As recently as 30 years ago, osteochondrosis was only associated with older people, whose joints become inactive and hurt with every movement. However, times have changed. Nowadays, more and more people are converting hard physical work into sitting work at the computer, monitoring less and less the quality of nutrition and facing more and more often cervical spine osteochondrosis. It is not for nothing that osteochondrosis is called "the disease of the century", and almost everyone over the age of 25 encounters the symptoms of this disease.
This insidious disease, which begins with unpleasant pain in the neck area, very quickly leads to serious consequences in the form of hearing and visual impairments, as well as impaired memory up to its complete loss. That is why everyone should know the causes of osteochondrosis and consult a doctor in good time if there are unpleasant symptoms of the disease. We will talk about it in this article.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Paradoxically, all of our problems with the cervical spine begin in early childhood, or rather elementary school, where the child's posture deteriorates and scoliosis develops. At this moment, the system of support for the head by the spine, especially its thinnest and most vulnerable part - the cervix - is disrupted. The second key factor in cervical osteochondrosis, which has its origins in early childhood, is insufficient physical fitness, especially weakness in the back muscles and the so-called muscle corset to support the spine.
These are the two main causes of the disease. The rest is a heavy load on the weakened spine, which provokes the development of the disease in quite young and healthy people. First and foremost, these include a sedentary lifestyle and a lack of physical activity, especially work that involves staying in one position for a long time. This is most typical for drivers and office workers who work shifts at the computer. All of this is supplemented by excess weight, which significantly increases the load on the spine.
Other causes of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- Injuries to the spine in the past;
- metabolic disorders;
- hereditary predisposition;
- great physical activity;
- constant nervous tension and stress;
- anomalies of the cervical spine;
- bad habits (hold the phone with your ear and shoulder).
The development of osteochondrosis
These unfavorable factors ultimately lead to an increase in the load on the cervical spine. When trying to compensate for the excessive load on the neck muscles, a spasm occurs, which leads to an impairment of blood flow in this area and a decrease in metabolic processes. All of this leads to the development of degenerative processes in the spine. Initially, the vertebrae begin to thin out and converge, pushing their contents (annulus fibrosus) out of the spine. Such a head start in the language of doctors is called a head start.
In the event of a protrusion, the annulus fibrosus maintains its integrity, but the protrusion already compresses the blood vessels and nerves that run along the spine and supply the brain. In addition, the converging and deforming vertebrae begin to squeeze the roots of the peripheral nerves, which leads to the development of the so-called "radicular syndrome", which is manifested in severe pain in the back and neck. If you do not identify a problem (of which unpleasant symptoms eloquently signal) and do not start treatment for osteochondrosis, the ring of fibers ruptures and a spinal hernia occurs. In this case, there are serious problems with the nutrition of the brain.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
In its development, the disease goes through several stages, each of which has characteristic signs and symptoms. It should be noted here that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine differs from degenerative changes in other parts of the spine. The distances between the vertebrae are minimal here, and therefore even small degenerative changes cause unpleasant symptoms and lead to various complications.
1st osteochondrosis grade I
This is the preclinical stage of the development of the disease, in which the patient experiences slight pain and discomfort when turning the head, and tension and rapid fatigue in the neck and back when staying in one position for a long time (more often in a sitting position). At this stage, osteochondrosis is perfectly treated through lifestyle changes, diet changes, and regular exercise.
2nd osteochondrosis grade II
At this stage, instability occurs between the vertebrae in the neck. In this case, a person is exposed to severe pain that radiates to the shoulder, neck or arm. During the tilting or turning of the head, pain increases significantly, as the nerve endings are affected due to a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae. The patient gets tired quickly, his performance decreases, distraction, forgetfulness occur and he suffers from headaches.
3rd degree III osteochondrosis
With the onset of the third stage of the disease, the pain in the back and neck becomes even worse, the mobility of the neck is noticeably reduced, and when the neck rotates, the crunch of the vertebrae can be heard. At night, the patient's fingers (mainly the little finger and ring finger) become numb, which is why the person wakes up several times a night. During the day, such patients have an uncomfortable heaviness in their hands. And even a short conversation on the phone, during which a person is forced to hold the cell phone near the ear, turns into an uncomfortable tingling sensation and numbness in the fingers. All of this indicates an increase in the protrusion and, possibly, the appearance of an inguinal hernia in the cervical spine.
4. Osteochondrosis grade IV
In the last stage of the disease, the intervertebral discs are destroyed, which no longer fulfill their functions and are replaced by connective tissue. A patient in this condition may experience a lack of coordination of movements, there are noises and crazy pulsations in the ears, headaches increase, visual acuity increases, and hearing decreases. In some cases, tongue numbness may occur.
It should be said here that squeezing blood vessels disrupts blood flow to the brain. Because of this, the patient develops neurotic disorders such as insomnia, nervousness, irritability and resentment, frequent mood swings, and difficulty concentrating. Outbursts of anger or fear can occur at regular intervals, melancholy and depression can attack.
In the later stages of the development of osteochondrosis, severe vascular spasms can lead to the appearance of "flies" in front of the eyes, a feeling of instability on a hard, flat surface, severe dizziness, migraines, nausea, vomiting and, more often, fainting.
Disease diagnostics
To identify the cause of the pathology, the patient describes to the doctor the unpleasant symptoms of his condition. After listening to the patient, the patient sends him to one of the following research methods.
1. Radiography. Currently, this diagnostic method is considered non-informative, especially in the last stages of the development of the disease.
