Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

26 August 2020

Osteochondrosis is a lesion of the intervertebral discs of a degenerative-dystrophic nature, and the cervical region is the most vulnerable part of the spine, which has an anatomically different structure of very close adjacent vertebrae and a weak muscular corset. Therefore, even with small additional loads on the neck, a displacement of the vertebrae can occur, which leads to compression of blood vessels and nerves.

And since the vertebral arteries that are involved in the blood supply to the brain pass through the holes in the transverse processes of the vertebrae in this section, pinching the vertebrae in this section or squeezing the holes from overgrown osteophytes is fraught with very consequencesgrave.

What is this?

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a progressive polyetiological disease that manifests itself with the degeneration of the intervertebral discs and dystrophy of the ligamentous apparatus of the vertebral column.

Reasons for

The main causes and prerequisites for the onset of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebra are:

Curvature of the spine, scoliosis.
Stress, nervous tension negatively affects the general condition of the body, can cause cervical osteochondrosis.
Past infectious diseases often become the main cause.
Incorrect and uncomfortable body position during sleep (for example, uncomfortable pillow).
Congenital problems or the presence of hereditary diseases of the cervical spine.
Incorrect posture in youth and adolescence.
Overweight, obesity of varying degrees. The extra pounds increase the load on the vertebrae and discs, which leads to degenerative processes.
Back injuries that may have occurred in childhood or adolescence.
Disruption of metabolic processes.
Work related to physical work, which can cause diseases of the spine in its various parts.
Inactive lifestyle, sedentary work, improper exercise.

For effective treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, it is first necessary to establish the cause of the event, the prerequisites that provoked its development and eliminate them. Until recently, the disease only occurred in people over the age of 45. Now young people are exposed to it, the age range is 18-25.

Characteristics of the cervical spine

We consider how the cervical spine differs from the rest of the spine and that during the development of osteochondrosis it is a prerequisite for the development of these syndromes.

In the cervical region there are important ganglia (nodes) of the autonomic nervous system.
In the transverse processes of the vertebrae there are holes that form a channel through which the vertebral artery passes, which supplies oxygen and nutrients to the brain, cerebellum, hearing organs and also the vertebral nerve. These are the prerequisites for frequent blockage of the artery and nerve.
The cervical spine is the most mobile. It is characterized by all kinds of movements in full. These are the preconditions for frequent violations and subluxations.
The intervertebral foramen of the three lower vertebrae is not round but triangular. These are the prerequisites for pinching the nerve roots from bone growths that are formed in osteochondrosis.
The intervertebral discs are not located between the vertebral bodies along their entire length. In the front, instead of them, there are protruding edges of the vertebrae, which are connected by joints. These are the prerequisites for the occurrence of joint subluxations.

Phases of development

The degree of osteochondrosis is determined by the clinical picture and the patient's complaints. The concept of graduation should not be confused with the stages of osteochondrosis. The stages are discussed below.

First degree. Clinical manifestations are minimal, the patient may complain of low intensity cervical spine pain, which may worsen when turning the head. Physical examination may show slight muscle tension in the neck.
Second degree. The patient is concerned about pain in the cervical spine, its intensity is much greater, there may be irradiation to the shoulder, arm. This occurs due to a decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc and pinching of the nerve roots. Painful sensations increase when tilting and turning the head. The patient may notice decreased performance, weakness, headache.
Third degree. Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis intensify, pain becomes constant with irradiation to the arm or shoulder. Numbness or weakness appears in the arm muscles when herniated intervertebral discs are formed. Worried about weakness, dizziness. Examination reveals limited mobility in the cervical spine, pain on palpation of the cervical spine.
The fourth degree. There is a complete destruction of the intervertebral disc and its replacement with connective tissue. Dizziness increases, tinnitus appears, coordination impaired, as the process involves the vertebral artery that supplies the cerebellum and occipital lobe of the brain.

Symptoms

The severity of symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis depends on the degree of destruction of the vertebral structures. Symptoms are aggravated by bone growth with osteophyte formation, root syndrome (radicular pain when a nerve is pinched), intervertebral hernia (protrusion of the disc into the spinal canal).

The first signs of the disease are recurrent headache in the occiput, pain in the neck, crunches and clicks in the vertebrae when turning the head and sometimes a slight tingling in the shoulders. Over time, symptoms increase and pain intensity increases.

