Every year, spinal diseases become younger. The most common is osteochondrosis, which has recently been considered an age-related disease. When the cervical region is affected, due to the degenerative-dystrophic nature of osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernias form in the spine and severe pain in the neck and head occurs, which significantly reduce the quality of life and lead to surgical intervention.
The danger of cervical osteochondrosis
It is important to diagnose diseases of the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine in the early stages to immediately start their treatment, until the bone tissue has grown, salt deposits and growths on the vertebrae, which irritate the muscles, causing them to contract.
Osteophytes increase pressure on the vertebrae, pinch the arteries, and pinch the nerve endings when turning the head. Cervical osteochondrosis is a serious and dangerous disease. Symptoms of pain in the cervical region are not limited to head movement alone. If left untreated, the disease has complications that cause discomfort, which can become a significant cause of dysfunction.
Violation of blood arteries due to deformation when vertebrae come together leads to vertebrobasilar syndrome. An insufficient amount of blood enters the brain, this becomes the main cause of dizziness, lack of balance, visual impairment, loss of consciousness and tinnitus. The degree of compression of the cervical spine artery depends on the negative consequences that manifest in the body with varying degrees of severity. Cervical osteochondrosis interrupts the process of blood supply to regions of the brain and causes complications in the brain with lack of oxygen.
A pinched nerve in the back of the head is the cause of headaches that can radiate to the neck or temple. The most dangerous is the violation of the nervous processes of the spinal cord, in which dysfunctions are observed with severe uncontrolled spastic disorders of coordination in the lower extremities, decreased sensitivity of the bladder and intestines.
If osteochondrosis is not treated, complications arise, for example, cervical disc bulges and hernias. Sometimes it leads to the development of vascular diseases that cause brain damage even before the death of its individual sections.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Traditional medicine considers osteochondrosis to be a disease with degenerative changes in the cervical spine discs, and alternative medicine treatment system osteopathy considers this to be a manifestation of disorders deep within the body.
There are several reasons why cervical osteochondrosis appears:
posture disorder
Tilt, scoliosis, rounded back, kyphosis cause an imbalance of the spine so that the load is unevenly distributed on the discs, leading to deformation and increasing their wear. At the same time, the vertebrae come together, starting to pinch the nerve processes, because of this, osteochondrosis develops.
muscle spasms
The spasmodic muscle reactions lead to tension in parts of the body, causing a change in the natural position and deformation of the discs in the spine.
Violation of blood supply
Spinal discs are not connected to the circulatory system, therefore, they are saturated with blood from the tissues of the body. Violation of the blood supply process in the neck leads to a lack of sufficient fluid to absorb moisture and restore cartilage shape and renewal. As a result, the wear of the vertebrae accelerates, the intervertebral distance decreases, leading to osteochondrosis of the cervical region.
Violation of innervation
Due to the reduced sensitivity of the nerve roots during the displacement and deformation of the intervertebral discs in the cervical region, the pathological changes remain unnoticed by the patient due to the absence of pain.
Internal organ diseases
Displacement of internal organs, their reduction due to deformities of the cervical vertebrae leads to a violation of the position of the spine and balance of the body.
inadequate nutrition
An unbalanced diet rich in carbohydrates and fatty foods that are deficient in proteins and microelements can lead to unpleasant difficulties.
Cervical osteochondrosis develops due to external factors that negatively affect the balance of the spine and the natural development of the body's systems as a whole. In addition to the listed symptoms, the development of diseases and painful sensations is possible due to a long stay in an uncomfortable position, frequent tension of the muscle tissues of the back and neck, hypothermia of the neck and collar area.
Also often the cause is nervous tension, frequent stress and sleep disturbances. Often, violations are not immediately noticeable, so cervical osteochondrosis sometimes progresses for a long time and leads to serious health consequences. Therefore, it is important to visit the doctor regularly to correct the underlying causes that caused cervical vertebrae osteochondrosis and not to treat its symptoms.
Symptoms of Cervical Osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease that occurs in discs with degenerative-dystrophic changes. Initially, the intervertebral discs are cartilage, which contains a jelly-like substance. Over time, discs can become dehydrated due to poor posture, sedentary and sedentary lifestyle, computer work, neck injuries, and other factors.
