Even about 30 years ago, osteochondrosis was associated only with older people whose joints become inactive and hurt with each movement. However, times have changed. Today, more and more people are switching from strenuous physical labor to computer-based work, less and less control over the quality of food, and more and more often experiencing cervical osteochondrosis. It is no coincidence that osteochondrosis is called the "disease of the century" and almost all people who have reached the age of 25 experience the symptoms of this disease.
This insidious disease, starting with unpleasant pain in the neck area, very quickly causes serious consequences to hearing and vision impairment, as well as memory impairment, to its complete loss. Therefore, everyone should know the causes of osteochondrosis and consult a doctor in a timely manner during the unpleasant symptoms of the disease. We will talk about them in this article.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Paradoxically, all of our problems with the cervical spine begin in early childhood, or rather in elementary school, where a child’s posture deteriorates and scoliosis develops. It is at this point that the spinal system is disrupted by the spine, in particular by its thinnest and most vulnerable part - the cervix. The second major factor in cervical osteochondrosis, which originates in early childhood, is inadequate physical training, namely, spinal muscle weakness, and so on. წ. A muscle corset designed to enhance the spine.These are the two most important causes of the disease. All other heavy loads are for the weakened spine, which provokes the development of the disease in quite young and healthy people. First of all, this includes a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity, in particular work, which is associated with staying in one position for a long time. This is most common for drivers and office workers who sit at the computer in shifts. All this is complemented by excess weight, which seriously increases the load on the spine.
Other causes of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Spinal cord injuries;
- metabolic disorders;
- hereditary predisposition;
- great physical activity;
- constant nervous tension and stress;
- cervical spine abnormalities;
- Bad habits (holding the phone to the ear and shoulders).
Development of osteochondrosis
These adverse factors eventually lead to an increase in cervical spine load. Attempts to compensate for the overload on the neck muscles cause their spasm, which leads to disruption of blood circulation in this area and a decrease in metabolic processes. All this leads to the development of degenerative processes in the spine. First of all, the back of the spine begins to thin and convert, attaching their contents (annulus fibrosus) to the outside of the spine. This protrusion is called protrusion by doctors.
In the case of protrusion, the annulus fibrosis still maintains its integrity, but the exudate already suffocates the blood vessels and nerves that run along the spinal column and feed the brain. Moreover, the connective and deformed vertebrae begin to weaken the roots of the peripheral nerves, leading to e. g. წ. The development of "radicular syndrome", which manifests itself in the form of severe pain in the back and neck. If you can not detect the problem (the unpleasant symptoms of which will be a clear signal) and do not start treatment for osteochondrosis, the fibrous ring will rupture and a spinal hernia will appear. In this case, there will be serious problems with the nutrition of the brain.Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
During its development the disease goes through several stages, each of which has its own characteristic signs and symptoms. It should also be noted that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine differs from degenerative changes in other parts of the spine. The distance between the spines is minimal, so even small degenerative changes cause unpleasant symptoms and lead to various complications.
1. Grade I Osteochondrosis
This is a preclinical stage of the disease in which the patient experiences mild pain and discomfort while turning, as well as tension and fatigue in the neck and back during prolonged stay in one position (more often in a sitting position). At this point, osteochondrosis is perfectly treated with lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and regular exercise.
2. Grade II osteochondrosis
At this point, instability arises between the neck vertebrae. In this case the person suffers from severe pain radiating to the shoulder, neck or arm. The pain increases significantly when the head is tilted or twisted, as the nerve endings begin to weaken due to a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae. The patient quickly begins to get tired, his action diminishes, he shows destruction, forgetfulness and he suffers from headaches.
3. Grade III osteochondrosis
With the onset of the third stage of the disease, the pain in the back and neck becomes even stronger, the mobility of the neck is noticeably reduced, and the cracking of the spine is heard when the neck is turned. At night the patient stops holding fingers (primarily the little finger and ring), causing the person to wake up several times during the night. Such patients have an unpleasant heaviness in their hands throughout the day. And even a short conversation on the phone, in which a person is forced to hold a mobile to the ear, leads to an unpleasant tingling and numbness of the fingers. All of this indicates an increase in protrusion, and possibly the appearance of a hernia in the cervical spine.
4. Grade IV osteochondrosis
In the last stage of the disease, the vertebral discs are destroyed, which stop performing their functions and begin to replace it with connective tissue. A patient in this condition may have a lack of coordination of movement, there may be noise and debilitating pulsation in the ears, intensified headaches, decreased visual acuity and hearing. In some cases, numbness of the tongue may occur.
It should also be noted that due to the compression of blood vessels, blood circulation in the brain is disrupted. Because of this, the patient develops neurotic disorders such as insomnia, nervousness, irritability and dissatisfaction, frequent mood swings, and inability to concentrate. Outbreaks of anger or fear may occur periodically, and melancholy and depression may trigger seizures.
Acute vascular spasms in the later stages of osteochondrosis can lead to the appearance of "flies" in front of the eyes, a feeling of solid surface instability, severe dizziness, migraine, nausea, vomiting, and frequent dizziness.
Diagnosis of the disease
To determine the cause of the pathology, the patient describes to the doctor the unpleasant symptoms of his condition. After listening to the patient, the specialist sends him to one of the following methods of research.
1. Radiography. Currently, this diagnostic method is considered uninformative, especially in the later stages of disease development.