Pain syndrome is the main manifestation of osteochondrosis. Neck pain is dull, constant, or sharp with low back pain below the occiput when turning the head. The entire cervical region or the projection area of the modified vertebra, as well as the collarbone, shoulder, shoulder blade, and heart area, can injure. Irradiation of pain in the lower jaw, teeth, arm, ear, eye area is not excluded. The muscles of the neck and shoulders are tense, painful on palpation. Difficulty lifting the arm from the side of the injury: Immediately there is low back pain in the shoulder or neck. Restriction of head movements due to pain often occurs in the morning after sleeping in an uncomfortable position.

The disease leads to compression of the peripheral nerve roots (radicular syndrome) and causes pain along the course of these nerves. Perhaps numbness of the hands or fingers, reduced sensitivity of certain areas of the skin innervated by the pinched nerve.

Some characteristic symptoms suggest which vertebrae are affected:

C1 - reduced sensitivity in the occipital region;
C2 - pain in the occipital and parietal regions;
C3 - decreased sensation and pain in the middle of the neck where the spinal nerve has been violated, possibly impaired sensitivity of the tongue, speech disturbances due to loss of control over the tongue;
C4 - reduced sensitivity and pain in the shoulder-scapular region, decreased tone of the head and neck muscles, possible respiratory disorders, pain in the liver and heart;
C5 - pain and sensory disturbances in the outer surface of the shoulder;
C6 - pain extending from neck to shoulder blade, forearm, outer surface of shoulder, radial surface of forearm to thumb;
C7 - pain extending from the neck to the shoulder blade, to the back of the shoulder, from the forearm to the II - IV fingers of the hand, reduced sensitivity in this area.
C8 - pain and sensory disturbances spread from neck to shoulder, forearm to little finger.

Cervical osteochondrosis is always accompanied by headache. Severe and persistent pain is aggravated by rotation of the neck or sudden movements. Some patients complain of heaviness in the head. Compression of the vertebral artery leads to attacks of dizziness, nausea. There is noise, ringing in the ears, flicker of black dots before the eyes. Deterioration of cerebral circulation causes a progressive decrease in hearing and visual acuity, numbness of the tongue and a change in taste.

Clicks or creaks during neck movements almost always accompany cervical osteochondrosis, which is observed in every patient. The crunch appears during a sharp rotation of the head or when throwing it back.

Syndromes due to cervical osteochondrosis

The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are grouped into specific groups called syndromes. Their presence and severity may indicate a pathology in the cervical spine with a specified localization.

A group of common syndromes:

Vegetative-dystonic syndrome. Subluxation of the first cervical vertebra with displacement can lead to the development of vegetative-vascular dystonia. VSD is not a definitive diagnosis, as it has no pronounced symptoms. There may be neurological signs, symptoms of impaired cerebral blood flow, intracranial pressure spikes, muscle spasms. As a result, the patient's complaints are reduced to dizziness, decreased visual acuity, loss of consciousness, headache, nausea.
Irritating - reflective. Burning and sharp pain in the back of the head and neck, sometimes with a return to the chest and shoulder, which occurs at the time of a change in the position of the head and neck, with sneezing and a sharp rotation of the head.
Root. Otherwise called cervical radiculitis, it combines the symptoms associated with the violation of the nerve roots of the cervical vertebrae. Characterized by "chills" in the affected area, tingling in the fingers, forearms, pasty skin, which spreads to certain fingers.
Cardiac. Almost the same picture with angina pectoris often leads to incorrect diagnosis and treatment. The syndrome appears due to irritation of the phrenic nerve receptors, which partly involves the pericardium and the pectoralis major muscle. Therefore, spasms in the heart area are more reflexive, as a response to irritation of the cervical nerves.
Vertebral artery syndrome. It develops directly both with compression of the artery itself, and with irritation of the sympathetic nerve plexus, which is located around it. The pain in this pathology is burning or throbbing in the occipital region with spread to the temples, superciliary arches, crown. It occurs on both one and both sides. Patients usually associate exacerbation with the state after sleeping in a non-physiological position, traveling by means of transport, walking. With severe symptoms, hearing loss, dizziness, tinnitus, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, increased blood pressure are possible.

Diagnostics

Like any diagnosis in medicine, the diagnosis of osteochondrosis is established on the basis of patient complaints, anamnesis, clinical examination and auxiliary research methods. X-ray of the cervical spine is performed in frontal and lateral projections, if necessary in special positions (with the mouth open). At the same time, specialists are interested in the height of the intervertebral discs, the presence of osteophytes.

Of modern research methods, NMR and CT studies are used, which allow more accurate verification of the diagnosis. In addition to the listed methods of additional research, it may be necessary to consult related specialists (cardiologist, ophthalmologist, neurosurgeon), and examination by a neurologist is simply vital. A neurologist is engaged in the treatment of osteochondrosis, therefore, having examined the patient, he, at his discretion, will prescribe the minimum necessary examination.

