Cervical osteochondrosis

Few modern people have heard of osteochondrosis. Most of them have experienced the symptoms of this disease several times. Widespread disease is associated with prolonged sitting at a computer, a passive lifestyle, poor nutrition, and so on. Sh. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is manifested by pain, muscle weakness, limited movement, and a range of other symptoms.

Do not ignore the signs of osteochondrosis, because the sooner you start treatment the faster you will get rid of the disease. In the initial stages, conservative therapy is carried out: medication, exercise therapy, physiotherapy, massage, etc. Sh. Surgery is prescribed in case of complications and destruction of the bone-cartilage structure.

what is

Osteochondrosis of the neck is a pathology that is found only in humans. Animals do not experience it. This is caused by the vertical position of the spine. In this condition the vertebrae contract together, leading to the fact that the intervertebral discs are gradually destroyed.

The cervical region consists of 7 vertebrae separated by discs. This segment of the spine is quite mobile, making it one of the most vulnerable places in the spine. The weakest link in the cervical spine is the intervertebral disc, which primarily reflects degenerative-dystrophic changes.

The prevalence of cervical osteochondrosis is also explained by the weak corset of the neck muscles. In addition, small vertebrates are located in this area, they have a different structure and overlap tightly with each other. This is why even a small load on the neck can cause them to move, as well as compress blood vessels and nerve branches. Stretching of the vertebral artery, which is located in this area inside the spine, can lead to dangerous complications.

Cervical spine osteochondrosis (CS) presents with a rash (movement of the pulp nucleus without damage to the outer membrane) and a disc herniation. These formations compress the nerve bundle, the blood vessels.

Due to degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, the likelihood of bone formation (osteophytes) in the area of the vertebral joints increases. Because of this, the intervertebral canal narrows and neurovascular formations are compressed.

Reference. According to medical statistics, people over the age of 35 are more likely to suffer from cervical osteochondrosis. However there is now a rejuvenation of the pathology that often develops in patients over the age of 20 years. This is mainly caused by a sedentary lifestyle and improper diet.

Doctors identified 4 stages of pathology:

• 1 degree - The cartilage between the vertebrates begins to collapse. At this point the disease has removed the symptoms. Unfortunately, patients do not notice them.
• 2 degrees - with the pressure of the spine, the height of the disc decreases, the integrity of its outer membrane is violated. A rash may appear at this point. Pain occurs, neck mobility is limited, and facial sensitivity may be impaired.
• Grade 3 - The rash transforms into a hernia that narrows blood vessels and muscles. In addition to pain syndrome, there is pain in the back of the head, dizziness.
• 4 degrees - Osteophytes are formed, which stabilize the vertebrae, but cut the nerve fibers. The pain does not disappear, there is a firmness of movement, the neighboring vertebrae are damaged and neurological symptoms appear.

It is important to start treatment in stages 1-2 to avoid serious complications that can only be corrected surgically.

ᲛReasons

Osteochondrosis SHOP is a complex and lengthy process that can occur under the influence of many negative factors.

For example, in older people the disease is associated with age-related changes in the body. Then there are degenerative-dystrophic changes as a result of local circulatory disorders, metabolic processes, weakening of immunity.

However, doctors have identified the main causes of cervical osteochondrosis:

• Poor posture.
• Curvature of the spinal column.
• Injuries to the cervical segment.
• Excess weight.
• Tiring physical labor.
• Long sitting at the computer.
• Passive lifestyle.
• Disruption of metabolic processes.
• Frequent hypothermia of the neck.
• Improper organization of the sleeping area (too soft mattress, high pillow).
• Frequent stress, chronic fatigue.
• Congenital pathologies of the SHOP structure.
• Autoimmune diseases that cause cartilage degeneration.
• Infections.
• Characteristics of body parts such as very long or short neck.

Under the influence of these factors, the interstitial structures, bone tissues begin to collapse, damaging the nerve bundle and blood vessels.

