Today, osteochondrosis is legitimately considered a "disease of the century", because most of the time it affects people whose work does not require increased physical activity.
In most cases, changes in cartilage and bone tissue are observed in people of working age, up to 40 years of age.
The disease can affect different parts of the spine, the second most common being osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
What is it?
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative disorder of the articular cartilage and adjacent bone tissue.
Previously, the term was applied to a large group of osteoarticular diseases, but now it is used only for degenerative diseases of the spine.
Compared to other parts of the spine, the cervical region is the most mobile and has many nerve and vascular formations. The structure of the vertebrae is small in size, as well as the fact that they are surrounded by a rather weak muscular corset.
This anatomical structure predisposes to the development of osteochondrosis, the severity of the clinical manifestations of which depends on the nature of the changes in the intervertebral discs and the degree of destruction.
The reasons for the development of the disease
The main and most common cause of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a sedentary lifestyle.
Due to lack of physical activity with a sedentary and sedentary lifestyle:
- metabolic processes are altered;
- increases the level of salts in the bloodstream and lymphatic fluid;
- The salts are deposited in the cervical spine, kidneys and liver.
Damage to the cervical vertebrae is mainly caused by a lack of nutrients in the intervertebral discs. Therefore, the main reasons for the appearance of cervical osteochondrosis also include improper and unbalanced nutrition.
Risk factors
There are many risk factors for cervical osteochondrosis.
The most common factors are:
- inheritance;
- age-related changes;
- cervical spine injuries;
- hypothermia;
- hormonal disorders leading to metabolic disorders;
- some autoimmune diseases that damage cartilage tissue (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatism).
Why is it dangerous?
Not only the spinal cord and nerve roots run through the cervical spine, but also the vertebral artery, which is responsible for supplying blood to the back of the brain, the brainstem, and the cerebellum.
Therefore, with cervical osteochondrosis, this artery is compressed, and as a result, cerebral circulation is impaired.
In extremely advanced cases, compression of an artery and adjacent blood vessels and nerve plexuses can have consequences such as:
- lack of coordination;
- hearing and vision loss;
- stroke.
If the disease is not cured in the early stage, it can lead to complications such as: protrusion of the intervertebral disc or herniated disc.
Degrees of development of the disease
Cervical osteochondrosis, like osteochondrosis of other parts of the spine, develops in stages. There are 3 stages of the development of the disease.
1 degree
Characterized by the beginning of the destruction of the intervertebral discs.
Cracks form in the fibrous ring, the strength and elasticity of the disc is altered, its height decreases, so the nerve roots are compressed.
A characteristic pain appears. Sometimes in stage 1 (preclinical) such pain may be absent, and osteochondrosis occurs with moderate discomfort in the neck.
2nd grade
If the first degree osteochondrosis was not treated or the treatment was not effective, then a chronic condition arises, which is the second degree of osteochondrosis.
The pain becomes constant, the destruction and compaction of the intervertebral disc continues and leads to minor dislocations of the cervical vertebrae.
With cervical osteochondrosis at this stage, drooping head syndrome can develop. This syndrome is characterized by severe pain and the person must keep the head in a fixed state to reduce pain.
3rd grade
Grade 3 cervical osteochondrosis is associated with the following symptoms:
- headaches;
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- neck "lumbago";
- altered sensation of the upper extremities.
The annulus fibrosus is almost destroyed, leading to complications of osteochondrosis: protrusion of the intervertebral disc or intervertebral hernia.
In the third stage of osteochondrosis, the intensity of pain may decrease, as the affected cartilaginous tissue in the intervertebral disc simply does not exist, which means that there is no source of pain, but pinching ofthe nerve roots remain, so the pain does not go away completely.
Signs and symptoms
There are many signs of this disease. And they depend on which vertebrae are damaged by this disease.
The typical syndromes of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- radicular syndrome;
- vertebral artery syndrome;
- cervical migraine syndrome;
- hypertensive syndrome.
