Cervical osteochondrosis: causes, symptoms and treatment methods

Dizziness, pressure fluctuations, fainting, heart pain - all this often comes from problems in the spine.80% of the population suffers from osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of varying severity and, according to statistics, men suffer from it earlier than women: between 45 and 50 years old.If treatment is not started at an early stage, the pathology becomes irreversible.

What is osteochondrosis?

The pathology is associated with degenerative changes in the cartilage between the vertebrae, in which the soft tissue becomes hard and depreciation decreases.

Osteochondrosis affects the thoracic and lumbar regions, but more often the cervical region.The reason is high loads on vertebrae 1 to 7, weak muscles, poor nutrition and the wrong choice of pillow for sleeping.

Mechanism of injury to the cervical vertebrae.

Osteochondrosis develops when the process of nutrition of cartilage tissue and mineral metabolism is disturbed.The strength of bones and joints decreases, ligaments lose elasticity.The shape and structure of the disk changes and, under the influence of loads, it collapses.The vertebrae come closer, their surfaces erased.The pathology causes the following complications:

1. Compression of the vessels passing through vertebrae 1 to 7 causes hypoxia (lack of oxygen) in the brain.
2. Development of problems in the functioning of the respiratory system, blood vessels, heart, loss of vision.
3. Poor blood circulation in the brain causes neurocirculatory (vegetative-vascular) dystonia.
4. Decreased mobility of the neck, due to the formation of bone formations in the vertebrae.
5. Impaired cerebellar function and spinal cord compression lead to death in advanced stages of the disease.

Stages of cervical osteochondrosis.

The pathology develops slowly.In the preclinical stage, the distance between the vertebrae decreases and puts pressure on the soft disc.In addition, it becomes thinner, the annulus fibrosus is destroyed and its nucleus swells.A bulge forms and then a hernia.The vertebrae rub against each other, change shape, and growths appear on them.Nerves and blood vessels are pinched.

Initial stage of cervical osteochondrosis.

Cracks appear in the annulus fibrosus, the capsule ruptures, and the nucleus pulposus is damaged.Cervical osteochondrosis manifests itself when turning the head, when nerve endings are pinched, blood vessels narrow and blood flow is affected.Pain appears in the back of the head, and the back muscles tire quickly.

Stage 2 pathology

A degenerative process develops in the discs, the capsular ring is completely destroyed.The height between the vertebrae decreases, they become unstable and pinch the nerve roots of the spinal cord.Flexibility and mobility of the neck decrease.At this stage, the disease can still be treated without surgery.

The last stages of osteochondrosis of the neck.

At stage 3 of the pathology, a protrusion of the disc develops, which leads to a herniation;the annulus pulposus protrudes and bulges.The cervical vertebrae and their axis are displaced and the nutrition of the brain is affected.In addition, in the last (3 and 4) stages of pathology the following processes begin:

• The intervertebral discs are destroyed, which are replaced by connective tissue;
• mobility of the joints of the neck and shoulders disappears;
• due to friction, growths form on the surface of the vertebrae and nerve fibers are injured;
• The sensitivity of the hands decreases due to problems in their innervation.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.

The patient's condition depends on the stage of the disease.First of all, strange pains appear when turning or lowering the head and tension in the back muscles.Subsequently, the person experiences constant fatigue.The pain becomes stronger and more frequent.Then weakness, dizziness, ringing in the ears and visual acuity decrease.All signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are divided into 3 groups:

• Irritant-reflex syndromes– neurodystrophic, tonic-muscular and vegetative-vascular manifestations.
• Root-compression– are associated with compression of nerve endings;One of the key symptoms is sharp pain when turning the head.
• Vertebral artery syndrome– occurs when a vessel that supplies brain structures narrows.

Neurotic disorders

The brain receives little blood, its functioning and the state of the nervous system are altered.I often have headaches and suffer from insomnia, which leaves me in a state of fatigue and apathy.Then the following symptoms occur:

• increased sweating;
• emotional lability (mood instability);
• increased irritability;
• dizziness;
• depression;
• altered concentration;
• tinnitus;
• “flies” before the eyes;
• anxiety;
• trembling (chills) of the extremities;
• panic attacks;
• disorders of the vestibular system: nausea, vomiting, gait instability, disorientation in space, loss of coordination.

