Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Osteochondrosis of the cervix is a disease in which the vertebrae and intervertebral discs are affected. Osteochondrosis of the cervix refers to deforming dorsopathy. Involutional changes in discs have already been observed at the age of 20 years. At the same time, they become more sensitive to loads, less elastic and lose lubricating fluid.

Most often, the pathology occurs in the elderly, but currently there is a significant increase in incidence in children and adolescents. Neurologists identify cervical osteochondrosis using the latest diagnostic studies. After clarifying the diagnosis, complex therapy is performed with the most effective drugs, physiotherapy procedures and innovative methods of physical rehabilitation.

The name of the disease consists of two Greek terms "osteon" (bone) and "chondros" (cartilage). Osteochondrosis of the cervix begins with changes in the central part of the disc. The intervertebral disc loses moisture, decreases in size, this leads to convergence of vertebral bodies and damage to nerve roots with vessels. The vertebrae receive nutrients from the surrounding tissues, which is harmful to the body. Compression of nerves and blood vessels leads to a protective muscle spasm, which, as the disease progresses, becomes the cause of pain.

neck pain with cervical osteochondrosis

Which doctor treats this disease

Treatment of osteochondrosis is the field of activity of neurologists. However, when the symptoms of neck osteochondrosis appear, it is possible to consult a general practitioner. A neurologist will choose medications for cervical osteochondrosis that have the least stress on the body, which is important for medication therapy.

To determine the presence of a pathological process in the cartilage tissue and cervical osteochondrosis, the patient is referred for a comprehensive examination. Tactics on how to treat cervical osteochondrosis are being developed in line with research results.

Interdisciplinary cooperation also allows the treatment of co-ordinating diseases that the patient has. Furthermore, the patient receives full support for the information: a treatment plan, an extract on the cost of services, the provision of information on specialist consultations and diagnostic measures.

Causes

Osteochondrosis of the cervix develops under the influence of a number of provocative factors. No specific cause of cervical osteochondrosis has been identified. The disease is often associated with metabolic disorders and aging of the vertebrae.

Researchers suggest that cervical osteochondrosis develops for the following reasons:

  • Excessive stress on the back. A high load on the spine is noticed when you wear the wrong shoes, flat feet, obesity, prolonged sitting position;
  • Metabolic disorders. Lack of vitamins, minerals, disorders of calcium metabolism can serve as causes of degenerative processes in the vertebrae;
  • Congenital and acquired abnormalities of the spine and ligament apparatus (ligament thickening, lumbarization, sacralization);
  • Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to insufficient absorption of nutrients;
  • Infection, intoxication;
  • Injuries, bruising, fractures of the spine, as a result of which the blood supply and innervation of the spine are disrupted, which causes their dystrophic disorders;
  • Stress;
  • Wearing heeled shoes;
  • Pregnancy, especially multiple pregnancies;
  • Autoimmune connective tissue lesions, abnormal structure of collagen types 1 and 2;
  • Risks at work (lifting heavy loads, prolonged vibrations, working in a sitting position with a constant tilt of the head);
  • Atherosclerotic and other changes in the vertebral arteries;
  • Bending of the spine (kyphosis, scoliosis, kyphoscoliosis).

An important risk factor for developing cervical osteochondrosis is hereditary heredity. This fact proves the presence of osteochondrosis in children, when the spine is not yet overloaded.

rank

Due to the special structure of the back, it is able to perform its functions. The main structural unit is considered to be the spinal motion segment (VMS). It consists of two adjacent vertebrae, an intervertebral disc and a musculoskeletal apparatus. Osteochondrosis leads to dystrophic-degenerative processes, first in the intervertebral disc, then in the vertebrae. With the loss of a bead, the performance of its functions is ensured by the adjacent ones. This leads to an increase in load and loss of mobility of the affected segment.

