Osteochondrosis today is rightly considered a "disease of the century", because it most often affects people whose work does not require increased physical activity.
In most cases, changes in cartilage and bone tissue are observed in people of working age - up to 40 years.
The disease can affect different parts of the spine and the second most common is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
What is it?
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the articular cartilage and adjacent bone tissue.
Previously, the term was applied to a large group of osteoarticular diseases, but is now only used for degenerative diseases of the spine.
Compared to other parts of the spine, the cervical region is the most mobile and has many nerve and vascular formations. The structure of the vertebrae is small in size, as well as due to the fact that they are surrounded by a rather weak muscular corset.
This anatomical structure predisposes to the development of osteochondrosis, the severity of the clinical manifestations of which depends on the nature of the changes in the intervertebral discs and the degree of their destruction.
The reasons for the development of the disease
The main and most common cause of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a sedentary lifestyle.
Due to lack of physical activity with a sedentary and sedentary lifestyle:
- metabolic processes are disturbed;
- the level of salts in the bloodstream and lymphatic fluid increases;
- Salts are deposited in the cervical spine, kidneys and liver.
The damage to the cervical vertebrae is mainly caused by the lack of nutrients in the intervertebral discs. Therefore, the main reasons for the occurrence of cervical osteochondrosis also include improper and unbalanced nutrition.
Risk factors
There are many risk factors for cervical osteochondrosis.
The most common factors are:
- inheritance;
- age-related changes;
- lesions of the cervical spine;
- hypothermia;
- hormonal disorders leading to metabolic disorders;
- some autoimmune diseases that damage cartilage tissue (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatism).
Why is it dangerous?
Not only the spinal cord and nerve roots pass through the cervical spine, but also the vertebral artery, which is responsible for supplying blood to the back of the brain, medulla oblongata and cerebellum.
Therefore, with cervical osteochondrosis, this artery is squeezed and, as a result, cerebral circulation is impaired.
In extremely advanced cases, compression of an artery and adjacent blood vessels and nerve plexuses can lead to consequences such as:
- lack of coordination;
- loss of hearing and vision;
- stroke.
If the disease is not treated early on, it can lead to complications such as: intervertebral disc protrusion or herniated disc.
Advancement of the disease
Cervical osteochondrosis, like osteochondrosis of other parts of the spine, develops in stages. There are 3 stages of development of the disease.
1 degree
Characterized by the beginning of the destruction of the intervertebral discs.
Cracks are formed in the fibrous ring, the strength and elasticity of the disc are disturbed, its height decreases, as a result of which the nerve roots are compressed.
The typical aching pain appears. Sometimes at stage 1 (preclinical) such pain may be absent and osteochondrosis proceeds with moderate neck discomfort.
2nd degree
If 1st degree osteochondrosis has not been treated or the treatment has not been effective, a chronic condition occurs, which is 2nd degree osteochondrosis.
The pain becomes constant, the destruction and compaction of the intervertebral disc continues and leads to small dislocations of the cervical vertebrae.
With cervical osteochondrosis at this stage, drooping head syndrome can develop. This syndrome is characterized by severe pain and the person must keep the head in a fixed state to reduce the pain.
3rd degree
Grade 3 cervical osteochondrosis is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- headache;
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- neck "low back pain";
- reduced sensitivity of the upper limbs.
The fibrous ring is almost destroyed, which leads to complications of osteochondrosis - protrusion of the intervertebral disc or intervertebral hernia.
At stage 3 of osteochondrosis, the intensity of pain may decrease, as the affected cartilage tissue in the intervertebral disc simply does not exist, which means that there is no source of pain, however, pinching of thenerve roots remain, so the pain does not go away completely.
Signs and symptoms
There are many signs of this disease. And they depend on which vertebrae are damaged by this disease.
The typical syndromes of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- radicular syndrome;
- vertebral artery syndrome;
- cervical migraine syndrome;
- hypertensive syndrome.
