Speaking of osteochondrosis, we mean pathological changes in the intervertebral discs with degenerative changes in the cartilage. This pathology can affect all parts of the spine. At the same time, cervical osteochondrosis occurs in about a quarter of all cases of this condition. As a rule, it mainly affects patients of working age - from 30 to 50 years old.
Anatomical characteristics
To understand why osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae develops, you should familiarize yourself with the features of the anatomy of the cervical spine. It consists of 7 vertebrae. And if in the thoracic and lumbar regions the vertebrae are relatively homogeneous, then here they are different in their structure. Indeed, in the cervical region, the movements of the shoulder girdle and head are high in complexity and amplitude. In addition, the mobile neck transitions into a relatively static thoracic region. Therefore, the 1st, 2nd and 7th vertebra are significantly different from each other
In addition to the spinal cord and spinal nerves, peripheral nerves originating from the brain also pass through the cervical region. Some of them, such as the vagus, innervate the diaphragm and abdominal organs. In addition to nerves, major blood vessels also pass through here. And if the blood supply through the carotid arteries and the outflow through the neck veins do not suffer from osteochondrosis, then the vertebral artery is often involved in the pathology of osteochondrosis of the neck. It passes through holes in the transverse processes of 2-6 vertebrae and makes up about 15% of the total volume of blood entering the brain. In cervical osteochondrosis, this artery can be spasmed or squeezed by tense muscles or a displaced disc.
Reasons
Why osteochondrosis of the cervical spine developed in this particular case cannot always be determined. It was established that osteochondrosis is not an independent disease. This is a pathological condition or syndrome that is caused by other diseases or negative factors, including:
- Heredity
- Systematic violation of posture in schoolchildren, office workers
- Poor nutrition with a lack of vitamins and minerals
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Frequent mechanical shocks, such as bumps, jolts from the driver
- Accompanying diseases of the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, organs of the endocrine system
- Weakened immunity.
Symptoms
By itself, osteochondrosis is a painless process. Dystrophic changes on the intervertebral discs are not felt by the patient. The disease is felt only when the consequences of cervical osteochondrosis appear - movement of the intervertebral disc in the posterolateral direction with irritation of nearby nerve fibers, disturbed blood circulation through the vertebral artery. Then various sensory, motor and neurological disorders appear. Osteochondrosis of the neck is distinguished by the following symptoms:
- Pain in the neck
- Pathological neck muscle tension
- Restriction of movement in the cervical region
- Decreased sensitivity and range of motion in the shoulder girdle and upper limbs
- Headache, dizziness
- Unstable gait due to coordination disorders
- Nausea, vomiting
- Occasional increase in blood pressure
- Visual disturbances - a feeling of darkness and flickering of flies before the eyes
- Sometimes pain or feeling of a lump in the throat, toothache
- Insomnia, or conversely, pathological sleepiness
- Emotional lability - tearfulness, irritability.
Pain in cervical osteochondrosis is the leading symptom. The pain syndrome is what makes the patient go to the doctor. The nature of the pain depends on which cervical segment is affected by osteochondrosis. When the upper cervical segments are damaged, the skin of the back of the head, crown, and superciliary region hurts. If the pathology has developed in the middle and lower part, then the pain in the neck radiates to the interscapular space, to the shoulder girdle and upper limbs.
Worsening of cervical osteochondrosis begins with cervicage - a sharp pain similar to back pain. After that, cervical sciatica develops with pain, movement disorders and muscle tension. The main cause of exacerbations is hypothermia. In addition to local symptoms, cerebral symptoms are also observed, due to vertebral artery syndrome. Headache and dizziness can be so severe that the patient may lose consciousness.
Flow characteristics
Osteochondrosis is a chronic pathology. And in the absence of treatment, it is constantly progressing. In this sense, there are 4 degrees, which reflect symptoms and functional disorders in the cervical region.
- Intervertebral disc tissue thickens. Displacement of the disc is minimal, however, already at this stage, the outer fibrous covering of the disc peels off. In the cervical vertebrae, the uncinate processes increase in compensatory size. Manifestations - cervicalgia, cervical.
- Narrowing of the intervertebral spaces and the lumen of the spinal canal. Pathological mobility leads to subluxations of individual vertebrae and instability of the cervical spine as a whole. Sensory and motor disorders in the upper limbs. Vertebral artery syndrome.
- Further narrowing of the spinal canal and the space between the vertebrae. The formation of a herniated disc, due to which the symptoms increase.
- Irreversible structural disorders - spondylolisthesis (movement of the vertebrae in relation to each other) and spondylosis (pathological growths of the bone tissue of the vertebrae). Destruction of discs with the expiration of their nucleus pulposus. Permanent brain and movement disorders.
Treatment
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck is carried out with drugs and physiotherapy procedures. Massage, physiotherapy exercises, manual therapy and acupuncture are also effective. The main group of drugs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Moreover, in relation to cervical osteochondrosis, local application of NSAIDs in gels and ointments is preferable. Local irritants and chondroprotectors are shown among the means for local treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. The treatment can be supplemented by taking immunostimulants and vitamin-mineral complexes.
