Cervical osteochondrosis is a chronic degenerative disease of articular cartilage tissue, which most often occurs in the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine, becauseThey are more often exposed to high loads, which lead to a decrease in elasticity, flattening and thinning of the intervertebral discs located between the vertebrae, and their subsequent replacement with bone tissue. As the degenerative process progresses, surrounding structures become affected. This leads to the development of a whole complex of symptoms that deprive the patient of a comfortable life.
Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?
Cervical osteochondrosis is pathological changes in the tissue 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 limited, and head rotation is limited. As a result of this disease, there is a deterioration in blood circulation and blood supply to the brain, migraines, headaches, tension, cluster headaches, cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory arrhythmias, deterioration of memory, vision, coordination and attention, intervertebral hernias andBrain damage Disorders and strokes occur.
Causes of osteochondrosis
What causes cervical osteochondrosis?
A number of factors lead to cervical osteochondrosis, each of which aggravates the course of the disease:
- lack of exercise (sedentary work);
- obesity;
- 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 spinal development;
- Excessive, 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;
- There is a feeling of lack of air, 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 in front of the eyes;
- fluctuations in blood pressure that are difficult to correct with medication;
- fainting due to vasospasm;
- Feeling of a lump in the throat, pain, dryness, difficulty swallowing, pain in the shoulder joint;
- Numbness of fingers.
Degree of development of osteochondrosis
In the course of the development of cervical osteochondrosis, four successive stages are distinguished, which determine the severity of the symptoms and the general condition of the patient.
- Stage 1. The thickness of the intervertebral discs decreases slightly. There are practically no symptoms, sometimes there is slight discomfort in the neck, for example, when staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time.
- Level 2.The height of the intervertebral disc becomes even smaller, pathological growth of cartilage tissue begins and protrusions (protrusions) appear. The patient suffers from constant pain, weakness, facial numbness and stiffness of the cervical spine.
- Level 3.The fibrous ring surrounding the core of the intervertebral disc tears and an intervertebral fracture occurs. 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.
- Level 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. The quality of life decreases.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis requires an integrated approach; There are non-drug, drug and surgical types of treatment.
Depending on the clinical situation, the following are used:
- Massage (specialized, neurological massage to eliminate spasms and blockages);
- Therapeutic exercises (to improve blood circulation);
- Osteopathy (thanks to this procedure, blockages and spasms are relieved, blood circulation is restored and the metabolic processes of the brain are improved);
- Manual therapy;
- computer traction;
- Physical therapy.
Non-drug treatmentHelps reduce the severity of symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations, improves blood supply to the affected area, promotes metabolism and regenerative processes.
- Enhances the effects of medications;
- Helps strengthen the muscular frame and stabilize the spine;
- Eliminates cramps and muscle blockages
Non-drug treatment also includes wearing a Shants splint.
Shantsa tires
The Shants splint or Shants collar is a soft bandage with a certain degree 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 care in traffic accidents, injuries in the 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 fasteners, but they are all removable and easily replaceable, easy to use and maintain, affordable and have a modern design that plays an important role in carrying aroundthe neck during the rehabilitation phase or outpatient treatment.
Medicationhelps to relieve pain, eliminate dizziness, restore normal function of nerve roots and, if possible, stop or slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(to relieve 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 help to 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 vessels of the brain, drugs for nausea and dizziness, etc. may also be prescribed.
surgery
In advanced cases of the disease, when medical methods are no longer effective, the help of surgeons is necessary.
- 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 spinal cord root;
- Nucleoplasty:Elimination of an inguinal hernia by removing part of the disc nucleus.
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 mattress;
- Warm up regularly.
FAQ
How to understand that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine begins?
- Headache
- Limiting head rotation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Noise in the ears
- dizziness
How do you make a diagnosis?
- Only a doctor can make a diagnosis
- MRI, MSCT
How to relieve pain in cervical osteochondrosis?
If you have 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 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 per year)
Which doctor treats osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?
First, you should visit a family doctor who will give you a referral for the necessary examinations and make a preliminary diagnosis. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of osteochondrosis usually need to see a neurologist.