Cervical osteochondrosis: causes, symptoms and treatment

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

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

OSTEOCHONDROSI DESCRIPTION

Osteochondrosis of the neck has become much younger. Young people suffer from it since adolescence. The neck is the weakest area of ​​the spine. Seven vertebrae are adjacent to each other quite tightly, and the skeleton of the muscles is developed worse than the rest of the sections. The neck is subjected to strong stresses, because it supports the skull and is in constant motion.

What is cervical osteochondrosis? The intervertebral discs feed by diffusion from adjacent tissues. The deterioration of the blood supply to the tissues surrounding the vertebrae leads to a shortage of nutrition and water. Starvation of the disc core and fibrous ring leads to degenerative processes.

Overgrowth of bone near the vertebrae, squeezed intervertebral discs, and squeezed nerves and ligaments first appear as signs of decreased performance. The high intensity pain sensations are initially concentrated in the neck, head, shoulders, heart, arms, upper chest, passing to the lower limbs. Each of the seven vertebrae sends signals to other departments. Compressed nerve roots affect the state of other body systems.

Osteochondrosis is particularly dangerous for the brain. The vertebral artery flowing here performs the function of providing blood supply to the posterior parts of the brain. Pinching it causes headaches, which often develop into migraines, not subject to analgesics. Osteochondrosis of the neck can be accompanied by dizziness, disturbed vision and hearing, nausea and vomiting. Later pharyngeal symptoms appear, sudden fainting due to lack of oxygen supply to the brain. Compression of the vertebral artery leads to ischemia of the spinal cord and brain. An aggravation of the process causes a spinal stroke.

BASIC PROCESSES IN DISEASE

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

• physiological process:aging of the cartilage of the spinal column occurs due to irreversible natural causes. The 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 intervertebral structures, destruction of the surrounding vessels and nodes. Changes occur outside the cartilage itself, there is a compression of the blood vessels, irritation of the nerve endings. A person experiences dysalgia, pain symptoms of a local and reflex nature.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine acquires a pathological form when physiological aging is replaced by a pathological process. At first, the compensatory and protective mechanisms of the body are activated, eliminating the disease. Therefore, osteochondrosis is able to pass or occur only sporadically. But this feature is not permanent.

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

• spondylolisthesis, in which the spinal disc slips. Even a slight shift leads to the development of paralysis. A severe shift is fatal;
• the pulpus nucleus is impregnated with calcium salts. This leads to malnutrition of the disc, causes 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 protrudes beyond its limits;
• spondylosis, which means worn out vertebrae. Osteophytes appear - growths of bone tissue in the form of hooks and spines, located on the sides of the vertebral bodies. There is severe pain and, as a result, stiffness of movements.

REASONS FOR THE APPEARANCE OF OBSTECONDROSIS OF THE NECK

An increase in 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 very structure of the vertebrae changes. The cause can also be a progressive discosis resulting from prolonged physical exertion.

The main factors that provoke the onset of cervical osteochondrosis:

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

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

STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT

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

• before, preclinical.It is characterized by mild deformities of the vertebrae, smoothness of the cervical lordosis. Pain is felt with sudden movements of the head, fatigue occurs. The development of the disease can be prevented without drugs. You need to balance your diet, choose exercises and implement preventive measures;
• second.An unstable state is established between the vertebrae. There are displacements of the vertebrae relative to each other, twisting - rotation around the spine. Pain that occasionally intensifies with neck movement radiates to the shoulders and arms. The height of the intervertebral discs decreases, which leads to pinching of the nerves. It is characterized by such signs as distraction, fatigue, headache;
• third stage.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 spinal column. There is always severe pain. The muscles of the arms begin to become numb due to the onset of the formation of herniated intervertebral discs. The cervical spine loses flexibility. The patient feels dizzy, weak.

The height of the intervertebral disc is significantly reduced. The intervertebral discs are destroyed and replaced by connective tissue. Large osteophytes form on 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 neck injury differs from the complaints elsewhere. 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. The 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 symptoms.

Problems in the first two vertebrae affect the sensitivity of the occiput. The pain is localized in the parietal, occipital region. The defeat of the nerve end of the third vertebra is rare. Symptoms manifest themselves in numbness of the pinched area, tongue, speech problems. The fourth root signals a problem with pain and numbness in the collarbone, shoulder. It can create breathing difficulties, heart pain. Fifth segment disease causes pain in the shoulders, decreased sensitivity of the limbs.

