Osteochondrosis is a dangerous and painful disease of the spine associated with degenerative dystrophic changes in the structure of 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 predominance of physical inactivity.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
There are many factors that lead to pathological changes in the spine. Often, the occurrence of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is preceded by a combination of several reasons that contribute to the dislocation and pathological destruction of the discs. These include:
- various neck injuries, including birth;
- prolonged stay in a position (driving, computer);
- hereditary predisposition;
- metabolic disorders, vitamin deficiency and hypovitaminosis;
- excessive and incorrect loads, leading to the rapid erasure of the disks;
- hormonal and autoimmune disorders;
- natural aging;
- less often - infectious diseases, hypothermia, stress, etc.
Characteristics and stages of development of the disease
The cervical region is the most mobile part of the spine. It includes seven vertebrae (C1 - C7), which are connected by elastic and resilient intervertebral discs. The latter consists of the nucleus pulposus and the fibrous ring. Due to several 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 disrupted.
- Deterioration of metabolism reduces the strength and elasticity of the fibrous ring, as a result of reducing the distance between the vertebrae.
- A decrease in the elasticity of the disc leads to an incorrect distribution of the load, which leads to protrusion of the nuclei, the formation of hernias and the curvature of the line of the spine.
- Due to the decrease in intervertebral distance, the nearby nerves and blood vessels are compressed, pain occurs and the work of other organs is interrupted.
- As a result of the friction of the vertebrae, bone growth (osteophytes) appears. The ligaments of the cervical spine are practically immobile and the symptoms of the disease become pronounced.
The treatment initiated at any stage allows to prevent irreversible changes in the structure of the spine and to avoid dangerous disturbances in the functioning of other systems of the body.
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, aggravated by physical exertion, sneezing or coughing;
- tightening of the cervical spine when turning or tilting the head;
- numbness and tingling in the hands and feet;
- dizziness and fainting regularly;
- persistent tinnitus and hearing loss;
- uncomfortable pain between the shoulder blades and in the heart region;
- feeling of general weakness and increased fatigue.
Diagnosis
If cervical osteochondrosis is suspected, it is important to have a comprehensive examination, which will help determine the state of the spine and the degree of progression of the disease. For an accurate diagnosis, the physiological examination with palpation and percussion of the neck is traditionally used, as well as the instrumental examination:
- radiography (lateral, direct);
- Computed tomography;
- Magnetic resonance image.
In order to determine the cause of the onset of the disease, ultrasound of nearby organs, an electrocardiogram of the heart, duplex scan of blood vessels, blood tests and urine may be additionally prescribed.
Methods for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Stopping pathological changes and eliminating existing manifestations of the disease is only possible 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.
The specialists select an individual therapy course for each patient, taking into account the individual characteristics of the organism, age and lifestyle. Usually, the complex includes several types of treatment at the same time, whose main objective is to eliminate the 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 that help to reduce pain and other manifestations of the disease. The patient can receive non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, B vitamins, chondroprotectants, ointments with warming effect, medicines to restore cartilage tissue and others.
- Physiotherapy.It allows to reduce pain and neutralize inflammation by means of ultrasound, laser or magnetic vibrations. In addition, manual therapy, acupuncture, electrophoresis and other procedures designed to normalize metabolic processes in the affected area and alleviate unpleasant symptoms can be included in the course of treatment for cervical osteochondrosis.
- Massage.It has a firming and relaxing effect on the cervical spine. Eliminates excessive muscle tension, increases the intensity of metabolic processes. Therapeutic massages are performed using various techniques: classical, acupressure, segmental reflex or vacuum. A good result is achieved by hardware methods to influence the cervical spine, for example, hydro massage or vibration.
- Traction.Performed once before starting treatment to release compressed blood vessels and nerve endings. During traction, the spine is stretched by means of simulators and special equipment. It provides correction of the position of the intervertebral discs and uniform distribution of the vertebrae along the entire length to normalize blood flow and correct load distribution.
- Exercise therapy.Therapeutic gymnastics is the basis for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. The regular implementation of a special set of exercises allows to restore the natural mobility of the vertebrae and to guarantee the normal nutrition of the intervertebral discs with useful substances. Therapeutic exercises usually involve flexion, twisting and other neck movements performed by the patient in the clinic or at home.
The course of treatment for cervical osteochondrosis takes a month and a half. Pain and other acute manifestations of the disease usually disappear at the end of the first week of complex therapy. In severe cases, when an intervertebral hernia or osteophytes (bone growths similar to the spine) are detected during diagnosis, the patient undergoes an operation.
Why are destructive changes in the neck dangerous?
Due to the structural characteristics (tight adjustment of the vertebrae) and the location close to the nerve and blood channels that feed the brain, cervical osteochondrosis is considered a very dangerous disease. Pathological changes in this part of the spine without timely treatment can lead to serious consequences, for example:
- violation of cerebral circulation;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- hypertonic disease;
- spinal cord and brain ischemia;
- spinal effusion;
- Breathing problems;
- loss of mobility of the spine due to growths;
- radiculopathy (compressed nerve roots);
- hearing impairment, vision and coordination;
- compression of the spinal cord;
- intervertebral hernias and so on.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
In order to maintain the health of the spine and prevent recurrence of the disease after the course of treatment, it is important to change your lifestyle. The following methods of preventing cervical osteochondrosis are proven effective:
- use of orthopedic mattress and low pillow to sleep;
- maintain the correct posture when sitting at the table and walking;
- regular heating of the neck during prolonged work on the computer;
- vitamin-rich nutrition and plenty of fluids;
- general physical activity throughout the day.
You can learn more about cervical osteochondrosis, how it is treated and prevention methods by consulting a doctor.