Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease that affects the intervertebral discs in the neck of the spine. Degenerative changes generally develop in the most mobile parts of the spine, so in the cervical region, nerve roots at the level of C5, C6 and C7 suffer due to disturbances in the structure of the vertebrae.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
One of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis is a squeezing, squeezing headache, which often spreads to the temples.
Clinical manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis are divided into reflex and radical.
Reflex symptoms
Patients are concerned about the so-called lumbago - a sharp pain in the cervical spine, aggravated by movement. Perhaps the appearance of a crisis when turning the head, sometimes patients take a forced position of the head due to severe pain.
People suffering from cervical osteochondrosis often complain of squeezing or squeezing headaches that can spread to the temples and pupils. Sometimes visual acuity may decrease, and patients say that everything is upsetting in front of their eyes.
Irritation of the nerve plexus of the spinal artery can lead to vertebral artery syndrome, which is often misdiagnosed as a cerebral circulatory disorder, in which case the patient becomes dizzy. They can occur with sharp movements of the head, accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
One of the reflex syndromes in the clinic of cervical osteochondrosis is cardialgia, in which the patient feels like an attack of angina pectoris. This phenomenon is usually combined with other symptoms of the disease, so it rarely causes difficulties in the differential diagnosis of heart disease.
Radicular syndromes
Radicular syndromes are caused by compression of the spinal cord. The motor and sensory disorders that occur in this situation depend on the effect of which nerve root:
- C1 - impaired sensitivity in the occipital region;
- C2 - pain in the occipital and parietal regions;
- C3 - a decrease in sensitivity and pain in the neck half of the spinal cord, possibly a violation of the sensitivity of the tongue, a speech disorder due to loss of control over the tongue;
- C4 - impaired sensitivity and pain in the shoulder-scapular region, decreased tone of the muscles of the head and neck, possible respiratory disorders, pain in the liver and heart;
- C5 - pain and tenderness on the outer surface of the shoulder;
- C6 - pain extending from the neck to the scapula, wrist, outer surface of the shoulder, from the radial surface of the arm to the thumb;
- C7 - pain extending from the neck to the scapula, back of the shoulder, from the arm to the fingers II - IV of the hand, a violation of sensitivity in this area.
- C8 - pain and sensitivity disorder that spreads from the neck to the shoulder, from the forearm to the little finger.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis is a complex disease that requires long-term, systematic and phased treatment. Therapy aims to relieve pain and combat the inflammatory process in the affected area.
Patients are prescribed analgesics. Recently, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which effectively relieve pain syndrome and help reduce the activity of the inflammatory process, are becoming increasingly popular in the treatment of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine.
In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is prescribed chondroprotectors - drugs that slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue. Many doctors believe that the use of these drugs also helps to restore cartilage tissue.
The use of topical ointments and gels that do not contain irritants or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is ineffective. They are less likely to reach the affected area due to obstruction of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscles. However, it makes sense to use these external agents, as they are massaged into the neck when rubbed into the skin.
Patients are prescribed B vitamins to improve the regenerative and metabolic processes in the affected nerve root. Doctors often recommend a combined vitamin supplement administered intramuscularly to patients.
Non-pharmacological treatments for cervical osteochondrosis include acupuncture, hirudotherapy, physiotherapy, exercise therapy, massage, and manual therapy.
In severe cases, surgery may be required.
Prophylaxis
Daily gymnastics for the cervical spine is a good prevention of osteochondrosis.
It is not difficult to prevent the development of cervical osteochondrosis. It is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, play sports or at least exercise in the morning.
Proper organization of the workplace, work and rest play an important role in the prevention of the disease. People who do sedentary work should warm up a few times during the working day and monitor their posture and head position during work.
It is also important to choose a good, comfortable mattress and pillows for sleeping. People with spinal diseases are recommended to use special orthopedic products.
Which doctor to consult
Patients with osteochondrosis of the spine are under the supervision of a neurologist. There are many other specialties that help patients with this disease: physiotherapy exercises and massage specialists, osteopaths, hand and reflex therapists, physiotherapists and others.