2. Ultrasonic duplex scanning. This method is used in cases where a specialist suspects a violation of blood flow in the arteries that supply nutrients to the brain. The study shows the speed of blood flow and determines if there are any obstacles in the way.
3. CT (computed tomography). This method is more informative compared to radiography, as it not only reveals the problem, but also allows you to determine the presence and size of hernias, albeit with difficulty.
4. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). The most informative method of diagnosing osteochondrosis today, which allows you to identify bone structures, the presence of hernias, and even the direction of their development.
Osteochondrosis treatment
Immediately let's assume that you should turn to a neurologist for help in solving such a serious problem as osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. If the clinic has a vertebrate, it is better to contact it first.
Osteochondrosis can only be treated in complex ways. The complex of methods used includes drug therapy, massage of the neck collar zone, exercise therapy, physiotherapeutic methods, as well as proper nutrition. Only a combination of all these methods will help to cope with the disease and normalize the patient's well-being.
Help with severe pain
In the case of severe pain, doctors recommend taking drugs such as analgin, baralgin or tempalgin. When these drugs no longer provide relief, you can switch to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
In general, drug therapy includes the following means:
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These remedies relieve pain, reduce swelling, and treat inflammation of the nerve roots.
- chondroprotectors. Such drugs perfectly restore damaged cartilage tissue.
- Vitamins of group B. They are necessary to improve the metabolic processes in the nervous tissue.
- muscle relaxants. These drugs work against muscle spasms.
- Preparations that improve the rheological properties of blood. Thanks to these funds, the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain and nerve endings is improved.
It should be noted that with the help of ointments and tablets a noticeable effect in the fight against osteochondrosis can only be achieved if the treatment with drugs is combined with other therapeutic methods. Otherwise, the drugs will only work temporarily.
Many specialists tend to treat osteochondrosis with injections in order to act quickly on the nerve endings and protect the patient from possible side effects when taking pills. However, vitamins are best taken orally because vitamins are well absorbed by the body regardless of ingestion, but injecting them can be painful.
Physiotherapy treatments
Treatment with drugs must be combined with physiotherapeutic methods. The most effective for this disease are:
- electrophoresis (in combination with drugs). In this case, drugs penetrate the damaged vertebrae under the influence of an electric current.
- ultrasound. This method of exposure allows you to remove the inflammatory process, relieve pain and improve metabolic processes in tissues.
- magnetotherapy. This type of physical therapy relieves swelling and pain.
- laser therapy. It's an excellent way to fight inflammation and improve blood circulation.
Diet against osteochondrosis
Restoring the affected vertebrae also includes a special diet that normalizes metabolic processes in the body, prevents salt deposits, nourishes and restores cartilage tissue, and also strengthens the ligaments between the intervertebral discs.
To achieve this, the following should first be excluded from the patient's diet:- alcoholic beverages;
- fatty and fried foods;
- spicy and too salty dishes;
- strong broths;
- weaknesses and baked goods;
- strong tea and coffee;
- pickles and marinades;
- canned products.
The diet of a patient with osteochondrosis should consist of the following foods:
- lean meat and fish;
- low-fat milk, cottage cheese and kefir;
- butter (small amount);
- Whole grain cereals and soups;
- jellied meat, aspic made from fish or meat;
- vegetables, fruits and berries;
- juices, fruit drinks, jelly and compotes.
If osteochondrosis is localized in the cervical spine, it is important to adhere to the drinking regime and drink at least 1. 5 liters of water per day. If you are overweight, you should think about how to get rid of those extra pounds that put extra strain on your spine. It is advisable to switch to meals in small portions 5 times a day.
As indicated in the list of approved foods, low-fat vegetarian soups, cooked lean meat, fish, seafood, unsweetened vegetables and fruits should be the basis of foods.
A sample menu for this day looks like this:
- Breakfast: cottage cheese, a few apples, tea without sugar;
- Lunch: baked pear, some oat biscuits;
- Lunch: vegetarian borscht, boiled chicken with vegetable salad;
- afternoon snack: dry biscuits and fruit juice;
- Dinner: baked fish with vegetables and tea without sugar.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis
Physical education classes give tremendous results in treating osteochondrosis, although you can only do cervical spine gymnastics during the recovery period. It is important that the patient does not experience any discomfort or pain while massaging or doing gymnastics.
Here are some of the most effective gymnastics exercises that are aimed at strengthening the muscles in the neck and improving blood flow in that area.
Exercise 1
Lie on your stomach and put your hands on the floor. Slowly raise your head and torso to keep your back straight. Hold this position for 1 minute and then return to the starting position. The element is repeated 2-3 times.
Exercise 2
Lie on your stomach and straighten your arms over your body, lift your head slightly and turn it first to the right, trying to touch the ground with your ear and then to the left. Make 6 turns in each direction.
Exercise 3
While you inhale, sit on the floor, lean over and try to reach your chest with your chin. On the exhale, return to the starting position and tilt your head back. Repeat the element 10-15 times.
Exercise 4
Put your palms on your forehead and try to press down firmly on your head. While straining the muscles of your neck, resist your hands and keep your head from bowing. Hold the pressure for 20 to 30 seconds, then lower your arms and relax. Repeat the element 2-3 times, then repeat the exercise in the opposite direction, bringing your clasped hands to the back of your head.
Exercise 5
Slowly roll your head left and right, trying to look behind your back. Make 10 turns on each side.