Few modern people have never heard of osteochondrosis. Most of them have experienced the symptoms of this disease on several occasions. The widespread spread of the disease is associated with long periods of sitting at the computer, passive lifestyle, improper diet, and so on. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine manifests itself in pain, muscle weakness, restricted mobility and a whole range of other symptoms.
Do not ignore the signs of osteochondrosis, because the sooner you start treatment, the sooner you will get rid of the disease. In the initial phase, conservative therapy is carried out: taking medication, exercise therapy, physiotherapy, massage, etc. If complications arise and the bone-cartilage structure is destroyed, an operation is prescribed.
What's this
Osteochondrosis of the neck is a pathology that occurs only in humans. Animals don't suffer from it. This is due to the vertical position of the spine. In this position, the vertebrae compress each other, which leads to the fact that the intervertebral discs are gradually destroyed.
The cervical spine consists of 7 vertebrae, which are separated from one another by intervertebral discs. This section of the spine is quite flexible, 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 mainly reflects degenerative-dystrophic changes.
The prevalence of cervical osteochondrosis is also explained by a weak muscle corset in the neck. In addition, there are small vertebrae in this area that have a different structure and are too close to one another. Therefore, even a slight load on the neck can provoke its displacement, as well as compression of blood vessels and nerve branches. When the vertebral artery, located in this area within the spine, becomes trapped, dangerous complications arise.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (CS) threatens with protrusions (displacement of the nucleus pulposus without damaging the outer shell) and herniated discs. These formations compress nerve bundles, blood vessels.
Degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs increase the likelihood of bone growths (osteophytes) occurring in the area of the joints of the vertebrae. This narrows the intervertebral canal and compresses neurovascular formations.
Reference. According to medical statistics, people over 35 are more likely to suffer from cervical osteochondrosis. Although now there is a rejuvenation of the pathology, which often develops in patients over the age of 20. This is due to a predominantly sedentary lifestyle and poor diet.
Doctors identified 4 stages of pathology:
- 1 degree - the cartilage layer between the vertebrae begins to collapse. At this stage the disease has wiped out the symptoms. Unfortunately, patients do not notice them.
- 2 degrees - under the pressure of the vertebrae, the height of the intervertebral disc decreases, the integrity of its outer shell is violated. At this stage, protrusions can appear. Pain occurs, neck mobility is reduced, and facial sensitivity may be impaired.
- Grade 3 - protrusions turn into hernias, which narrow blood vessels and muscles. 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 pinch the nerve fibers. The pain does not go away, stiff movements appear, neighboring vertebrae are damaged, and neurological symptoms appear.
It is important to start treatment at stages 1-2 to avoid serious complications that can only be resolved with surgery.
causes
Osteochondrosis SHOP is a complex and lengthy process that can occur under the influence of many negative factors.
For example, in the elderly, the disease is associated with age-related changes in the body. Then degenerative-dystrophic changes appear as a result of disorders of local blood circulation, metabolic processes, weakening of immunity.
However, doctors identified the main causes of cervical osteochondrosis:
- Bad posture.
- Curvature of the spine.
- Injuries to the neck segment.
- Obesity.
- Exhausting physical work.
- Long periods of sitting at the computer.
- Passive lifestyle.
- Violation of metabolic processes.
- Frequent hypothermia of the throat.
- Improper organization of the sleeping area (mattress too soft, high pillow).
- Frequent stress, chronic fatigue.
- Congenital pathologies of the SHOP structure.
- Autoimmune diseases that cause cartilage degeneration.
- Infections.
- Features of parts of the body, 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. Because of this, it is difficult for patients to understand what is happening to them. They attribute the early manifestations of the disease to overwork. And after the appearance of pronounced symptoms, they rush to the doctor, but in this case there are already irreversible changes and the structure of the cervical spine can no longer be restored.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- Painful sensations in the neck, shoulders.
- Weakening of the muscles that surround the affected segment of the spine.
- Heavy sweating.
- Violation of the sensitivity of the upper limbs.
- Disorders of movement coordination.
- Cephalalgia (pain in the head).
- Dizziness (dizziness).
- Hearing and vision disorders.
- Increases in blood pressure, etc.
The type of headache in osteochondrosis is different: paroxysmal, constant, pulsating, dull. This symptom is manifested by spasms of the cerebral vessels, compression of the nerve bundles of the cervical spine, and increased intracranial pressure.