As a result, the strength of the collagen fibers of the fibrous disc gradually decreases, their thickness decreases, which causes the development of osteochondrosis with characteristic signs:
- neck pain;
- headache, dizziness, loss of consciousness, due to the violation of the arteries that pass through the vertebrae;
- fluctuations in blood pressure;
- radicular syndrome with violation of sensitivity and the appearance of goosebumps and numbness of some areas on the skin of the back of the head, shoulders, arms, neck, as a result of squeezing the spinal roots. Accompanied by pain in the shoulders and arms, even in the fingers;
- decreased ability to turn and tilt the neck and stiffness due to severe pain;
- increased fatigue, decreased performance;
- the appearance of otorhinolaryngological pathologies, tinnitus, decreased vision;
- with the development of complications, nausea, vomiting, migraine attacks may occur.
There are 7 vertebrae in the cervical spine, osteochondrosis usually affects the discs, which are located between the 5th and 7th vertebrae. It is necessary to consult a general practitioner or a neurologist who will prescribe the necessary diagnoses and perform an MRI to establish a diagnosis and select a treatment.
degrees of development
There are four stages of osteochondrosis:
- Grade 1 - pathological changes only begin to appear in the disc, so symptoms are mild and not always observed. Treatment will be quick and effective.
- Grade 2 - changes in the intervertebral discs become pronounced, which leads to pain in the cervical region, which is aggravated by head movements.
- Grade 3 - Constant pain is complicated by the development of protrusion and the formation of a hernia between the vertebrae.
- Grade 4 - the fibrous disc is so destroyed that movements of the spine are practically excluded due to the violation of the intervertebral arteries, which leads to the development of radicular syndrome and severe pain not only in the neck, but also in the chest, hands, and lower back.
Diagnosis
Only a qualified physician can establish a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. It is usually a neurologist, but in some cases, an additional consultation with the following specialists may be necessary: vertebrologist, endocrinologist, oncologist, orthopedist, traumatologist or neurosurgeon.
At the consultation, the doctor collects an anamnesis - the main complaints and symptoms of disturbing patients, injuries, the presence of chronic diseases and related additional information. Next, the doctor determines the mobility, tenderness, and muscle tension of the patient's neck. For more accurate information, the patient is given diagnostic tests using special equipment:
- radiography (X-ray);
- computed tomography (CT);
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis depends on the characteristics of the patient's age, as well as the degree of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the discs between the vertebrae. Therefore, the treatment is always developed for the individual patient and always aims at solving the following problems:
- elimination of worsening symptoms;
- improved blood circulation;
- increased metabolic processes;
- elimination of degenerative-dystrophic changes in discs;
- reduction of complications of cervical osteochondrosis.
At each stage of the development of the disease, its own treatment measures are applied:
- 1st step - just do physical therapy exercises, adjust your lifestyle;
- 2nd stage - it is necessary to additionally include medication intake, manual therapy, use of orthopedic appliances.
It should be understood that a complete change in degenerative-dystrophic processes is impossible, especially with a diagnosis of stage 2 or higher osteochondrosis. In these situations, it is necessary to improve well-being with the help of treatment and prevent the disease from progressing. It is sometimes possible to correct the first stage of cervical osteochondrosis, when the developmental pathology is rarely diagnosed. Because patients perceive mild neck discomfort as overwork and do not go to the doctor.
In severe cases with cervical osteochondrosis of the spine, treatment will be difficult and longer. Periodic examinations are performed under the supervision of a neurologist to correct the treatment, which depends on continuous changes in the patient's well-being.
lifestyle correction
All patients diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the cervical region should increase physical activity, taking breaks for sports training during sedentary work. If the patient, on the contrary, is actively involved in sports, he needs to reduce the physical load on the neck, giving up running, fighting, jumping, lifting weights.
People who are overweight are advised to take additional steps to reduce it by adjusting their diet so that the diet is healthy and meets the body's needs. The menu should be designed so that the food is protein and half of it is composed of vegetables and fruits.
Drug treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Drug therapy is primarily aimed at eliminating the symptoms of neck pain due to osteochondrosis of the spine. The complex nature of the therapy is designed for the individual patient and consists of using different groups of drugs that solve their problems.
Ines
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a group of drugs with properties against inflammation and pain. They can be both in tablets and capsules, and in the form of creams, ointments and gels, as well as for severe pain, they are used intramuscularly for the administration of solutions.
The downside to the use of medications is irritation of the stomach and duodenal mucosa, which can impair organ function due to gastritis and ulceration. For risk relief with NSAIDs, proton pump inhibitors are prescribed in combination.
To reduce pain and inflammation in osteochondrosis, diclofenac sodium or piroxicam is used as an active ingredient. They have a mild effect on the digestive tract. Now drugs have been developed that are distinguished by selective action.
