Cervical osteochondrosis

Few modern people have not heard of osteochondrosis. Most of them have experienced the symptoms of this disease several times. The wide spread of the disease is associated with prolonged sitting in front of the computer, a passive lifestyle, poor nutrition, etc. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine manifests with pain, muscle weakness, limited mobility, and a host 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 early stages, conservative therapy is carried out: taking medication, exercise therapy, physiotherapy, massage, etc. When complications appear and the destruction of the bone-cartilage structure, an operation is prescribed.

What it is

Osteochondrosis of the neck is a pathology that occurs only in humans. Animals do not suffer from it. This is due to the vertical position of the spine. In this position, the vertebrae squeeze each other, which leads to the fact that the intervertebral discs are gradually destroyed.

The cervical region consists of 7 vertebrae separated from each other by discs. This segment of the spine is quite mobile, 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, small vertebrae are located in this area, they have a different structure and adapt too tightly to each other. That is why even a small load on the neck can provoke their displacement, as well as the compression of blood vessels and nerve branches. When the spinal artery is pinched, which is located inside the spine in this area, dangerous complications arise.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (CS) threatens with protuberances (displacement of the nucleus pulposus without damaging the outer shell) and herniated disc. These formations compress the nerve bundles, blood vessels.

Due to degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, the likelihood of the appearance of bone growth (osteophytes) in the areas of the joints of the vertebrae increases. Due to this, the intervertebral canal narrows and the neurovascular formations are compressed.

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 from the age of 20. This is due to a predominantly sedentary lifestyle and poor diet.

Doctors have identified 4 stages of pathology:

• 1 degree - the cartilage lining between the vertebrae begins to collapse. At this stage, the disease has cleared the symptoms. Unfortunately, patients don't notice them.
• 2 degree - under the pressure of the vertebrae, the height of the disc decreases, the integrity of its outer shell is violated. At this stage, protrusions may appear. Pain appears, neck mobility is limited, and facial sensitivity may be impaired.
• Grade 3 - the protuberances turn into hernias, which constrict blood vessels and muscles. In addition to the pain syndrome, there is pain in the back of the head, dizziness.
• 4 degree - osteophytes are formed, which stabilize the vertebrae, but pinch nerve fibers. The pain does not go away, stiffness of movement occurs, neighboring vertebrae are damaged, and neurological symptoms appear.

It is important to start treatment in stages 1 to 2 to avoid serious complications that can only be corrected with surgery.

Causes

SHOP osteochondrosis 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 occur as a result of disruption of local blood circulation, metabolic processes, weakening of immunity.

However, doctors have identified the main causes of cervical osteochondrosis:

• Bad position.
• Curvature of the spine.
• Lesions of the cervical segment.
• Excessive weight.
• Exhausting physical labor.
• Sitting extended in front of the computer.
• Passive lifestyle.
• Violation of metabolic processes.
• Frequent hypothermia of the neck.
• Poor organization of sleeping arrangements (mattress too soft, pillow high).
• Frequent stress, chronic fatigue.
• Congenital pathologies of the SHOP structure.
• Autoimmune diseases that cause degeneration of cartilage.
• Infections.
• Characteristics of body parts, such as a very long or short neck.

Under the influence of these factors, intervertebral structures, bone tissue begins to collapse, nerve bundles and blood vessels are damaged.

Symptoms

The clinical picture of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (OSHOP) is diverse. For this reason, it is difficult for patients to understand what is happening to them. They attribute the first manifestations of the disease to overwork. And after the appearance of pronounced symptoms, they rush to the doctor, but in this case irreversible changes are already present, and it will no longer be possible to restore the structure of the cervical spine.

The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:

• Painful sensations in the neck, shoulders.
• Weakening of the muscles surrounding the affected segment of the spine.
• Excessive sweating.
• Violation of the sensitivity of the upper extremities.
• Disorders of coordination of movements.
• Headache (pain in the head).
• Vertigo (lightheadedness).
• Hearing and visual disturbances.
• Spikes in blood pressure, etc.

The nature of the headache in osteochondrosis is different: paroxysmal, constant, pulsatile, deaf. This symptom is manifested by a spasm of the cerebral vessels, compression of the nerve bundles of the cervical spine and an increase in intracranial pressure.

With OSHOP, the pain does not always appear in the cervical segment, it can spread to the shoulders and arms. Discomfort may occur after sleep, sudden movement, tension in the neck, for example, when coughing or sneezing.

