slow down the pathological processes in bones and cartilage, it is necessary to provide the body with a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals. The diet should include:
- dairy products - a source of calcium;
- fresh vegetables and herbs;
- legumes, nuts, seeds - a source of protein, magnesium, B vitamins;
- cereals, baked goods with the addition of whole grains;
- lean meat;
- Fish and shellfish;
- olive and other vegetable oils;
- jelly, jelly meat, jelly dishes.
There are no strict dietary restrictions, but there are foods that are not desirable to consume in large quantities. First of all, it is strong tea and coffee, which impair the absorption of calcium and vitamins. Foods high in salt are also not helpful.