All these syndromes are accompanied, first of all, by different types of pain.
If we consider the vertebral artery syndrome, the headache manifests itself here already at an early stage of the development of the disease.
In this case, pain attacks can be accompanied by:
- dizziness;
- unstable gait;
- visual symptoms (appearance of fog in front of the eyes, decrease in visual acuity, etc. ). fainting (with sudden head movements).
In hypertensive syndrome, an increase in intracranial pressure is determined.
The headache is more of an explosive character, it can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. With an exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, an increase in temperature and an increase in ESR can be observed.
When the spinal roots are compressed ("root syndrome"), the following neurological symptoms may appear:
- severe pain in the neck (neck pain);
- neck pain that spreads to the forearm and humerus (cervicobrachialgia);
- arm pain;
- feeling of cracks or cracks in the neck when turning the head;
- "radiating" pain in the ear, which occurs more often after a long stay in an uncomfortable position or sudden movement;
- pain or lumpy feeling in the throat, breathing problems;
- numbness of the hands and tongue;
- feeling of swelling of the tongue;
- severe weakness;
- hearing and visual impairment;
- tinnitus;
- general deterioration of health.
In the syndrome of "cervical migraine" irritation of the sympathetic nodes is observed, which leads to reduced reactivity of the cerebral vessels and impaired blood circulation.
As a result, hypertension may develop, often accompanied by:
- stuffy ears;
- tachycardia;
- noise in the head;
- ringing in the ears.
When the arteries supplying the spinal cord are compressed, a spinal stroke can occur.
Impaired blood circulation in the brain in osteochondrosis can lead to:
- oxygen deficiency of brain cells;
- mental disorders (depression, panic attacks);
- signs of epilepsy, such as short-term loss of consciousness and whole body tension, are often confused with signs of epilepsy.
A very common symptom of cervical osteochondrosis is heart rhythm changes and disturbances, such as extrasystole or arrhythmia.
These symptoms are very common among drivers and office workers.
Due to a sedentary lifestyle, changes occur in the intervertebral discs of the cervical and thoracic spine, which lead to disturbances in the work of the heart.
In most cases, until the osteochondrosis has healed, it is practically impossible to get rid of heart rhythm disturbances.
Swelling under the eyes can also indicate osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Most often they depend on the position of the head during night sleep, disappear during the day and are combined with headaches, dizziness, heaviness in the head, etc.
Vegetovascular dystonia is another of the most common diseases that occur with this disease.
It is a consequence of the crushed vascular arteries that run along the sides of the spine.
Diagnostic methods
The preliminary diagnosis is established by a neurologist during the patient's initial examination. More recently, the doctor had to make a diagnosis by conducting only an external examination of the patient and sending him for an x-ray.
But, unfortunately, it is impossible to see the complete picture of the development of the disease on an x-ray.
Exams such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are currently available, with which the stage of development of the disease can be fully assessed.
Once the diagnosis has been made, the patient is referred to a doctor who specializes in the field.
Which doctor are you treating?
The treatment is carried out by a narrow specialist: a vertebrologist or a vertebroneurologist.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
The severity of the main clinical symptoms is considered the basis for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
In the cervical spine, symptoms are mainly associated with the squeezing of blood vessels and nerve endings, therefore, during treatment, first of all, they remove edema and restore blood circulation.
There are many treatment methods used in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
The most effective treatment is complex, which is a combination of several conservative treatment methods.
Complex treatment of cervical osteochondrosis can include the following traditional and non-traditional methods: drug treatment, massage, acupressure, manual therapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, homeopathy, folk remedies, etc.
The main stages of the treatment of osteochondrosis are the same for all localizations of this disease:
- First you need to relieve the pain.
- Then the swelling will be removed.
- At this stage it is necessary to normalize blood circulation.
- Strengthen the muscle corset.
- Improve nutrition and tissue regeneration.
Only a team of good specialists can choose the most suitable therapy, which includes a neurologist, physiotherapist, masseur, surgeon and vertebral neurologist.
