To date, the disease has become much "younger" and more and more people over the age of 25 are exposed to it, although recently the age of 30-35 years was considered risky. Pathologies of the cervical region are more common, so you need to be able to quickly recognize the symptoms of the disease to start treatment.
So, what is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine called? This term characterizes the degenerative-dystophilic process in the intervertebral disc, which acts as a kind of shock absorber between the segments of the spine. This situation leads to changes in its structure and anatomy, segments and joint elements of the cervical spine. Osteochondrosis of the neck is characterized by acute pain symptoms that require timely treatment.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Where does cervical osteochondrosis come from? Below we list the factors whose chronic or abrupt action leads to increased stress in the neck. As a result, the body compensates for the increased loads with the work of the muscles, but due to constant tension in them there are spasms with impaired blood circulation. Together, these factors lead to degenerative changes in the spine, changes in its structure, problems with blood nutrition and metabolism. Following a series of changes in the intervertebral joints, there is overgrowth of bone tissue in the segments of the spine.
Let's list the factors contributing to the development of the disease:
- Scoliosis and poor posture.
- Overweight.
- Stay in the wrong and unnatural positions for a long time.
- Regular strain on the back and cervical spine, for example, due to the peculiarities of the work.
- Low mobility, sedentary physical inactivity.
- Spinal cord injury in the past.
- Metabolic problems.
- Excessive physical activity.
- Stress overexertion, prolonged susceptibility to depression.
- The factor of heredity.
- Abnormal development of the vertebrae.
Degrees of cervical osteochondrosis
It is necessary to be able to distinguish between the terms "stage" and "degree", which characterize osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. We will look at the stages a little later, now we will talk about degrees that depend on the general clinical condition and complaints of the patient, have different symptoms and therefore require different treatment.
- First degree - 1. . . Cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by minor manifestations of the disease, the main symptoms are pain in the neck, which does not occur often, intensifying if you turn your head. They may be accompanied by slightly tense muscles.
- Second degree - 2. . . The severity of the pain and symptoms are much stronger and they can attach to the shoulder area. This is due to the fact that the intervertebral disc became lower in height, which led to compression of the nerves. The pain syndrome tends to increase with movement, the feeling of weakness and headache lead to reduced performance.
- Third degree - 3. . . This development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by the formation of hernias in the intervertebral space. The differences from the previous degrees are in the symptoms, which are even more pronounced and painful - it gives more intensity to the shoulder and arm, they may have a feeling of stiffness and weakness. The disease is accompanied by the same headache, weakness, mobility of the neck is limited and palpation reveals a distinct pain syndrome.
- Fourth degree - 4. . . This degree is characterized by complete destruction of the tissues of the intervertebral disc. Problems with the blood supply to the brain are likely, in particular, through the spinal artery, which supplies blood to the cerebellum and the back of the head. Against this background, there are difficulties with coordination, dizziness, ringing in the ears.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Cervical osteochondrosis has some differences from osteochondrosis in other areas. They arise due to the closer location of the segments relative to each other, the more complex structure of the first two segments - atlas and axis. In addition, there are fewer shock absorbers between the elements of the spine and, accordingly, they wear out and break down faster. In addition, it is cervical osteochondrosis that often leads to compression of the nerves in the spinal cord.
Cervical osteochondrosis - the most common symptoms:
- Painful sensations. . . They are characterized by different localization - in the back of the head, shoulder and cervical areas. The appearance of pain in the shoulder joint indicates pressure on the nerve responsible for transmitting pain impulses in this area. The pain in the back of the neck reflects the presence of spasm of the muscles of the neck due to difficulties with blood flow in this area. Maybe a feeling of pain in the spine, the presence of crunch.
- Weakness in the arm. . . It occurs due to damage to the nerve responsible for the motor activity of the upper limbs.
- Poor sensitivity in the hand. . . The nerve that innervates the skin of the hand is damaged.
- Limited movement, crisis. . . This is a consequence of the low height of the intervertebral disc, the growth of bones in the segments of the spine, the presence of small affected structures.
- Coordination problems, feeling weak and dizzy. . . Due to the development of the pathology, fibrous tissue is formed. It partially leads to contraction of the vertebral artery, which has its own channel in the elements of the spine. This reduces the lumen of the vessel, creating a blood deficit in the nape of the neck and the cerebellum.
