Spine diseases are getting younger every year. The most common is osteochondrosis, which was recently considered an age-related disease. With damage to the cervical region, due to the degenerative-dystrophic nature of osteochondrosis, an intervertebral hernia occurs in the spine and severe pains in the neck and head, which significantly reduce the quality of life and lead to surgical intervention.
Danger of cervical osteochondrosis
It is important to diagnose diseases of the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine in the early stages, so that it can be treated immediately, before bone tissue grows, salt deposits and formations on the vertebrae, which cause muscle irritation. before they are compressed.
When turning the head, osteophytes increase the pressure on the vertebrae, compress the arteries and compress the nerve endings. Cervical osteochondrosis is a serious and dangerous disease. Cervical pain symptoms are not limited to head movement. If not treated, the disease has complications that cause discomfort, which can become an important cause of dysfunction.
Disturbance of blood vessels due to deformity when the vertebrae approach each other causes vertebrobasilar syndrome. Insufficient blood flow to the brain is the main cause of dizziness, poor balance, vision loss, loss of consciousness and tinnitus. The degree of compression of the cervical vertebral artery depends on the negative consequences that appear in the body with varying degrees of severity. Cervical osteochondrosis disrupts the process of blood supply to the regions of the brain and causes complications in the brain due to oxygen starvation.
A pinched nerve in the back of the head is the cause of the headache, which can spread to the neck or temple. The most dangerous is the disturbance of the nervous processes of the spinal cord, during which there are dysfunctions in the lower limbs with serious uncontrolled spastic disorders of coordination, decreased sensitivity of the bladder and intestines.
If osteochondrosis is not treated, then complications arise, for example, cervical disc herniation and herniation. Sometimes this leads to the development of vascular diseases, which cause damage to the brain even to the death of its individual sections.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Traditional medicine considers osteochondrosis as a disease with degenerative changes in the discs of the cervical spine, while the treatment system of alternative medicine, osteopathy, considers it to be a manifestation of deep-seated disorders in the body.
There are several reasons for the appearance of cervical osteochondrosis:
Disruption of posture
Leaning, scoliosis, rounding of the back, kyphosis cause an imbalance of the spine, so the load is unevenly distributed on the discs, which causes deformation and increases their wear. At the same time, the vertebrae come closer to each other, the nerve processes begin to stretch, because of this, osteochondrosis develops.
Muscle spasms
The spasmodic reactions of the muscles cause tension in the parts of the body, which causes a change in the natural position and deformation of the discs of the spinal column.
Violation of blood supply
Vertebral discs are not connected to the circulatory system, so they are saturated with blood from body tissues. Disruption of the blood supply process in the neck causes a lack of sufficient fluid to absorb moisture and restore and renew the shape of the cartilage. As a result, wear of the vertebrae accelerates, the distance between the vertebrae decreases, which leads to osteochondrosis of the cervical region.
Innervation disorder
Due to the reduced sensitivity of the nerve roots during the movement and deformation of the intervertebral discs in the cervical region, pathological changes remain unnoticed due to the absence of pain by the patient.
Diseases of internal organs
Displacement of internal organs, their lowering due to deformations of the cervical spine, leads to a violation of the position of the spine and balance in the body.
Improper nutrition
An unbalanced diet high in carbohydrates and fatty foods with a deficiency of proteins and micronutrients can cause unpleasant complications.
Cervical osteochondrosis develops due to external factors that adversely affect the balance of the spine and the natural development of the body systems as a whole. In addition to the listed symptoms, disease and painful sensations can develop due to prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position, frequent tension of the muscular tissues of the back and neck, hypothermia of the neck and collar area.
Nervous tension, frequent stress and sleep disturbance are also often the cause. Often, disorders are not noticed immediately, so cervical osteochondrosis sometimes progresses for a long time and causes serious health consequences. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor regularly to correct the underlying causes of cervical spine osteochondrosis, and not to treat its symptoms.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease manifested by degenerative-dystrophic changes in the discs. Initially, intervertebral discs are cartilage containing a jelly-like substance. Over time, discs can become dehydrated due to poor posture, a sedentary and sedentary lifestyle, computer work, neck injuries and injuries, and other factors.
