Every year, diseases of the spine are getting younger. The most common is osteochondrosis, which was recently considered an age-related disease. If the neck region is involved, due to the degenerative-dystrophic nature of osteochondrosis, an intervertebral hernia develops in the spine, and severe neck and head pains occur, which significantly reduce the quality of life and lead to surgical intervention.
The danger of cervical osteochondrosis
It is important to diagnose diseases of the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine at an early stage in order to start treatment immediately, until the bone tissue grows, salt deposits and growths do not form on the vertebrae, which irritate the muscles, which leads to contraction.
Osteophytes increase pressure on the vertebrae, pinching arteries and compressing nerve endings when turning the head. Cervical osteochondrosis is a serious and dangerous disease. Symptoms of pain in the neck region are not limited to head movement. In the absence of treatment, the disease has complications that cause discomfort, which can be a significant cause of functional disorders.
Violation of the arteries due to deformation when the vertebrae approach each other leads to vertebrobasilar syndrome. Insufficient blood flow to the brain will be the main cause of dizziness, imbalance, impaired vision, loss of consciousness and tinnitus. The degree of compression of the artery of the cervical spine depends on negative consequences of varying severity in the body. Cervical osteochondrosis disrupts the process of blood supply to brain regions and causes complications in the brain with oxygen starvation.
A pinched nerve at the back of the head is the cause of the headache, which may radiate to the neck or temple. The most dangerous is a violation of the nerve processes of the spinal cord, in which dysfunctions are observed with severe, uncontrolled convulsive coordination disorders in the lower limbs, a decrease in the sensitivity of the bladder and intestines.
If osteochondrosis is not treated, complications occur, such as protrusions and herniations of the cervical discs. Sometimes it leads to the development of vascular diseases that cause brain damage, even before the death of individual sections.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Traditional medicine considers osteochondrosis to be a disease associated with degenerative changes in the discs of the cervical spine, and the treatment system of osteopathy used in alternative medicine believes that it is a manifestation of disorders deep in the body.
There are several reasons for the appearance of cervical osteochondrosis:
Disturbance of posture
The hunchback, scoliosis, rounded back, kyphosis cause the balance of the spine to break down, so the load is distributed unevenly on the discs, which leads to their deformation and wear. At the same time, the vertebrae come closer to each other, they begin to pinch the nerve processes, because of this, osteochondrosis develops.
Muscle cramps
Spasmodic muscle reactions lead to tension in certain parts of the body, which causes a change in the natural position and deformation of the discs in the spinal column.
Violation of blood supply
The discs of the spine are not connected to the circulatory system, so they are saturated with blood from the tissues of the body. Violation of the blood supply process of the neck leads to a lack of sufficient fluid to absorb moisture and restore the shape and renewal of the cartilage. As a result, wear of the vertebrae accelerates, the distance between the vertebrae decreases, which leads to osteochondrosis of the cervical region.
Violation of innervation
Due to the reduced sensitivity of the nerve roots, during the displacement and deformation of the intervertebral discs in the neck region, the pathological changes remain unnoticed by the patient due to the absence of pain.
Diseases of internal organs
Displacement of the internal organs, their lowering due to the deformities of the cervical vertebrae leads to a violation of the position of the spine and the balance of the body.
Improper nutrition
Unbalanced meals with a high carbohydrate and fat content, lacking protein and microelements can lead to unpleasant difficulties.
Cervical osteochondrosis develops due to external factors that adversely affect the balance of the spine and the natural development of all body systems. In addition to the listed symptoms, the development of diseases and painful sensations is possible due to prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position, frequent tension of the muscle tissues of the back and neck, and hypothermia of the neck and collar zone.
The cause is often nervous strain, frequent stress and sleep disorders. It often happens that violations are not immediately noticeable, so cervical osteochondrosis sometimes progresses for a long time and has serious health consequences. Therefore, it is important to visit the doctor regularly to correct the underlying causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae and not to treat the symptoms.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease that occurs in discs with degenerative-dystrophic changes. Initially, the intervertebral discs are cartilage that contains a jelly-like substance. Over time, the discs can dry out due to poor posture, a sedentary and sedentary lifestyle, computer work, neck injuries and injuries, and other factors.
