Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disorder of articular cartilage tissues, which 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 deteriorates, and pain appears in the cervical spine.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis is unbalanced and excessive load on the cervical spine.Loading can occur due to excess weight, uncomfortable position for a long time or sedentary work.Osteochondrosis is not always the result of direct stress on the vertebrae.The disease can be caused by metabolic disorders, deficiency of vitamins B, C, D, as well as hormonal and autoimmune diseases, chronic intoxication, injuries and age-related changes.
Currently, there is no exact data on the causes of degenerative spinal diseases.Osteochondrosis can occur for several 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);
- spinal instability (increased mobility of part of the spine);
- low physical activity;
- cervical spine injuries;
- intense physical activity, carrying heavy objects.
Stages of osteochondrosis
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis depends on the stage of development and clinical signs of the disease.Each stage is characterized by certain features:
- Step 1 – destruction of osteochondral tissue occurs.During this stage, patients do not notice the symptoms of the disease.It can be discomfort, pain in the cervical spine, pain when moving.
- Step 2 – MRI reveals protrusions of the intervertebral discs, compression of the vertebral roots (radicular syndrome).The changes that occur cause pain in the cervical spine with radiation to the shoulder and upper limbs.Associated symptoms include increased fatigue, headaches and difficulty concentrating.
- Step 3 – painful sensations increase and are permanent, radiating towards the upper part of the body.There is numbness of the hands, weakness of the muscles of the upper limbs, and one side of the body is often affected.
- Step 4 – bone tissue is replaced, an osteophyte forms and neighboring joints are damaged.
Clinical manifestations
General signs 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 extremities appears;
- pain in the cervical region radiating to the occipital region of the head, dizziness.
Diagnosis
The examination includes collection of the patient's anamnestic data, complaints, examination and palpation of the cervical spine and assessment of the neurological condition.To determine the changes present and the stage of the disease, digital X-ray, MRI and CT scan as well as Doppler ultrasound of the main cerebral arteries (USGD) are performed.The diagnosis allows the specialist to create an effective treatment regimen.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
To achieve the most positive results and slow down the progression of the disease, comprehensive treatment is carried out.Treatment combines drug treatment with physiotherapeutic procedures, massage, acupuncture, manual therapy, hardware traction of the cervical spine and therapeutic exercises.
Shant necklace
During the period of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, wearing a special orthopedic device is prescribed - the Shants collar.The main objective of the product is to fix the cervical spine in the correct position.
Surgical treatment
Surgical intervention is indicated in cases where medications and physical intervention are unavoidable.People turn to him if the patient's spinal canal has become catastrophically narrow.
Surgical intervention is performed to eliminate a hernia, replace a destroyed intervertebral disc with an implant and widen the spinal canal.
Massage for cervical osteochondrosis
Massage allows you to relax muscles, improve blood circulation in the affected area and reduce the load on the vertebrae.Massage combined with exercise and other treatments helps relieve pain.
The massage is performed when the pain decreases or regresses, at the stabilization stage.
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 classic massage techniques are performed.
During the period of exacerbation, electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, ultrasound with the use of glucocorticoids, magnetic laser and TMS with anesthetic are prescribed.
Basic exercises for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Basic exercises for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis:
- And.n.– lying on your stomach, palms placed on the ground, arms outstretched, the upper body must be raised, arched the back, linger for a few minutes;
- And. n.– lying on your stomach, arms extended along the body, you must turn your head from left to right, trying to reach your ear to the floor;
- And. p.– sitting on the floor, inhale – lean forward towards the chest, exhale – lean back, throwing your head back.
Manual therapy
The influence of the chiropractor's hands on the spine allows you to increase the distance between the vertebrae, which reduces the load.Prescribed by the attending physician after X-ray, MRI or CT scan.
Drug treatment
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is aimed at eliminating pain, the inflammatory process during the period of exacerbation and preventing the progression of dystrophic changes in the spinal structures.
For this purpose, local therapy with gels with anti-inflammatory effect is used.
Drugs :
- NSAIDs.
- Muscle relaxers.
- Diuretics.
- Opioid analgesics.
- Therapeutic drug blockages with anesthetics or corticosteroid and drugs that correct blood microcirculation.
- Metabolic therapy (B vitamins, thioctic acid preparations).
- Medicines that improve the conduction of nerve impulses.
Additionally, chondroprotectors can be prescribed to improve the regeneration process.
Disease prevention
Prevention should consist of lifestyle correction - playing sports (swimming, yoga, fitness) in order to form a muscular corset, warming up the cervical spine, creating comfortable sleeping conditions (comfortable mattresses and pillows).
To avoid exacerbations, it is necessary to undergo preventive massage of the cervical collar and back area 2 times a year, acupuncture and hardware traction of the cervical spine.
All these procedures are carried out on an inpatient and outpatient basis.