Like any disease, cervical osteochondrosis must be treated in the first stage of its onset. If you do not start the process, then at this stage you can get a complete cure of osteochondrosis.
Unfortunately, stages 2 and 3 of cervical osteochondrosis are accompanied by complete or partial destruction of the intervertebral discs, therefore, these stages are characterized by a very long recovery process.
First aid
How to relieve pain during exacerbation?
In case of severe pain, you need to get a pain reliever from your home medicine cabinet - they can be pain relievers. You can also apply a pepper patch for pain.
Diuretics can be taken in case of swelling. Scrubbing the neck with pain relieving ointments can help.
You can also use aneedle applicatorfor pain, which:
- relieves back pain;
- reduces muscle spasm;
- stimulates the work of internal organs;
- normalizes blood circulation.
Physiotherapy in exacerbations is contraindicated, as is rewarming, as these effects can cause serious complications.
After acute pain relief, you need to urgently consult your doctor for advice.
Drug treatment
Treatment with medicines very often begins with injections (in case of exacerbation), then switches to tablets and suppositories in combination with the topical application of ointments and gels.
Anesthesia during drug treatment is performed with steroid anti-inflammatory drugs.
Drugs that restore cerebral circulation should be prescribed.
Muscle relaxants may be prescribed for abnormal muscle tension. For more effective treatment, vitamins are taken in a therapeutic dose and trace elements.
In the case of an intervertebral hernia, surgery is often recommended and the attending physician may suggest surgery.
Massage and self-massage
This method works well with physiotherapy and physiotherapy. You can take a massage course either in any medical institution or by contacting private practices.
Massage is necessary for cervical osteochondrosis to strengthen muscles and relieve neck tension.
The task of the masseur is to remove harmful metabolic products by increasing the outflow and flow of blood to the diseased area, as well as to relieve spasm from the pathological area.
The main techniques used by specialists in neck massage are:
- stroking;
- squeeze;
- rubbing;
- vibration;
- knead.
The self-massage technique can be performed using the following techniques:
- stroking (movements should be soft, without much effort, forming folds)
- kneading (deep impact on the muscles, grasping the fold, pressing and pushing);
- vibration (vibrational impact with blows, shocks, blows).
Self-massage should always end with stroking. During the vibration, you can use a massager.
Massage with acupressure
Acupressure well relieves headaches with exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, helps with pressure surges, normalizing it.
Acupressure scheme:
- Impact on the feng fu point, which is located under the occipital protuberance, for 1 minute.
- Impact on the feng chi point, which is two fingers wide from the mastoid processes of the skull.
- Impact for 1-1. 5 minutes on the ya-men point (located at a distance of three fingers from the feng fu point).
- Sedation 1-1, 5 minutes on the da-chzhui point (7th cervical vertebra).
After acupressure, you need to lie down for a few minutes, as mild dizziness may occur.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy helps to cope with both acute and chronic pain, also increases range of motion and improves posture well.
The main methods of manual therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- Relaxing and segmental massage.Used to warm up muscles and relieve tension.
- Mobilization.Influences aimed at restoring joint function by traction.
- Manipulation.A strong push directed at the patient's pathological areas. The procedure is accompanied by a characteristic crunch (return of the joint to its normal position).
A specialist who practices manual therapy should be fluent in these techniques. Otherwise, any mistake can cause injury.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture promotes the release of cortisol into the bloodstream. This hormone has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.
Acupuncture is performed by acting on the points near the inner edge of the scapula. The needles are inserted to a depth of 1 to 2 cm and left to act for 10 to 30 minutes.
Homeopathy
Drug treatment brings with it many negative side effects, so homeopathy can be a worthy substitute for treatment without undesirable consequences.
Nutritional characteristics
Meals should be rich in calcium and magnesium.
These trace elements are found in fish and seafood, nuts, legumes and dairy products.