In the development of cervical osteochondrosis, doctors distinguish several stages:

  1. First degree osteochondrosis of the cervix. Because the intervertebral disc is deprived of its blood supply and receives nutrients from the surrounding tissues, it undergoes degenerative changes. Osteochondrosis in the first stage of development is characterized by destruction of the nucleus pulposus and rupture in the ring fibrosus. Clinically, this is manifested by acute or persistent local pain in the neck (cervical pain) and stiffness;
  2. Second degree osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. At this stage, the destruction of the ring fibrosis continues, pathological mobility and instability of the vertebrae appear. Patients complain of neck pain, aggravated by physical exertion, tilting of the head or in a certain position;
  3. The third stage of the disease is characterized by complete destruction of the fibrosus ring. The gelatinous nucleus is not fixed. Herniated discs can occur and cause severe pain. At this stage, due to poor SMS fixation, a curvature of the spine may form;
  4. In the fourth stage of the disease, the intervertebral disc is replaced with connective tissue, the other adjacent segments are affected. Spondyloarthritis, arachnoiditis develops. The joints become completely immobile - ankylosis develops. Bone tissue grows around the affected area - an osteon forms. With the fourth degree of cervical osteochondrosis, vivid symptoms are observed: severe radiating pain in the arm, sternum, in the area between the shoulder blades, sensitivity disorders.
severe pain in the neck and shoulders with osteochondrosis of the cervix

Symptoms and Signs

Signs of cervical osteochondrosis in the early stages may be nonspecific: dizziness, headache, weakness, oppression during head movements. As the disease progresses, the following symptoms develop:

  • Severe pain in neck and shoulders;
  • Numbness of the hand;
  • Dizziness;
  • Increased blood pressure;
  • Impaired coordination of movements;
  • Increased sweating.

There are several syndromes that appear with the development of a pathological condition of the muscles of the back and cervical spine:

  • Cervical migraine syndrome.
  • Vertebral artery syndrome.
  • Hypertensive syndrome.
  • Cardiac syndrome.
  • Radicular syndrome.

They occur when nerve injuries are injured, arteries and veins are squeezed during the development of the disease. The most dangerous complication is considered to be vertebral artery syndrome. There is a violation of blood flow through the arteries that nourishes the brain and spinal cord. The patient's hearing decreases, vision decreases, constant dizziness develops. The patient may lose consciousness while driving due to a sharp violation of blood flow.

As a result of compression of the nerves responsible for innervation of the muscles of the chest and diaphragm, pain appears in the region of the heart, which is not associated with heart disease, but at the same time, tachycardia, arrhythmia and hypotension may develop. Compression of the veins leads todevelopment of hypertensive CSF syndrome. Intracranial pressure increases, nausea, vomiting and headache appear due to impaired blood flow to the brain.

As a result of neck squeezing, radicular syndrome develops - severe pain appears in the neck, shoulders, shoulders and back of the head. With this syndrome, the arms and neck area become numb. With cervical migraine syndrome, the patient worries about severe neck pain, which is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Reflex syndromes occur when the spinal roots are not yet affected. Patients complain of pain in the neck, head (especially in the back of the head), in the arms on one or both sides. Reflex pain, unlike radicular pain, is not combined with sensitivity disorders. Cervicalgia can be dull, aching. The sharp "lumbago" pain is called cervicago. There is a spasm and muscle pain, soreness of the paravertebral points. Signs of cervical osteochondrosis intensify in an uncomfortable position, with head anime, coughing, physical exertion. Signs of epicondylosis, humeroscapular periarthrosis, and hand-shoulder syndrome appear due to nerve impulses from the ring segment fibrosis of the affected segment, which causes compensatory muscle spasm.

Radicular syndromes are accompanied by impaired motor activity and sensitivity. At the same time, nerves, blood vessels are damaged, venous and lymphatic flow in the pathological focus is disturbed as a result of a decrease in the intervertebral canal. The pain in radicular syndrome is acute, intense. A common cause of spinal nerve entrapment is hernia formation. In the area of pathological focus, muscle tone decreases. With radiculoemia, in addition to the nerves, the vessels are compressed.

If the phrenic nerve is involved in the pathological process, cardiac syndrome occurs. Manifested as burning, acute pain in the left side of the chest with radiation to the arm, interduloid region. The name of the syndrome is due to the fact that the nature of the pain is similar to an attack of angina pectoris. The main difference between angina pectoris pain is that it is relieved after taking nitroglycerin, can occur at rest and is combined with heart rhythm interruptions (tachycardia, arrhythmia).

Signs of cervical osteochondrosis depend on the localization of the pathological process. With damage to the upper vertebrae of the cervix, the blood supply to the brain is disrupted due to compression of the cerebral arteries. This leads to headaches (especially in the occipital region), dizziness, fainting, high blood pressure. Dizziness with cervical osteochondrosis is caused by a decrease in blood flow to the inner ear. Patients also worry about nausea, vestibular and ocular symptoms occur.