Symptoms

The clinical picture of cervical osteochondrosis (OSHOP) is diverse. For this reason, patients find it difficult to understand what is happening to them. They attribute the early manifestations of the disease to overwork. After the onset of symptoms, they rush to the doctor, but in this case irreversible changes are already observed and it will no longer be possible to restore the structure of the cervical spine.

The main symptoms of cervical spine osteochondrosis:

• Painful sensations in the neck, shoulders.
• Weakening of the muscles surrounding the damaged segment of the spine.
• Excessive sweating.
• Impaired sensitivity of the upper extremities.
• Violation of movement coordination.
• Cephalalgia (pain in the head).
• Vertigo (dizziness).
• Hearing and vision disorders.
• Increase in blood pressure and a. Sh.

The nature of headaches during osteochondrosis is different: paroxysmal, persistent, pulsating, dull. This symptom is manifested due to spasm of blood vessels in the brain, compression of the nerve bundles of the cervical spine, and increased intracranial pressure.

With OSHOP the pain is not always manifested in the cervical segment, it can spread to the shoulders and arms. Discomfort can occur after sleep, sudden movement, neck tension, for example, when coughing or wheezing.

With SHOP osteochondrosis, an increase in blood pressure is observed due to the time of day, persistent hypertension is not characteristic of the pathology. Usually, with the increase of pressure, the following manifestations are observed: cephalalgia, pain in the hands, numbness of the cervical region. A drop in pressure is often observed after nervous or muscle tension, after prolonged uncomfortable posture.

Cervical osteochondrosis syndromes

Several syndromes (a typical condition accompanied by characteristic symptoms) are observed in OSHOP. Their manifestation depends on which nerve branches and vessels are damaged.

Cervical osteochondrosis syndromes:

• Spinal artery - arises as a result of compression or irritation of an artery that feeds the brain. The patient then suffers from hearing loss, vision, dizziness, drop in pressure, migraine and so on. Sh.
• Cardiac - develops when a nerve bundle that innervates the diaphragm or chest muscle is compressed. Then there is a burning pain in the chest, shortness of breath, weakness, increased heart rate.
• Hypertensive - is caused by compression of the veins, which prevents the flow of blood. Then the intracranial pressure rises, the patient suffers from cephalalgia, nausea, vomiting.
• Cervical migraine - occurs due to compression of the nerves that surround the vertebral artery. Then there is a painful migraine-like pain in the back of his head. The attack lasts about 10 hours and is often accompanied by an eruption of vomit.
• Sciatica is the most common symptomatic complex in OSHOP. This is caused by compression of one of the nerves in the cervical spine. If the conduction of 1 - 2 feet of the cervix is impaired, sensitivity is impaired or there is pain in the back of the head. If 3 pairs are damaged, the tongue becomes numb, behind the ears, a person has difficulty chewing food. 4 pairs of root inflammation is accompanied by sore throat, slurry, difficulty swallowing. If 5 - 8 pairs of nerve bundles are impaired, then the patient has difficulty moving his hands.

Reference. Often, cervical osteochondrosis manifests itself in several symptomatic complexes simultaneously, then the diagnosis is difficult. Therefore, you do not need to find out for yourself, it is better to contact a specialist.

Make a diagnosis

If you do not know what to do in case of suspicious symptoms, it is best to consult a therapist immediately. If necessary, the doctor will refer you to an orthopedist, vertebrologist, neurologist.

The following instrumental studies are used in diagnostic research:

• Radiography.
• Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
• Electroneuromyography.

All of the above studies provide some information about the cervical spine. For example, X-ray, CT, MRI are used to detect abnormal changes in the structure of the spine. Electromyography allows you to assess the condition of nerve fibers.

With the help of radiography, which is carried out in different projections, it is possible to detect the accumulation of calcium salts, the decrease in the height of cartilage mediators between vertebrates, the deformation of the CS, the presence of bone formations, and so on. Sh. .