How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?

Complex treatment of cervical osteochondrosis can include the following traditional and non-traditional methods: drug treatment, massage, acupressure, manual therapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, homeopathy, folk remedies, etc.

The main treatment regimen for osteochondrosis is the same for all localizations of this disease:

First you need to relieve the pain.
So the swelling is relieved.
At this point it is necessary to normalize blood circulation.
Strengthen the muscle corset.
Improve nutrition and tissue regeneration.

The list of medicines and drugs for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home is very large:

Anti-inflammatory (steroid). These are hormonal drugs that relieve inflammation and thereby eliminate pain;
Analgesics (non-steroidal drugs that relieve pain). They are usually prescribed as tablets or capsules. It should be remembered that most of these drugs cause irritation of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract;
Muscle relaxants are drugs that relax muscle tone. They are used in surgery and orthopedics as pain relieving aids. These drugs are administered parenterally and are therefore always under medical supervision. There is an extensive list of contraindications;

Chondroprotectors are drugs containing substances that replace the components of cartilage tissue. To achieve a lasting positive effect, such medicines must be taken for a very long time;
Ointments and gels for external use. This is the most accessible group of drugs for home use. They are divided into relieving inflammation, warming and pain relievers. Such funds are often advertised. With cervical osteochondrosis, not all ointments are effective, moreover, due to their availability, they are sometimes used unreasonably and without taking into account the peculiarities of pathogenesis.
Vitamins. With osteochondrosis, vitamins are prescribed that have a beneficial effect on the peripheral nervous system and improve conductivity. Water-soluble vitamins: B1, B6, B12, fat-soluble vitamins: A, C, D, E. In recent years, combined preparations containing both painkillers and vitamin components have become more often prescribed.

Only a team of good specialists can select the most suitable therapy, which includes a neurologist, physiotherapist, masseur, surgeon and spinal neurologist.

Physiotherapy

Physical therapy for cervical osteochondrosis should be performed outside of acute exacerbation. The maximum efficiency of this technique is during the recovery period. There should be no discomfort and pain when performing the complex!

Exercise n. 1. Lying on your stomach, put your hands on the floor, raise your head and torso, your back should be straight. Stay in this position for 1-2 minutes. Slowly lower yourself to the floor. Repeat 2-3 times.
Exercise n. 2. Lying on your stomach, stretch your arms along your body, turn your head to the left, try to touch the floor with your ear, then turn your head to the right. Repeat 6-7 times in each direction.
Exercise n. 3. In a seated position, inhaling, lean forward and try to touch your chest with your head, then exhale, lean back and tilt your head back. Repeat 10-15 times.
Exercise n. 4. While sitting, place your palms on your forehead, apply pressure with your palms to your forehead and forehead to your palms. Continue this exercise for 30 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times.
Exercise n. 5. Slowly rotate your head first in one direction, then in the other. 10 rotations in each direction. Pay attention to dizziness. When it appears, the exercise stops.

Massage therapy

The massage can be performed at home, but very carefully so as not to aggravate and harm the patient. The patient should assume a prone position, place the forehead on the hands and stretch the chin towards the chest. The neck muscles must be completely relaxed.

Stroking. It is necessary to start the massage with these movements: stroking the collar area in the direction from the lymph to the supraclavicular and axillary nodes. Then flat strokes and comb are applied.
pushups. To perform push-ups, the masseur places a hand on the neck (index and thumb must be together) and moves along the spine. Push-ups can also be done with the edge of the palm up to the shoulder joints.

Therapeutic massage for cervical chondrosis

Rubbing. The rubbing is done to warm the muscles, relax them, and improve blood flow to the area. The massage should be started from the base of the skull, making circular and straight movements with the fingers. You can also perform cutting movements with your palms parallel to your ribs.
Knead. The neck should be kneaded in a circular motion.
Vibration. The massage ends with blows and vibrations, which are performed with shaking and tapping.

Massage is needed to strengthen muscle tone and relieve pain. Depending on the stage at which osteochondrosis is located, a massage technique is selected. However, during the neck massage, specialists use all the techniques of classic massage: rubbing, stroking, kneading, etc. In cases where the patient has pain only on one side, the massage begins in the healthy part of the neck, gradually moving towards that part of the collar area where the painful sensations occur.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy helps to cope with both acute and chronic pain, also increases mobility and improves posture. The main methods of manual therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:

Relaxing and segmental massage. It is used to warm muscles and relieve tension.
Mobilization. Influences aimed at restoring joint function by traction.
Manipulation. A strong push aimed at the patient's pathological areas. The procedure is accompanied by a characteristic crunch (return of the joint to its normal position).

