Cervical osteochondrosis: causes, symptoms and treatment

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a progressive process of dystrophy, disruption of the intervertebral discs.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are characterized by severe pain in the neck, head, shoulders and affect everyone, regardless of age.

DESCRIPTION OF OSTEOCHONDROSIS

Osteochondrosis of the neck has become much younger. Young people have suffered from it since adolescence. The neck is the weakest area of ​​the spine. Seven vertebrae meet quite tightly, and the muscle skeleton is less developed than the rest of the sections. The neck is under great stress as it supports the skull and is in constant motion.

What is cervical osteochondrosis? The intervertebral discs are nourished by diffusion from the adjacent tissues. The deterioration of the blood supply to the tissues surrounding the vertebrae leads to a deficiency in nutrition and water. Starvation of the disc nucleus and fibrosus ring leads to degenerative processes.

Overgrowth of bone tissue near the vertebrae, pinched intervertebral discs, and pinched nerves and ligaments first appear as signs of decreased performance. The high intensity pain is initially concentrated in the neck, head, shoulders, heart, arms, upper chest, moving to the lower extremities. Each of the seven vertebrae sends signals to other departments. Compressed nerve roots affect the condition of other bodily systems.

Osteochondrosis is particularly dangerous for the brain. The vertebral artery that runs here performs the function of providing blood supply to the posterior parts of the brain. Pinching it leads to headaches, often progressing to migraines, not subject to pain relievers. Osteochondrosis of the neck may be accompanied by dizziness, visual and hearing disturbances, nausea, and vomiting. Later, pharyngeal symptoms appear, sudden fainting due to a lack of oxygen supply to the brain. Compression of the vertebral artery causes ischemia of the spinal cord and brain. A worsening of the process causes a stroke.

BASIC PROCESS FOR THE ILLNESS

Osteochondrosis of the neck should be considered from the side of the interaction of physiological and pathological factors:

• physiological process:the aging of the cartilage of the spine is due to irreversible natural causes. Changes occur in the central part of the intervertebral disc. The process of age-related changes in the body leads to the replacement of the pulp with fibrous tissue;
• pathological process:there are degenerative changes in the intervertebral structures, destruction of the surrounding vessels and nodes. The changes occur outside the cartilage itself, there is compression of blood vessels, irritation of nerve endings. A person experiences dysalgia, pain symptoms of a local, reflective nature.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine takes on a pathological form when physiological aging is replaced by a pathological process. First, the body's compensatory and protective mechanisms are triggered, eliminating the disease. Therefore, osteochondrosis can pass or occur only sporadically. But this function is not permanent.

The progression of the disease, expressed by the compression of vascular and nerve structures, is accompanied by the following processes:

• spondylolisthesis, in which the spinal disc slips. Even a slight displacement leads to the development of paralysis. Serious displacement is fatal;
• the nucleus pulposus is impregnated with calcium salts. This leads to malnutrition of the disc, provokes the formation of a hernia;
• an intervertebral hernia formed due to the protrusion of the intervertebral disc between the vertebrae. Ignoring therapeutic measures leads to flaccid paralysis;
• the appearance of microcracks on the fibrous ring, the development of protrusion. The intervertebral disc exceeds its limits;
• spondylosis, which means wear and tear on the vertebrae. Osteophytes appear - growths of bone tissue in the form of hooks and thorns, localized on the sides of the vertebral bodies. There is severe pain and, as a result, stiffness of movement.

REASONS FOR THE APPEARANCE OF NECK OSTECHONDROSIS

An increased load on the cervical spine leads to an attempt by the body to compensate for the condition. This is how muscle spasms, deterioration of blood circulation, deformities begin. The structure of the vertebrae itself changes. The cause can also be progressive discosis resulting from prolonged physical exertion.

The main factors provoking the appearance of cervical osteochondrosis:

• hypodynamia;
• weakened immune system;
• excessive physical activity;
• presence of spinal injuries;
• nutritional deficiency of essential substances, obesity;
• postural problems (scoliosis, flat feet, rheumatism);
• hereditary factor;
• autoimmune diseases that cause the degeneration of cartilage;
• stress, prolonged nervous tension;
• climatic factor, cold and humidity;
• congenital anomalies of the spine.

The main causes of osteochondrosis are the disproportionate load distribution on the spine, too weak muscle corset. People over the age of 30 are most at risk, especially if their day is spent sitting for a long time.

STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT

The progression of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can be divided into several stages:

• first, preclinical.It is characterized by slight deformations of the vertebrae, the softness of cervical lordosis. Pain is felt with sudden movements of the head, fatigue occurs. The development of the disease can be prevented without medication. You need to balance your diet, choose exercises and take preventative measures;
• second.An unstable state is established between the vertebrae. There are offsets of the vertebrae relative to each other, torsion - rotation around the spine. The pain that intensifies with the movement of the neck from time to time radiates to the shoulders and arms. The height of the intervertebral discs decreases, which leads to pinching of the nerves. It is characterized by signs such as distraction, fatigue, headaches;
• third step.The height of the intervertebral disc is reduced by a quarter compared to the upper disc. Deformities begin to appear in the intervertebral joints. There is a decrease in the lumen of the intervertebral foramen, the canal of the spine. Severe pain is felt all the time. The muscles of the arms begin to numb due to the appearance of the formation of intervertebral disc herniations. The cervical spine loses its flexibility. The patient feels dizzy, weak.

The height of the intervertebral disc is considerably reduced. The intervertebral discs are destroyed and replaced by connective tissue. Large osteophytes form at the back of the cervical spine. The spinal canal narrows a lot, causing the development of myelopathy. The patient's condition worsens, accompanied by impaired coordination, dizziness, severe pain, tinnitus.

SYMPTOMS

The symptomatic picture of the cervical lesion differs from the disorders in other parts. This is due to the denser arrangement of the vertebrae relative to each other. Due to the small height of the intervertebral discs, the clinic begins to manifest itself even with mild pathologies. Signs of injury vary depending on which of the eight nerve roots is affected. There is a nerve under each of the seven vertebrae and its compression has its own symptoms.

Problems in the first two vertebrae affect the tenderness of the occiput. The pain is localized in the occipital parietal region. The defeat of the nerve ending of the third vertebra is rare. Symptoms are manifested by numbness of the pinched area, tongue, speech problems. The fourth root signals a problem with pain and numbness in the collarbone, shoulder. Can create breathing difficulties, pain in the heart. The disease of the fifth segment causes pain in the shoulders, a decrease in the sensitivity of the limbs.

Lesions of the sixth and seventh vertebrae are the most common in patients. The neck, shoulder blades, forearms, lower back, back suffer. There is numbness in the hands and fingers. Pathological changes in the eighth nerve root are characterized by the spread of pain to the lower extremities. There is a loss of sensitivity of the skin, the little fingers of the hands and feet become numb. Impaired blood circulation causes blue feet and hands.

Common signs of cervical osteochondrosis are:

• pain spreading to upper body and lower body;
• weakness, decreased tenderness of the hands;
• difficulty of movement, crunch;
• coordination disorders, accompanied by wheezing, tinnitus, feeling of disorientation, weakness, dizziness;
• nausea, vomiting;
• numbness of the tongue, fingers and toes, hearing impairment, vision.

DIAGNOSIS OF OSTECHONDROSIS OF THE NECK

To determine the damaged intervertebral discs and the degree of their disease, the doctor should carry out a series of examinations: X-rays, MRI, CT (computed tomography), duplex ultrasound. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the most accurate way to examine the health of the cervical spine. The purpose of MRI is to identify pathological changes in the tissues of the spine, especially the spinal cord and intervertebral hernias. After examining and questioning the patient, carrying out the examination, the attending neurologist makes a preliminary diagnosis and prescribes treatment.

TREATMENT

If you suspect osteochondrosis, you should consult a neurologist. The duration of treatment depends on the age of the person, the severity of cervical osteochondrosis, the type of therapy, and the patient's compliance with all recommendations of the doctor. Complete cure of severe forms of osteochondrosis is impossible. The purpose of complex treatment is to slow down the ongoing pathological process, to eliminate the symptoms. Therapy can be conservative, operative, or a combination of both. If the headaches become more frequent, it is necessary to start treatment as soon as possible.

There are two main types of treatment for cervical osteochondrosis:

• medicine, made by taking medicine;
Physiotherapy
• includes courses in UHF, electrophoresis, ultrasound, magnetotherapy, laser therapy. They have a stimulating effect on blood circulation, metabolism and relieve muscle spasms.

To weaken the compression of peripheral areas of the central nervous system (CNS) and level the pain syndrome at the time of exacerbation of the disease, drug therapy is used. After the elimination of acute manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis, treatment is not stopped. Physiotherapy is prescribed. It is necessary to regularly massage the neck area. Folk remedies are also used.

