Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative dystrophic disease that affects the intervertebral discs in the cervical spine. Degenerative changes usually develop in the most mobile parts of the spine, therefore, in the cervical region, due to violations in the structure of the vertebrae, nerve roots at the level of C5, C6 and C7 more often suffer.
Symptoms of Cervical Osteochondrosis
One of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis is a compressive, pressing headache, often radiating to the temples.
The clinical manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis are subdivided into reflex and radicular.
reflex symptoms
Patients are concerned about what is 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 assume a forced position of the head due to severe pain.
People with cervical osteochondrosis often complain of pressing or constricting headaches that can radiate to the temples and eyeballs. Sometimes eyesight can decrease, patients say everything floats before their eyes.
When the vertebral artery nerve plexus 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 in the clinic of cervical osteochondrosis is the cardialgia, in which the patient has sensations that resemble an attack of angina pectoris. Usually, this phenomenon is associated with other signs of the disease, therefore, it rarely causes difficulties in the differential diagnosis with heart diseases.
root syndromes
Root syndromes result from spinal root compression. The motor and sensory disturbances that appear in this case depend on which nerve root is affected:
- C1 - sensitivity violation in the occipital region;
- C2 - pain in the occipital and parietal regions;
- C3 - decreased sensitivity and pain in the middle of the neck where the spinal nerve was infringed, possibly violation of tongue sensitivity, speech impairment due to loss of tongue control;
- C4 - decreased sensitivity and pain in the shoulder-scapular region, decreased muscle tone in the head and neck, possible respiratory disorders, pain in the liver and heart;
- C5 - pain and impaired sensitivity on the external surface of the shoulder;
- C6 - pain extending from the neck to the scapula, forearm, external aspect of the shoulder, radial aspect of the forearm to the thumb;
- C7 - pain extending from the neck to the scapula, back of the shoulder, forearm to the II - IV fingers of the hand, impaired sensitivity in this area.
- C8 - pain and sensory impairment disseminated 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 gradual treatment. The therapy aims to eliminate pain and combat the inflammatory process in the affected area.
Patients are given 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 delay the destruction of cartilage tissue. Many doctors believe that the use of these medications also promotes cartilage tissue regeneration.
The use of external ointments and gels containing non-steroidal irritants or anti-inflammatory drugs is ineffective. The drug that is part of its composition will hardly reach the affected area due to the barrier of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscles. However, it makes sense to use these external agents, as when they are rubbed against the skin, a neck massage is performed.
To improve the regenerative and metabolic processes in the affected nerve root, patients are prescribed group B vitamins. Very often, doctors recommend a combined vitamin preparation, which is given intramuscularly.
Non-drug methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis include acupuncture, hirudotherapy, physical therapy, exercise therapy, massage, and manual therapy.
In severe cases, surgical treatment may be necessary.
Prophylaxis
Daily gymnastics for the cervical spine is a good prevention of osteochondrosis.
Preventing the development of cervical osteochondrosis is not difficult. It is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, play sports or at least do morning exercise.
An important role in disease prevention is played by the correct organization of the workplace and the way of work and rest. People with sedentary work need to do a little warm-up several times during the workday and, during work, monitor posture and head position.
It's also important to choose a good, comfortable mattress and pillow to sleep on. People with spinal disorders are advised to use special orthopedic products.
which doctor to contact
Patients with osteochondrosis of the spine are monitored by a neurologist. There are many doctors from other specialties who help patients with this disease: specialists in physiotherapy exercises and massages, osteopaths, manual and reflex therapists, physiotherapists and others.