As a result, the strength and thickness of the collagen fibers of the fibrous disc gradually decreases, which causes the development of osteochondrosis with characteristic symptoms:
- neck pain;
- headache, dizziness, loss of consciousness due to damage to the arteries passing through the vertebrae;
- fluctuations in blood pressure;
- radicular syndrome with a violation of sensitivity and the appearance of goosebumps and numbness of some areas in the back of the head, shoulders, arms, neck due to pinching of the roots of the spine. Accompanied by pain in the shoulders and arms, even in the fingers;
- decreased ability to turn and tilt the neck, as well as stiffness due to severe pain;
- increased fatigue, reduced performance;
- Appearance of ENT pathologies, tinnitus, reduced vision;
- with the development of complications, nausea, vomiting, and migraine attacks may occur.
There are 7 vertebrae in the cervical spine, osteochondrosis often affects the discs located between the 5th and 7th vertebrae. To make a diagnosis and choose a treatment, you should consult a general practitioner or a neurologist, who will prescribe the necessary diagnostics and perform an MRI magnetic resonance imaging.
Stages of development
Osteochondrosis has four stages:
- 1st degree - only pathological changes begin to appear on the disk, so the symptoms are mild and not always noticeable. The treatment will be quick and effective.
- Grade 2 - changes in the intervertebral discs become pronounced, which causes aching pain in the neck region, which is aggravated by the movement of the head.
- Grade 3 - constant pain is complicated by the formation of a protrusion and the formation of a hernia between the vertebrae.
- Grade 4 - the fibrous disc is so destroyed that the movement of the spine is practically excluded due to the violation of the intervertebral arteries, which leads to the development of radicular syndrome and severe pain not only in the neck, but also in the chest, hands, and lumbar.
Diagnostics
Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Usually this is a neurologist, but in some cases an additional meeting with the following specialists may be necessary: vertebrologist, endocrinologist, oncologist, orthopedist, traumatologist or neurosurgeon.
During the appointment, the doctor collects an anamnesis - the main complaints and symptoms of disturbing patients, injuries, the presence of chronic diseases and related additional information. The doctor then determines the mobility, sensitivity and muscle tension of the patient's neck. In order to obtain more accurate information, the patient is provided with diagnostic tests using special equipment:
- radiography (x-ray);
- computed tomography (CT);
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis depends on the patient's age characteristics and the degree of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the discs between the vertebrae. Therefore, the treatment is always tailored to the patient individually and is always aimed at solving the following problems:
- elimination of worsening symptoms;
- improving blood circulation;
- increase in metabolic processes;
- elimination of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the discs;
- reduction of complications of cervical osteochondrosis.
At each stage of the development of the disease, their own treatment measures are used:
- Stage 1 - it is enough to perform physiotherapy exercises, modify the lifestyle;
- Stage 2 - it should also include the intake of medications, manual therapy, and the use of orthopedic devices.
It should be understood that it is impossible to completely reverse the degenerative-dystrophic processes, especially in the case of a diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the 2nd stage or higher. In these situations, treatment should be used to improve well-being and prevent the progression of the disease. Sometimes it is possible to correct the first stage of cervical osteochondrosis, when the developmental pathology is rarely diagnosed. Because patients perceive mild neck discomfort as overload and do not go to the doctor.
In severe cases with cervical osteochondrosis of the spine, the treatment will be difficult and longer. Under the supervision of a neurologist, periodic examinations are carried out for the purpose of correct treatment, which depends on changes in the patient's well-being.
Lifestyle correction
All patients diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the cervical region should increase physical activity and take a break from sports training during sedentary work. If, on the contrary, the patient actively participates in sports, he should reduce the physical load on the neck, giving up running, wrestling, jumping, weight lifting.
People who are overweight are advised to take additional measures to reduce this by changing their diet so that it is healthy and meets the body's needs. The menu should be designed so that the food is protein, and half consists of vegetables and fruits.
Drug treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Drug therapy is primarily aimed at eliminating the symptoms of neck pain due to osteochondrosis of the spine. The complex nature of the therapy is developed individually for the patient and consists of the use of different groups of drugs that solve their problems.
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a group of drugs with anti-inflammatory and anti-pain properties. They can be in tablets and capsules, as well as in the form of creams, ointments and gels, and in case of severe pain, they are used intramuscularly to administer solutions.
The disadvantage of using medicines is the irritation of the gastric and duodenal mucosa, which can damage the functioning of the organs due to the formation of gastritis and ulcers. Proton pump inhibitors are prescribed in combination to mitigate the risks associated with NSAIDs.
To reduce the pain and inflammation of osteochondrosis, diclofenac sodium or piroxicam are used as active ingredients. They have a gentle effect on the digestive system. Now drugs have been developed that have a selective effect.