Physiotherapy procedures (UHF, amplipulse, electrophoresis) have a similar effect - they remove pain, relieve muscle spasm, increase blood circulation and metabolism in the neck tissues. It is also facilitated by massaging the neck zone with osteochondrosis. The neck is a vulnerable area. The slightest damage to the cervical spine is fraught with serious consequences. Therefore, massage movements should be smooth, directed along the muscles. For the same reason of the fragility of the neck, all special measures (manual therapy, cervical traction) should be carried out by experienced specialists with great care. And in the course of recreational gymnastics, priority is given to static loads with frontal and temporal areas that rely on the palmar surface of the hand, maximum bending of the head forward and to the side.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is aimed at eliminating the factors that cause it. Hypothermia should be avoided. Office workers, programmers, avid Internet users are recommended to take 15-minute breaks for health-improving gymnastics every hour. And, of course, good nutrition and avoiding excess weight. Even with the slightest feeling of pain and discomfort in the cervical region, it is better to use the Shants immobilizing collar. At the same time, attention should be paid to the treatment of existing chronic diseases of other organs and systems.
Cervical osteochondrosis: symptoms, signs and treatment
Today, a disease such as osteochondrosis is very common, and in many it causes a feeling of fear and great fear. As medical practice has shown, several main causes contribute to the appearance of diseases, which, as a rule, are directly caused by patients. To avoid this disease and prevent its occurrence, you need to know its main symptoms and causes.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae
Most often, osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae manifests itself in the form of a degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the intervertebral disc. As practice shows, the disease appears and develops against the background of metabolic disorders occurring in the cervical region. In this case, there is a significant change in the structure and composition of individual vertebrae and intervertebral discs.
The course of the disease in osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae is slightly different from osteochondrosis affecting other parts (we are talking about the lumbar and thoracic forms of osteochondrosis). This type of disease is more dangerous, because it contributes to the direct injury of the root, which separates from the brain of the spinal nerve and thus disturbs the flow of blood into the cerebral vessels due to direct involvement and compression of the blood vessels. .
In addition, the structure of the vertebrae (in this case, closely intertwined) in the cervical region is slightly different from the others, therefore, with the appearance of any change in pathology, one of them experiences a noticeable disturbance in the normal functioning of the entire spine. Therefore, with cervical osteochondrosis, the patient may be disturbed by obvious signs such as: frequent dizziness, impaired sensitivity of the muscles and skin of the hands, neck, face, constant headaches, unpleasant ringing and noise in the ears or noise in the head, impaired hearing or vision, increased fatiguefrom sensations, wobbly and uncertain gait, loss of coordination and so on.
So, you need to pay close attention to the fact that osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae appears as a result of:
- lifting heavy objects and loads;
- work that is directly related to the constant change of body position - we are talking about extension, flexion, circular movements, turns;
- active sports and physical education;
- improper body posture while lying, sitting, standing, as well as when lifting and carrying weights;
- genetic disposition;
- unfavorable weather conditions.
The main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Often, the symptoms of osteochondrosis in the early stages of its manifestation may not be manifested in any way. After it has already passed into an advanced stage, the disease begins to manifest itself with frequent cramping pains during any movement of the head and neck. However, the symptoms of osteochondrosis are quite diverse and are explained either by degenerative changes and disorders in the structure of the cartilage, or as a result of severe pinching by the displaced disc of the vertebral artery, which passes between the discs.
Pain
The most important and first symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae are pain, which in the first phase can pass quickly, and then become chronic. Pain can occur in the area of the occipital muscles, shoulders and neck and become stronger when turning or tilting the head and neck. Depending on where the lesion is located, the pain can be excruciating and persistent. And it can calm down for a while or be explosive and sharp. Moreover, any movements of the head and neck become difficult over time, which is related to the constant tension of the muscles in the neck area.
When the spinal artery is compressed by cartilaginous tissue, an intervertebral disc or tense muscles, a person may suffer from cervical migraine (a headache that occurs as a result of tissue starvation and weakened blood circulation), a strong jump in upward pressure, short-term loss and impairment of consciousness, the appearance of buzzing in theears, hearing impairment, appearance of "flies" before the eyes, visual impairment. Headache is sometimes accompanied by vomiting or nausea.
Nausea
Osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae can be accompanied by nausea. Moreover, nausea is associated with disturbed blood circulation in the vessels of the brain. Very often, a person loses his appetite, due to which there is a lack of nutrients in the body, and the overall weight decreases. In more severe cases, the disease is accompanied by vomiting, which occurs when leaning, turning the head, and even just walking. As already mentioned, this is due to a violation of the blood flow process and insufficient oxygen supply of the inner ear, where the center of balance is located.
Lack of air
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae include such a symptom as shortness of breath. It appears with a direct lesion of the cervical region and is expressed by irritation of the phrenic nerve. As a result, it becomes difficult for a person to breathe, the patient does not have enough air, there is a lack of oxygen, he begins to suffer from difficulty breathing, and severe suffocation can also occur.
