Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease that affects the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine. Degenerative changes usually develop in the more mobile parts of the spine. Therefore, in the cervical region, due to violations of the structure of the vertebrae, the nerve roots at the level of C5, C6 and C7 most often suffer.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
One of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis is a compressing, pressing headache, often radiating to the temples.
Clinical manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis are subdivided into reflex and root.
Reflex symptoms
Patients are worried about the so-called lumbago - a sharp, sharp pain that occurs in the cervical spine, made worse by movement. Perhaps the appearance of a crunch when turning the head, sometimes patients take a forced position of the head due to severe pain.
People with cervical osteochondrosis often complain of pressing or constricting headaches, which can radiate to the temples and eyeballs. Sometimes visual acuity can decrease, patients say everything is floating in front of their eyes.
When the nerve plexus of the vertebral artery is irritated, vertebral artery syndrome can occur, which is often misdiagnosed as a violation of cerebral circulation, in which the patient develops dizziness. They can occur with a sudden movement of the head, accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
One of the reflex syndromes of the cervical osteochondrosis clinic is cardialgia, in which the patient has sensations that resemble an attack of angina pectoris. Usually this phenomenon is combined with other signs of the disease. Therefore, it rarely causes difficulty in differential diagnosis with heart disease.
Radicular syndromes
Root syndromes result from compression of the spinal root. The motor and sensory disturbances that appear in this case depend on the affected nerve root:
- C1 - violation of sensitivity in the occipital region;
- C2 - pain in the occipital and parietal regions;
- C3 - decreased sensitivity and pain in the half of the neck where the spinal nerve has been injured, possibly a violation of the sensitivity of the tongue, speech disturbances due to loss of control of 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 altered tenderness on the outer surface of the shoulder;
- C6 - pain extending from neck to scapula, forearm, outer surface of the shoulder, radial surface of forearm to thumb;
- C7 - pain extending from the neck to the scapula, behind the shoulder, from the forearm to the II - IV fingers of the hand, altered tenderness in this area.
- C8 - Pain and sensory impairment extends 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 progressive treatment. The therapy is aimed at eliminating pain and combating the inflammatory process in the affected area.
Patients are prescribed pain relievers. Recently, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which effectively eliminate the pain syndrome and help reduce the activity of the inflammatory process, have become increasingly popular in the treatment of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine.
In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, the appointment of chondroprotectors is indicated - drugs that slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue. Many doctors believe that the use of these drugs also promotes the regeneration of cartilage tissue.
The use of external ointments and gels containing irritants or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is ineffective. The drug substance that is part of their composition is unlikely to reach the affected area due to the barrier of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscles. Nevertheless, there is a sense in using these external agents, because when they are rubbed on the skin, a neck massage is performed.
To improve the regenerative and metabolic processes of the affected nerve root, patients are prescribed vitamins of group B. Very often, doctors recommend to patients a combined vitamin preparation, which is administered intramuscularly.
Non-drug methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis include acupuncture, hirudotherapy, physiotherapy, exercise therapy, massage, and manual therapy.
In severe cases, surgical treatment may be necessary.
Prophylaxis
Daily cervical spine gymnastics is a good prevention of osteochondrosis.
Prevention of the development of cervical osteochondrosis is not difficult. It is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, play sports or at least exercise in the morning.
The correct organization of the workplace and the way of working and resting play an important role in the prevention of disease. People with sedentary work should do a little warm-up several times during the working day, and during work, monitor the posture and position of the head.
It is also important to choose a good comfortable mattress and pillow for sleeping. People with diseases of the spine are advised to use special orthopedic products.
Which doctor to contact
Patients with osteochondrosis of the spine are followed by a neurologist. There are a large number of doctors of other specialties who help patients with this disease: specialists in physiotherapy and massage exercises, osteopaths, manual and reflex therapists, physiotherapists and others.