Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of articular cartilage tissues, which can be localized in any joint, as well as in the intervertebral disc.The cervical spine is subject 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 worsens and pain appears in the cervical spine.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis is an unbalanced and excessive load on the cervical spine.The load can occur due to excess weight, prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position or during 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 poisoning, injuries and age-related changes.
Currently, there is no exact data on the causes of degenerative diseases of the spine.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);
- vertebral 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:
- Stage 1 – destruction of osteochondral tissue occurs.During this phase, patients do not notice the symptoms of the disease.It can be discomfort, pain in the cervical spine, pain during movement.
- Stage 2 – MRI reveals protrusions of the intervertebral discs, compression of the spinal roots (radicular syndrome).The changes that occur cause pain in the cervical spine, radiating to the shoulder and upper limbs.Associated symptoms include increased fatigue, headaches and difficulty concentrating.
- Step 3 – the painful sensations increase and are permanent, radiating to the upper part of the body.There is numbness in the hands, weakness in the muscles of the upper extremities, and one side of the body is often affected.
- Stage 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 the nerve roots, which is manifested by pain, sensory disturbances and muscle weakness;
- numbness appears in the upper extremities;
- pain in the cervical region radiating to the occipital region of the head, dizziness.
Diagnosis
The examination includes collecting the patient's anamnestic data, complaints, examination and palpation of the cervical spine, and assessment of the neurological status.To determine the changes present and the stage of the disease, digital x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography and Doppler ultrasound of the main arteries of the brain (USGD) are performed.Diagnosis allows the specialist to create an effective treatment regimen.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
To obtain the most positive results and slow down the progression of the disease, comprehensive treatment is carried out.Treatment combines drug therapy with physiotherapeutic procedures, massage, acupuncture, manual therapy, hardware traction of the cervical spine and therapeutic exercises.
Shants collar
During the period of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, the use of a special orthopedic device is prescribed - the Shants collar.The main purpose of the product is to fix the cervical spine in the correct position.
Surgical treatment
Surgical intervention is indicated in cases where medication and physical intervention are unavoidable.People resort to it 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 expand 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.
Massage is performed when the pain decreases or regresses, in the stabilization phase.
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, magnetic therapy, ultrasound using glucocorticoids, magnetic laser and SMT with anesthetic are prescribed.
Basic exercises for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Basic exercises for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis:
- and.n.- lying face down, palms resting on the floor, arms stretched, the upper part of the body must be raised, arching the back, stay for a few minutes;
- E.n.– lying face down, arms stretched along the body, you must turn your head to the left - to the right, trying to reach the floor with your ear;
- E. pg.– sitting on the floor, inhale – lean forward towards your chest, exhale – lean back, throwing your head back.
Manual therapy
The influence of the chiropractor's hands on the spine makes it possible to increase the distance between the vertebrae, as a result of which the load is reduced.Prescribed by the attending physician after x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography.
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 an anti-inflammatory effect is used.
Medicines:
- NSAIDs.
- Muscle relaxants.
- Diuretics.
- Opioid analgesics.
- Therapeutic drug blocks with anesthetics or corticosteroids and medications that correct blood microcirculation.
- Metabolic therapy (B vitamins, thioctic acid preparations).
- Medicines that improve the conduction of nerve impulses.
Additionally, chondroprotectors may be prescribed to improve the regeneration process.
Disease prevention
Prevention should consist in lifestyle correction - playing sports (swimming, yoga, fitness) to form a muscular corset, warm the cervical spine, create comfortable sleeping conditions (comfortable mattress and pillow).
To prevent exacerbation, it is necessary to carry out a preventive course of massage in the cervical collar area and back 2 times a year, acupuncture and hardware traction of the cervical spine.
All of these procedures are performed on an inpatient and outpatient basis.