Cervical osteochondrosis is a chronic degenerative disorder in the tissues of articular cartilage, most often occurring in the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine, becausethey are more often exposed to high loads, which result in a decrease in elasticity, flattening and thinning of the discs located between the vertebrae, followed by their replacement with bone tissue. As the degenerative process progresses, surrounding structures become involved. This causes 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 tissues 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 reduced, and head rotation 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, deterioration of memory, vision, coordination and attention occur, intervertebral hernias, incoming brain disorders, and stroke develop.
Causes of osteochondrosis
What leads to cervical osteochondrosis?
A number of factors lead to cervical osteochondrosis, each of which aggravates the course of the disease:
- Sedentary lifestyle (sedentary work);
- Excess body weight;
- Incorrect 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 the development of the spinal column;
- 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;
- A feeling of lack of air, the inability to take a deep breath, severe shortness of breath develops;
- Nausea and vomiting, worse when trying to turn the head;
- Decreased visual acuity, flickering spots or fog before the eyes;
- Fluctuations in blood pressure that are difficult to correct with medications;
- Fainting caused by vasospasm;
- Feeling of a lump in the throat, soreness, dryness, problems with 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.
- 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.
- Stage 2.The height of the disc becomes even smaller, pathological growth of cartilage tissue begins, and protrusions (protrusions) occur. The patient experiences constant pain, weakness, numbness of the face, and stiffness in the cervical spine.
- Stage 3.The fibrous ring surrounding the core of the disc ruptures, and an intervertebral hernia is formed. The spinal column is noticeably deformed, increasing the risk of vertebral dislocations and subluxations. The pain becomes permanent and is accompanied by other symptoms of osteochondrosis.
- Stage 4.Irreversible changes occur in the spinal column: 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, medicinal and surgical types of treatment.
Depending on the clinical situation, the following are used:
- Massage (specialized, neurological to eliminate spasms and blocks);
- Therapeutic exercise (to improve blood circulation);
- Osteopathy (thanks to this procedure, blocks and spasms are removed, blood circulation is restored and the metabolic processes of 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, enhances metabolism and regeneration processes.
- Strengthens the effect of medications;
- Helps strengthen the muscle frame and stabilize the spinal column;
- Eliminates spasms and muscle blocks
Non-drug treatment also includes wearing a Shants splint.
Shantsa tire
The 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 case of road traffic accidents, injuries 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 fasteners, but they are all removable and easily replaceable, easy to use and care for, affordable, and have a modern design that plays an important role in wearing around the neck during the rehabilitation periodor outpatient treatment.
Drug treatmenthelps relieve pain, get rid of dizziness, restore normal functioning of nerve roots, and, if possible, stop or slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(aimed at relieving 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 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 that block nausea and dizziness, etc. may 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 spinal cord root;
- 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 anatomical mattress;
- Warm up regularly.
FAQ
How to understand that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is beginning?
- Headache
- Limiting head rotation
- Impaired concentration
- Noise in ears
- Dizziness
How to make a diagnosis?
- Only a doctor can make a diagnosis
- MRI, MSCT
How to relieve pain with cervical osteochondrosis?
If you have pain in the cervical spine, you should consult 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 preventative exercises daily (at least 10 minutes per day)
- Develop a daily routine
- Massage of the collar area (2 times a year)
Which doctor treats osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?
First of all, you should visit a general practitioner who will issue a referral for the necessary examinations and make a preliminary diagnosis. As a rule, patients with a confirmed diagnosis of osteochondrosis need to consult a neurologist.