Cervical osteochondrosis is a chronic degenerative disease of the articular cartilage tissues, which occurs most often in the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine, because they are most often exposed to high loads, which causes a decrease in elasticity, flattening and thinning of the discs located between the vertebrae, resulting in replacement with bone tissue. As the degenerative process progresses, the 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 is a pathological change in the tissues of the intervertebral discs and the vertebrae themselves. Due to the thinning of the soft tissues, the effect of depreciation of the vertebrae is reduced, 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, migraine, headache, tension, cluster headaches, heart rhythm disorders, respiratory rhythm disorders, deterioration of memory, vision , coordination and attention, intervertebral hernias, incoming brain disorders and strokes develop.
Causes of osteochondrosis
What leads to cervical osteochondrosis?
Numerous factors lead to cervical osteochondrosis, each of which aggravates the course of the disease:
- Sedentary lifestyle (sedentary work);
- Excess body weight;
- Incorrect 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 the 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, collar area;
- Noise or ringing in the ears;
- A feeling of lack of air develops, the inability to take a deep breath, 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;
- Sensation of lump in the throat, pain, dryness, problems swallowing, pain in the shoulder joint;
- Numbness in 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.
- Phase 1. The thickness of the intervertebral discs decreases slightly. There are practically no symptoms, sometimes a slight discomfort in the neck is felt, for example when staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time.
- Phase 2.The height of the disc becomes even smaller, pathological growth of cartilaginous tissue begins and protrusions (protrusions) occur. The patient experiences constant pain, weakness, numbness of the face and stiffness of the cervical spine.
- Phase 3.The fibrous ring surrounding the nucleus of the disc breaks and an intervertebral hernia forms. The spine is significantly deformed, increasing the risk of vertebral dislocations and subluxations. The pain becomes permanent and is accompanied by other symptoms of osteochondrosis.
- Phase 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. 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-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 removed, blood circulation is restored and the metabolic processes of the brain are improved);
- Manual therapy;
- IT traction;
- Physiotherapy.
Non-pharmacological treatmenthelps reduce the severity of symptoms and reduces the frequency and severity of flare-ups, improves blood supply to the affected area, improves metabolism and regeneration processes.
- Strengthens the effect of drugs;
- Helps strengthen the muscular structure and stabilize the spine;
- Eliminates spasms and muscle 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: emergency and emergency medical care in case of road accidents, injuries at home and at work, treatment of patients after surgical operations 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, convenient and have a modern design that plays a important role to wear around your neck during rehabilitation period or outpatient treatment.
Pharmacological treatmenthelps 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.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(aimed at relieving pain and inflammation) are used in the form of tablets, injections, ointments, patches;
- Muscle relaxants:drugs that eliminate reflex muscle spasms, thereby reducing pain and improving blood circulation;
- B vitaminsin the form of tablets, they help improve the conduction of nerve impulses;
- Chondroprotectors:drugs that promote the restoration of cartilage tissue.
Depending on the symptoms, drugs to improve microcirculation in the cerebral vessels, drugs that block nausea and dizziness, etc. may also be prescribed.
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:elimination 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.
FAQ
How to understand that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is starting?
- Heachache
- Limitation of head rotation
- Compromised concentration
- Noise in the ears
- Dizziness
How to make a diagnosis?
- Only a doctor can make a diagnosis
- RM, TCMS
How to relieve pain with cervical osteochondrosis?
If you have pain in the cervical spine, you should consult a doctor. Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, antispasmodics, and other drugs with analgesic effects.
How to avoid osteochondrosis?
- Start an active lifestyle
- Do preventive exercises every day (at least 10 minutes a day)
- Develop a daily routine
- Collar area massage (twice a year)
Which doctor treats osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?
First of all you should visit a general practitioner who will issue a referral for the necessary tests and make a preliminary diagnosis. As a rule, patients with a confirmed diagnosis of osteochondrosis should consult a neurologist.