Often, osteochondrosis of the neck can be accompanied by atherosclerosis. In this case, a strict diet is recommended.
The diet is prescribed for 3-4 months. It is necessary to limit the consumption of all foods containing cholesterol. These include animal fats, fatty meats, fatty dairy products, etc. You should also limit or exclude the consumption of salt, sugar, flour products.
It is recommended to give up bad habits (smoking, alcohol, etc. ).
Cervical osteochondrosis and alcohol are interconnected. The fact is that getting into the blood, alcohol destroys cells, thereby aggravating the already impaired blood circulation in osteochondrosis.
Therefore, you should limit it to a minimum and, during an exacerbation, completely stop drinking alcohol.
Disease prevention
To prevent cervical osteochondrosis, the following rules are recommended:
- sleep should be on a firm mattress and a low pillow: the neck flexion angle should not be more than 15 degrees;
- take a hot shower every day for at least 10 minutes;
- visits the sauna and bathhouse as often as possible: the heat helps relieve cervical spasms;
- indulge in aerobic activity and regular walks at a low pace;
- go swimming;
- after 25 years, avoid shock loads on the spine (jumping, running);
- when working sedentary, be sure to take five minute breaks every hour;
- regular yoga practice can prevent any manifestation of cervical osteochondrosis;
- refuses to go to the gym, as bodybuilding can provoke the appearance of cervical disc protrusion;
- Exercise as a prophylaxis against osteochondrosis of the neck helps to strengthen the neck muscles, relieve tension.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do during pregnancy and how to treat it?
It is often during pregnancy that the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis occur.
This is due to a change in hormone levels and softening of the vertebrae, as well as a shift in the center of gravity and excessive stress on the spine.
Treatment of osteochondrosis in pregnant women is rather complicated, as it is limited mainly by the pharmacological method aimed at relieving pain.
You can apply natural ointments or resort to traditional medicine.
Any influence on the neck area (warm-up, exercise, etc. ) during pregnancy is strictly prohibited.
Does it happen in children and adolescents?
In children and adolescents, cervical osteochondrosis develops due to congenital or acquired functional insufficiency of the cartilage tissue.
It is expressed by complaints of headache, fatigue, dizziness and fainting.
Is it possible to heat the neck area?
Warming of the neck with cervical osteochondrosis is strictly prohibited, especially in the phase of exacerbation of the disease, since warming can lead to increased edema and vasodilation of the brain.
How to sleep properly?
Sleep on a flat, firm bed with an orthopedic mattress.
The recommended and most comfortable position is lying on your side, with your shoulder resting on the mattress and your head resting on a small pillow.
The use of an orthopedic pillow helps to relax the muscles of the cervical spine, reduces irritation of the nerve endings, prevents headaches and insomnia.
Are physical activities and sauna allowed?
In preventive measures and at the 1st stage of cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended to practice physiotherapy exercises, swimming.
Lifting weights, working hard, training in the gym is strictly prohibited.
A visit to the bathhouse and sauna is also recommended only for the prevention of cervical osteochondrosis and in the initial phase of the disease.
Reviews
"I would like to share with my unfortunate brothers how to deal with cervical osteochondrosis. A couple of years ago I had back pain. A visit to a doctor, the diagnosis was cervical osteochondrosis. Many things have been proven. from the treatment: physiotherapy, manual therapy and massage. But there has always been only temporary relief, besides, all these are very expensive procedures. I had to resume studying the problem thoroughly. And so I decided to try swimming. Yesfinds that swimming is widely used for the prevention and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, as it greatly relieves the tension of the neck muscles.
"Due to my overwork, I could not find time to visit a doctor. And my relatives advised me to treat my neck pain with warming, herbal compresses, various ointments and other home remedies. neck stopped moving! I stayed home for more than two weeks, and even then it took a long time to recover. Therefore, my advice to everyone is to visit a doctor as soon as the neck crunches and hurts! you will save time and you will not lose health.