With a combined vertebral injury, they talk about cervicothoracic osteochondrosis. The disease is manifested by the following symptoms:

  • Dizziness;
  • Pain in neck and arm;
  • Needle-punching sensation, slippery in upper limb;
  • Intercostal neuralgia.

Diagnosing

Osteochondrosis of the cervix is a chronic disease that can lead to the formation of hernias and oppression of the spinal cord. Therefore, it is important to make an accurate diagnosis in a timely manner and start therapy. The following types of instrumental diagnostics are used to identify cervical osteochondrosis:

  • Spondylography or X-ray of the spine. This research method is painless, very informative and does not require special training. An X-ray of the spine allows you to assess its anatomical and functional features. In the picture, attention is paid to the structure of the vertebrae, their relationship to each other, the distance between them, the lumen of the spinal canal;
  • Computed tomography - provides information mainly about the condition of bone tissue, allows you to identify a narrowing of the spinal canal and a herniated disc;
  • Magnetic resonance imaging - allows you to determine soft tissue changes. MRI image clearly shows changes in intervertebral discs and spinal cord.
At the hospital, the patient undergoes a comprehensive examination. Doctors take into account the individual characteristics of his body and concomitant diseases. An important advantage of the neurology clinic is the availability of modern, high-quality equipment and closely focused specialists: neurologists, neurosurgeons, oncologists.taking medication for cervical osteochondrosis

Medication treatment

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine consists of drug and non-drug therapy. Even after a thorough cure, neurologists perform preventative measures to rule out recurrences of the disease. In the acute period, for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, doctors prescribe to patients drugs of the following pharmacological groups:

  • Non-narcotic analgesics. They are taken orally or injected intramuscularly to achieve the effect quickly;
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • Vitamin B in large doses.

Diuretics are used to reduce fluid retention in the spinal cord and surrounding tissues. Antihistamines potentiate the action of analgesics. Muscle spasms are eliminated by muscle relaxants. With prolonged severe pain syndrome, neurologists perform a nerve block.

Chondroprotectors are used to improve metabolic processes in the intervertebral disc. These drugs increase the content of glycosaminoglycans, increase the stability, elasticity and absorption of intervertebral disc shocks.

Dizziness tablets

Patients often experience dizziness with osteochondrosis of the cervix. To reduce them, doctors prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. NSAIDs belonging to different groups differ in mechanism of action and effect, therefore, only a qualified specialist can determine the right medicine.

Importers It is important to remember that medications for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can not be taken without a doctor’s appointment. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have side effects, therefore, before prescribing them, the neurologist determines the presence of contraindications in the patient and the required dose. Drugs for insanity in cervical osteochondrosis can improve the patient's quality of life.

Injections for osteochondrosis

Injections for cervical spine osteochondrosis help relieve pain during an exacerbation. With this method of drug administration, the effect occurs quickly. Neurologists use a variety of injections.

Nurses inject drug solutions subcutaneously, intramuscularly or intravenously. During the period of disease exacerbation, injectable medications, with cervical osteochondrosis, have an exclusively symptomatic effect.

Treatment of headache

Headache is a symptom that occurs with various disorders. However, cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by periods of severe headache. Head movements increase the symptoms, therefore, to eliminate it, doctors prescribe analgesic tablets and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

physiotherapy in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Non-drug therapy methods

Complex non-drug therapy of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine includes:

  • Defensive mode - when the roots are extracted, patients lie on a firm surface,
  • Massage;
  • Physiotherapy exercises;
  • Spinal traction;
  • Physiotherapy procedures.

Massage for cervical osteochondrosis is used to reduce pain and swelling, improve peripheral blood supply, and eliminate muscle spasm. A contraindication to performing this procedure is the presence of acute pain. Massage the neck and back in the direction of the lymph outlet. Special attention is paid to the intercapsular and paravertebral areas.

Therapeutic gymnastics for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine aims to eliminate muscle spasm and strengthen the muscular frame. Since vertebral instability often occurs in the cervical spine, the exercise therapy instructor conducts individual lessons, during which he teaches the patient to perform safe exercises. Some authors recommend performing physical therapy classes on the Shants collar.

