To date, the disease has become very "younger" and people over the age of 25 are more and more affected, although more recently the age of 30 to 35 was seen as risky. Pathologies of the cervical part are more common, so you need to be able to quickly identify the symptoms of the disease in order to begin treatment.
What is called osteochondrosis of the cervical spine? 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 the structure and anatomy, segments and joint elements of the cervical spine. Osteochondrosis of the neck is characterized by sharp pain symptoms that require timely treatment.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Where does cervical osteochondrosis come from? A little further down we list the factors whose chronic or sharp effects lead to increased stress in the neck. As a result, the body compensates for the increased stress caused by the work of the muscles. However, due to the constant tension, they experience cramps with restricted blood flow. Together, these factors lead to degenerative changes in the spine, changes in its structure, problems with blood nutrition and metabolism. Next comes the turning point in the changes in the intervertebral joints, there is an overgrowth of the bone tissue of the spinal column segments.
Let's list the factors that contribute to the development of the disease:
- Scoliosis and poor posture.
- Obesity.
- Long stay in wrong and unnatural positions.
- Regular overloading of the back and cervical spine, for example, due to the specifics of the work.
- Low mobility, sedentary physical inactivity.
- Injury to the spine in the past.
- Metabolic problems.
- Excessive physical activity.
- Stress overload, persistent susceptibility to depression.
- The factor of inheritance.
- Abnormal development of the vertebrae.
Degree of cervical osteochondrosis
It is necessary to be able to distinguish between the concepts "stage" and "degree" that characterize osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. We will consider the stages a little later, now we will talk about the degrees, which depend on the general clinical condition and the patient's complaints, have different symptoms and, accordingly, require different treatment.
- First degree - 1. . . Cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by minor manifestations of the disease. The main symptoms are neck pain, which is not common and which gets worse when you turn your head. They can be accompanied by slightly tense muscles.
- Second degree - 2. . . The severity of the pain and symptoms is much stronger and they can give to the shoulder area. This is due to the fact that the intervertebral disc became lower in height, resulting in pinching of the nerves. The pain syndrome tends to increase with movement, a feeling of weakness and headaches lead to a decrease in performance.
- Third degree - 3. . . This development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by the formation of hernias in the intervertebral space. Differences from the previous degrees are in the symptoms, which are even more pronounced and painful - there is more on the shoulder and arm, in them a feeling of numbness and weakness is possible. The disease is accompanied by the same headache, weakness, reduced neck mobility and a pronounced pain syndrome on palpation.
- Fourth degree - 4th. . . This degree is characterized by a complete destruction of the intervertebral disc tissue. Problems with the blood supply to the brain are likely, particularly through the vertebral artery that supplies blood to the cerebellum and the back of the head. Against this background there are coordination difficulties, dizziness, ringing in the ears.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Cervical osteochondrosis differs from osteochondrosis in other areas. They arise from the closer arrangement of the segments relative to one another, 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, which accordingly wear out and degrade more quickly. In addition, cervical osteochondrosis often leads to compression of the nerves of 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 cervix. The appearance of pain in the shoulder joint indicates pressure on the nerve, which is responsible for the transmission of pain impulses at this point. Occipital pain reflects the presence of a spasm in the neck muscles due to difficulty with blood flow in that area. Perhaps a sensation of pain in the vertebrae, the presence of a crunch.
- Weakness in hand. . . It manifests itself due to damage to the nerve responsible for motor activity of the upper limbs.
- Bad sensitivity in hand. . . The nerve that innervates the skin on the arm is damaged.
- Restricted movement, crunching. . . It is a consequence of the small height of the intervertebral disc, bone growth in the segments of the spine, and the presence of small affected structures.
- Coordination problems, weak and dizzy. . . As the pathology progresses, fibrous tissue is formed. It partially leads to a narrowing of the vertebral artery, which has its own channel in the elements of the spine. This reduces the lumen of the vessel and leads to a blood deficit in the back of the head and cerebellum.
- Hearing, vision and language problems. . . They are a further development of the narrowing of the vessel that supplies the cerebellar and occipital zones.
diagnosis
The diagnosis is made when a person has characteristic symptoms and ailments. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is diagnosed using various methods, the main aim of which is to visualize the condition of the damaged part. Most used:
- Radiography. It is not very informative, only shows the presence of deviations, it is mainly useful for early detection.