As a rule, lack of air is accompanied by snoring, especially when the head is in an uncomfortable position at rest. This condition leads to the fact that a person wakes up very tired and completely broken, he is disturbed by general weakness and weakness. Prolonged stay in this state leads to a decrease in concentration, memory impairment and irreversible changes in brain tissue.
Ringing and tinnitus
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis are sometimes manifested in the form of buzzing and noise in the ears. It's just that the vestibular apparatus is enriched with blood exclusively from the vertebral artery system. Therefore, in the case of inflammation of the cervical region, there is a violation of the function of the inner ear, as a result, the person suffers from buzzing and tinnitus. Sometimes hearing impairment is added to the described symptoms.
Pharyngeal signs
Osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae can also manifest in this way. Often, a person is disturbed by an unpleasant and constant feeling of dryness and sweating in the throat, difficulty swallowing, tickling and itching, and the feeling of a foreign body. All these symptoms are directly related to the violation of the vascular and nerve trees that go from the spinal cord.
Visual impairment
The most common and common sign of cervical osteochondrosis is the deterioration of visual acuity. This is due to the fact that the visual analyzer is enriched with blood not only because of the carotid, but also because of the vertebral arteries. When these arteries are compressed, visual impairment occurs. In addition, patients may complain of:
- low pressure;
- atherosclerosis of brain arteries;
- inability to focus on the subject;
- "swimming" or flashing spots;
- feeling of a veil or mist before the eyes.
In this condition, performing eye exercises or using glasses does not show a positive effect. Only with appropriate treatment does vision improve.
Sudden loss of consciousness
The most dangerous and unpleasant sign that occurs with osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebra is an unexpected loss of consciousness. This is due to the temporary cessation of blood flow through the arteries of the brain. This results in pronounced spasm of the arteries, which occurs on the side of the deformed processes of the vertebral bones, as a response to the irritation of the nerve endings.
But after losing consciousness, a person can recover quickly if they are given time to lie down and elevate their legs to improve blood flow to the brain and increase blood flow from the legs.
Pressure instability
The symptoms of osteochondrosis do not end with the symptoms described above. Cramps or instability of blood pressure, which occurs due to impaired blood supply, often occur. Moreover, the pressure either drops sharply, or, conversely, increases. The person's condition worsens and he needs complete rest.
Vertigo
Osteochondrosis is often accompanied by dizziness. In this case, such a phenomenon can have a spontaneous character. Vertigo is caused by a lack of oxygen reaching the canals of the inner ear. These channels are located in the brain and are entirely responsible for balance. Dizziness can occur with any movement of the neck or head. Often with a sudden rise from a lying position.
How to cure osteochondrosis?
If a person notices behind him one or more of the listed and indicated symptoms, then his initial action should not be self-medication on the recommendation of friends and relatives, but a timely visit to the appropriate doctor. The actions of experts are aimed at conducting tests to identify the main cause of osteochondrosis, as well as choosing the right treatment.
Treatment of the disease, taking into account the patient's condition and its degree, is complex. During treatment, the doctor can prescribe therapeutic exercises, massage, use of drugs aimed at eliminating the cause of inflammation and relieving pain.
Therapeutic treatment
The drug treatment regimen is presented to the following groups:
- Chondroprotectors - enable stopping the destruction of cartilage and contribute to the restoration of cartilage tissue.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - effective removal of inflammation and pain, low risk of side effects, possibility of long-term use.
Treatment of symptoms of osteochondrosis with ointments is quite popular, but ineffective. As a rule, ointments from the NSAID group or ointments containing irritating substances are used for treatment.
Group B vitamins are used against osteochondrosis.
Folk methods of treatment
Recipes for rubbing and ointments for the treatment of osteochondrosis:
- Lemon. In the juice of one lemon, it is necessary to add as much iodine as the juice was squeezed out. Mix. This composition is for external use only. Every evening, a strip is drawn along the entire spine with a swab soaked in this solution.
- Honey rub. Mix a glass of honey, alcohol, aloe juice and radish. Add in 1 tbsp. l. dry mustard and mix well. Apply compresses for several hours.
- Vinegar and egg. Make a mixture of vinegar and one egg: add the vinegar to the egg and let it dissolve completely. Then add 90 gr. butter and mix. A homogeneous mass of white color, similar to oil, should come out. Rub the solution into painful places.
- Peppercorns with camphor and gall. It will take 300 gr. medical bile and a couple of bottles of camphor alcohol. Mix the ingredients in a glass container, add 3 hot pepper pods and let it stand for a week. Apply compresses for 5-7 hours. Shake the paste well before use.
Osteochondrosis, like all other diseases, is much easier to prevent than to completely cure. In order to never fall ill with this disease, you must lead a healthy lifestyle by alternating between playing different sports. The diet must be fortified and complete, smoking should not be the norm. By following simple rules, you will have more opportunities to experience old age without deterioration of quality of life and pain.