Corticosteroids and Blockages
Corticosteroids are hormonal drugs prescribed in short courses to critically ill patients with complex inflammatory processes. They can cause unwanted effects with long-term use, so they are used in the form of injections so that there are no side effects and can be more easily absorbed.
Corticosteroids are often used along with anesthetics when performing blocks. To relieve severe pain syndromes, the prepared mixture is injected into points near the spinal nerves. The procedure is performed in clinics by medically trained workers. Blockade doctors recommend doing it four times a year.
muscle relaxants
Muscle relaxants are medications to eliminate muscle spasms caused by severe inflammation and neck pain as a result of osteochondrosis.
vitamins
Osteochondrosis creates compression of the spinal roots, so taking B vitamins, which are involved in nerve impulses, is indicated.
chondroprotectors
Chondroprotectors - drugs for the restoration of cartilage tissue. In the early stages of cervical osteochondrosis, they actually have a positive effect on the condition of the discs between the vertebrae, improving the patient's well-being. In the latter, they can only slow down the degenerative-dystrophic process in these discs.
Chondroprotectors are produced in capsules, powders and also in the form of solutions when administered intramuscularly.
Topical medications
Gels, creams or ointments that are used at the initial onset of osteochondrosis in the neck to affect the painful area. They are different in principle of action can be anti-inflammatory, analgesic, heating, cooling. Often in its composition there are components such as NSAIDs, menthol, pepper, snake extract and bee venom.
Preparations to improve microcirculation
Medications in this group improve the quality of blood circulation, which is especially necessary for vertebral artery syndrome. They promote vasodilation, improve brain nutrition and eliminate tinnitus, headaches, dizziness.
exercise therapy
Therapeutic exercise is the main method in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine. The complex of physiotherapeutic exercises is selected individually with a specialist, taking into account the age of the patient, the presence of radicular syndrome and compression of the arteries, as well as the development of existing diseases and degenerative-dystrophic changes. Physical therapy goals:
- strengthening of the shoulder girdle and neck muscles;
- activation of blood circulation;
- normalization of muscle tone.
You need to do this daily with a specialist who will help you choose the load, develop an optimal program, taking into account the physical condition of the patient.
It is important to perform all physical education exercises slowly, without sudden head movements and in comfortable conditions. If neck pain occurs, exercise should be stopped immediately and then see a doctor to correct the treatment program.
Swimming has a positive effect on the state of the cervical spine, in which lessons are not associated with physical stress on the intervertebral discs, but the neck muscles are actively working. As a result, the muscle corset that supports the spine is strengthened. Patients with osteochondrosis are shown to swim two to three times a week.
Manual therapy for cervical osteochondrosis
Manual therapy is an effective way to treat osteochondrosis as it affects the muscles and spine. The specialist must have higher education, medical license for manual therapy and must have experience, understand the anatomy and characteristics of osteochondrosis.
self massage
To improve their well-being, patients can perform neck massages on their own to relieve fatigue and pain.
physiotherapy treatment
Physiotherapy is indicated if there is no inflammatory process. Assign a course consisting of 10 to 15 procedures, which are selected individually.
- Electrophoresis - an electrical current is used to ensure deep penetration of drugs.
- Magnetotherapy - to activate the blood circulation process and stimulate metabolic processes. In addition, these sessions act against pain and eliminate swelling.
- Lasertherapy - works against the inflammation process and dilates blood vessels, which reduces pain.
- Ultrasound therapy is a method that reduces the sensitivity of nerve endings, and has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Diadynamic currents - reduce pain, improve tissue nutrition, eliminate inflammation.
traction therapy
As a result of the flattening of the discs, the vertebrae move closer together, so Glisson loop traction therapy is recommended.
Iplicator
Iplicator is an affordable and simple tool for neck reflexology. The tingling of the spines causes skin irritation, leads to active blood flow, increasing neck efficiency and improving sleep.
orthopedic devices
To reduce the load on the neck, it is recommended to replace the mattress and pillow with orthopedic ones that maintain the correct position of the spine, reducing the progression of osteochondrosis. It is recommended that patients wear a removable orthopedic device - the Shants collar, which allows to fix the neck, reducing the load.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
To prevent cervical osteochondrosis, you need to do a regular warm-up, during which you change your body position, performing neck bends and head turns. Maintain correct posture from an early age. Practice sports, strengthening neck muscles and joints, reducing the occurrence of cervical osteochondrosis. Take care of your health!