Cervical osteochondrosis is a chronic degenerative disease of articular cartilage tissues, most often occurring in the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine, since they are more often exposed to high loads, which results in a decrease in elasticity, aflattening and thinning of the discs between the vertebrae, followed by their replacement by bone tissue. As the degenerative process progresses, 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 corresponds to pathological changes in the tissues of the intervertebral discs and the vertebrae themselves. Due to the thinning of soft tissues, the depreciation effect of the vertebrae is reduced, the 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, migraines, headaches, tension, cluster headaches, heart rhythm disturbances, respiratory rhythm disturbances, deteriorationmemory, vision, coordination and attention occur, intervertebral hernias, brain entry. disorders and strokes develop.
Causes of osteochondrosis
What leads to cervical osteochondrosis?
A number of factors lead to cervical osteochondrosis, each of which worsens the course of the disease:
- Sedentary lifestyle (sedentary work);
- Excess body weight;
- Bad posture ;
- Chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system (scoliosis, flat feet, X- and O-shaped deformities of the lower extremities), contributing to uneven distribution of the load on the spine;
- Congenital pathologies of spinal development;
- Excessive and repetitive strain 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, inability to breathe deeply, severe shortness of breath develops;
- Nausea and vomiting, < while trying to turn his head;
- Decreased visual acuity, flickering spots or fog in front of the eyes;
- Blood pressure fluctuations that are difficult to correct with medications;
- Fainting caused by vasospasm;
- Feeling of a lump in the throat, pain, dryness, problems swallowing, pain in the shoulder joint;
- Numbness of fingers.
Degree of development of osteochondrosis
In the process of development of cervical osteochondrosis, four successive stages are distinguished which determine the severity of symptoms and the general condition of the patient.
- Step 1. The thickness of the intervertebral discs decreases slightly. There are practically no symptoms, sometimes there is slight discomfort in the neck area, for example when staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time.
- 2nd step.The height of the disc becomes even smaller, pathological growth of cartilaginous tissue begins and protrusions (protrusions) appear. The patient feels constant pain, weakness, facial numbness and stiffness of the cervical spine.
- Step 3. The annulus fibrosus surrounding the core of the disc ruptures and an intervertebral herniation forms. The spine is noticeably deformed, increasing the risk of vertebral dislocations and subluxations. The pain becomes permanent and is accompanied by other symptoms of osteochondrosis.
- Step 4.Irreversible changes occur in the spine: bony growths appear, the intervertebral disc is replaced by scar tissue and loses its ability to absorb the load. Symptoms worsen 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 (specialized, neurological to eliminate spasms and blockages);
- Therapeutic exercise (to improve blood circulation);
- Osteopathy (thanks to this procedure, blockages and spasms are eliminated, blood circulation is restored and metabolic processes in the brain are improved);
- Manual therapy;
- Computer traction;
- Physiotherapy.
Non-drug treatmenthelps reduce the severity of symptoms and reduces the frequency and severity of exacerbations, improves blood supply to the affected area, improves metabolism and regeneration processes.
- Strengthens the effect of medications;
- Helps strengthen muscle structure and stabilize the spine;
- Eliminates muscle spasms and blockages
Non-drug treatment also includes wearing 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. Area of application: emergency and emergency medical care in traffic accidents, accidents at home and at work, treatment of patients after surgical interventions on the cervical spine.
By design, the Shants splint can be rigid, semi-rigid, ring-shaped, with or without clips, but they are all removable and easily replaceable, easy to use and maintain, affordable and have a modern designwhich plays an important role. role to wear around the neck during the rehabilitation period or outpatient treatment.
Medical treatmenthelps relieve pain, eliminate dizziness, restore normal functioning of nerve roots and, if possible, stop or slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories(intended to relieve pain and inflammation) are used in the form of tablets, injections, ointments, patches;
- Muscle relaxers:drugs that eliminate reflex muscle spasms, thereby reducing pain and improving blood circulation;
- B vitaminsin tablet form, help improve the conduction of nerve impulses;
- Chondroprotectors:drugs that promote the restoration of cartilage tissue.
Depending on the symptoms, drugs aimed at improving microcirculation in the cerebral vessels, drugs blocking nausea and dizziness, etc. are suitable. can 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 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;
- Minimize heavy lifting;
- Sleep on an anatomical pillow and an anatomical mattress;
- Warm up regularly.
FAQs
How to understand that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine begins?
- Headache
- Limit head rotation
- Impaired concentration
- Noise in the ears
- Dizziness
How to make a diagnosis?
- Only a doctor can make a diagnosis
- MRI, MSCT
How to relieve pain related to cervical osteochondrosis?
If you experience pain in the cervical spine, you should consult a doctor. The 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 daily (at least 10 minutes a day)
- Develop a daily routine
- Massage of the collar area (twice a year)
Which doctor treats osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?
First of all, you should consult a general practitioner who will refer you to the necessary examinations and make a preliminary diagnosis. Typically, patients with a confirmed diagnosis of osteochondrosis should consult a neurologist.