With OSHOP, pain does not always occur in the neck segment, but can spread to the shoulders and arms. Discomfort can occur after sleeping, sudden movements, neck tension, for example when coughing or sneezing.
In the case of osteochondrosis of the SHOP, pressure surges are observed depending on the time of day, constant hypertension is uncharacteristic of the pathology. Usually, with an increase in pressure, the following manifestations are observed: headache, pain in the hands, numbness of the neck collar area. Pressure drops are often observed after nervous or muscle tension, prolonged uncomfortable posture.
Cervical Osteochondrosis Syndromes
In OSHOP, several syndromes (typical conditions with characteristic symptoms) are observed. 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 supplying the brain. Then the patient suffers from hearing impairments, visual disturbances, dizziness, pressure drop, migraines, etc.
- Heart - develops when the bundles of nerves that innervate the diaphragm or pectoral muscle are compressed. Then there is a burning chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, heart rate increases.
- Hypertonic - caused by compression of the veins, which affects the flow of blood from the head. Then the intracranial pressure increases, the patient suffers from headache, nausea, vomiting.
- Cervical migraines - occurs due to compression of the nerves that surround 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 vomit.
- 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 neck segment. If the conduction of excitation from 1 to 2 cervical vertebrae is disturbed, the sensitivity is disturbed or pain occurs in the back of the head. When 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 conduction of 5 - 8 pairs of nerve bundles is disturbed, the patient can hardly move his arms.
Reference. Often, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine manifests itself in several complexes of symptoms at the same time, then the diagnosis is difficult. Therefore, it is best not to find out for yourself, it is better to contact a specialist.
to make a diagnosis
If you don't know what to do about any suspicious symptoms, it is better to contact a therapist right away. If necessary, the doctor will refer you to an orthopedist, vertebrologist, neurologist.
In the diagnostic search, the following instrumental studies are used:
- 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.
With the help of radiography, carried out in different projections, it is possible to detect the accumulation of calcium salts, a decrease in the height of the cartilaginous spacers between the vertebrae, a deformation of the 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, form of the disease and the severity of symptoms.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is lengthy and complex. It is unlikely that the pathology can be completely cured, especially in the elderly. However, it is quite possible to stop degenerative-dystrophic diseases in the cervical segment at any stage.
In the early stages of the disease, conservative methods are used: drugs, remedial gymnastics, physiotherapy procedures, massage, orthopedic devices. Most of the above methods can be used at home.
Surgical intervention may be required in 3 to 4 stages, which are accompanied by destruction not only of the cartilage but also of the vertebral bodies.
The following drugs will help get rid of pain and inflammation, relax tense muscles, and improve the condition of cartilage tissue:
- Painkiller. If you have severe pain, you can help yourself by taking a pain reliever pill. For the same purpose, NSAIDs are used, which allow you to cope not only with pain, but also with inflammation.
- Steroids stop inflammation and pain. For this purpose, drugs based on glucocorticoids are used in the form of tablets or ointments.
- Muscle relaxants help relax the spasmodic muscles around the affected area. For this purpose, solutions for parenteral administration based on glycerine or benzimidazole are used. They normalize muscle tone and relieve pain.
- Antispasmodics help relieve pain and muscle cramps.
- Vitamins accelerate the recovery of the nervous system. For this purpose, drugs based on elements of group B, A, C, D, E are taken. Vitamin-mineral complexes are very effective.
Reference. If the pain syndrome is very severe and oral analgesics do not help, the doctor may prescribe a therapeutic blockade. Injections with anesthetic 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, creams, gels, ointments with anti-inflammatory, warming, analgesic effects are used.
In order to alleviate the condition of patients and improve their physical fitness, therapeutic exercises are prescribed. Exercise strengthens the neck muscles, improves metabolic processes, accelerates blood circulation and relieves a weakened spine.
Gymnastics is particularly popular in the OSHOP, which is usually carried out in the gym with the use of special simulators. However, if you prefer, you can practice at home.
Exercise therapy complex for cervical osteochondrosis:
- Gently tilt your head towards your shoulder, lock it for 30 seconds, then repeat the movement in the other direction.
- Tilt your head forward and try to touch your chin on your chest, then lift it slightly forward.
- Lower your head back a little, turn to the right, then to your left shoulder.
- Press on your left shoulder with your right hand, slightly lifting your elbow. Then turn your head to the right, linger and feel the muscle tension.