To improve the movement of the cervical vertebrae, rehabilitation therapists recommend performing the following exercises:

  • Bending and lengthening the neck. Tilt your head forward toward your sternum, without pulling your shoulders forward, then back. Hold the slope for 3 seconds, repeat each exercise 8-10 times;
  • Neck curves. Turn your neck to the left until it stops, then to the right, without changing the position of the shoulders and the level of the chin;
  • Keep your head down until it stops. Then tilt your head back without changing the level of your shoulders. Hold the position for 5 seconds.

The following exercises have been developed to strengthen the neck muscles:

  • Place your hand on the back of your head. Tilt your head back, leaning on your hand;
  • Put your hand on the temporary region. As you tilt your head, resist with your hand;
  • Put your hand on your forehead, resisting, tilt your head forward;
  • Tilt your head sideways with your right hand, with your left hand behind your back. Repeat the exercise on the other side.

Autograft therapy is the exact name of the spinal traction procedure. It is performed using special equipment. The goal of therapy is to reduce muscle spasm and restore proper vertebral position. To avoid complications, spinal traction is performed by a doctor.

The following physiotherapeutic procedures are used to improve blood supply to the pathological focus, relieve bloating, and eliminate pain:

  • Diadynamic currents. During this procedure, using a special device, low-frequency currents are applied, which stimulate the muscles, relieve spasms and pain. Have a positive effect, improving tissue trophism;
  • Ultraviolet radiation. Under the influence of UV radiation, vitamin D metabolism improves, calcium content increases, bone tissue becomes stronger;
  • Ultrasound exposure - used to accelerate blood flow, antispasmodic and repair action. Ultrasound is able to penetrate deep into tissues, sometimes used for better absorption of medicinal substances;
  • Amplipulse therapy - allows you to relieve pain by blocking nerve impulses from the painful focus.

In the acute period of the disease, which lasts 4-7 days, pain relievers, antispasmodics, irritants are used to reduce pain. The patient is provided peace. Immobilization of the cervical spine is performed using the Shants collar. Exercise therapy and massage are contraindicated. Apply ultraviolet radiation.

The duration of the subacute period is 29 days. After complete recovery, the patient should rest for a few days. Then you can start a course of rehabilitation therapy. In the chronic course of the disease, the patient is prescribed muscle relaxants, chondroprotectors, B vitamins, for pain - analgesics, NSAIDs. Physiotherapy exercises, massage are given. The patient is released physiotherapeutic procedures (amplipulse, exposure to alternating current), the spine is pulled.

choosing the right food for cervical osteochondrosis

food

Proper nutrition for osteochondrosis is an important condition for achieving remission. The progression of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis is stopped with diet and treatment. Neurologists know how to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, therefore, they constitute a complex of therapeutic measures, including procedures, exercise therapy, proper nutrition and lifestyle changes.

Many patients turn to neurologists with the question of how to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and whether there are any dietary restrictions. Specialists create individual nutrition programs that take into account the patient's preferences. The diet for osteochondrosis is based on a balanced, low-fat, nutrient-rich diet. The patient's daily diet includes foods high in calcium.

How to sleep with cervical osteochondrosis

For patients with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the question of how to sleep properly with osteochondrosis of the cervix is important. Sleeping on the abdomen provokes the further development of the disease, so it is better to avoid sleeping in this position. The most optimal positions are on the back and side.

Cervical osteochondrosis progresses while resting in a bed with a soft mattress. Therefore, experts recommend giving preference to elastic mattresses, as well as moderately soft pillows. If a patient is diagnosed with cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, experienced specialists will tell you which bed is safe to sleep on.

Prophylaxis

To prevent the onset or progression of cervical osteochondrosis, doctors recommend:

  • Keep the right attitude;
  • Take an active lifestyle, take a vacation at work;
  • Do regular physiotherapy exercises;
  • Sleep on a firm, even surface, orthopedic mattress and pillow;
  • Get rid of bad habits, especially smoking;
  • Choose shoes taking into account the physiological structure of the foot;
  • Do not carry bags on one side, this leads to a curvature of the spine;
  • Make a healthy lifestyle, eat right, eat lots of fruits and vegetables;
  • Do not sit for a long time with your head tilted;
  • Go swimming.

In order to improve blood circulation, massage therapy should be performed regularly.