All these syndromes are accompanied, first of all, by different types of pain.
If we consider the syndrome of the vertebral artery, then the headache here manifests itself already at an early stage of the development of the disease.
In this case, the pain attacks can be accompanied by:
- dizziness;
- shaky gear;
- visual symptoms (appearance of fog before the eyes, decreased visual acuity, etc. ). fainting (with sudden movements of the head).
In hypertensive syndrome, an increase in intracranial pressure is determined.
The headache is more of an explosive character, it may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. With an exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, an increase in temperature and an increase in ESR can be observed.
When the spinal roots are compressed ("radicular syndrome"), the following neurological symptoms may appear:
- severe pain in the neck (cervicalgia);
- neck pain spreading to the forearm and humerus (cervicobrachialgia);
- arm pain;
- cracking or cracking sensation in the neck when turning the head;
- pain "radiating" to the ear, which occurs more often after prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position or sudden movement;
- pain or a lumpy feeling in the throat, breathing problems;
- numbness of hands and tongue;
- sensation of swelling of the tongue;
- severe weakness;
- hearing and visual impairment;
- tinnitus;
- general deterioration of health.
In the syndrome of "cervical migraine" irritation of the sympathetic ganglia is observed, which leads to the interruption of the reactivity of the cerebral vessels and alteration of the blood circulation.
As a result, hypertension can develop, often accompanied by:
- plugged ears;
- tachycardia;
- head noise;
- ringing in the ears.
When the arteries supplying the spinal cord are compressed, a spinal effusion can occur.
The alteration of blood circulation in the brain in osteochondrosis can lead to:
- oxygen deficiency of brain cells;
- mental disorders (depression, panic attacks);
- signs of epilepsy, such as short-term loss of consciousness and tension throughout the body; they are often mistaken for signs of epilepsy.
A very common symptom of cervical osteochondrosis is changes and disturbances in the rhythm of the heart, for example, extrasystole or arrhythmia.
These symptoms are very common among drivers and office workers.
Due to a sedentary lifestyle, changes occur in the intervertebral discs of the cervical and thoracic spine, causing alterations in the functioning of the heart.
In most cases, until osteochondrosis is cured, it is virtually impossible to get rid of heart rhythm disturbances.
Puffiness under the eyes can also indicate osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Most of the time they depend on the position of the head during night sleep, disappear during the day and are combined with headaches, dizziness, heaviness in the head, etc.
Vegetovascular dystonia is another of the most common diseases that occur with this disease.
It is a consequence of the pinched vascular arteries that run along the sides of the spine.
Diagnostic methods
The preliminary diagnosis is established by a neurologist during the initial examination of the patient. More recently, the doctor had to make a diagnosis by performing only an external examination of the patient and sending him for an X-ray.
But, unfortunately, it is impossible to see the full picture of the development of the disease on an X-ray.
Tests such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are now available, with which you can fully assess the stage of development of the disease.
Once the diagnosis is made, the patient is referred to a physician who specializes in this area.
What doctor are you treating?
Treatment is carried out by a limited specialist: a vertebrologist or a vertebroneurologist.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
The severity of the main clinical symptoms is taken as the basis for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
In the cervical spine, symptoms are mainly associated with compression of blood vessels and nerve endings, therefore, during treatment, the edema is eliminated first and theblood circulation.
There are many treatment methods used in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
The most effective treatment is complex, which is a combination of several conservative treatment methods.
Complex treatment of cervical osteochondrosis may include the following traditional and non-traditional methods: drug treatment, massage, acupressure, manual therapy, physical therapy, acupuncture, homeopathy, home remedies, etc.
The main stages of osteochondrosis treatment are the same for all locations of this disease:
- First you need to relieve the pain.
- Then the swelling will be removed.
- At this stage, it is necessary to normalize blood circulation.
- Strengthening the muscular corset.
- Improves nutrition and tissue regeneration.