Treatment

OSHOP therapy should be comprehensive. The decision to choose the technique is made by the doctor, taking into account the stage, form and severity of symptoms.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is long and difficult. It is unlikely that it will be possible to fully cure the pathology, especially when it comes to an elderly patient. However, it is quite possible to stop degenerative-dystrophic disorders in the cervical segment at any stage.

In the early stages of the disease conservative methods are used: medications, therapeutic gymnastics, physiotherapy procedures, massage, orthopedic devices. Most of the methods listed above can be used at home.

In stages 3-4, accompanied by destruction of not only the cartilage but also the vertebral bodies, surgical intervention may be necessary.

The following medications can help relieve pain, inflammation, relax tense muscles, and improve cartilage tissue condition:

• Painkillers. If the pain is severe, you can help yourself by taking painkillers. For the same purpose, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used, which allow you to deal not only with pain, but also with inflammation.
• Steroids stop inflammation and pain. For this purpose, glucocorticoid-based preparations are used in the form of tablets or ointments.
• Muscle relaxants help to relax spasmodic muscles around the injured area. Parenteral administration solutions based on glycerol or benzimidazole are used for this purpose. They normalize muscle tone and relieve pain.
• Antispasmodics help relieve pain and muscle cramps.
• Vitamins accelerate the recovery of the nervous system. For this purpose, drugs are taken based on the elements of groups B, A, C, D, E. Vitamin-mineral complexes are quite effective.

Reference. If the pain syndrome is very severe and oral analgesics do not help, then your doctor may prescribe therapeutic blockade. Injections using anesthetic or steroid solutions are placed directly in the focus of the pathology. This procedure should only be performed by an experienced technician.

As part of complex therapy, creams, gels, ointments with anti-inflammatory, warming, analgesic effects are used.

Therapeutic exercises are prescribed to alleviate the condition of patients, to improve physical exercise. Exercise helps strengthen the muscles around the neck, improves metabolic processes, speeds up blood circulation and relieves stress on a weakened spine.

Gymnastics is especially popular in OSHOP, which is usually held in the gym using special simulators. However, if you wish, you can exercise at home.

Exercise therapy complex for cervical osteochondrosis:

• Gently rest your head on your shoulder, lock for 30 seconds, then repeat the movement in the other direction.
• Lean your head forward, try to bring your chin to your chest, then lift up and slightly forward.
• Lower your head slightly back, turn to the right, and then to the left shoulder.
• Press the left shoulder with the right hand, slightly raising the elbow. Then turn your head to the right, stop, feel the muscle tension.
• This exercise is done like the third, just lift your arms over your head and lock it.
• Hands on knees, spread them, try to connect the shoulder blades, at the same time lift the chin up. So you work out the chest area.
• Stand up, lower your arms, stretch your neck forward, try to touch your chin to your shoulder.

Before the workout you need to warm up the joint and take a shower to relax the muscles. Stretch after completing the complex.

You can treat osteochondrosis of the neck with the help of physiotherapy:

• UHF.
• Laser therapy.
• Magnetotherapy.
• Electrophoresis with drugs and a. Sh.

Magnetotherapy relieves inflammation, pain. UHF and laser treatment speeds up the metabolism in the injured side, helps to remove the swelling. Thanks to electrophoresis, the drugs reach the inflammatory focus through the skin, where they immediately show their effect.

With the help of massage, muscle tone is normalized, blood flow to the injured area is accelerated and tissue trophism is improved. Upon completion of the course, which usually consists of 10 procedures, the development of degenerative-dystrophic processes in the cervical spine stops.

At home, you can use a needle applicator - this is a plastic device that has a large number of tips. It is necessary to lie on the device or put it on the damaged area. The applicator helps relieve pain, relaxes muscles and improves blood circulation and movement.