2. Ultrasound duplex scan. This method is used in cases where a specialist considers abnormal blood flow to the arteries that supply the brain. The study shows the speed of blood circulation and determines whether there are obstacles in its path.
3. CT (computed tomography). This method is more informative than radiography because it not only reveals the problem but also allows you to determine the presence and size of the hernia, albeit with difficulty.
4. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). The most informative method of diagnosing osteochondrosis today, by which you can see the bone structures, the presence of hernias and even the direction of their development.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Immediately say that to solve such a serious problem as cervical osteochondrosis, you should contact a neurologist. True, if the clinic has a vertebrologist, it is best to contact him first.
Osteochondrosis can only be treated in a complex way. The set of methods used includes medication therapy, neck and neck massage, exercise therapy, physiotherapy methods as well as proper nutrition. Only a combination of all these methods will help to cope with the disease and normalize the well-being of the patient.
Help with severe pain
In case of severe pain, doctors recommend taking medications such as analgin, baralgin or tempalgin. When these medications no longer give you relief, you can switch to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
In general terms, drug therapy includes the following remedies:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These remedies relieve pain, relieve swelling and deal with inflammation of nerve roots.
- Chondroprotectors. Such drugs perfectly repair damaged cartilage tissue.
- Vitamins of group B. They are essential for improving metabolic processes in nervous tissues.
- Muscle relaxants. These medications work to reduce muscle spasms.
- Drugs that improve the rheological properties of blood. Thanks to such means, the supply of oxygen and food to the brain and nerve endings is improved.
It should also be noted that it is possible to achieve a tangible effect in the fight against osteochondrosis with the help of materials and tablets only if drug treatment is combined with other methods of therapy. Otherwise, the drugs will have only temporary effects.
Many specialists have treated osteochondrosis with injections to quickly act on the nerve endings and save the patient from side effects while taking the pill. However, it is better to take vitamins orally, because vitamins are well absorbed by the body by any method of intake, but injection with them can be painful.
Physiotherapy treatment
Medication treatment should be combined with physiotherapy methods. The most effective for this disease are:
- Electrophoresis (with drugs). In this case the medication reaches the damaged spine under the influence of electric current.
- Ultrasound. This method of exposure allows you to eliminate the inflammatory process, relieve pain and improve metabolic processes in tissues.
- Magnetotherapy. This type of physiotherapy relieves swelling and pain.
- Laser therapy. It is an excellent method of anti-inflammatory and improves blood circulation.
diet for osteochondrosis
Reconstruction of the affected spine also contains a special diet that normalizes metabolic processes in the body, prevents the accumulation of salt, tightens and restores cartilage tissue and strengthens the ligaments between the vertebral discs.
To achieve this, the following should be excluded from the patient's diet:
- Alcoholic beverages;
- fatty and fried foods;
- Spicy and very salty foods;
- strong broth;
- weaknesses and baked goods;
- strong tea and coffee;
- pickles and marinades;
- Canned food.
The diet of a patient with osteochondrosis should consist of the following foods:
- lean meats and fish;
- skim milk, cottage cheese and kefir;
- butter (small amount);
- cereals and soups;
- jelly meat, fish or meat asp;
- vegetables, fruits and berries;
- Juices, fruit drinks, jellies and compotes.
When osteochondrosis is localized in the cervical spine, it is necessary to follow a drinking regime, drinking at least 1. 5 liters of water a day. If you are overweight, then you need to think about how to get rid of those extra pounds that cause extra stress on the spine. It is advisable to switch to meals 5 times a day in small portions.
At the same time, as the list of allowed foods shows, the basis of food should be low-fat vegetarian soups, cooked lean meats, fish, seafood, unsweetened vegetables and fruits.
The sample menu for the day looks like this:
- Breakfast: cottage cheese, a couple of apples, tea without sugar;
- Lunch: baked pear, oatmeal cookie;
- Lunch: Vegetarian borscht, boiled chicken with vegetable salad;
- Afternoon breakfast: dry biscuits and fruit juice;
- Dinner: Baked fish with vegetables and tea without sugar.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis
Physical education has tremendous results in the treatment of osteochondrosis, although cervical exercise can only be done during recovery. Here it is important that the patient does not experience discomfort and pain during the massage or gymnastics process.
Here are some of the most effective gymnastics exercises aimed at strengthening the neck muscles and improving blood circulation in this area.
Exercise # 1
Lying on your stomach and with your hands on the floor, slowly raise your head and body so that your back is straight. Hold this position for 1 minute, then return to the starting position. The item is repeated 2-3 times.
Exercise # 2
Lie on your stomach and stretch your arms along your body, lift your head slightly and start turning it first to the right, try to touch the floor with your ear, then to the left. Make 6 turns in each direction.
Exercise # 3
Sit on the floor, inhale, lean forward, try to reach the chest with your chin and as soon as you exhale, return to the starting position and tilt your head back. Repeat the item 10-15 times.
Exercise # 4
Place your hands on your forehead and try to press hard on your head. At the same time, when straining the neck muscles, resist the hands, avoiding bending over. Hold the pressure for 20-30 seconds, then lower your arms and relax. Repeat the item 2-3 times, then repeat the exercise in the opposite direction, bringing your hands to the back of your head.
Exercise # 5
Start slowly turning your head to the right and left, try to look back. Make 10 turns on each side.