Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (CS) is most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged women and men, as this part is more susceptible to stress. The first signs of the disease are often unexpressed, so it is difficult to recognize the problem in the initial stages of development. The manifestation of osteochondrosis is associated with the influence of many factors on the body. In order for the treatment regimen of cervical osteochondrosis to be adequate, it is important to discover the causes.
The main causes of the disease
Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology of degenerative-dystrophic nature, in which, under the influence of negative factors, the tissues of the intervertebral discs in the neck begin to collapse. Over time, the disease affects other structures of the spine, which impairs its functioning. The person begins to suffer from unpleasant symptoms, the health condition gradually deteriorates.
The main cause of vertebral degeneration is a violation of metabolic functions in the body. The vertebrae and intervertebral structures do not receive the necessary nutrients and elements. Osteophytic bone growth appears on bone tissue. Ossification spreads over time. Initiated osteochondrosis causes the cervical spine to immobilize due to spinal fusion.
The trigger mechanism for the development of such processes are negative factors that constantly affect the human body. The causes of osteochondrosis are as follows:
- congenital pathologies of the structure of the musculoskeletal system,
- hereditary predisposition,
- heavy physical activity,
- passive lifestyle,
- violation of posture,
- back injuries
- scoliosis,
- stress, nervous overload,
- complication after severe infectious diseases.
Degree and manifestation of the disease
Signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine develop gradually. As the pathology progresses, the symptoms become more pronounced. There are 4 stages of chondrosis development:
- At grade 1, there are no obvious symptoms of osteochondrosis. Sometimes headaches can be upsetting, as well as discomfort in the neck. Symptoms pass quickly after rest, but degenerative processes in the discs have already begun, in which the integrity of the nucleus pulposus is disturbed.
- When the pathology has progressed to stage 2, the intervertebral cartilage is covered with cracks through which the disc nucleus exits. The intervertebral space decreases, the patient complains of acute pain syndrome in a chronic form.
- In stage 3 progression, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by severe vertebral and headaches. Due to hypoxia, brain cells suffer, a person may experience temporary limb paralysis, hearing and vision problems. Hernias appear in the cervical area that compress the nerves, muscles, arteries and veins.
- With the transition of the disease to the last (4 tablespoons), the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in men and women become so pronounced that the patient can not relax and rest for even a minute. Osteophytes form on the vertebrae, due to which the mobility of the neck is disturbed, and the person becomes disabled. If complex treatment is not started at this stage, the situation can end in death.
Typical symptoms
Conservatively, grade 1-2 osteochondrosis is effectively treated. In advanced cases, it is difficult to completely restore the destroyed intervertebral structures. This means that it is important to diagnose the disease in its early stages. Therefore, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor if a person has similar symptoms:
- acute painful discomfort localized in the neck, shoulders, nape,
- severe headaches and dizziness caused by compression of the nerves and vessels of the cervical spine by the vertebrae,
- violation of visual and auditory functions,
- muscle weakness
- numbness, a feeling of tingling in the skin
- failure of the vestibular apparatus.
Cervical osteochondrosis at the level of C4-C6 vertebrae is characterized by impaired sensitivity of the upper limbs, hands and fingers. If the vertebral artery is compressed, dangerous disorders that occur in the brain are disturbed. Hypoxia occurs due to insufficient blood supply and nutrition of brain cells. If the patient is not treated in time, the patient will have memory problems, swallowing function will be disturbed and the tightness in the throat where the Adam's apple is located will be disturbed.
Often, even a person’s voice changes, and with the progression of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, cardiac pathologies occur.
How is the diagnosis made?
If a person suspects that he is developing osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, it is necessary to visit a neurologist who will conduct an initial examination and try to discover the main causes of the development of the disease. During palpation it will be possible to approximately determine the stage of the pathology, how it takes place - with or without displacement. To confirm the diagnosis, the patient will have to go through such instrumental diagnostic studies:
- Radiography. It will help determine the degree of osteophyte growth, the size of the inter-articular gap.
- MRI or CT. It enables the assessment of the degree of destruction of intervertebral discs, as well as the condition of other soft structures.
- Doppler ultrasound. It helps to identify abnormalities in the work of blood vessels, due to which the blood supply to the brain is disrupted.
How to treat the problem?
If the diagnosis is confirmed during the diagnosis, based on the results obtained, the doctor selects the optimal treatment regimen for cervical osteochondrosis. If the disease does not start, you can get rid of it with medication and with the help of auxiliary procedures. In 3-4 stages, medications are often powerless, the best solution in this case is surgery.
Effective medicine
Medical treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in the acute period is primarily aimed at relieving inflammation, swelling and relieving pain. The following groups of drugs are prescribed for this purpose:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Eliminate inflammation, reduce swelling, relieve pain. With the worsening of the pathology, it is recommended to use it in the form of injections, when the symptoms subside a bit, you can take tablets.
- Painkillers.
- Muscle relaxants. Relieve muscle cramps, freeing nerves and blood vessels.
- Chondroprotekoty. They restore damaged cartilage structures and prevent their further destruction. For a positive effect, it is recommended to take drugs from this group for a longer period.
- Vasodilators. They help improve blood flow, which normalizes brain nutrition.
- B vitamins. Normalize metabolism in the body, stimulate the immune system, which is why soft and bone tissues regenerate faster.
Complex exercise therapy
With the help of therapeutic exercises it will be possible to quickly restore the affected structures of the cervical spine. You can cure the disease by following these approaches:
- the head turns in different directions,
- rotational movements,
- shoulder rotation,
- raising and lowering the head.
Physiotherapy and massage
Cervical osteochondrosis is successfully treated with the help of physiotherapeutic procedures, which are prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the individual characteristics of the organism. It is usually recommended to attend the following courses:
- magnetotherapy,
- laser heating,
- ultrasound,
- electrophoresis,
- ozokerite applications,
- hydrogen sulfide and radon baths,
- ultraviolet radiation.
With the defeat of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, it is useful to take a course of therapeutic hand massage. The procedure should be performed by a trained doctor who is familiar with the diagnosis and radiographic images. Thanks to point blows, caressing, tapping and vibrations, it will be possible to restore normal blood circulation and restore the nutrition of damaged areas.
Treatment with folk remedies
Cervical osteochondrosis can be treated with unconventional methods, but you should consult a doctor first. Compresses prepared according to this recipe will help relieve pain, inflammation and swelling:
- Wash the cabbage leaf, cut the coarse fibers, mash well.
- Apply a mixture of honey and aloe juice (2: 1) on the leaf, spread evenly over the surface.
- Heat the wrap on steam, then apply to the neck, fasten it with cling film and a woolen scarf.
- Wear the bandage for 3-4 hours.
It is recommended to make a compress every day - in the morning and in the evening.
Prevention and prognosis
Timely and adequate therapy can cure the disease and prevent complications. If the problem is not treated and the doctor’s advice is ignored, the prognosis for recovery is disappointing. As a prophylaxis of cervical osteochondrosis, it is important to lead an active lifestyle, monitor posture, exercise, eat properly and consult a doctor in case of suspicious symptoms.