Osteochondrosis is a dangerous and painful disease of the spine associated with degenerative-dystrophic changes in the structure of intervertebral discs and adjacent joints and bone tissue. Often the pathology develops precisely in the spine of the cervix. The disease is associated with discomfort and significantly reduces the quality of life. In this case, osteochondrosis of the cervix can occur at any age. Today, this disease is also diagnosed in school students and young people, which is associated with the spread of a sedentary lifestyle.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
There are many factors that lead to pathological changes in the spine. Often the occurrence of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is preceded by a combination of several reasons that contribute to the pathological displacement and destruction of the discs. This includes:
- various neck injuries, including childbirth;
- prolonged stay in one position (driving, computer);
- hereditary predisposition;
- metabolic disorders, vitamin deficiency and hypovitaminosis;
- excessive and inaccurate loads, leading to rapid disk erasure;
- hormonal and autoimmune disorders;
- natural aging;
- less often - infectious diseases, hypothermia, stress, etc.
Characteristics and stages of disease development
The cervical region is the most mobile part of the spine. It includes seven vertebrae (C1 - C7), which are connected by elastic and resilient intervertebral discs. The latter consist of the nucleus pulposus and the annulus fibrosus. Due to various factors, the position of the discs and the structure of their tissues change, which leads to the appearance of osteochondrosis.
The disease develops in several stages:
- As a result of damage or improper loading, the normal position of the intervertebral disc is disrupted.
- Deterioration of metabolism reduces the strength and elasticity of ring fibrosis, as a result of which the distance between the vertebrae is reduced.
- A decrease in the elasticity of the disc leads to an incorrect distribution of the load, which leads to elongation of the nuclei, formation of hernias and curvature of the spine.
- Due to a decrease in intervertebral distance, the nearby nerves and blood vessels are constricted, pain occurs and the work of other organs is disrupted.
- As a result of the rubbing of the vertebrae, the bones (osteophytes) grow. The ligaments of the cervical spine become virtually immobile, and the symptoms of the disease become pronounced.
The treatment started at each stage allows you to prevent irreversible changes in the structure of the spine and avoid dangerous disturbances in the work of other body systems.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Pathological changes in this part of the spine have very specific manifestations. The most typical symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- withdrawal pain in the back of the head, neck, shoulder or arm, exacerbated by physical exertion, sneezing or coughing;
- chewing on the cervical spine when turning or tilting the head;
- numbness and tingling in the hands and feet;
- regular and fainting dizziness;
- persistent tinnitus and hearing loss;
- dull pain between the shoulder blades and in the region of the heart;
- feelings of general weakness and increased fatigue.
Diagnosing
If osteochondrosis of the cervix is suspected, it is important to undergo a comprehensive examination, which will help determine the condition of the spine and the degree of disease progression. For an accurate diagnosis, physiological examination with touch and neck blows is traditionally used, as well as instrumental examination:
- radiography (lateral, direct);
- CT scan;
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
To determine the cause of the onset of the disease, ultrasound of nearby organs, an electrocardiogram of the heart, duplex scanning of blood vessels, blood and urine tests may be additionally prescribed.
Methods for treating cervical osteochondrosis
Stop pathological changes and eliminate existing manifestations of the disease is possible only with the help of complex therapy. In the early stages, you can get rid of cervical osteochondrosis without surgery - with the help of conservative treatment.
Experts choose an individual course of therapy for each patient, taking into account the individual characteristics of the organism, age and lifestyle. Usually, the complex includes several types of treatment at the same time, the main purpose of which is to get rid of the symptoms, prevent the progression of the disease and restore the normal functioning of the spine.
- Drug therapy.During the period of exacerbation, various means are used that help reduce pain and other manifestations of the disease. The patient may be prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, B vitamins, chondroprotectors, oils with warming effect, drugs to restore cartilage tissue and others.
- Physiotherapy.Allows you to reduce pain and neutralize inflammation using ultrasound, laser or magnetic vibration. Also, manual therapy, acupuncture, electrophoresis and other procedures aimed at normalizing metabolic processes in the affected area and relieving unpleasant symptoms may be included in the course of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
- Massage.Has a strengthening and relaxing effect on the cervical spine. Eliminates excess muscle tension, increases the intensity of metabolic processes. Therapeutic massages are performed using different techniques: classical, acupressure, segmental reflex or vacuum. A good result is given by hardware methods of impact on the cervical spine, for example, hydro- or vibration massage.
- Withdrawal.It is performed once before starting treatment to release stuck blood vessels and nerve endings. During traction, the spine is stretched using special and simulating equipment. It ensures the correction of the position of the intervertebral discs and an even distribution of the vertebrae along the entire length to normalize blood flow and the correct distribution of the load.
- Exercise therapy.Therapeutic gymnastics is the basis for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. Regular implementation of a special set of exercises allows you to restore the natural mobility of the vertebrae and provide normal nutrition of the intervertebral discs with beneficial substances. Therapeutic exercises usually include flexion, twisting, and other neck movements performed by the patient in the clinic or at home.
The course of treatment for cervical osteochondrosis lasts a month and a half. Pain and other acute manifestations of the disease usually disappear at the end of the first week of complex therapy. In severe cases, when an intervertebral hernia or osteophyte (spinal bone-like growth) is detected during diagnosis, the patient is assigned surgery.
Why are destructive changes in the neck dangerous?
Due to the structural features (close adaptation of the vertebrae) and the close location of the nerve and blood channels that feed the brain, cervical osteochondrosis is considered a very dangerous disease. Pathological changes in this part of the spine without timely treatment can lead to serious consequences, for example:
- violation of cerebral circulation;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- hypertensive disease;
- ischemia of the spinal cord and brain;
- spinal cord injury;
- breathing problems;
- loss of spinal mobility due to increases;
- radiculopathy (stuck nerve roots);
- impaired hearing, vision and coordination;
- spinal cord compression;
- intervertebral hernia and so on.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
In order to keep your spine healthy and avoid recurrence of the disease after the course of treatment, it is important to change your lifestyle. The following methods of preventing cervical osteochondrosis have proven effective:
- use of an orthopedic mattress and a low sleeping pillow;
- maintaining correct posture while sitting at the table and walking;
- regular neck warm-up during prolonged computer work;
- vitamin-rich food and drinking plenty of fluids;
- general physical activity throughout the day.
You can learn more about cervical osteochondrosis, how this disease is treated and about prevention methods, in consultation with a doctor.