Do you have unpleasant neck pain accompanied by dizziness, general weakness and fatigue? All this should be a wake-up call for every person, because any of the listed symptoms can indicate the development of cervical osteochondrosis.
It is worth treating such alarming symptoms with full responsibility, because in the absence of timely treatment, the pathology can cause the formation of more serious consequences, including an intervertebral hernia.
What is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?
Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the spine, in the development of which the structure of the connective tissue changes.
The disease is often masked by a violation of a different type, but a timely visit to a specialist allows you to diagnose in time and begin direct treatment.
Degenerative changes in the tissues of the cervical spine are most often found in the medical history of people of mature (45-59) and elderly (60-74) ages.
Despite this, it is worth noting: in modern society there is a rejuvenation of the disease, which is confirmed by the periodic diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in children and adolescents.
It is important that osteochondrosis can occur both in isolation and in combination with the defeat of other parts, in particular, thoracic, lumbar and sacral.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Today it is impossible to name the exact reasons for the occurrence of degenerative processes occurring in the intervertebral discs. There is no confirmation that cervical osteochondrosis is a senile phenomenon.
Numerous studies conducted by scientists from different countries have established that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has predominantly provoking factors.
Among the predisposing reasons for the development of osteochondrosis of the neck, there are:
- low level of activity, inactivity and a predominantly sedentary lifestyle;
- types of work involving a static load on the cervical spine;
- overweight, insufficient level of physical development;
- violation of the processes of development of connective tissue;
- chronic spinal injuries;
- deformation of the spine, use of insufficiently comfortable pillows, mattresses for rest;
- genetic predisposition.
The vast majority of reasons are in one way or another related to the natural processes of obsolescence of body systems, as well as the probable development of pathologies of the bone and cartilage tissue.
What is the danger of cervical osteochondrosis?
A decrease in the level of mobility and limited flexibility of the joints, loss of muscle elasticity and other signs of aging of the body are inevitable natural processes that accompany a person in ontogenesis.
The discomfort of pain that occurs during movement long before the natural age of aging often leads to a loss of quality of life and even a disability.
To determine how to treat cervical osteochondrosis, professional advice from the doctor is required. In the absence of a professional and timely diagnosis and the necessary treatment, the disease progresses, which can cause not only a deterioration in well-being, but also serious disruptions in the functioning of the nervous and vascular systems.
The main signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The structure of the human skeleton, the ability to walk upright and the impressive size of the head have led to the fact that some parts of the spine are the most vulnerable, especially the cervical.
Among the striking features of the structure of the cervical spine, it is worth highlighting the presence of vertebrae, mainly small in size and a relatively small number of muscles, in connection with which it is in this area that a disorder such as osteochondrosis most often verify.
Pain is the most common syndrome of spinal diseases. Depending on the affected area, it can focus:
- in the collarbone and / or shoulder;
- along the entire cervical spine;
- not the anterior surface of the sternum.
It is rather difficult to independently determine the primary signs of the disease, because in the vast majority of cases they are insignificant and very nonspecific:
- pain in the areaneckmainly in the evening;
- severity,backache;
- slight numbnesstingling in the shoulder, hands;
- crunch,click when you turn your head.
The progression of the disease is accompanied by a number of main symptoms that are already evident.
Vegetative-dystonic symptom
It is characterized by shooting pains in the neck, particularly felt in the area just below the back of the head.
The painful sensation often occurs during prolonged stay in the same position, for example in the morning hours.
The muscles of the neck are tense, there are difficulties in moving the hand to the side, stiffness in the movements of the fingers.
Due to compression of the vertebral arteries, neurological manifestations are often found:
- recurring headaches;
- nausea;
- fainting.
Spinal symptom
Localization of the area - to the left behind the chest.
In the process of gradual disruption of the structure of the intervertebral discs, compression occurs and, as a result, violation of the nerve roots, which leads to narrowing of the arteries and veins, which in turn leads to the formation of radicular and ischemic syndrome.
Circulatory disorders cause:
- severe, migraine;
- dizziness;
- visual impairment, tinnitus;
- disorders of autonomic functions.
In rare cases, the manifestation of a cardinal syndrome is traced, accompanied by compressive pain of the heart muscle, lack of air and heart rhythm disturbances.
Degrees of development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and their characteristic symptoms
The process of developing the disease proceeds rather slowly, but at the same time it has 4 clearly traced stages:
- osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of 1st degree - the occurrence of discomfort and minor pain during prolonged walking, static position. The beginning of the formation of seals in the intervertebral discs;
- osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the 2nd degree - bright painful sensations. In order to eliminate pain, manual therapy and appropriate drugs are used;
- 3rd degree osteochondrosis of the cervical spine - presence of pronounced lesions of the connective tissue of the affected area;
- osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the 4th degree - the final stage of the development of the disease, characterized by damage to almost all parts of the spine.
The last stage of the development of the disease requires surgical intervention, which involves a long recovery.
Diagnosis of the disease
In the presence of characteristic symptoms to diagnose and treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, it is necessary to consult an orthopedist or neurologist.
As part of the diagnostic measures, the specialist will determine mobility and pain in the neck area, assess the degree of sensitivity and identify other functional disorders.
Among the most effective diagnostic methods, it is customary to distinguish:
- X-ray of the cervical spine, performed in various projections;
- CT (computed tomography);
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) if a hernia / protrusion is suspected.
In case of circulatory disorders, rheoencephalography and a fundus examination can also be used.
