Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disorder in the tissues of articular cartilage, it can be localized in any joints, as well as in the intervertebral disc.The cervical spine is subjected to high loads, which over time leads to a decrease in the elasticity of the discs and their flattening.The distance between the vertebrae decreases, blood circulation in the affected area worsens, and pain appears in the neck.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis is the unbalanced and overloading of the cervical spine.The load can occur during excess weight, long periods of restlessness or sedentary work.Osteochondrosis is not always the result of direct stress on the vertebrae.The disease can be caused by metabolic disorders, lack of vitamins B, C, D, as well as hormonal and autoimmune diseases, chronic intoxication, injuries and age-related changes.
Currently, there is no exact information about the causes of degenerative diseases of the spine.Osteochondrosis can occur for a number of reasons:
- genetic factor - congenital weakness of connective tissue;
- age-related changes in the spine;
- diseases of the musculoskeletal system (scoliosis, flat feet, torticollis, rheumatic diseases, developmental anomalies);
- vertebral instability (increased mobility of a part of the spine);
- low physical activity;
- cervical spine injuries;
- heavy physical activity, carrying heavy objects.
Stages of osteochondrosis
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis depends on the stage of development of the disease and clinical signs.Each stage is characterized by certain features:
- Stage 1 - destruction of osteochondral tissue occurs.At this stage, patients do not feel the symptoms of the disease.This can be discomfort, pain in the cervical spine, pain during movement.
- Stage 2 - MRI reveals protrusions of intervertebral discs, compression of spinal roots (radicular syndrome).The changes that occur cause pain in the neck with radiation to the shoulders and upper limbs.Associated symptoms include increased fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
- Stage 3 - painful sensations increase and become permanent, spreading to the upper part of the body.Numbness in the hands, weakness in the muscles of the upper limbs, one side of the body is often affected.
- Stage 4 - bone tissue is changed, osteophytes are formed and adjacent joints are damaged.
Clinical manifestations
General symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis:
- pain in the cervical spine;
- radiculopathy - compression of nerve roots manifested by pain, sensory disturbances and muscle weakness;
- numbness of the upper limbs appears;
- pain in the cervical region spreading to the occipital region of the head, dizziness.
Diagnostics
The examination includes the collection of the patient's anamnestic data, complaints, examination and palpation of the cervical spine, and assessment of the neurological condition.To determine the current changes and the stage of the disease, digital radiography, MRI and CT, and Doppler ultrasound examination of the main arteries of the brain (USGD) are performed.Diagnosis allows the specialist to create an effective treatment regimen.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Comprehensive treatment is carried out to achieve the most positive results and slow down the progression of the disease.Treatment combines drug treatment with physiotherapeutic procedures, massage, acupuncture, manual therapy, cervical spine traction and therapeutic exercises.
Lucky collar
During the exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, it is prescribed to wear a special orthopedic device - Shants collar.The main purpose of the product is to fix the cervical spine in the correct position.
Surgical treatment
In cases where medication and physical intervention are unavoidable, surgical intervention is indicated.People turn to him if the patient's spinal canal is catastrophically narrowed.
Surgical intervention is performed to remove the hernia, replace the destroyed intervertebral disc with an implant, and expand the spinal canal.
Massage for cervical osteochondrosis
Massage allows you to relax the muscles, improve blood circulation in the affected area and reduce the load on the vertebrae.Along with exercise and other treatments, massage can help relieve pain.
Massage is done during the stabilization phase when the pain subsides or the pain recedes.
The procedure is performed by a qualified specialist to relieve muscle tension, pain and improve blood circulation.During the massage, stroking, rubbing, kneading and other techniques of classical massage techniques are performed.
In the period of exacerbation, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, ultrasound with the use of glucocorticoids, magnetic laser and SMT with anesthesia are prescribed.
Basic exercises for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Basic exercises for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis:
- and.n.- lying on the stomach, palms resting on the floor, arms straight, the upper part of the body should be raised up, bend at the back, lie down for a few minutes;
- And.n.– lying on your stomach, keeping your arms straight along the body, and trying to stretch your ear to the ground, you should turn your head left and right;
- And.p.- sitting on the floor, inhale - bend forward to the chest, exhale - bend back, throwing your head back.
Manual therapy
The effect of the chiropractor's hands on the spine allows to increase the distance between the vertebrae, as a result of which the load decreases.After X-ray, MRI or CT, it is prescribed by the attending physician.
Drug treatment
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is aimed at eliminating pain, inflammatory process during exacerbation and preventing the development of dystrophic changes in the structures of the spine.
For this purpose, local therapy with anti-inflammatory effect gels is used.
Medicines:
- NSAIDs.
- Muscle relaxants.
- Diuretics.
- Opioid analgesics.
- Therapeutic drug blockades with anesthetic or corticosteroid drugs and drugs that improve blood microcirculation.
- Metabolic therapy (B vitamins, thioctic acid preparations).
- Medicines that improve the conduction of nerve impulses.
In addition, chondroprotectors can be prescribed to improve the regeneration process.
Disease prevention
Prevention should consist of lifestyle correction - doing sports to shape the muscle corset (swimming, yoga, fitness), warming up the cervical spine, creating comfortable sleeping conditions (comfortable mattress and pillow).
To prevent exacerbation, it is necessary to undergo a preventive course of massage of the neck and back, acupuncture and hardware traction of the cervical spine twice a year.
All these procedures are performed in inpatient and outpatient settings.