Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease in which the intervertebral discs become thinner, as a result of which the anatomy of the cervical vertebrae changes and the nerve endings and vessels located nearby are violated. As the degenerative process progresses, it also covers the surrounding structures. The disease is characterized by a whole range of symptoms, such as neck pain, dizziness, nausea, limited mobility of the spine and significantly impairs the patient's quality of life.
What is cervical osteochondrosis
The cervical region is the most mobile part of the spine. It consists of 7 vertebrae, between which are the intervertebral discs. The latter guarantee the integrity of this area and perform a shock absorption function. The discs have a complex structure: inside there is a pulp surrounded by a dense fibrous ring.
With age and under the influence of increased load, the height of the intervertebral discs decreases. Metabolism is disturbed in the core, the fibrous ring acquires cracks. As the disease progresses, the discs protrude, protrusions and hernias appear. Osteophytes appear - bone growths that limit the mobility of the spine and cause pain.
Pathological changes occur near the spinal cord and nerve roots. In case of their compression, a reflex spasm of the muscles occurs. In this case, a person has pronounced symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.
Causes of the disease
Osteochondrosis develops under the influence of a number of reasons. There are several theories that explain the nature of this disease:
- involutive: the cause of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is wear of the intervertebral discs;
- physical - the disease develops due to excessive impact on the vertebrae and intervertebral discs;
- autoimmune - a person's immunity destroys the intervertebral discs over time;
- vascular - the nutrition of cartilage and bone tissue is disturbed, which is associated with pathological changes in the vessels;
- hereditary predisposition: the disease occurs in people with a predisposition to degenerative diseases of the spine.
Important! None of the theories more likely explains the cause of cervical osteochondrosis.
The impetus for the disease can be a combination of several factors:
- poor posture, flat feet;
- sedentary work, sedentary lifestyle;
- excess weight;
- congenital injuries and pathologies of the spine;
- excessive physical activity;
- hormonal changes;
- bad habits;
- vascular diseases;
- genetic predisposition.
The more such factors are combined, the greater the likelihood of developing the disease and the faster the dystrophic processes proceed.
Cervical osteochondrosis symptoms
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis do not appear immediately. For a long time, the patient may not be aware of the onset of the disease and pay attention to the state of health only after the onset of pain.
In the first stage of the disease, when the thickness of the discs is slightly reduced, you may feel a slight discomfort in the neck if you remain in an uncomfortable position for a long time. In the second stage, protrusions appear, which are felt by the rigidity of movements in the cervical region.
Further development of the disease leads to constant pain and deterioration of well-being. There are additional signs of cervical osteochondrosis, which significantly worsen the quality of life:
- persistent pain in the cervical region and in the collar area;
- severe stiffness of the neck muscles;
- pain during movement and at rest;
- limited mobility in the neck;
- numbness of the fingers;
- headache and dizziness can join.
In addition to the common signs, there are several syndromes of cervical osteochondrosis:
- Vertebral. Due to damage to the cartilage and bones of the spine, its mobility is limited, pain occurs.
- Vertebral artery syndrome. Due to the spasm of the vessels responsible for the blood supply to the brain, there is tinnitus, headache, fainting and blurred vision.
- Root. Symptoms are associated with pinched nerve roots, as a result of which the patient experiences pain in the shoulder area, numbness in the back of the head, fingers and pain in the shoulder blades.
What is dangerous cervical osteochondrosis
Patients often consider osteochondrosis of the cervical spine to be a disease that does not carry serious consequences. But this is a wrong opinion. Pathology causes disturbances in the functioning of vital structures: nerves and blood vessels. If timely treatment is not undertaken, the consequence of the disease can be a violation of cerebral circulation, muscle weakness and atrophy, a violation of the functions of internal organs and systems.
In addition, osteochondrosis leads to limited mobility of the spine and loss of sensation in the hand. Such significant changes are a serious reason to seek medical attention and undergo complex treatments.
Diagnostics
A neurologist deals with the diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis. On the first appointment, she assesses the mobility of the spine, the quality of reflexes and determines the areas of pain. If during the collection of the medical history it is found that the patient is concerned about a whole range of symptoms, it may be necessary to consult other specialists:
- therapist;
- cardiologist;
- orthopedic;
- gastroenterologist;
- Laura;
- endocrinologist and others.
A comprehensive examination is used for the diagnosis of osteochondrosis. Among the methods of radiation diagnosis, radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are used. The magnetic resonance, thanks to the high degree of visualization, allows to make a diagnosis even in an initial phase of the pathology. Duplex scanning of the arteries in the neck and head area is recommended if the patient complains of headache and dizziness. The examination allows you to assess blood flow and the condition of the vessels.
In addition to the listed diagnostic methods, the following are prescribed:
- ECG;
- Ultrasound of the internal organs, heart;
- chest x-ray;
- laboratory research.