MEDICINAL THERAPY FOR OSTEOCHONDROSIS

Treatment with drugs will have a full effect only in conjunction with other methods, for example, with physiotherapy exercises (exercise therapy), massage. The drugs are designed to relieve pain, restore regeneration of cartilage tissue, and activate blood circulation in affected cervical tissue.

Many doctors prescribe injections to be more effective on nerve endings. But vitamins are best taken in pill form, as injections are very painful. To provide an anti-inflammatory effect, the doctor gives intramuscular injections.

Main types of therapeutic drugs:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).They have an analgesic effect, eliminate the aseptic inflammatory process, root edema. With obvious signs of illness, injections are given twice a day with these drugs. Topically use a cream;
• chondroprotectors.Activate metabolism, regenerate cartilage tissue. Eliminates damage to intervertebral discs. There are injectable drugs for the inside of the joints and muscles. The course of therapy is carried out up to 4 months;
Vitamins
• of groups B (B1, B2, B6), E, ​​A, C, Dhelp improve metabolism in tissues, catalyze their recovery;
• muscle relaxants.For the relaxation of spasmodic muscles. The tablets are used within a month. In a severe form of the disease, a variety of injectable drugs are used;
• drugs to activate blood circulation in the brain,rheological properties of blood.

The following drugs are used as additional drugs to speed up recovery:

• angioprotectors- injectable forms of drugs are designed to activate blood flow in the veins, strengthen vascular tone;
• glucocorticosteroids- to reduce edema and inflammation in the form of injections;
• biogenic stimulants.Accelerates metabolic processes, helps restore destroyed tissue.

PHYSIOTHERAPY

Physiotherapeutic methods complement drug therapy, significantly increase the rate of recovery, prolong the phase of remission and reduce the frequency of exacerbations.

Physiotherapy methods:

• Exercise therapyis ​​one of the most effective methods of treating osteochondrosis. Regular exercise activates blood circulation, helps restore damage;
• massageimproves nerve conduction, restores muscle tone;
• magnetotherapyrelieves tissue edema;
• laser therapyworks with a focused beam of optical light. Starts the recovery processes in the body;
• reflexology- activation of certain points. Strengthens the immune system, relieves spasms and neck pain;
• ultrasoundgives analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect;
Electrophoresis
• with medicinal herbs.Electric current promotes the penetration of drug ions into a specific location.

To get rid of cervical osteochondrosis, manual therapy, heat therapy, mud are also used. All of these methods slow the progression of the disease.

Osteochondrosis cannot be cured with herbs, but, accompanying the main treatment, they help to relieve the disease. Mix 2 teaspoons of bee honey with two mummy tablets. The mixture is heated, applied to a warm scarf, which is tied around the neck at night. The biostimulant properties of honey perfectly complement the treatment. For grinding use a tincture based on radish, vodka and honey in the ratio of 1, 5: 0, 5: 1, measured in glasses. You can twist three large lemons using a meat grinder with four cloves of garlic. Pour boiling water over the mixture in a two-liter pot. After mixing the contents, drink half a glass on an empty stomach. The pain can also be relieved by warming up with mustard plasters, pepper.

HEALING EXERCISES

During the recovery period, you can perform a series of therapeutic neck exercises. Exercise therapy is based on several dynamic exercises. You should not do gymnastics during an exacerbation. When performing exercises, it is recommended to monitor the appearance of discomfort, this is unacceptable.

From a lying position, lift your upper body using your arms. Delay 1 to 2 minutes. Lower to the starting position and repeat 2-3 times. Then you need to stretch your arms out alongside the body. Head turns are done 6-7 times to the right and to the left, trying to reach the floor with the ear. Sit down. Tilt the body forward while inhaling, the head tilts towards the chest. As you exhale, lean back throwing your head back. Enough 10 to 15 inclinations. You should now put your palms on your forehead and apply mutual pressure for 30 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times. Rotate your head 10 times in each direction. If your head starts to spin, the exercise should be stopped.

COMPLICATIONS

The cervical region is rich in blood vessels, nerve endings that supply the brain. The slightest pressure of them harms the whole body, disrupts blood circulation in the brain and causes neurological disorders: migraine, dysfunctions of the heart, respiratory system, vision, hearing, hypertension. Especially dangerous complications in the form of vertebral artery syndrome, cerebral ischemia, stroke, resulting from the advanced form of the disease of the neck. When radiculopathy occurs, mobility is lost. Compression of the spinal cord is fatal.

In order to avoid surgery in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, you should not delay seeing a doctor at the first sign. It is necessary to use all available methods of therapy, as well as changes in lifestyle and nutrition.