Cervical osteochondrosis is a chronic degenerative disorder of the articular cartilage tissues, which most often occurs in the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine, as they are more often exposed to high loads, which results in a decrease in the flexibility, flattening, and thinning of the discs located between the vertebrae, and then in their replacement with bone tissue. As the degenerative process progresses, the surrounding structures are involved. This causes the development of a whole set of symptoms that deprive the patient of a comfortable life.
Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?
Cervical osteochondrosis is pathological changes in the tissues of the intervertebral discs and the vertebrae themselves. Due to the thinning of the soft tissues, the amortization effect of the vertebrae decreases, the nerve fibers and blood vessels are compressed, the mobility of the cervical spine decreases, and the rotation of the head is limited. As a result of the disease, blood circulation and blood supply to the brain deteriorates, migraines, headaches, tension, cluster headaches, heart rhythm disorders, respiratory rhythm disorders, deterioration of memory, vision, coordination and attention, intervertebral hernia, incoming brain. disorders and stroke develop.
Causes of osteochondrosis
What leads to cervical osteochondrosis?
Several factors lead to cervical osteochondrosis, all of which aggravate the course of the disease:
- Sedentary lifestyle (sedentary work);
- Excess body weight;
- Improper posture;
- Chronic diseases of the locomotor system (spinal curvature, flat feet, x- and o-shaped deformities of the lower limbs), which contribute to the uneven distribution of the load on the spine;
- Congenital pathologies of the development of the spinal column;
- Excessive, repetitive stress on the spine;
- Hereditary tendency;
- Injuries.
signs and symptoms
- Systemic dizziness;
- Pain in the back of the head, neck, collar area;
- Noise or ringing in the ears;
- A feeling of lack of air, inability to take a deep breath, severe shortness of breath develops;
- Nausea and vomiting, worse when trying to turn the head;
- Decreased visual acuity, flickering spots or fog in front of the eyes;
- Blood pressure fluctuations that are difficult to correct with medication;
- Fainting caused by vasospasm;
- A lump in the throat, pain, dryness, swallowing problems, pain in the shoulder joint;
- Numbness of the fingers.
Degree of development of osteochondrosis
In the development process of cervical osteochondrosis, four successive stages are distinguished, which determine the severity of the symptoms and the general condition of the patient.
- Section 1. The thickness of the intervertebral discs decreases slightly. There are practically no symptoms, sometimes there is a slight discomfort in the neck, for example, in an uncomfortable position for a long time.
- Section 2.The height of the disc becomes even smaller, the abnormal growth of the cartilage tissue begins, and protrusions (protrusions) are formed. The patient experiences constant pain, weakness, numbness of the face, and stiffness of the cervical spine.
- Section 3.The fibrous ring surrounding the core of the disc ruptures, creating an intervertebral hernia. The spinal column is noticeably deformed, which increases the risk of vertebral dislocations and subluxations. The pain becomes constant and is accompanied by other symptoms of osteochondrosis.
- Section 4.Irreversible changes occur in the spinal column: bone growths appear, the intervertebral disc is replaced by scar tissue and loses its load-bearing capacity. 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-drug, drug and surgical treatment.
Depending on the clinical situation, the following are used:
- Massage (specialized for eliminating neurological spasms and blocks);
- Therapeutic exercise (to improve blood circulation);
- Osteopathy (thanks to this procedure, blocks and spasms are eliminated, blood circulation is restored, and the metabolic processes of the brain are improved);
- Manual therapy;
- Computer traction;
- Physiotherapy.
It is not a drug treatmenthelps reduce the severity of symptoms and reduces the frequency and severity of exacerbations, improves blood supply to the affected area, enhances metabolism and regeneration processes.
- Strengthens the effect of medicines;
- It helps to strengthen the muscle frame and stabilize the spine;
- Eliminates spasms and muscle blocks
Non-drug treatment also includes wearing a Shants splint.
Shansa tire
A Shants splint or Shants collar is a soft bandage that provides some degree of fixation of the cervical spine and is used to prevent and treat injuries and diseases of the cervical spine. Field of application: emergency and emergency medical care in case of road traffic accidents, injuries at home and at work, treatment of patients after surgical interventions on the cervical spine.
According to the design of the Shants rail, it can be rigid, semi-rigid, ring-shaped, with or without fasteners, but all are removable and easily replaceable, easy to use and maintain, affordable, and their modern design is also important. its role in wearing it around the neck during the rehabilitation period or in outpatient treatment.
Drug treatmentit helps relieve pain, get rid of dizziness, restore the normal functioning of nerve roots and, if possible, stop or slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aimed at relieving pain and inflammation) are used in the form of tablets, injections, ointments, plasters;Muscle relaxants: drugs that eliminate reflex muscle spasms, thereby reducing pain and improving blood circulation;B vitamins improves the conduction of nerve impulses in the form of tablets;Chondroprotectors: drugs that promote the restoration of cartilage tissue.
Depending on the symptoms, drugs that improve microcirculation in the vessels of the brain, drugs that prevent nausea and dizziness, etc. can also be prescribed.
Surgery
The help of surgeons is needed 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 spinous processes or the vertebral arch, thereby reducing the load on the spinal cord root;Nucleoplasty: elimination of the hernia by removing part of the core of the intervertebral disc.
Prevention of osteochondrosis
- Avoid physical inactivity and lead an active lifestyle;
- Change your diet with foods rich in potassium and magnesium;
- Minimize heavy lifting;
- Sleep on an anatomical pillow and anatomical mattress;
- Reheat regularly.
F. A. Q
How to understand that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine begins?
- Headache
- Restriction of head rotation
- Reduced concentration
- Noise in the ears
- Dizziness
How to make a diagnosis?
- Only a doctor can diagnose
- MRI, MSCT
How to relieve pain in cervical osteochondrosis?
If you feel pain in the cervical spine, see a doctor. The doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, and other pain-relieving medications.
How to avoid osteochondrosis?
- Start an active lifestyle
- Do preventive exercises daily (at least 10 minutes a day)
- Establish a daily routine
- Massage of the collar area (2 times a year)
Which doctor treats osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?
First of all, you should visit a family doctor, who will issue a referral for the necessary tests and make a preliminary diagnosis. In general, patients with a confirmed diagnosis of osteochondrosis should consult a neurologist.