They allow to differentiate osteochondrosis from other pathologies with similar symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine requires an integrated approach and includes medications, physiotherapy, massage, physical therapy, manual therapy, carboxytherapy, and other modern techniques.
Medical treatment
The main goal of drug exposure is to relieve pain, eliminate dizziness, normalize the functioning of nerve roots, and also stop or slow down degenerative changes in cartilage tissue. Depending on the diagnosis are assigned:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of droppers, injections, tablets, ointments - to relieve inflammation and pain;
- hormonal drugs - to stop the inflammatory process in case of ineffectiveness of the previous ones;
- muscle relaxants - medicines that relieve spasms and thereby improve blood circulation;
- Vitamins of group B in the form of tablets and injections - to improve the conduction of nerve impulses and the nutrition of nerve tissue;
- sedatives - for chronic or severe pain, sleep disturbances;
- chondroprotectors - medicines aimed at improving metabolic processes in cartilage tissue.
Depending on the symptoms, drugs may be prescribed to improve microcirculation in the brain, decongestants, metabolics and others.
Non-pharmacological methods
Along with the use of drugs, traditional physiotherapy methods, such as laser and magnetotherapy, electrical stimulation, phono and electrophoresis, are used for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in the acute phase.
Important! A good effect is provided by massage, manual therapy, osteopathy and reflexology. They are aimed at eliminating restrictions in the work of the spine, relieving pain and regulating the functioning of internal organs.
Along with traditional medical procedures, innovative methods are used. How to treat cervical osteochondrosis of the spine is determined by the attending physician. The following methods are assigned:
- Carboxytherapy. The treatment is carried out with the help of subcutaneous injections of carbon dioxide, which triggers a series of biochemical reactions. As a result, the microcirculation improves, swelling and pain decrease and local protective processes are activated. The procedure is absolutely safe. It is often applied to patients for whom drug therapy is contraindicated. The number of injections depends on the problem and ranges from 5 to 10.
- Ozone therapy. The procedure relieves pain and inflammation, and the effect persists for a long time. The introduction of ozone in the immediate vicinity of the spinal column improves the nutrition of the tissues and the outflow of waste products and also reduces the activity of enzymes that cause degenerative changes in the cartilage.
- PRP - therapy (plasma therapy). Platelet plasma is injected into the muscles located near the spine. The procedure has a pronounced stimulating effect on regenerative processes in all structures of the spine, slows down the process of destruction of cartilage tissue, relieves muscle spasms, pain and improves local blood circulation.
- Shock wave therapy. It allows you to quickly eliminate muscle spasm, increase blood circulation and eliminate congestion in the tissues.
- Kinesio tape. Kinesio Taping helps to relax the muscles and at the same time has a supportive effect on the spine. The method helps relieve inflammation and swelling, restores joint mobility.
Non-pharmacological methods also include kinesitherapy (physical therapy), leech therapy, musculoskeletal therapy, and local cryotherapy. The choice of a method for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis remains with the doctor, who focuses on the diagnosis and individual characteristics of the patient's body.
A plan is drawn up on how to treat cervical osteochondrosis taking into account the stage of the pathology and the presence of concomitant diseases.
Prevention
If you pay attention to preventive measures, you can prevent or slow down the development of osteochondrosis:
- Lead an active lifestyle, but avoid excessive physical activity.
- Undergo preventive treatment 2p / year.
- Avoid or minimize heavy lifting.
- To sleep, use an orthopedic mattress and pillow.
- When working on your computer, warm up every 1 hour.
- Balance your diet by eliminating unhealthy foods.
- Regularly engage in physical therapy.
Important! With osteochondrosis, swimming is recommended. The water drains the spine and the movements form a strong muscular corset.
To protect and relieve the spine, if necessary, it is recommended to wear orthopedic devices. To improve the metabolic processes in the cartilage and slow down its destruction, do not forget to take chondroprotectors.
Treatment in the clinic
The clinic offers comprehensive diagnostics and modern and effective methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis of the spine: carboxytherapy, interstitial electrical stimulation, general magnetotherapy, shock wave therapy, osteopathy, ozone therapy, local cryotherapy and others.
At the service of visitors:
- comfortable offices;
- modern equipment;
- qualified doctors;
- welcome by appointment;
- nice staff.
When choosing methods of treatment, the doctors of the clinic take into account the diagnosis, characteristics of the patient's body and lifestyle. They give recommendations for the prevention and prevention of further relapses of the disease.
In addition to the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in our country, the clinic offers prevention courses, including reflexology, physiotherapy and physical therapy.
If you are concerned about cervical spine pain, make an appointment with a professional. They will help you eliminate the manifestations of the disease, give recommendations on prevention, nutrition and lifestyle.