- Problems with hearing, vision, speech. . . They are a further development of the contraction of the vessel feeding the cerebellar and occipital area.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is performed in the presence of characteristic symptoms and complaints of a person. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is diagnosed by various methods aimed primarily at visualizing the condition of the injured part. Most commonly used:
- Radiography. It is not very informative, it only shows the presence of deviations, it is suitable mainly for early diagnosis.
- CT. Compared to radiography, the indication of pathology of the segments of the cervical spine improves, but does not determine the exact presence of the hernia, what size it is. In addition, this procedure can not determine the 'contraction' of the canal with the spinal cord.
- Magnetic resonance. Such a diagnosis is the most modern, it is characterized by increased information content, allows you to assess in detail the defects of bone structure, the condition of the intervertebral discs, the presence of hernias, their size and direction of growth.
- If there is a suspicion of deterioration of the current in the vertebral arteries, additional diagnostics is performed using the ultrasound duplex scanning procedure. Such a study accurately determines the presence of obstructions that reduce the rate of blood flow.
Based on the data obtained during the diagnosis, we can talk about different stages:
- Stage 1, characterized by mild disorders of the anatomy of the vertebrae.
- Stage 2. . . Probably non-compliance with the position of the vertebrae relative to each other, displacement, rotation relative to the axis of the spine, the intervertebral disc may have a slightly reduced height.
- Stage 3. . . The disc decreases in height by a quarter, the joints change, there are growths of bone tissue, tightening of the intervertebral foramen and spinal canal.
- Stage 4. . . It is still worse than before. The disc is greatly reduced in height, there are deep joint pathologies and extensive bone growths in the back, the spinal canal and the passages under the spinal cord are strongly compressed.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The main methods of such treatment are: drug therapy, physiotherapy, use of massage of the affected area, therapeutic gymnastics. Let's take a closer look at some of the methods.
Medication treatment
Prescribing any medication should only be done by a competent professional.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs of non-steroidal origin. Their action is effective elimination of the pain syndrome, the inflammatory and edematous process of the compressed nerve endings.
- Vitamin B is taken to improve metabolic processes in the vertebrae and nerves.
- Drugs that increase blood flow. It is used to nourish altered nerve endings and improve blood flow to the brain.
- Chondroprotectors used to repair cartilage tissue and intervertebral discs.
- Muscle relaxants, antispasmodics.
Physiotherapy
- Electrophoresis. . . Delivery of drug ions to the desired part of the pathology by means of the action of an electric field. Novocaine anesthesia is performed before the procedure and aminophylline is also used, which improves blood flow.
- Through ultrasound. . . Relieves inflammation, pain, promotes metabolism at the site of application.
- Magnetic therapy. . . Has an analgesic effect, relieves swelling.
- Laser therapy. . . The treatment is performed by exposing light waves with a special frequency. It relieves inflammation well and promotes blood circulation.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is allowed only in the absence of exacerbations of the disease. The techniques will be effective in the absence of pain and discomfort during performance, in addition, they are very effective as a means of prevention. Here are some basic exercises:
- Lie on your stomach and rest your folded arms on the floor. Lift your head and torso for 60-90 seconds, keeping your back straight and then gently return to your original position. Do 2-3 repetitions.
- Lie on your stomach with your arms stretched down along your torso. Turn your head left, right, in turn, trying to reach the floor with your ear. Do 5-7 reps with each side.
- In a sitting position, inhale, lean forward, trying to reach your chest with your head. Then, on the exhale, on the contrary, lean back, throwing your head back. Do 12 reps.
- In a sitting position, place your palms on your forehead. Apply mutual pressure on the forehead on the palm and vice versa. Continue for half a minute, repeating 3 times.
- Pure unhurried rotation of the heads to the sides, 5-7 turns. If you feel dizzy, reduce the number of repetitions or slow down.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine: question - answer
Does osteochondrosis of the cervical spine happen to be treated with surgery?
This happens, but in those rare cases where conservative treatment does not work half a year after its onset. In such situations, chronic pain and tightness of the nerve endings are usually present.
How long can you take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs?
Most of these drugs affect the condition of the gastric mucosa, so their frequent and regular use is not recommended. The exact duration of medication is determined by the attending physician, who has information about the stage of osteochondrosis in the patient, as well as whether there are concomitant pathologies.
Are chondroprotective drugs effective in repairing the tissue of damaged intervertebral discs?
There is no proven confirmation of the effect of taking such drugs, as a result of which doctors rarely recommend them.
What to do at home when there is no exacerbation to avoid exacerbation in the future?
For preventive purposes, the best will be the use of physiotherapy exercises, massage of the cervical area, rejection of significant physical activity.