Only a team of good specialists can choose the most appropriate therapy, which includes a neurologist, physical therapist, masseur, surgeon and spinal neurologist.
Like any disease, cervical osteochondrosis should be treated at the earliest stage of its onset. If you do not start the process, then at this stage you can achieve a complete cure of osteochondrosis.
Unfortunately, stages 2 and 3 of cervical osteochondrosis are accompanied by the total or partial destruction of the intervertebral discs, so these stages are characterized by a very long recovery process.
First Aid
How to relieve pain during exacerbation?
In case of severe pain, you should take a pain reliever from your home medicine cabinet: these can be pain relievers. You can also apply pepper plaster for pain.
Diuretics may be taken if swelling occurs. Rubbing the neck with pain relief ointments may help.
You can also use aneedle applicatorfor pain, which:
- relieves back pain;
- reduces muscle spasm;
- stimulates the work of internal organs;
- normalizes blood circulation.
Physiotherapy is contraindicated in exacerbations, as well as warming up, since these effects can cause serious complications.
After relief of acute pain, it is necessary to urgently consult your doctor.
Drug treatment
Drug treatment usually begins with injections (in case of exacerbation), then switches to tablets and suppositories in combination with local application of ointments and gels.
Anesthesia during drug treatment is performed with steroid anti-inflammatory drugs.
It is imperative to prescribe drugs that restore cerebral circulation.
Muscle relaxants may be prescribed for abnormal muscle tension. For more effective treatment, vitamins are taken in therapeutic doses and trace elements.
In cases of intervertebral hernia, surgical intervention is often recommended and the treating physician may suggest surgery.
Massage and self-massage
This method works well with physical therapy and physical therapy. You can take a massage course either at any medical institution or by contacting private practices.
Massage is necessary for cervical osteochondrosis to strengthen muscles and relieve tension in the neck.
The task of the masseur is to remove harmful metabolic products by increasing the outflow and flow of blood in the diseased area, as well as to relieve the spasm of the area of pathology.
The main techniques used by specialists in neck massage are:
- stroking;
- tighten;
- rub;
- vibration;
- kneading.
The self-massage technique can be performed using the following techniques:
- stroking (the movements should be smooth, without much effort, forming folds)
- knead (deep impact on the muscles, grasping the fold, pressing and pushing);
- vibration (vibratory impact from bumps, shakes, taps).
Self-massage should always end with caresses. During vibration, you can use a massager.
Acupressure massage
Acupressure massage well relieves headache with exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, helps with pressure surges and normalizes it.
Acupressure scheme:
- Impact on the feng fu point, located below the occipital protuberance, for 1 minute.
- Impact on the feng chi point, which is two fingers wide from the mastoid processes of the skull.
- Impact for 1-1. 5 minutes at the ya-men point (located at a distance of three fingers from the feng fu point).
- Sedation 1-1, 5 minutes at the da-chzhui point (seventh cervical vertebra).
After acupressure, you should lie down for a few minutes as you may experience slight dizziness.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy helps to cope with acute and chronic pain, it also increases range of motion and improves posture well.
The main methods of manual therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- Relaxing and segmental massage.It is used to warm up the muscles and relieve tension.
- Mobilization.Influences aimed at restoring joint function by traction.
- Manipulation.A strong push directed at the pathological areas of the patient. The procedure is accompanied by a characteristic crunch (return of the joint to its normal position).
A specialist who practices manual therapy must master these techniques. Otherwise, any mistake can cause injury.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture promotes the release of cortisol into the bloodstream. This hormone has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.
Acupuncture is performed by acting on points close to the inner edge of the scapula. The needles are inserted to a depth of 1 to 2 cm and allowed to act for 10 to 30 minutes.
Homeopathy
Drug treatment carries many adverse side effects, so homeopathy can be a worthy substitute for treatment without undesirable consequences.
Nutritional characteristics
Food should be rich in calcium and magnesium.
These trace elements are found in seafood, nuts, legumes and dairy products.
