Cervical osteochondrosis is a chronic degenerative disorder in the articular cartilage tissue, most often occurs in the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine, because they are more often exposed to high loads, which results in a decrease in elasticity, flatness and thinning of the discs located between the vertebrae, followed by their replacement withbone tissue. As the degenerative process progresses, surrounding structures are involved. This causes the development of a whole complex of symptoms that prevent the patient from a comfortable life.
Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?
Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathological change in the intervertebral disc tissue and the vertebra itself. Due to the thinning of soft tissues, the effect of vertebral depreciation is reduced, nerve fibers and blood vessels are compressed, cervical spine mobility is reduced, and head rotation is limited. As a result of this 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 occur, intervertebral hernia, brain enters. disorders, and strokes develop.
Causes of osteochondrosis
What leads to cervical osteochondrosis?
Several factors lead to cervical osteochondrosis, each of which worsens the course of the disease:
- Sedentary lifestyle (sedentary work);
- Overweight;
- Incorrect posture;
- Chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system (scoliosis, flat feet, x and o deformations of the lower part of the legs), contribute to the uneven distribution of the load on the spine;
- Congenital pathology of the development of the spinal column;
- Excessive and repeated pressure on the spine;
- Hereditary tendencies;
- injury.
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, the inability to take a deep breath, severe shortness of breath develops;
- Nausea and vomiting, worse when trying to turn the head;
- Decreased visual acuity, flashing spots or fog in front of the eyes;
- Fluctuations in blood pressure that are difficult to correct with medications;
- Fainting due to vasospasm;
- A lump in the throat, pain, dryness, trouble swallowing, pain in the shoulder joint;
- Finger numbness.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis
In the development process of cervical osteochondrosis, four consecutive stages are distinguished, which determine the severity of the symptoms and the general condition of the patient.
- Stage 1. The thickness of the intervertebral disc is slightly reduced. Almost no symptoms; sometimes there is a slight discomfort in the neck, for example, when being in an uncomfortable position for a long time.
- Stage 2.The height of the disc becomes smaller, the pathological growth of cartilage tissue begins, and protrusions occur. The patient has persistent pain, weakness, facial numbness, and stiffness in the cervical spine.
- Stage 3.A fibrous ring surrounds the core of the ruptured disc, and an intervertebral hernia forms. The spine appears deformed, increasing the risk of vertebral dislocation and subluxation. The pain becomes permanent and is accompanied by other symptoms of osteochondrosis.
- Stage 4.Irreversible changes occur in the spine: bone growth appears, the intervertebral disc is replaced by scar tissue and loses its ability to absorb loads. Symptoms become severe and have a significant impact on the patient's lifestyle and well-being. Quality of life decreases.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis requires an integrated approach; There are non-drug, medical and surgical types of treatment.
Depending on the clinical situation, the following are used:
- Massage (specifically, neurological to remove spasms and blocks);
- Therapeutic exercises (to improve blood circulation);
- Osteopathy (thanks to this procedure, blocks and spasms are removed, blood circulation is restored and metabolic processes of the brain are improved);
- Manual therapy;
- The appeal of computers;
- Physiotherapy.
Treatment is not medicinehelps reduce the severity of symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations, increases blood supply to the affected area, improves metabolism and regeneration processes.
- Strengthen the effect of medicines;
- Helps strengthen the muscular skeleton and stabilize the spinal column;
- Relieves spasms and muscle blocks
Non-drug treatment also includes wearing a Shants splint.
Shantsa tires
Splint Shants or Collar Shants are soft bandages of a certain level of fixation of the cervical spine, used for the prevention and treatment of injuries and diseases of the cervical spine. Areas of application: emergency and emergency medical care in case of traffic accidents, injuries at home and at work, treatment of patients after surgical intervention on the cervical spine.
According to the design, Shants blinds can be rigid, semi-rigid, ring-shaped, with or without fasteners, but all are removable and easy to replace, easy to use and maintain, affordable and have a modern design that plays an important role. role in wearing around the neck during the recovery period or outpatient treatment.
Drug treatmenthelps to relieve pain, eliminate dizziness, restore the normal function of nerve roots, and, if possible, stop or slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (intended to relieve pain and inflammation) used in the form of tablets, injections, ointments, patches;Muscle relaxation: drugs that eliminate reflex muscle spasms, thereby reducing pain and improving blood circulation;B vitamins in tablet form, helps improve the flow of nerve impulses;Chondroprotectors: drugs that promote the recovery of cartilage tissue.
Depending on the symptoms, drugs to improve microcirculation in the brain vessels, drugs that prevent nausea and dizziness, etc. may also be prescribed.
Surgery
The help of a surgeon 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 the spinous process or vertebral arch, thereby reducing the load on the spinal cord root;Nucleoplasty: hernia removal by removing part of the core 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;
- Reduce heavy lifting;
- Sleep on anatomical pillows and anatomical mattresses;
- Warm up regularly.
Frequently asked questions
How to understand that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine begins?
- Headache
- Limits head rotation
- Concentration is affected
- 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 experience pain in the cervical spine, you should see a doctor. The doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, antispasmodics and other drugs with an analgesic effect.
How to avoid osteochondrosis?
- Start an active lifestyle
- Do preventive exercise every day (at least 10 minutes a day)
- Develop a daily routine
- Collar area massage (2 times a year)
Which doctor treats osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?
First of all, you need to visit a general practitioner who will issue a referral for the necessary examinations and make an initial diagnosis. As a rule, patients with a confirmed diagnosis of osteochondrosis should consult a neurologist.