General clinical signs.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae causes headaches and visual disturbances.At stage 2 of the pathology, patients complain of ringing in the ears, lump in the throat, weakness of the arm muscles and numbness of the tongue.When you turn your neck and tilt your head, a crackling sound is heard and black dots appear before your eyes.With vertebral artery syndrome, other symptoms appear:

• migraine that goes from the back of the neck to the forehead;
• darkening before the eyes;
• pain in the scalp;
• hearing loss;
• increased blood pressure;
• tingling in fingers.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women.

The clinical picture does not depend on sex, but women between 45 and 65 years old are more likely to experience numbness of the extremities during sleep, tingling and pain in the arms.The attacks repeat several times at night.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

Pathology develops under the influence of a large load on the vertebrae, which causes muscle spasms.Sedentary work often leads to this: in front of the computer or in the vehicle.

People with poor posture are at risk.Other causes of cervical osteochondrosis:

• nervous tension, frequent stressful situations;
• physical inactivity – lack of physical activity, low activity;
• neck muscle weakness;
• hereditary predisposition;
• spinal injuries;
• rheumatism;
• excessive physical activity, lifting heavy objects;
• poor nutrition;
• metabolic disorders;
• frequent hypothermia of the neck;
• age-related changes in the musculoskeletal system, cartilaginous tissue;
• congenital anomalies of the cervical spine;
• autoimmune pathologies that affect cartilage tissue;
• overweight;
• vertebral instability.

Diagnosis

The doctor examines the patient's discomfort, evaluates posture and muscle tension.The diagnosis is clarified by an X-ray of the neck in 4 projections: the image shows the position of the vertebrae and their displacements.The stage of the disease and hidden pathologies are revealed by the following methods:

• magnetic resonance imaging– the most effective method, shows in detail degenerative changes in bones, hernias, protrusions, ruptures of the annulus fibrosus.It can be prescribed instead of x-rays, but the test is expensive.
• Duplex ultrasound scanning– to evaluate blood flow disorders in the arteries.
• computed tomography– does not reveal the size and areas of hernias, it is prescribed in the early stages to determine the narrowing of the vertebral space, the displacement of the cervical segments and marginal growths of bone tissue.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.

The goals of therapy are to restore blood flow and tissue nutrition, eliminate symptoms of hypoxia, and stop the destruction of vertebrae and discs.It is important to strengthen the muscular corset that supports the neck and return mobility to the joints.Treatment tactics are chosen depending on the stage of the disease:

• Initial: massages, gymnastics, physiotherapy, taking chondroprotectors and medications that improve blood circulation.
• Osteochondrosis stages 2-3: drug treatment, therapeutic exercises, massages.
• Irreversible degenerative changes with destruction and deformation of the vertebrae: surgical intervention and symptomatic drug therapy.
• Exacerbation of the chronic form of cervical osteochondrosis: injections or tablets of medications that relieve pain and spasms.

Helps with severe pain

Locally apply a pepper patch or warm ointments to the neck.Active heating of a separate area distracts pain and increases blood flow in the tissues.The ointments are applied in a very thin layer using an applicator.Other ways to relieve osteochondrosis pain:

• Analgesics in tablets: they have average effectiveness and are contraindicated in case of blood clotting problems.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - tablets are taken if painkillers do not give results, since this group of drugs negatively affects the stomach and liver.
• Injections: given for severe acute pain, the effect appears after 15 minutes.For intramuscular injections, NSAIDs and myotropic antispasmodics are used.In severe cases, a block is performed.

Conservative methods of therapy for osteochondrosis of the neck.

In stages 1-2 of the disease without symptoms of cerebral hypoxia, treatment is carried out at home.The basis of therapy is gymnastics and massage.They improve blood flow and strengthen muscles.Other methods:

• Drug therapy: oral medications and injections during exacerbations, ointments and creams at other times.
• Physiotherapy: courses of 7 to 10 procedures during remission.
• Folk remedies - as an additional method of treating osteochondrosis.
• Diet therapy: foods rich in fatty acids, magnesium and calcium are introduced into the diet.Avoid salt, smoked foods, pickles and spicy foods, and fast food.

medication

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis during an exacerbation is aimed at relieving unpleasant symptoms, stimulating blood flow and tissue nutrition.

During the period of remission, drugs are used that improve the quality of the cartilage and prevent the collapse of the vertebrae.The medications are used internally and locally.The main groups of funds are:

• muscle relaxants– relieve muscle spasms, reduce pain, use for a month.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)– applied locally and internally, it relieves pain and swelling.The tablets are used for no more than 10 days.
• Painkillers– relieve pain, but do not relieve inflammation and have a weaker effect than NSAIDs.
• Chondroprotectors– protect and restore cartilage tissue.
• sedatives– is often prescribed to women in whom osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is complicated by severe neurotic disorders.
• Nootropics– affects cerebral circulation, helps combat dizziness.
• Vitamin and mineral complexes.– improve metabolism in nervous tissue.