Corticosteroids and blockades
Corticosteroids are hormonal drugs prescribed in short courses for severe patients with complex inflammatory processes. In the case of long-term use, they can cause unwanted effects, so they are used in the form of injections so that there are no side effects and they are more easily absorbed.
Corticosteroids are often used in combination with anesthetics when performing blockades. To alleviate severe pain syndromes, the prepared mixture is injected into points near the spinal nerves. The procedure is performed by medically trained workers at the clinics. Blockade doctors recommend doing it four times a year.
Muscle relaxants
Muscle relaxants are drugs that eliminate muscle spasms caused by severe inflammation and neck pain due to osteochondrosis.
vitamins
Osteochondrosis causes compression of the spinal roots, so it is recommended to take B vitamins, which are involved in nerve impulses.
Chondroprotectors
Chondroprotectors - drugs to restore cartilage tissue. In the early stages of cervical osteochondrosis, they really have a positive effect on the condition of the discs between the vertebrae, improving the patient's well-being. Later on, they can only slow down the degenerative-dystrophic process in these discs.
Chondroprotectors are produced in the form of capsules, powders and solutions for intramuscular administration.
Medicines for local use
Gels, creams or ointments that are used to affect the painful area at the initial appearance of cervical osteochondrosis. They are different, the principle of action can be anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, warming, cooling. They often contain ingredients such as NSAIDs, menthol, hot pepper, snake and bee venom extracts.
Preparations that improve microcirculation
Medicines belonging to this group improve the quality of blood circulation, which is especially necessary for vertebral artery syndrome. They promote vasodilation, improve brain nutrition and eliminate tinnitus, headaches, and dizziness.
exercise therapy
Therapeutic exercise is the main method in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine. The complex of physical therapy exercises is selected individually with a specialist, taking into account the patient's age, the presence of radicular syndrome and compression of the arteries, as well as the development of existing diseases and degenerative-dystrophic changes. The goals of physical therapy:
- strengthening of the shoulder girdle and neck muscles;
- activation of blood circulation;
- normalization of muscle tone.
You should do it daily with a specialist who will help you choose the load and develop an optimal program, taking into account the patient's physical condition.
It is important to do all physical education exercises slowly, without sudden head movements, in comfortable conditions. If pain occurs in the neck, the exercise should be stopped immediately, and then a doctor should be consulted in order to correct the treatment program.
Swimming has a positive effect on the condition of the cervical spine, in which the hours are not associated with physical stress on the intervertebral discs, but the neck muscles are actively working. As a result, the ligament supporting the spine is strengthened. Patients with osteochondrosis swim two to three times a week.
Manual therapy of cervical osteochondrosis
Manual therapy is an effective way to treat osteochondrosis, as it affects the muscles and the spine. The specialist must have a higher education, manual therapy medical license, experience, and understand the anatomy and characteristics of osteochondrosis.
Self-massage
In order to improve their well-being, patients can perform a neck massage on their own, relieve fatigue and pain.
Physiotherapy treatment
In the absence of an inflammatory process, physiotherapy is recommended. Assign a course consisting of 10-15 procedures that are selected individually.
- Electrophoresis - electric current is used to ensure deep penetration of drugs.
- Magnetotherapy - activation of blood circulation and stimulation of metabolic processes. In addition, these sessions are pain-relieving and reduce swelling.
- Laser therapy - acts against the inflammatory process and dilates blood vessels, which reduces pain.
- Ultrasound therapy is a pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory method that reduces the sensitivity of nerve endings.
- Diadynamic currents - reduce pain, improve tissue nutrition, eliminate inflammation.
Traction therapy
Due to the flattening of the discs, the vertebrae are brought closer to each other, which is why traction therapy with a Glisson loop is recommended.
Iplicator
The Iplicator is an affordable and simple device for neck reflexology. The piercing of the spikes causes skin irritation, leads to active blood flow, increases the efficiency of the neck and improves sleep.
Orthopedic devices
In order to reduce the load on the neck, it is recommended to replace the mattress and pillow with orthopedic ones, which maintain the correct position of the spine, reducing the progression of osteochondrosis. We recommend that patients wear an orthopedic removable device - the Shants collar, which allows you to fix the neck, reducing the load.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
In order to avoid cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to perform a regular warm-up, during which you change the position of the body, tilt the neck and turn the head. Maintain good posture from an early age. Exercise, strengthen the muscles of the neck and joints, reduce the incidence of cervical osteochondrosis. Take care of your health!