As a result, the strength of the collagen fibers of the fibrous disc gradually decreases, its thickness decreases, which leads to the development of osteochondrosis with characteristic signs:
- neck pain
- Headache, dizziness, loss of consciousness due to disruption of the arteries passing through the vertebrae;
- Blood pressure fluctuations;
- Radical syndrome with sensory disturbance and goosebumps and numbness in the back of the head, shoulders, arms, some areas of the neck, as a result of stretching of the spinal roots. accompanied by pain in the shoulders and arms, even in the fingers;
- Decreased ability to turn and bend the neck and stiffness due to severe pain;
- increased fatigue, decreased performance;
- Appearance of ENT pathologies, tinnitus, visual impairment;
- With the development of complications, nausea, vomiting, migraine attacks may occur.
There are 7 vertebrae in the cervical spine, osteochondrosis often affects the discs located between the 5th and 7th vertebrae. It is necessary to consult a general practitioner or a neurologist, who will prescribe the necessary diagnosis and conduct an MRI magnetic resonance imaging to determine the diagnosis and select treatment.
degrees of development
There are four stages of osteochondrosis:
- Grade 1 - only pathological changes begin in the disk, so the symptoms are mild and not always noticeable. Treatment will be quick and effective.
- Grade 2 - changes in the intervertebral discs are pronounced, this causes aching pain in the cervical region, which is aggravated by head movement.
- 3rd degree - constant pain is complicated by the development of protrusion and the formation of a hernia between the vertebrae.
- Grade 4 - the fibrous disc is destroyed in such a way that the movement of the spine is practically excluded due to the disruption of the intervertebral arteries, which leads to the development of radicular syndrome and severe pain not only in the neck, but also in the chest and hands. and the waist.
diagnosis
Only a qualified doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment. As a rule, this is a neurologist, but in some cases it may be necessary to make an additional appointment with the following specialists: vertebrologist, endocrinologist, oncologist, orthopedist, traumatologist or neurosurgeon.
During the appointment, the doctor collects an anamnesis - the main complaints and symptoms of the patient, injuries, the presence of chronic diseases and additional information related to it. Next, the doctor determines the mobility, sensitivity and muscle tension of the patient's neck. To get more accurate information, the patient is given diagnostic tests using special equipment:
- radiography (X-ray);
- computed tomography (CT);
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis depends on the age characteristics of the patient, as well as the degree of degenerative-dystrophic changes of the discs between the vertebrae. Therefore, the treatment is always developed individually for the patient and is always aimed at solving the following problems:
- elimination of worsening symptoms;
- improvement of blood circulation;
- increase in metabolic processes;
- elimination of degenerative-dystrophic changes in discs;
- Reduction of complications of cervical osteochondrosis.
At each stage of the development of the disease, its own treatment measures are used:
- 1st stage - it is enough to do physiotherapeutic exercises, adjust lifestyle;
- 2nd stage - it is necessary to additionally include medication, manual therapy, use of orthopedic devices.
It should be understood that a complete change of degenerative-dystrophic processes is impossible, especially with the diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the 2nd or higher stage. In these situations, it is necessary to improve well-being with the help of treatment and prevent the progression of the disease. It is possible to correct, sometimes, the first stage of cervical osteochondrosis, when the developmental pathology is rarely diagnosed. Because patients perceive minor neck discomfort as too much and do not go to the doctor.
In severe cases, treatment with cervical osteochondrosis of the spine will be difficult and long. Periodic examinations are carried out under the supervision of a neurologist to adjust the treatment, depending on the current changes in the patient's well-being.
lifestyle correction
All patients diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the cervical region should increase physical activity, take breaks for sports training during sedentary work. If the patient, on the contrary, is actively engaged in sports, then he should reduce the physical load on the neck, refuse running, wrestling, jumping, weightlifting.
Overweight people are advised to take additional measures to reduce it by adjusting their diet so that the diet is healthy and meets the needs of the body. The menu should be designed so that the food is protein, and half of it is vegetables and fruits.
Medical treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Drug therapy is mainly aimed at eliminating the symptoms of neck pain due to osteochondrosis of the spine. The complex nature of the therapy is developed individually for the patient and includes the use of different groups of drugs that solve their problems.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a group of drugs that have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. They can be in tablets and capsules, as well as in the form of creams, ointments and gels, and in case of severe pain, they are used intramuscularly for administration of solutions.
The disadvantage of using drugs is irritation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum, which can interfere with the functioning of the organs due to gastritis and ulcers. To mitigate the risks with NSAIDs, proton pump inhibitors are prescribed in combination.
To reduce pain and inflammation in osteochondrosis, diclofenac sodium or piroxicam is used as an active ingredient. They have a gentle effect on the digestive tract. Now drugs have been developed that are characterized by selective action.