Possible complications
Lack of prompt treatment can lead to serious complications, including:
- protrusion of the intervertebral discs(hernia / protrusion formation);
- rupture of the intervertebral disc,accompanied by pinching of the nerves and blood vessels, which can be fatal;
- radiculopathy(damage to the nerve roots), the formation of osteophytes (spines on the vertebral body) with the manifestation of numerous paresis and paralysis.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is determined by a specialist and depends on the degree of development of the pathology, the form of its course and the characteristics of the clinical manifestation of the disease.
Today, the most effective methods of treating the disease are:
- treatment with conservative methods, including drugs / non-drugs;
- Surgical intervention;
- a complex combination of techniques.
Physiotherapy
It assumes the effect of physical factors on the affected area. With an integrated approach and competent conduct of all procedures, improvements become noticeable already in the second or third month of treatment.
Among the most popular areas of physiotherapy prescribed for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- electrotherapy;
- shock wave therapy;
- magnetotherapy;
- balneotherapy;
- laser therapy;
- vibratory massage.
Neck massage for osteochondrosis
The massage must be carried out carefully, without the use of loads of force. Violation of the massage technique can cause negative consequences.
The starting position for the massage is the "prone" or "sitting with the back straight" position.
All existing massage techniques are based on techniques such as:
- stroking - affecting the surface layers of the skin. It is performed with the palms of the hands and the tips of the fingers down from the back of the head, up to the level of the upper third of the back;
- squeezing - affecting the deep layers of the skin in the upper third of the back. It is performed with two fingers of the hand (thumb and index), performed on the neck;
- rubbing - the main goal is to warm the skin and increase blood flow to the desired area;
- kneading - affects deeply lying tissues, it should be used with caution, as illiterate use can aggravate the situation.
Physiotherapywith cervical osteochondrosis
There are some exercises for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. The most effective are:
Automatic elongation
Starting position: sitting / standing with your back straight.
Order of execution: Maintaining the starting position, try to lower the shoulders as low as possible, stretching the top of the head upwards.
Intensity of execution: at least 10 times (2-5 seconds), at least 3 times a day.
Self-massage
Inventory: terry towel.
Starting position: sitting / standing, squeeze the neck with a towel, grab the ends with your hands.
Procedure: alternately pull the ends of the towel, gently massaging the neck muscles.
Important! During the exercise, it is necessary to ensure that the towel does not slip and does not rub the neck.
Gymnastics (flexion / extension, twisting, bending)
Starting position: sitting / standing with your back straight.
The order of execution: from the starting position, perform a smooth flexion / extension, turn or tilt the head, first in one direction, then in the other.
Intensity of execution: 5-7 movements in one direction.
Cervical osteochondrosis drugs
It is especially important during an exacerbation, as it is through the cervical spine that important blood vessels pass, providing nourishment to the brain.
As a means of treatment, tablets, injections, ointments and other topical agents prescribed by the attending physician can be used.
Important! Self-medication with drugs of various groups is unacceptable and can lead to disability, death.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
One of the most effective drugs, often used for osteochondrosis in the form of injections, but also available in the form of tablets, patches and ointments.
The key direction of action is to reduce pain, eliminate swelling and inflammation.
Muscle relaxants
Provides effective reduction of muscle tension, which significantly reduces pain.
The recommended treatment period is 2-4 weeks.
Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and warming ointments for cervical osteochondrosis
In order to increase their effectiveness, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs contain steroid substances in their composition.
The action of warming ointments is aimed at pain relief and warming, which activates blood flow to the site of application of the drug.
Chondroprotector
They are used to slow down degenerative processes and accelerate the regeneration of connective tissue. It has a cumulative effect.
Recommended dosage regimen: 2 to 6 months.
Features of nutrition in the treatment and prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Proper nutrition is an undeniably important component of maintaining the health of the body.
In the context of the prevention or treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, diet is, although auxiliary, but at the same time a very significant component.
The main goals of proper nutrition in the treatment or prevention of osteochondrosis are:
- elimination of the probability of a deficiency of nutrients necessary for the implementation of metabolic processes in the tissues of the intervertebral discs;
- maintaining optimal body weight;
- reducing the risk of developing vascular alterations, preventing circulatory disorders.
Principles of the diet
Nutrition for cervical osteochondrosis is based on the principles of rationality and functionality:
- Minimizing inhibitions: a healthy diet is varied, balanced and at the same time saturated with all the necessary substances.
- Compliance with the diet is an important component in preventing the degradation of intervertebral disc tissue.
- Reduce salt intake - eliminates the likelihood of increasing the load on blood vessels and maintains water and electrolyte balance.
- Limit the use of starches and sugars in order to eliminate the likelihood of metabolic disturbances.
Forbidden and recommended food
Nutrition in the treatment and prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine requires the exclusion of such products that clog the body as:
- alcohol that disrupts the water-electrolyte balance and causes dehydration of the tissues;
- fatty and smoked meats that are difficult to digest;
- acidic and spicy foods that increase inflammation;
- semi-finished products that negatively affect digestion processes;
- sweets, sugar that disrupt blood circulation.
The list of recommended foods mainly includes foods of easily digestible plant and animal origin, rich in protein, complex carbohydrates and fiber, including:
- chicken, rabbit, lean beef and pork;
- Fish and seafood;
- dairy products, eggs;
- various types of cereals;
- wholemeal flour bread;
- fruits, vegetables, berries and herbs.
Preventive actions
The basis of the health of the human cervical spine is a strong back, the health of which is due to:
- a sufficient level of physical activity;
- maintaining optimal body weight;
- comfortable bed with anatomic pillows and quality mattress;
- maintaining correct posture;
- a combination of prolonged sitting with periods of rest and physical warm-up;
- adherence to proper nutrition.
In addition, it is recommended to avoid neck injuries and, of course, to lift unbearable weights.