- This exercise is performed like the third, only if you turn your head, raise your arms above your head, and cross them.
- Hands on your knees, spread them apart, try to join the shoulder blades, at the same time raise your chin. How to train the chest region.
- Stand up, lower your arms, stretch your neck forward, and try to put your chin on your shoulder.
Before exercising, you need to 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.
- Magnetic Therapy.
- Electrophoresis with drugs, etc.
Magnetic therapy relieves inflammation, pain. The UHF and laser treatment speeds up the metabolism in the affected area and helps remove swelling. Thanks to electrophoresis, drugs penetrate the skin into the focus of inflammation and show their effects there immediately.
With the help of massage, muscle tone is normalized, blood flow to the damaged area accelerated, and tissue trophy improved. After completing the course, which, as a rule, 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 thorns. You need to lie down on the device or apply it to the affected area. The applicator helps relieve pain, relax muscles, and improve blood circulation and movement.
The Shants collar is used when there is severe pain. This orthopedic device fixes the neck in the correct position, relieves the vertebrae and relieves pain.
With complex treatment, the patient can get rid of degenerative disc disease of the neck forever. However, this is possible if the disease was detected at stage 1. In other cases, complex measures will help stop the development of the pathology.
Chondrosis of the cervical spine
Many people believe that chondrosis and osteochondrosis are a disease. However, this opinion is wrong. In the first disease, only the cartilaginous lining of the vertebrae is damaged; in the second, degenerative changes affect the bone tissue. That said, chondrosis is the first stage of osteochondrosis.
Chondrosis of the cervical spine occurs when metabolic processes in the intervertebral disc are disturbed. Then the collagen fibers are replaced by unusable fiber tissue, the hyaline cartilage calcifies and becomes less elastic. Its height decreases, as a result of which the function of the vertebrae is impaired.
The causes of chondrosis and osteochondrosis are no different.
Cervical chondrosis has the following symptoms:
- Rapid fatigue of the muscles surrounding the SHOP.
- Bad posture.
- Recurring discomfort or slight pain in the affected area.
- Restricted neck mobility.
Usually, patients do not notice the symptoms of chondrosis. The disease is detected accidentally during an X-ray or MRI scan.
Chondrosis treatment
The treatment plan for chondrosis of the neck is slightly different from the tactics of treating osteochondrosis. With the first illness, doctors prescribe NSAIDs and chondroprotectors. In addition, the patient should avoid excessive physical exertion or long periods of sitting. It is recommended to do therapeutic exercises, eat right and give up bad habits.
Other treatment methods are massage, manual therapy. In addition, physiotherapeutic procedures are indicated, for example electrophoresis, UV radiation, amplipulse therapy, diadynamic therapy, balneotherapy, mud treatment. Acupuncture (acupuncture) has proven itself 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 seeing a doctor too late or not following the doctor's recommendations during treatment. But there are those who have managed to cure OSHOP and no longer manage the symptoms.
- "I was diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the neck in 2 stages. Doctors prescribed anti-inflammatory pills and injections. After the pain subsided, I started getting massages, doing special exercises, and using a medicated ointment. After the treatment I felt a clear relief. However, after 3 months, the pain in the neck returned. Therefore, the course had to be started from the beginning. "
- "I've lived with cervical osteochondrosis for a long time. From time to time I visit a chiropractor to set the vertebrae. But physiotherapy exercises help me most. The doctor suggested some very effective exercises that I try every day. But as soon as I miss a couple of hours, the pain starts again. "
- "Early cervical osteochondrosis is easily treatable. It happened to me. First, doctors prescribed anti-inflammatory therapy that relieved the pain and inflammation. Then the treatment was supplemented with gymnastics, massage, acupuncture. Also, I visited the pool, started taking vitamins and eating right. In order 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 condition has improved. I haven't felt back pain in a long time and continue to lead a healthy lifestyle. "
Main conclusions
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is an insidious disease that manifests itself in a wide variety of symptoms. The patient does not always understand what is really happening to him. And if there is severe pain, he rushes to the doctor, but this sign indicates degenerative-dystrophic changes in the neck segment. In this case, it will not be possible to restore the state of the spine. Then treatment is carried out that will help stop the development of the pathology and avoid serious consequences. Osteochondrosis therapy is a complex and lengthy process that requires patience and organization. After the elimination of pain and inflammation, the patient should regularly do exercise therapy, participate in massage and physical therapy 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 can you stop the pathology and live a full life.