Osteochondrosis is called pathological processes in the cartilage of intervertebral discs and nearby tissues. The disease can occur in any part of the spine, however, the cervical spine is more susceptible to osteochondrosis. This is due to the anatomical features of the body. The vertebrae in the neck are smaller than those in the thoracic and lumbar regions and are very close to each other. In addition, the neck is characterized by increased mobility and is subject to regular stress while holding the head.
Why does the disease appear
The development of the disease is mainly associated with changes due to age. Other reasons are noted:
- lack of physical activity;
- spinal diseases;
- excessive overload;
- inappropriate behavior;
- unfavorable inheritance;
- increase in body weight;
- autoimmune disorders in which cartilage is damaged.
The condition of bone and cartilage tissue is seriously affected by nutrition. The development of pathology is facilitated by a diet deficient in calcium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, vitamins A and E, vitamin D. The high-risk group includes office workers, professional athletes, people who are involved in hard physical work.
How to identify cervical osteochondrosis
The symptoms of the disease depend on the clinical case and the stage of development. The most common signs are:
- pain affecting not only the neck and head, but also other parts of the body;
- weakness, decreased sensitivity of the hands, numbness of the face;
- a crisis in the neck when you have to turn your head;
- dizziness, weakness, darkening of the eyes caused by stuck blood vessels;
- deterioration of vision and hearing.
Pain in osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae worries almost all patients. With pathology, vessels, bundles of nerve endings in the neck area are stuck. As a rule, the pain is felt most in the region of the head, neck, shoulders and radiates to the shoulders and chest.
Against the background of the disease, heart rate may be disturbed. In the neck area, there are several arteries that are responsible for the blood supply to the brain. When blood vessels are compressed, the patient faces problems such as impaired coordination of movements, arrhythmia, and ischemic heart disease. In severe cases, obstruction of blood circulation leads to stroke and other life-threatening conditions.
Stages of the disease
The progression of the disease is divided into four stages:
- In the initial stage, bone and cartilage tissues have just started to break down. Pathology manifests as mild pain and fatigue, which patients associate with stress.
- In the second stage, there is a drop in the disk, the appearance of cracks. The pain increases, there may be numbness of the face and decreased sensitivity of the limbs.
- In the third stage, intervertebral hernias begin to form. The process affects the muscles and blood vessels. The patient experiences not only pain but also dizziness.
- In the last stage, the growth of bone tissue occurs, the nerve endings are stuck. The disease is manifested by pronounced symptoms: pain, dizziness, numbness. Many patients have impaired motor activity.
Diagnosing
If you suspect osteochondrosis of the cervix, the patient should consult a neurologist and undergo a diagnosis. Its task is to assess the condition of bone and cartilage tissue. Previously, x-rays were used to diagnose back diseases. Preference is now given to the most advanced research methods:
- CT scan;
- MRI;
- duplex scan of the vessels of the cervical spine.
Most often, the doctor prescribes a comprehensive diagnosis. Allows you to determine the presence and location of hernias, the speed of blood flow, the presence of obstacles to normal blood circulation.
treatment
A patient diagnosed with cervical spine osteochondrosis should review their lifestyle, ensure regular physical activity, and eat properly. To improve the condition, it is recommended to sleep on an orthopedic mattress and a comfortable pillow to relieve stress from the spine.
medications
With cervical osteochondrosis, the patient is shown medications that relieve inflammation, improve blood flow, and reduce pain. The doctor prescribes drugs for vasodilation, muscle relaxants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs to improve cerebral circulation, chondroprotectors - means to restore cartilage tissue. To slow down the breakdown of bone tissue, the body needs B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, niacin.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is the main method of treating osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Specialists use many procedures, the task of which is to improve metabolic processes in bone and cartilage tissue, reduce pain, relieve spasm and improve blood circulation. Here are the basic techniques:
- Shock wave therapy. . . Low frequency acoustic waves affect the cartilage tissue of the cervical spine. They contribute to tissue restoration, slowing down the formation of osteophytes - growths in the bones that squeeze nerve endings and blood vessels. The source of low frequency waves is a special device, therefore, the SWT course can only be taken at a medical institution.
- Massage. . . This is the most common method of conservative therapy for cervical osteochondrosis. Massage helps improve blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms. The therapeutic massage technique is chosen depending on the stage of the disease and the clinical picture. This is a very important condition, as if the massage is performed unprofessionally, it can harm the patient, cause deterioration of well-being. It is worth giving up massage for vascular diseases, high blood pressure. During a deterioration, the massage should be as gentle as possible. Stroking, rubbing are allowed, that is, the impact on the upper layers of tissue.
- Therapeutic gymnastics (exercise therapy). . . Exercise therapy helps strengthen muscles and improve blood circulation. There are special sets of exercises for patients with osteochondrosis. Gymnastics can be performed not only in the office of a medical institution, but also at home. As a rule, exercise therapy is most effective during the remission period, when the patient does not feel severe pain. Wellness exercises should be combined with walking, water procedures.
- Acupuncture. . . This is an auxiliary method for the treatment of osteochondrosis, which is based on the effect of special needles on biologically active points. Thanks to this, the metabolism is activated, the pain syndrome is reduced.
- Kinesitherapy. . . This is a hardware technique used to treat spinal diseases, post-injury rehabilitation. Thanks to exercise, the load is removed from the back, its mobility is improved and blood circulation is restored. Kinesiotherapy classes are conducted under the guidance of an instructor. There are many methods and apparatus for performing exercises, therefore, a suitable set of exercises is chosen for each patient.
- Laser therapy. . . Thanks to laser radiation, a positive effect is achieved, patient well-being is improved. The procedure reduces inflammation and pain, and has a positive effect on metabolic processes.
- Electrotherapy. . . Specialists use devices that are a source of galvanic, pulsed, alternating current. The purpose of the procedure is to reduce pain, relieve spasm and stimulate.
- Water procedures. . . Water is the best medicine for osteochondrosis. Patients with this disease are shown therapeutic baths, swimming, underwater massage. Very useful for the prevention and treatment of pathology is a regular visit to the pool.
Surgery for osteochondrosis
Spine surgery for osteochondrosis is indicated for patients with an advanced stage of the disease, in which remission by conservative methods is not possible. Surgery is used to remove disc herniations and affected discs. Also, operations are performed to expand the diameter of the spinal canal, to remove the vertebral arch. Their purpose is to eliminate compression of the nerves and spinal cord, which allows you to get rid of discomfort.
All manipulations are performed under anesthesia using X-rays and microsurgical control.
The laser discectomy method is used to lengthen the disc. This is a minimally invasive technique that allows you to evaporate the pulposus of the disc nucleus using a laser beam and thus eliminate compression.
Diet for osteochondrosis
Improper diet increases the risks of developing degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which include osteochondrosis. To slow down the pathological processes in the bones and cartilage, it is necessary to provide the body with a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals. The diet should contain:
- dairy products - a source of calcium;
- fresh vegetables and herbs;
- legumes, nuts, seeds - a source of protein, magnesium, B vitamins;
- cereals, baked goods with the addition of whole grains;
- lean meat;
- Fish and seafood;
- olive and other vegetable oils;
- jelly, jelly meat, jelly dishes.
There are no strict dietary restrictions, but there are foods that are undesirable to consume in large quantities. First of all, it is strong tea and coffee, which impair the absorption of calcium and vitamins. Foods that are high in salt are also not helpful.