Corticosteroids and blockade
Corticosteroids are hormonal drugs prescribed in short courses for severe patients with severe inflammatory processes. They can cause unwanted effects with long-term use, so they are administered as injections to avoid side effects and to be more easily absorbed.
Corticosteroids are often used in combination with anesthetics when performing blockades. A mixture prepared to relieve severe pain syndrome is injected into the points near the spinal nerves. The procedure is carried out by medically trained workers in clinics. Blockade doctors recommend doing it four times a year.
Muscle relaxants
Muscle relaxants are drugs to eliminate muscle spasms caused by acute inflammation and pain in the neck as a result of osteochondrosis.
vitamins
Osteochondrosis creates a compression of the spinal roots, so it is indicated to take B vitamins, which are involved in nerve impulses.
Chondroprotectors
Chondroprotectors - preparations for the restoration of cartilage tissue. In the early stages of cervical osteochondrosis, they really have a positive effect on the condition of the discs between the vertebrae, improving the patient's well-being. Next, they can only slow down the degenerative-dystrophic process in these discs.
Chondroprotectors are produced in capsules, powders, and also as solutions for intramuscular injection.
Medicines for local use
Gels, creams or ointments used to affect the painful area during the initial appearance of osteochondrosis in the neck. They differ in the principle of action, they can be anti-inflammatory, analgesic, warming, cooling. They often contain components such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, menthol, hot pepper, snake and bee venom.
Medicines to improve microcirculation
Medicines of this group improve the quality of blood circulation, which is especially necessary for vertebral artery syndrome. They promote vasodilation, improve brain nutrition and eliminate tinnitus, headache, dizziness.
Exercise therapy
Therapeutic exercise is the main method of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine. The complex of physiotherapeutic exercises is selected individually by a specialist, taking into account the patient's age, the presence of radicular syndrome and compression of arteries, as well as the development of existing diseases and degenerative-dystrophic changes. Goals of physiotherapy:
- strengthening of shoulder girdle and neck muscles;
- activation of blood circulation;
- Normalization of muscle tone.
This should be done daily with a specialist who will help you choose the load, develop an optimal program, taking into account the patient's physical condition.
It is important to perform all physical education exercises slowly, without sudden head movements and in comfortable conditions. In case of pain in the neck, exercise should be stopped immediately and then consult a doctor to correct the treatment program.
Swimming has a positive effect on the condition of the cervical spine, during which classes are not associated with physical stress on the intervertebral discs, but the neck muscles work actively. As a result, the muscle corset that supports the spine is strengthened. Patients with osteochondrosis are shown to bathe two to three times a week.
Manual therapy of cervical osteochondrosis
Manual therapy is an effective way to treat osteochondrosis because it affects the muscles and the spine. The specialist must have a higher education, a medical license in manual therapy and must have experience to understand the anatomy and features of osteochondrosis.
self massage
To improve well-being, patients can self-massage their neck to relieve fatigue and pain.
Physiotherapy treatment
Physiotherapy is indicated if there is no inflammatory process. Prescribe a course consisting of 10-15 procedures, which are selected individually.
- Electrophoresis - electric current is used to ensure deep penetration of drugs.
- Magnetotherapy - to activate blood circulation and stimulate metabolic processes. In addition, these sessions act against pain and eliminate swelling.
- Laser therapy - works against the inflammatory process and expands blood vessels, which reduces pain.
- Ultrasound therapy is a method that reduces the sensitivity of nerve endings and has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.
- Diadynamic currents - reduce pain, improve nutrition of tissues, eliminate inflammation.
Traction therapy
As a result of the flattening of the discs, the vertebrae come closer to each other, so traction therapy with a Gleason loop is recommended.
applicator
Iplicator is an affordable and simple tool for neck reflexology. The prickling of the spikes causes irritation of the skin, causes active blood flow, increases the efficiency of the neck and improves sleep.
Orthopedic technique
To reduce the load on the neck, it is recommended to replace the mattress and pillow with orthopedic ones, which maintain the correct position of the spine, reducing the progression of osteochondrosis. It is recommended that patients wear a removable orthopedic device - a Schanzi collar, which allows you to fix the neck, reduce the load.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
To prevent cervical osteochondrosis, you need regular warm-up, during which you change the position of the body, bend the neck and turn the head. Maintain proper posture from an early age. Engage in sports, strengthen neck and joint muscles, reduce cases of cervical osteochondrosis. Take care of your health!