Osteochondrosis is a dangerous and painful disease of the spine associated with degenerative-dystrophic changes in the structure of the intervertebral discs and adjacent joints and bone tissues. Often the pathology develops precisely in the cervical spine. The disease is accompanied by discomfort and significantly reduces the quality of life. In this case, cervical osteochondrosis can occur at any age. Today, this disease is diagnosed even in schoolchildren and young people, which is associated with the prevalence of a sedentary lifestyle.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Many factors lead to pathological changes in the spine. Often, the appearance of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is preceded by a combination of several reasons that contribute to the displacement and pathological destruction of the discs. These include:
- various neck injuries, including birth;
- prolonged stay in one position (driving, computer);
- hereditary predisposition;
- metabolic disorders, vitamin deficiency and hypovitaminosis;
- excessive and incorrect loads, leading to rapid erasure of disks;
- hormonal and autoimmune disorders;
- natural aging;
- less often - infectious diseases, hypothermia, stress, etc.
Features and stages of development of the disease
The cervical region is the most mobile part of the spine. It consists of seven vertebrae (C1 - C7), which are connected by elastic and resilient intervertebral discs. The latter consist of the nucleus pulposus and the annulus fibrosus. Due to various factors, the position of the discs and the structure of their tissues change, which leads to the appearance of osteochondrosis.
The disease develops in several stages:
- As a result of injury or improper loading, the normal position of the intervertebral disc is disturbed.
- The deterioration of metabolism reduces the strength and elasticity of the fibrous ring, which reduces the distance between the vertebrae.
- A decrease in the elasticity of the disc leads to an incorrect distribution of the load, which leads to the protrusion of the nuclei, the formation of hernias and the curvature of the spine.
- Due to a decrease in the intervertebral distance, neighboring nerves and blood vessels are pinched, pain occurs, and the work of other organs is disturbed.
- As a result of rubbing the vertebrae, bone growths (osteophytes) appear. The ligaments of the cervical spine become practically immobile, and the symptoms of the disease become pronounced.
Treatment started at any stage allows you to avoid irreversible changes in the structure of the spine and to avoid dangerous disturbances in the work of other bodily systems.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Pathological changes in this part of the spine have very specific manifestations. The most typical symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- pulling pains in the back of the head, neck, shoulder or arm, worse by exertion, sneezing or coughing;
- cracking in the cervical spine when rotating or tilting the head;
- numbness and tingling in the hands and feet;
- regular dizziness and fainting;
- persistent tinnitus and hearing loss;
- dull ache between the shoulder blades and in the region of the heart;
- feeling of general weakness and increased fatigue.
Diagnostic
If cervical osteochondrosis is suspected, it is important to undergo a comprehensive examination, which will help determine the condition of the spine and the degree of progression of the disease. For an accurate diagnosis, a physiological examination with palpation and percussion of the neck is traditionally used, as well as an instrumental examination:
- radiography (lateral, direct);
- CT scan;
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
To determine the cause of the onset of the disease, ultrasound of nearby organs, an electrocardiogram of the heart, duplex scanning of blood vessels, blood and urine tests may also be prescribed.
Methods of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
To stop pathological changes and eliminate the existing manifestations of the disease 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.
Experts select an individual treatment for each patient, taking into account the individual characteristics of the organism, age and lifestyle. Usually the complex includes several types of treatment at once, the main purpose of which is to get rid of symptoms, prevent the progression of the disease and restore the normal functioning of the spine.
- Drug therapy.During the period of exacerbation, various means are used to help reduce pain and other manifestations of the disease. The patient may be prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, B vitamins, chondroprotectors, ointments with a heating effect, drugs to restore cartilage tissue, etc.
- Physiotherapy.Helps reduce pain and neutralize inflammation using ultrasound, laser or magnetic vibration. In addition, manual therapy, acupuncture, electrophoresis and other procedures aimed at normalizing metabolic processes in the affected area and relieving unpleasant symptoms can be included in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
- Massage.Has a firming and relaxing effect on the cervical spine. Eliminates excessive muscle tension, improves the intensity of metabolic processes. Therapeutic massages are performed using different techniques: classic, acupressure, segmental reflex or vacuum. A good result is given by material methods to influence the cervical spine, for example, hydromassage or vibration massage.
- Traction.Performed once before starting treatment to free pinched blood vessels and nerve endings. During traction, the spine is stretched with the help of special equipment and simulators. It provides correction of the position of the intervertebral discs and an even distribution of the vertebrae along the entire length to normalize the blood flow and correct the distribution of the load.
- Exercise therapy.Therapeutic gymnastics is the basis of the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. Regular implementation of a special set of exercises allows you to restore the natural mobility of the vertebrae and ensure normal nutrition of the intervertebral discs with useful substances. Therapeutic exercises typically involve bending, twisting, and other neck movements performed by the patient in the clinic or at home.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis lasts a month and a half. Pain and other acute manifestations of the disease usually go away by the end of the first week of complex treatment. In severe cases, when an intervertebral hernia or osteophytes (bony growths in the shape of a spine) have been detected during diagnosis, the patient undergoes an operation.
Why are destructive changes in the neck dangerous?
Due to the structural features (tight fit of the vertebrae) and the proximity of the nerve and blood channels that supply the brain, cervical osteochondrosis is considered a rather dangerous disease. Pathological changes in this part of the spine without prompt treatment can lead to serious consequences, for example:
- violation of cerebral circulation;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- hypertonic disease;
- ischemia of the spinal cord and brain;
- stroke;
- respiratory problems;
- loss of mobility of the spine due to growths;
- radiculopathy (pinched nerve roots);
- hearing, vision and coordination problems;
- compression of the spinal cord;
- intervertebral hernias and so on.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
In order to keep the spine healthy and to avoid disease recurrence after treatment, it is important to change your lifestyle. The following methods of preventing cervical osteochondrosis have proven effective:
- use of an orthopedic mattress and a low pillow for sleeping;
- maintain correct posture while sitting at the table and walking;
- regular warming of the neck during prolonged work at the computer;
- nutrition rich in vitamins and drink plenty of fluids;
- general physical activity throughout the day.
You can learn more about cervical osteochondrosis, how this disease is treated and methods of prevention, in consultation with a doctor.