- Computed Tomography. Compared to radiography, the visualization of pathologies of the cervical spine segments is improved, but it does not accurately determine whether there is an inguinal hernia, how large it is. In addition, this procedure cannot determine the "narrowing" of the canal containing the spinal cord.
- Magnetic resonance imaging. Such a diagnosis is the most modern, it is characterized by an increased information content and allows you to assess in detail the defects of the bone structure, the condition of the intervertebral discs, the presence of hernias, their size and direction of growth.
- If there is any suspicion of deterioration in the current in the vertebral arteries, additional diagnosis is performed using the ultrasonic duplex scanning procedure. Such a study will accurately determine the presence of obstacles 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 minor violations of the anatomy of the vertebrae.
- Level 2. . . Probably neglect of 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.
- level 3. . . The intervertebral disc is reduced by a quarter, the joints are changed, there are excesses of bone tissue, tension in the intervertebral foramen and the spinal canal.
- Level 4. . . It's still worse than the previous one. The intervertebral disc is greatly reduced in size, there are deep joint pathologies and extensive bone growth, the spinal canal and the passages under the spinal cord are severely compressed.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The main methods of such treatment are: drug therapy, physiotherapy, massage of the affected area, therapeutic gymnastics. Let's take a closer look at some of the methods.
Drug treatment
Prescribing a drug should only be carried out by a competent specialist.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs of non-steroidal origin. Their effect is the effective elimination of the pain syndrome, the inflammatory and edematous process of the pinched nerve endings.
- Vitamin B is taken to improve metabolic processes in the vertebrae and nerves.
- Drugs that increase blood flow. Used to nourish altered nerve endings and improve blood flow to the brain.
- Chondroprotectors to restore the cartilage and intervertebral disc tissue.
- Muscle relaxants, antispasms.
physical therapy
- Electrophoresis. . . Delivery of drug ions to the desired part of the pathology under the action of an electric field. Novocaine anesthesia is performed before the procedure and aminophylline is also used, which improves blood circulation.
- By ultrasound. . . Relieves inflammation, pain and promotes the metabolism at the application site.
- Magnetotherapy. . . Has an analgesic effect, relieves swelling.
- Laser therapy. . . The treatment takes place through the action of light waves of a certain frequency. It relieves inflammation well and promotes blood circulation.
physical therapy
Physiotherapy is allowed only if there is no exacerbation of the disease. The techniques are effective if there is no pain and discomfort while performing. In addition, they are very effective as a means of prevention. Here are some basic exercises:
- Lie on your stomach with your arms bent on the floor. Do head and trunk raises for 60-90 seconds, keeping your back straight, then smoothly return to the original position. Do 2-3 repetitions.
- Lie on your stomach with your arms outstretched along your torso. Turn your head left, right and try to reach the floor with your ear. Do 5-7 reps on each side.
- In a sitting position, breathe in, bend forward and try to reach your chest with your head. Then, on the exhale, on the contrary, lean back and throw your head back. Do 12 reps.
- In a sitting position, place your palms on your forehead. Apply mutual pressure from the forehead to the palm and vice versa. Continue for up to half a minute and repeat three times.
- Neat, leisurely turn of the heads to the sides, 5-7 turns each. If you feel dizzy, reduce the number of repetitions or slow down the pace.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine: question-answer
Does it happen that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has to be operated on?
It happens, but in the rare cases when conservative treatment does not show any effect half a year after starting it. In such situations, chronic pain and tension in the nerve endings are usually present.
How long can you take nonsteroidal 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 taking medication is determined by the attending physician, who has information about the stage of osteochondrosis in the patient, as well as any concomitant diseases.
Are Chondroprotective Drugs Effective in Restoring Tissue of Damaged Discs?
Confirmation of the effects of taking such drugs has not been established, which is why doctors rarely recommend them.
What to do at home if there is no exacerbation in order to avoid an exacerbation in the future?
For preventive purposes, it is best to do physical therapy exercises, massage the neck zone and refusal of significant physical activity.