With osteochondrosis of SHOP, pressure peaks are observed depending on the time of day, constant hypertension is not characteristic for the pathology. Usually, with an increase in pressure, the following manifestations are observed: headache, pain in the hands, numbness in the area of the cervical collar. Pressure drops are often observed after nervous or muscle tension, prolonged uncomfortable posture.

Cervical osteochondrosis syndromes

Several syndromes (typical states accompanied by characteristic symptoms) are observed in OSHOP. Their manifestation depends on the nerve branches and damaged vessels.

Cervical osteochondrosis syndromes:

• Vertebral artery - occurs as a result of compression or irritation of an artery that supplies the brain. Then the patient suffers from hearing impairments, vision, dizziness, pressure drops, migraines, etc.
• Cardiac - develops when the nerve bundles that innervate the diaphragm or the pectoral muscle are compressed. Then there is a burning pain in the chest, shortness of breath, weakness, increased heart rate.
• Hypertensive - caused by compression of the veins, due to which the flow of blood from the head is impaired. Then the intracranial pressure increases, the patient suffers from headache, nausea, vomiting.
• Cervical migraine - occurs due to compression of the nerves that surround the vertebral artery. Then there is a painful, migraine-like pain on the back of the head. The attack lasts about 10 hours and is often accompanied by a rash of vomit.
• Root canal 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 cervical segment. If the conduction of 1 to 2 roots of the cervical vertebrae is disturbed, the sensitivity is disturbed or pain in the back of the head appears. If 3 pairs are damaged, the tongue becomes numb, the area behind the ears makes it 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, then it is difficult for the patient to move their arms.

Reference. Often osteochondrosis of the cervical spine manifests itself in several symptom complexes at once, then diagnosis is difficult. Therefore, you should not find out on your own, it is better to contact a specialist.

Make a diagnosis

If you are unsure of what to do when suspicious symptoms appear, it is best to contact a therapist immediately. If necessary, the doctor will refer you to an orthopedist, a vertebrologist, a neurologist.

In diagnostic research, the following instrumental studies are used:

• X-ray.
• Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
• Electroneuromyography.

All of the above studies provide information about the cervical spine. For example, X-rays, computed tomography, MRI scans 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, which is carried out in different projections, it is possible to detect the accumulation of calcium salts, a decrease in the height of the cartilage spacers between the vertebrae, deformation of the CS, the presence of growthsbones, etc. .

Processing

OSHOP therapy must 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.

The treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is long and complex. It is unlikely that it will be possible to completely cure the pathology, especially when it comes to an elderly patient. However, it is quite possible to stop degenerative-dystrophic disorders in the cervical segment at any stage.

In the early stages of the disease, conservative methods are used: drugs, corrective gymnastics, physiotherapy procedures, massage, orthopedic devices. Most of the above methods can be used at home.

At 3-4 stages, which are accompanied by the destruction of not only cartilage, but also vertebral bodies, surgery may be required.

The following drugs will help get rid of pain, inflammation, relax tight muscles and improve the condition of cartilage tissue:

• Pain relief. If the pain is severe, you can help yourself by taking a pain reliever pill. For the same purpose, NSAIDs are used, which allows 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 glycerol or benzimidazole are used. They normalize muscle tone and relieve pain.
• Antispasmodics help fight pain and muscle cramps.
• Vitamins accelerate the recovery of the nervous system. For this purpose, drugs are taken on the basis of elements of groups B, A, C, D, E. Vitamin-mineral complexes are quite effective.

Reference. If the pain syndrome is very severe and oral pain relievers do not help, then the doctor may prescribe a therapeutic blockade. Injections with the use of anesthetic or steroid solutions are placed directly in the center 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 and analgesic effects are used.

To alleviate the condition of patients, improve their physical condition, therapeutic exercises are prescribed. Exercise helps strengthen the muscles around the neck, improves metabolic processes, speeds up blood flow, and relieves stress from a weakened spine.

Gymnastics is especially popular in OSHOP, which is usually performed in the gymnasium with the help of special simulators. However, if you wish, you can practice at home.

Exercise therapy complex for cervical osteochondrosis:

• Gently tilt your head towards your shoulder, block it for 30 seconds, then repeat the movement in the other direction.
• Tilt your head forward, trying to touch your chin to your chest, then lift it up and slightly forward.
• Lower your head back a little, turn to the right, then your left shoulder.
• Press your left shoulder with your right hand, slightly lift your elbow. Then turn your head to the right, linger, feel the muscle tension.
• This exercise is performed like the third one, only by turning your head, raise your arms above your head and interlock them.
• Hands on the knees, spread them apart, trying to connect the shoulder blades, while raising the chin. You will therefore work the thoracic region.
• Stand up, lower your arms, stretch your neck forward, trying to touch your chin to your shoulder.

