Cervical osteochondrosis is a progressive dystrophic-degenerative lesion of the intervertebral discs in the region of 1 to 7 vertebrae belonging to the cervical spine.
As a result of cervical osteochondrosis, deformation, exhaustion and damage to the vertebral bodies occur. This disrupts normal blood supply and nerve conduction in the neck and areas innervated by the nerve roots of the cervical spine.
Cervical osteochondrosis can be isolated or combined with osteochondrosis of other parts - thoracic, lumbar and sacral.
causes
Several predisposing factors for the development of osteochondrosis are distinguished. These include:
- sedentary and sedentary lifestyle;
- sedentary work with static load on the neck;
- overweight, insufficient physical development;
- connective tissue dysplastic processes;
- circulatory disorders in the neck;
- neck injuries;
- scoliosis, poor posture, uncomfortable pillows and mattresses;
- hereditary predisposition, metabolic defects.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis. complications
The cervical spine is the most vulnerable to the development of osteochondrosis. The vertebrae in it are smaller compared to other parts of the spine, the muscular structure is not very pronounced, the weight of the head and the upright posture act on the vertebrae. In the cervical spine, the vertebrae fit tightly together. Even a minor alteration in them can lead to compression and even displacement of nerves and blood vessels.
The most characteristic symptom that patients complain about is pain in the cervical spine. Depending on the affected area, pain may be localized: in the collarbone and shoulder; throughout the cervical spine; on the front surface of the chest.
The first signs of cervical osteochondrosis may be insignificant: heaviness in the head, headaches in the occipital region, neck pain at night, numbness or tingling sensation in the shoulders and arms.
Main symptoms
Vegetative-dystonic.
Severe "stinging" pain in the neck, in the area just below the occiput. Pain occurs after a long stay in one position, after sleep, constant tension in the neck muscles.
Difficulty moving hand to the side, stiffness, numbness in fingers. Due to compression of the vertebral arteries, neurological manifestations are observed: headache, nausea, dizziness, exaggerated jumps in blood pressure.
Spinal symptom.
The pains are located behind the left sternum.
This type of pain must be differentiated from angina (in angina pectoris, nitroglycerin brings relief, not in osteochondrosis).
With the gradual disruption of the structure of the intervertebral discs, they are compressed and there is an infraction of the nerve roots, as well as the narrowing or infraction of the arteries and veins that pass in the region of the vertebral bodies.
This leads to the formation of special syndromes - radicular and ischemic:
- defeat of the roots of the first cervical vertebra (C1): occipital abnormalities;
- The C2 lesion causes pain in the crown and occipital region;
- the C3 lesion causes pain in the neck on the side of the infraction, decreased sensitivity of the tongue and hypoglossal muscles, it is possible that there is speech impairment;
- damage to C4 and C5 causes shoulder and collarbone pain, decreased tone of head and neck muscles, hiccups, breathing disorders and heart pain;
- The C6 lesion occurs most of the time, it gives pain from the neck to the scapula, forearm, even the thumbs, skin sensitivity may suffer;
- C7 Injury - similar symptoms with pain in the neck, back of the shoulder, even the back of the hand, decreased strength in the arms and decreased reflexes.
Circulatory disorders due to compression of blood vessels in the cervical vertebrae can cause headaches, even migraine, dizziness, impaired vision and tinnitus, flies blinking in front of the eyes, disturbance of autonomic functions.
There may be manifestations of cardiac syndrome with severe heart pain, shortness of breath and palpitations, rhythm disturbances.
Complications.
Protrusion of the intervertebral discs with the formation of a hernia (protrusion).
Intervertebral disc rupture with nerve and blood vessel compression, possible spinal cord compression, which can be fatal.
Root lesions (radiculopathy), formation of spines in the vertebral bodies (osteophytes) with manifestation of paresis and paralysis.
In the presence of the above complaints, it is necessary to contact an orthopedist or neurologist and conduct the necessary research.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition will significantly alleviate the condition with osteochondrosis. Nutrition must be complete. If a person has a normal body weight, then, as a basis, you can take therapeutic diet number 15 according to Pevzner. It contains all the necessary minerals and a greater amount of water- and fat-soluble vitamins. It is necessary to eat foods rich in natural chondroprotectors. Chondroitin is found in goldfish, tendon and cartilage from animals, and chicken meat.
Be sure to bring clean water in a volume of 1. 5-2 liters. Fluid is needed to prevent the intervertebral discs from drying out.
Traditional and non-traditional treatments
Treatment
Today, there are traditional and non-traditional methods of treating osteochondrosis in the cervical spine.
Drug treatment methods: symptomatic analgesic therapy for pain relief; taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve tissue inflammation and swelling; antispasmodics; medications to improve blood circulation; chondroprotective agents to restore the structure of the intervertebral discs.
Shown is a course of group therapy with vitamin B, external agents for therapy - gels and ointments, creams with anti-inflammatory components, warming and analgesics.
During the period of exacerbation, the use of a special collar (Shant collar) is recommended.
Complications of cervical osteochondrosis with intervertebral hernias that impair sensitivity and blood circulation can be treated immediately.
The duration of treatment depends on the neglect of the condition, as osteochondrosis is a chronic progressive disease. The treatment can be long and preventive courses can be carried out for life.
Physiotherapy treatments.
This includes exercise therapy, magnetotherapy, balneotherapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, Lyapko application therapy and massage.
Physiotherapy
It is essential to exercise to treat cervical osteochondrosis several times a day, every day. They include self-stretching, self-massage and a set of special exercises. Avoid neck injuries and weight lifting.
It is necessary to combine the prolonged sitting position with periods of rest and warm-up.
The foundation of cervical spine health is a strong, healthy spine, physical activity, a comfortable bed with anatomic pillows and a mattress, correct posture, and proper nutrition.
Lyapko application therapy
Areas of application:
- basic 2, 3;
- additional 1, 4, 12, 13;
- auxiliary 20, 22, 28, 31.
General recommendations
When using the applicator, the main, additional and maximum pain zones are used, but in case of very pronounced pain, applicators should be applied above and below the painful area or stitches and zones should be used on the opposite side. Exposure time 10-30 minutes.
If cervical osteochondrosis is combined with osteochondrosis of other parts - thoracic, lumbar and sacral, application therapy can be applied simultaneously or alternately to all parts of the spine. The larger the exposure area, the better the effect.