Osteochondrosis of the neck can often be accompanied by atherosclerosis. In this case, a strict diet is recommended.
The diet is prescribed for 3-4 months. You should limit the consumption of all foods that contain cholesterol. These include animal fats, fatty meats, fatty dairy products, etc. You should also limit or exclude the consumption of salt, sugar, flour products.
It is recommended to abandon bad habits (smoking, alcohol, etc. ).
Cervical osteochondrosis and alcohol are interconnected. The fact is that when entering the blood, alcohol destroys cells, which aggravates the already impaired blood circulation in osteochondrosis.
Therefore, you should limit it to a minimum and, during an exacerbation, completely stop drinking alcohol.
Disease prevention
To prevent cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended to observe the following rules:
- sleeping should be on a firm mattress and on a low pillow: the neck bending angle should not exceed 15 degrees;
- take a hot shower every day for at least 10 minutes;
- visit the sauna and bathhouse as often as possible: heat helps relieve neck spasms;
- get aerobic activity and walk regularly at a slow pace;
- go swimming;
- after 25 years, avoid shock load on the spine (jump, run);
- when working sedentary, be sure to take five-minute breaks every hour;
- regular yoga practice can prevent any manifestation of cervical osteochondrosis;
- refuses to go to the gym, as bodybuilding can lead to the appearance of a bulge of the cervical disc;
- Physical exercise as a prophylaxis against osteochondrosis of the neck helps to strengthen the neck muscles, relieve tension.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do during pregnancy and how to treat it?
It is often during pregnancy that the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear.
This is due to a change in hormone levels and softening of the vertebrae, as well as a change in the center of gravity and excessive stress on the spine.
The treatment of osteochondrosis in pregnant women is quite complicated, as it is mainly limited by the pharmacological method aimed at relieving pain.
You can apply natural ointments or use traditional medicine.
Any influence on the neck area (warm-up, exercise, etc. ) during pregnancy is strictly prohibited.
Does it occur in children and adolescents?
In children and adolescents, cervical osteochondrosis develops due to a congenital or acquired functional failure of cartilage tissue.
Expressed by complaints of headache, fatigue, dizziness, and fainting.
Is it possible to warm the neck area?
It is strictly forbidden to heat the neck with cervical osteochondrosis, especially in the exacerbation stage of the disease, since heating can lead to increased edema and vasodilation of the brain.
How to sleep properly?
Sleep on a flat, hard bed with an orthopedic mattress.
The recommended and most comfortable position is to lie on your side, with your shoulder resting on the mattress and your head resting on a small pillow.
The use of an orthopedic pillow helps to relax the muscles of the cervical spine, reduces irritation of the nerve endings, which prevents headaches and insomnia.
Are physical activities and sauna allowed?
In preventive measures and in the 1st stage of cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended to perform physiotherapy exercises, swimming.
It is strictly forbidden to lift weights, work hard, train in gyms.
A visit to the bathhouse and sauna is also recommended only for the prevention of cervical osteochondrosis and in the initial stage of the disease.
Reviews
"I would like to share with my brothers in distress how to deal with cervical osteochondrosis. A couple of years ago I had back pain. At a doctor's visit, the diagnosis was cervical osteochondrosis. Many things from treatment have been tried: physical therapy, manual therapy and massage. But there was always only temporary relief, besides, these are all very expensive procedures. I had to undertake the study of the problem thoroughly. So I decided to try swimming. It turns out that swimming is widely used for prevention andthe treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, as it notably relieves the tension of the neck muscles. once a week in the pool and the pain I do not know. "
"Due to my excessive work, I could not find time to visit a doctor. And my relatives advised me to treat neck pain with warming, herbal compresses, various ointments and other home remedies. That the neck hasstopped moving! I stay home for more than two weeks, and still recovered for a long time. So my advice to everyone is to see a doctor as soon as your neck cracks and hurts! This way you will save timeand they will not lose their health. "