The shank collar is used for severe pain. This orthopedic device fixes the neck in the correct position, reduces the load on the vertebrae and relieves pain.

With complex treatment the patient will be able to get rid of the degenerative disc disease of the neck forever. However, this is possible if the disease is detected in the first stage. In other cases, complex measures will help stop the development of pathology.

Cervical spine chondrosis

Many believe that chondrosis and osteochondrosis are one disease. However, this view is wrong. In the first disease, only the cartilage of the spine is damaged, while in the second, degenerative changes extend to the bone tissue. That is, chondrosis is the first stage of osteochondrosis.

Cervical spondylosis develops during the disruption of metabolic processes in the intervertebral disc. Then the collagen fibers are replaced by useless fibrous tissue, the hyaline cartilage is calcified and becomes less elastic. Its height decreases, due to which the function of the spine is impaired.

The causes of chondrosis and osteochondrosis are no different.

Cervical chondrosis has the following symptoms:

• Rapid fatigue of the muscles surrounding the SHOP.
• Poor posture.
• Recurrent discomfort or slight pain in the injured side.
• Limited mobility of the neck.

Typically, patients do not notice any symptoms of chondrosis. The disease is detected accidentally, on X-ray or MRI.

Treatment of chondrosis

The treatment plan for cervical chondrosis is slightly different from the treatment tactics for osteochondrosis. At the first disease, doctors prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and chondroprotectors. In addition, the patient should avoid excessive physical activity or prolonged sitting. It is recommended to perform therapeutic exercises, proper nutrition, abandonment of bad habits.

Additional treatment methods include massage, manual therapy. In addition, physiotherapeutic procedures such as electrophoresis, ultraviolet radiation, amplitude therapy, diadynamic therapy, balneotherapy, mud treatment have been shown. Acupuncture (acupuncture) has proven its effectiveness in the treatment of chondrosis.

Reviews

In most cases, patients are able to get rid of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis for a while, then the disease returns. This is usually caused by the patient seeking medical attention late or not following the doctor's recommendations during treatment. But there are those who have managed to cure OSHOP and no longer face its symptoms.

• "I was diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the neck in 2 stages. Doctors prescribed anti-inflammatory pills and injections. After the pain subsided I started going for a massage, did special exercises and applied a healing ointment. I felt significant relief after the course of treatment. However, after 3 months the neck pain reappeared. That's why the course should have started from the beginning. "
• "I have been living with cervical osteochondrosis for a long time. From time to time I visit a chiropractor who puts on vertebrates. But most physiotherapy exercises help me. The doctor suggested some very effective exercises that I try to do every day. But as soon as I miss a few lessons, the pain starts again. "
• "Osteochondrosis of the cervix is quite curable at an early stage. I was approached. First, doctors prescribed anti-inflammatory therapy that relieves pain and inflammation. Then the treatment was added to gymnastics, massage, acupuncture. In addition, I visited the pool, started taking vitamins and eating properly. To forget the pain forever, I had to completely change my life. The day does not pass without special exercises, but the plus is that nothing hurts and my physical shape has also improved. "I have not felt back pain for a long time and I continue to lead a healthy lifestyle. "

Key Findings

Cervical spineOsteochondrosis is an insidious disease that manifests itself with a variety of symptoms. The patient does not always understand what is actually happening to him. And when severe pain appears, he immediately goes to the doctor, but this sign indicates the presence of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical segment. In this case it will be impossible to restore the condition of the spine. Then treatment is carried out, which helps to stop the development of pathology and avoid serious consequences. Osteochondrosis therapy is a complex and lengthy process that requires patience and organization. After eliminating the pain and inflammation, the patient should regularly conduct exercise therapy, attend massages, physiotherapy procedures, use orthopedic devices, eat properly and give up harmful habits. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, maintain moderate physical activity, control weight and monitor posture. Only then will you be able to stop the pathology and live a full life.