Osteochondrosis is a dangerous and painful disease of the spine associated with degenerative-dystrophic changes in the structure of intervertebral discs and adjacent joints and bone tissue. Often the pathology develops precisely in the cervical spine. The disease is accompanied by anxiety and significantly reduces the quality of life. In this case, cervical osteochondrosis can occur at any age. Today, the disease is diagnosed in schoolchildren and young people, which is associated with the spread of a sedentary lifestyle.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
There are many factors that cause pathological changes in the spine. Often there is a combination of several causes that lead to the displacement and pathological destruction of the discs before the onset of cervical spine osteochondrosis. These include:
- various neck injuries, including childbirth;
- staying in one position for a long time (driving, computer);
- hereditary predisposition;
- metabolic diseases, vitamin deficiency and hypovitaminosis;
- excessive and erroneous loads that cause rapid disk erasure;
- hormonal and autoimmune diseases;
- natural aging;
- less - infectious diseases, hypothermia, stress, etc.
Features and stages of development of the disease
The cervical region is the most mobile part of the spine. Includes seven vertebrae (C1 - C7) connected by elastic and strong intervertebral discs. The latter consists of nuclear pulposus and ring fibrosis. Due to various factors, the position of the discs and the structure of the tissues change, which leads to the formation of osteochondrosis.
The disease develops in several stages:
- Injury or improper loading disrupts the normal condition of the intervertebral disc.
- Deterioration of metabolism reduces the strength and elasticity of the ring fibrosis, resulting in a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae.
- A decrease in the elasticity of the disc leads to incorrect load distribution, which leads to the emergence of nuclei, the formation of hernias and curvature of the spinal cord.
- Due to the reduction of the intervertebral distance, nearby nerves and blood vessels are constricted, there is pain and the function of other organs is impaired.
- Bone growth (osteophytes) occurs as a result of friction between the vertebrae. The cervical spine is practically immobile and the symptoms of the disease are obvious.
Treatment initiated at any stage can prevent irreversible changes in the structure of the spine and prevent dangerous disturbances in the functioning of other body systems.
Symptoms of cervical spine osteochondrosis
Pathological changes in this part of the spine have very specific manifestations. The most typical symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- physical pain, pain in the back of the head, neck, shoulder or arm, aggravated by sneezing or coughing;
- wheezing in the neck when turning or bending the head;
- numbness and tingling in the hands and feet;
- regular dizziness and fainting;
- persistent tinnitus and hearing loss;
- aching pain between the shoulder blades and in the heart area;
- general weakness and increased feeling of fatigue.
Diagnostics
If cervical osteochondrosis is suspected, it is important to undergo a thorough examination to help determine the condition of the spine and the extent of the disease. For a correct diagnosis, physiological examination and instrumental examination with palpation and neck percussion are traditionally used:
- radiography (lateral, direct);
- CT examination;
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
Ultrasound examination of nearby organs, electrocardiogram of the heart, duplex scanning of blood vessels, blood and urine tests can be prescribed to determine the cause of the disease.
Methods of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Stop the pathological changes and eliminate the existing manifestations of the disease, it is possible only with the help of complex therapy. In the early stages, you can get rid of cervical osteochondrosis without surgery - with the help of conservative treatment.
Specialists choose an individual course of therapy for each patient, taking into account the individual characteristics of the body, age and lifestyle. In general, the complex involves several treatments at once, the main purpose of which is to get rid of the symptoms, prevent the development of the disease and restore the normal functioning of the spine.
- Drug treatment.During the period of exacerbation, various means are used to help reduce pain and other manifestations of the disease. The patient is given non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, B vitamins, chondroprotectors, ointments with a warming effect, drugs that restore cartilage tissue, etc.
- Physiotherapy.Using ultrasound, laser or magnetic vibrations can reduce pain and neutralize inflammation. Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis may include manual therapy, acupuncture, electrophoresis, and other procedures aimed at normalizing metabolic processes in the affected area and eliminating unpleasant symptoms.
- Massage.Has a strengthening and relaxing effect on the cervical spine. Eliminates excessive muscle tension, increases the intensity of metabolic processes. Therapeutic massages are performed using different methods: classical, acupressure, segmental reflex or vacuum. A good result is given by apparatus methods of cervical spine action, such as hydro- or vibration massage.
- Traction.It is performed once before starting treatment to release the constricted blood vessels and nerve endings. During traction, the spine is stretched using special equipment and simulators. Provides correction of the position of the intervertebral discs and even distribution of the vertebrae along the entire length to normalize blood flow and correct the load distribution.
- Sports therapy.Therapeutic gymnastics is the basis for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. Regular exercise of a special training complex allows to restore the natural mobility of the vertebrae and ensure the normal nutrition of the intervertebral discs with nutrients. Therapeutic exercises generally include bending, flexion, and other neck movements performed by the patient in the clinic or at home.
The course of treatment for cervical osteochondrosis takes a month and a half. Pain and other acute manifestations of the disease usually disappear by the end of the first week of complex therapy. In severe cases, surgery is indicated if an intervertebral hernia or osteophytes (spinal-like bone growths) are found at the time of diagnosis.
Why are destructive changes in the neck dangerous?
Cervical osteochondrosis is a very dangerous disease due to its structural features (tightness of the vertebrae) and the proximity of the nerves and blood channels that feed the brain. Without timely treatment, pathological changes in this part of the spine can lead to serious consequences, for example:
- cerebral circulatory disorders;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- hypertensive disease;
- spinal cord and cerebral ischemia;
- spinal cord injury;
- respiratory problems;
- loss of mobility of the spine due to growths;
- radiculopathy (compressed nerve roots);
- poor hearing, vision and coordination;
- spinal cord compression;
- intervertebral hernia, etc.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
It is important to change your lifestyle to keep your spine healthy and prevent recurrence of the disease after the treatment period. The following methods of prevention of cervical osteochondrosis have proven effective:
- use of orthopedic mattresses and low pillows for sleeping;
- maintaining proper posture while sitting and walking at the table;
- neck warming when working on a computer for a long time;
- vitamin-rich diet and plenty of fluids;
- general physical activity during the day.
You can learn more about cervical osteochondrosis, how it is treated and how to prevent it by consulting your doctor.