Before exercising, you should warm up the joints 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.
• Magnetotherapy.
• Electrophoresis with drugs, etc.

Magnetotherapy relieves inflammation, pain. UHF and laser treatment speeds up the metabolism in the affected area, helps to eliminate puffiness. Through electrophoresis, the drugs enter the focus of inflammation through the skin, where they immediately show their effect.

With the help of massage, muscle tone is normalized, blood flow to the damaged area is accelerated, and tissue trophism improves. After completing the course, which usually includes 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 tips. You need to lie down on the device or apply it to the affected area. The applicator helps relieve pain, relaxes muscles, and improves blood circulation and movement.

The Shants Collar is used in severe pain. This brace fixes the neck in the correct position, reduces the load on the vertebrae and relieves pain.

With complex treatment, the patient will be able to get rid of degenerative neck disc disease forever. However, this is possible if the disease was detected in stage 1. In other cases, complex measures will help to stop the development of the pathology.

Chondrosis of the cervical spine

Many people believe that chondrosis and osteochondrosis is a disease. However, this opinion is wrong. In the first disease, only the cartilage wall of the vertebrae is damaged, and in the second, the degenerative changes spread to the bone tissue. That is, chondrosis is the first stage of osteochondrosis.

Chondrosis of the cervical spine develops when the metabolic processes of the intervertebral disc are disturbed. Then the collagen fibers are replaced by unnecessary fibrous tissue, the hyaline cartilage calcifies and becomes less elastic. Its height decreases, which affects the function of the vertebrae.

The causes of chondrosis and osteochondrosis do not differ.

Cervical chondrosis has the following symptoms:

• Rapid fatigue of the muscles surrounding the SHOP.
• Bad position.
• Recurrent discomfort or mild pain in the affected area.
• Restricted neck mobility.

As a rule, patients do not notice the symptoms of chondrosis. The disease is detected by chance, on an X-ray or an MRI.

Treatment of chondrosis

The treatment plan for neck chondrosis is slightly different from the tactics for treating osteochondrosis. In the first illness, doctors prescribe NSAIDs and chondroprotectors. In addition, the patient should avoid excessive physical exertion or prolonged sitting. It is recommended to perform therapeutic exercises, eat well, give up bad habits.

Additional treatment methods include massage, manual therapy. In addition, physiotherapy procedures are indicated, for example, electrophoresis, ultraviolet irradiation, amplipulse therapy, diadynamic therapy, balneotherapy, mud treatment. Acupuncture (acupuncture) has proven to be effective in treating chondrosis.

Comments

In most cases, patients manage to get rid of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis for a while, and then the disease returns. This is usually due to the patient seeking medical help late or not following the doctor's recommendations during treatment. But there are those who have managed to cure OSHOP and no longer face its symptoms.

• "I was diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the neck in 2 stages. Doctors prescribed anti-inflammatory pills and injections. After the pain passed, I began to have massages, do special exercises, and use medicinal ointment. After the treatment, I felt significant relief. However, after 3 months, the pain in the neck returned. It was therefore necessary to start the course from the beginning. "
• "I have lived with cervical osteochondrosis for a long time. Every now and then I visit a chiropractor who tends the vertebrae. But physiotherapy exercises help me the most. The doctor suggested some very effective exercises that I try to do every day. But, as soon as I miss a few lessons, the pain starts again. "
• "Early-stage cervical osteochondrosis is quite treatable. It happened to me. First, the doctors prescribed anti-inflammatory therapy, which relieved the pain and inflammation. Then the treatment was supplemented with gymnastics, massage, acupuncture. Also, I visited the pool, started taking vitamins and eating well. To forget the pain forever, I had to change my life completely. Not a day goes by without special exercises, but the best part is that nothing hurts, and my physical form has improved. I haven't had back pain for a long time and I continue to lead a healthy lifestyle. "

Main conclusions

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is an insidious disease that manifests itself with a variety of symptoms. The patient does not always understand what is really happening to him. And when severe pain appears, he rushes to the doctor, but this sign indicates the presence of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical segment. In this case, it will not be possible to restore the condition of the spine. Then treatment is carried out, which helps to stop the development of pathology and to avoid serious consequences. Treating osteochondrosis is a complex and lengthy process that takes patience and organization. After eliminating pain and inflammation, the patient should regularly perform exercise therapy, attend massages, physiotherapy procedures, use braces, eat well and give up bad habits. It is important to lead a healthy lifestyle, observe moderate physical activity, control your weight and watch your posture. Only in this case can you stop the pathology and live fully.