Cervical osteochondrosis is a chronic degenerative disorder in the articular cartilage tissues, which occurs most frequently in the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine, because they are most often exposed to high loads, resulting in decreased elasticity, flattening and thinning of the discs located between the vertebrae, followed by their replacement with bone tissue. As the degenerative process progresses, surrounding structures become involved. This provokes the development of a whole complex of symptoms that deprive the patient of a comfortable life.
Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?
Cervical osteochondrosis are pathological changes in the tissues of the intervertebral discs and in the vertebrae themselves. Due to the thinning of the soft tissues, the depreciation effect of the vertebrae is reduced, the nerve fibers and blood vessels are compressed, the mobility of the cervical spine is reduced, and the rotation of the head is limited. As a result of this disease, blood circulation and blood supply to the brain deteriorate, migraines, headaches, tension, cluster headaches, heart rhythm disturbances, respiratory rhythm disturbances, impairment of memory, vision, coordination and attention, intervertebral hernias, brain input. Disorders and strokes develop.
Causes of osteochondrosis
What leads to cervical osteochondrosis?
Several factors lead to cervical osteochondrosis, each of which aggravates the course of the disease:
- Sedentary lifestyle (sedentary work);
- Excess body weight;
- Wrong posture;
- Chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system (scoliosis, flat feet, X- and O-shaped deformities of the lower extremities), which contribute to uneven distribution of load on the spine;
- Congenital pathologies of the development of the spine;
- Excessive and repetitive stress on the spine;
- Hereditary predisposition;
- Injuries.
Signs and symptoms
- Systemic dizziness;
- Pain in the back of the head, neck, neck;
- Noise or ringing in the ears;
- A feeling of shortness of breath develops, inability to breathe deeply, severe shortness of breath;
- Nausea and vomiting, worse when trying to turn the head;
- Decreased visual acuity, flickering spots or fog before the eyes;
- Blood pressure fluctuations that are difficult to correct with medications;
- Fainting caused by vasospasm;
- Feeling of a lump in the throat, pain, dryness, problems swallowing, pain in the shoulder joint;
- Numbness of the fingers.
Degree of development of osteochondrosis.
In the process of development of cervical osteochondrosis, four successive stages are distinguished, which determine the severity of the symptoms and the general condition of the patient.
- Level 1. The thickness of the intervertebral discs decreases slightly. There are practically no symptoms, sometimes slight discomfort occurs in the neck, for example, when staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time.
- Stage 2.The height of the disc becomes even less, pathological growth of cartilage tissue begins and bulges (bulges) occur. The patient experiences constant pain, weakness, numbness of the face and stiffness in the cervical spine.
- Stage 3.The annulus fibrosus surrounding the nucleus of the disc ruptures and an intervertebral hernia forms. The spine is noticeably deformed, which increases the risk of vertebral dislocations and subluxations. The pain becomes permanent and is accompanied by other symptoms of osteochondrosis.
- Stage 4.Irreversible changes occur in the spine: bone growths appear, the intervertebral disc is replaced by scar tissue and loses its ability to absorb the load. The symptoms become severe and have a significant impact on the patient's lifestyle and well-being. The quality of life decreases.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis requires an integrated approach; There are non-pharmacological, medicinal and surgical types of treatment.
Depending on the clinical situation, the following are used:
- Massage (specialized, neurological to eliminate spasms and blockages);
- Therapeutic exercise (to improve blood circulation);
- Osteopathy (thanks to this procedure, blockages and spasms are eliminated, blood circulation is restored and metabolic processes in the brain are improved);
- Manual therapy;
- IT Traction;
- Physiotherapy.
Non-pharmacological treatmenthelps reduce the severity of symptoms and reduces the frequency and severity of exacerbations, improves blood supply to the affected area, improves metabolism and regeneration processes.
- Strengthens the effect of medications;
- Helps strengthen the muscle structure and stabilize the spine;
- Eliminates muscle spasms and blockages.
Non-pharmacological treatment also includes the use of a Shants splint.
Shantsa Tire
Shants splint or Shants collar is a soft bandage of a certain degree of fixation of the cervical spine, used for the prevention and treatment of injuries and diseases of the cervical spine. Scope of application: urgent and urgent medical care in case of traffic accidents, injuries at home and at work, treatment of patients after surgical interventions on the cervical spine.
By design, the Shants splint can be rigid, semi-rigid, ring-shaped, with or without fasteners, but they are all removable and easily replaceable, easy to use and care for, affordable and have a modern design that plays an important role. Role in wearing around the neck during the rehabilitation or outpatient treatment period.
PharmacotherapyIt helps relieve pain, eliminate dizziness, restore normal functioning of nerve roots and, if possible, stop or slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(intended to relieve pain and inflammation) are used in the form of tablets, injections, ointments and patches;
- Muscle relaxants:medications that eliminate reflex muscle spasms, thereby reducing pain and improving blood circulation;
- B vitaminsIn the form of tablets, it helps to improve the conduction of nerve impulses;
- Chondroprotectors:Medicines that promote the restoration of cartilage tissue.
Depending on the symptoms, medications may also be prescribed to improve microcirculation in the vessels of the brain, medications that block nausea and dizziness, etc.
Surgery
The help of surgeons is necessary in advanced cases of the disease, when medical methods are no longer effective.
- Surgical removal of a herniated disc.(microdiscectomy, endoscopic or transfacet surgery);
- Laminectomy:removal of the spinous processes or vertebral arch, thereby reducing the load on the root of the spinal cord;
- Nucleoplasty:Removal of a hernia by removing part of the nucleus of the intervertebral disc.
Prevention of osteochondrosis
- Avoid physical inactivity and lead an active lifestyle;
- Diversify your diet with foods rich in potassium and magnesium;
- Minimize heavy lifting;
- Sleep on an anatomical pillow and an anatomical mattress;
- Warm up regularly.
Frequently asked questions
How to understand that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is beginning?
- Headache
- Limit head rotation
- Altered concentration
- noise in the ears
- Dizziness
How to make a diagnosis?
- Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.
- MRI, MSCT
How to relieve pain with cervical osteochondrosis?
If you have pain in the cervical spine, you should see a doctor. The doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, antispasmodics and other drugs with analgesic effects.
How to avoid osteochondrosis?
- Start an active lifestyle
- Do preventive exercises daily (at least 10 minutes per day)
- Develop a daily routine
- Neck area massage (2 times a year)
Which doctor treats osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?
First of all, you should visit a general practitioner, who will give you a referral for the necessary examinations and make a preliminary diagnosis. As a rule, patients with a confirmed diagnosis of osteochondrosis should consult a neurologist.