Injuries of the sixth and seventh vertebrae are the most common among 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 in the lower extremities. There is a loss of sensitivity of the skin, the little fingers of the hands and feet become numb. Reduced blood circulation causes blue feet and hands.

Common signs of cervical osteochondrosis are:

• pain that extends to the upper and lower body;
• weakness, reduced sensitivity of the hands;
• difficulty moving, creaking;
• impaired coordination, accompanied by buzzing, tinnitus, feeling of disorientation, weakness, dizziness;
• nausea, vomiting;
• numbness of the tongue, fingers and toes, impaired hearing, vision.

DIAGNOSTICS OF OSTECONDROSIS OF THE NECK

To determine the damaged intervertebral discs and the degree of their disease, the doctor must conduct a series of examinations: X-rays, MRI, CT (computed tomography), duplex ultrasound. The most accurate way to examine the health of the cervical spine is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose of MRI is to identify pathological changes in the tissues of the spine, especially in the spinal cord and intervertebral hernias. After examining and questioning the patient, conducting 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 the course of therapy 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. A complete cure for severe forms of osteochondrosis is impossible. The purpose of complex treatment is to slow down the ongoing pathological process, eliminate symptoms. Therapy can be conservative, operative, or a combination of both. If the headache becomes more frequent, therapy should be started as soon as possible.

There are two main types of treatment for cervical osteochondrosis:

• drugs, carried out by taking drugs;
• physiotherapy includes courses in UHF, electrophoresis, ultrasound, magnetotherapy, laser therapy. They have a stimulating effect on blood flow, metabolism and relieve muscle spasms.

To weaken the compression of the peripheral zones of the central nervous system (CNS) and to 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, therapy is not stopped. Physiotherapy is prescribed. It is necessary to massage the neck area regularly. Folk remedies are also used.

MEDICINAL THERAPY OF OSTEOCONDROSIS

Treatment with drugs will have full effect only in combination with other methods, for example, with physical therapy (physical therapy), massage. The drugs are designed to relieve pain, restore cartilage tissue regeneration, and activate blood circulation in affected neck tissues.

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

Main types of therapeutic drugs:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).They have an analgesic effect, remove the aseptic inflammatory process, root edema. With obvious signs of disease, injections are made twice a day with these drugs. Topically use a cream;
• chondroprotectors.Activates metabolism, regenerates cartilage tissue. Eliminates damage to the 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 group 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 flow in the brain,rheological properties of blood.

The following 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 tissues.

PHYSIOTHERAPY

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

Physiotherapy methods:

• Physical 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 concentrated beam of optical light. Start recovery processes in the body;
• reflexology- activation of certain points. Strengthens the immune system, relieves spasms and pain in the neck;
• ultrasoundgives an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect;
• electrophoresis with medicinal herbs.The electric current promotes the penetration of the drug ions in a specific place.

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

It is impossible to cure osteochondrosis with herbs, but, accompanying the main therapy, they help alleviate the condition. 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 biostimulating properties of honey complement the treatment perfectly. For grinding, use a tincture based on radish, vodka and honey in a 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 into a two-liter jar. After mixing the contents, drink half a glass on an empty stomach. Pain can also be relieved by warming with mustard plasters, pepper patch.

HEALING EXERCISES

During the recovery period, you can perform a series of therapeutic exercises for the neck. Physical therapy is based on several dynamic exercises. You shouldn't perform gymnastics during an exacerbation. When performing exercises, it is recommended to monitor the appearance of discomfort, it is unacceptable.

From a prone position, raise your upper body using your arms. Delay for 1-2 minutes. Lower to the starting position and repeat 2-3 times. So you need to stretch your arms along the body. Turns of the head are made to the right and left 6-7 times, trying to reach the floor with the ear. Sit down. Tilt your body forward as you inhale, your head tilts towards your chest. As you exhale, lean back, throwing your head back. Enough 10-15 inclinations. Now you need to 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 spinning, the exercise must be stopped.

COMPLICATIONS

The cervical region is full of blood vessels, nerve endings that feed the brain. The slightest squeezing damages the entire body, disrupting blood circulation in the brain and causing neurological disorders: migraine, heart failure, respiratory system, vision, hearing, hypertension. Especially dangerous is the complication in the form of vertebral artery syndrome, cerebral ischemia, spinal stroke, resulting from an advanced form of neck disease. When radiculopathy occurs, mobility is lost. Compression of the spinal cord is fatal.

In order to avoid surgery in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, one should not delay seeking medical attention at the first sign. It is necessary to use all available methods of therapy, as well as changes in lifestyle, nutrition.