Not drugs

During remission, treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck is based on local procedures that improve blood flow, metabolism, and relieve pain and inflammation.The patient does gymnastics every day, the plan for which is drawn up by the doctor.The main treatment methods are:

• manual therapy– straighten the position of the vertebrae and strengthen them with massages.A course of 5 to 10 sessions is carried out 2 to 4 times a year.At home, a light massage by stroking and rubbing the neck and neck area from top to bottom for 7-10 minutes is allowed to relieve muscle spasms.
• Electrophoresis with drugs.– To relieve pain and improve blood circulation, medications are used that, with the current, quickly reach the desired point.
• Magnetotherapy– intended to relieve swelling.
• acupuncture– improves blood flow, relieves inflammation.Carried out in courses of 8-10 sessions every 1-2 days.
• flip flop collar- a controversial method of eliminating the symptoms of osteochondrosis, since the load on the muscles is removed, but they are not strengthened.The product fixes the neck and stretches the spine, increasing the distance between its segments.They wear the collar 3 hours a day for a month.

Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae.

Outside periods of exacerbation, the patient is advised to perform therapeutic exercises.The head is tilted strongly back and forth and rotations are prohibited.Each exercise is performed for no more than a minute, without sudden movements or jerks.If you feel discomfort or pain, stop the activity.Proven exercises for the cervical spine:

• You slowly turn your head to the right and left, constantly looking at a point in front of you: this way you control the small amplitude of the movement.Do 10 to 15 times in each direction and gradually increase up to 30.
• Place your palm on your forehead and press it, while trying to tilt your head forward.Count to 5 and relax.Repeat 10 times.
• Place your right palm on your left temple and press down to tilt your head toward your shoulder.Count to 5, release.Do 10 times on each side.
• Lying face down, extend your arms along your body.Raising your head slightly, slowly turn it so that your ear touches the floor.Do 10 movements on each side.

Surgical methods for treating cervical osteochondrosis.

If the nerve roots are affected, there is a hernia with a broken ring, the vertebrae are destroyed and there is no result from the main therapy, surgery is performed.

Symptoms of a serious condition: paralysis of the arms, muscle atrophy, stroke.

Main treatment methods:

• facetectomy– endoscopic removal of the joints with subsequent fixation of the vertebrae, which will remain immobile.
• Discectomy with spinal fusion– prescribed for serious deforming changes.During the operation, the soft disc is removed and the vertebrae are fused to stop its destruction.Cons: mobility of the cervical spine is limited, rehabilitation is long.
• spinal fusion– removal of fragments of the destroyed disc, bone processes, introduction of an artificial graft and fixation of the vertebrae with screws.The recovery period is one year, the patient is recommended to wear a corset.
• Corpectomy– Removal of the destroyed vertebra and adjacent discs is performed if other methods have no effect.

Folk remedies for cervical osteochondrosis.

For severe pain, take 1 tsp.alcohol and camphor, add 2 drops of iodine and rub the areas to the left and right of the spine (do not touch the spine) for 3-5 minutes.This is done 1-2 times a day.Other popular recipes in addition to basic therapy:

1. Pour 500 g of knuckle with water (2 l), boil and leave.Pour the cooled broth through cheesecloth into the prepared bath and sip for 15-20 minutes.The procedure is done at night, it relaxes and calms.Course – 7-10 sessions.
2. Mix 1 tbsp.l.Birch buds, St. John's wort, mint leaves.Grind, add a glass of water, boil for 5 minutes.Strain, mix with butter and vegetable oil (75 g each).Apply a thin layer of ointment to the neck, cover with polyethylene and a handkerchief.Keep for one hour.The procedures are carried out every day for 2 weeks.
3. Pour 100 g of elderberries with vodka (600 ml).Leave for a week in a cold place.Rub your neck with this remedy 2 times a day for 10 to 15 days.

Prevention

Patients over 40 years of age should take cycles of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D and magnesium supplements every six months, as they improve the condition of bones, ligaments and cartilage.The diet includes fatty fish, shrimp, mussels, nuts, legumes, spinach, cheese and milk.Other preventive measures:

• when working sedentarily, change the position of the neck more often, stretch it every hour;
• choose a comfortable pillow;
• do swimming, yoga;
• avoid weight lifting, sports with jumping, running;
• Avoid hypothermia of the neck.