The chiropractic practitioner should be fluent in these techniques. Otherwise, any mistake could cause injury.

Orthopedic pillows

Orthopedic sleeping pillows are an effective prevention tool. In many cases, osteochondrosis is aggravated by additional compression of the cervical artery and nerve roots while sleeping on an uncomfortable pillow. The orthopedic product ensures a uniform horizontal position of a person during sleep and, therefore, ensures a physiologically adequate blood supply to the brain.

When choosing a pillow, one should take into account the individual anatomical characteristics of a person and correlate them with the volume and characteristics of the filler. A properly selected pillow brings tangible benefits to a patient with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy procedures for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:

Electrophoresis. It must be used with analgesics (anesthetics), which are injected under the skin by electronic pulses.
Ultrasound. It has a beneficial effect on metabolic processes in the tissues of the cervical spine, due to which swelling is removed, pain disappears.
Magnetotherapy. A safe method of treatment, which consists of exposing damaged cells to a low frequency magnetic field. Has an analgesic effect, acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Laser therapy. Improve blood circulation in the affected area, relieve tissue swelling, pain.

Physiotherapy procedures have a beneficial effect on discs and vertebrae in cervical osteochondrosis. In combination with taking medications, the combined treatment helps to get rid of the symptoms of the disease. The procedures are performed in a hospital or in specialized rooms at polyclinics. Before starting the course, you need to consult a doctor, determine the duration of physiotherapy, types. It is strictly forbidden to pass it during an exacerbation.

Trench collar

The Shants collar is a soft and comfortable device, fastened with Velcro on the back and is used for cervical osteochondrosis. But not for treatment, but for temporary relaxation and fatigue relief. It cannot be worn without taking it off, otherwise the neck muscles will stop working and will soon atrophy. If the Shants collar is chosen correctly, the patient feels comfortable and protected.

The collar is selected strictly according to the size in the pharmacy or orthopedic shop. Better in a store, because the people who work there, as a rule, know their business and product features quite well, which means that they can help in each specific case.

Folk remedies

If the pain of osteochondrosis of the spine becomes unbearable and regular, then you accept anything to stop it, and here the traditional complex treatment will successfully complement the traditional methods.

insist on celery root (5 grams per 1 liter of boiling water) for 4 hours, drink a tablespoon before each meal;
honey compress, for which we take 2 tsp. honey and 1 mummy tablet. We heat the components in a water bath, spread on a cloth and apply to the cervical region, i. e. the neck, at night;
in case of acute pain, the cultivation of horseradish in the country helps me. I simply wash the leaf from it, pour it over with boiling water, cool it a little, apply it to the neck and wrap it with a thin scarf for the night - in the morning you can already live and work;
we insist on chamomile flowers in vegetable oil for two days, preheat to a boil (30 grams of plant are needed for 500 ml of oil), rub on the painful areas;
Honey potato wrap helps, for this, the root crop must be grated and mixed with honey in the same amount, applied to the sore neck at night, used regularly, at least once a week.

Prevention

As usual, proper prophylaxis will help avoid cervical osteochondrosis, but, of course, all physical exercises should be used regularly, otherwise there will be little benefit from "periodic" exercises.

It remains to remember simple rules:

Eat lots of calcium and magnesium foods. These are fish, peas, legumes, nuts, cheese, herbs, but it is better to refrain from sugar, flour, smoked, spicy.
regularly practicing sports, in particular swimming, water aerobics and gymnastics for stretching and flexibility of the vertebrae is also suitable for preventing osteochondrosis, which can be practiced at home.
when you are sedentary, do a special set of exercises at least a couple of times a day.
choose a good mattress and orthopedic pillow that is ideal for the neck, supporting the head in the correct anatomical position during sleep (yes, your favorite huge feather pillows will not go away with spinal problems! )

If you already have such a diagnosis, the patient should spare his spine, namely:

Be very careful when lifting and carrying weights, it is better to go to the store twice than to pull heavy bags with both hands, incredibly straining the neck and shoulder girdle;
Do not overcool, avoid drafts and cold air flow from the air conditioner (some people like to cool off on a hot day, standing with their back to the fan);
When you bend the trunk forward, remember about osteochondrosis;
Prevents local overheating of muscles, which can occur in excessively hot baths;
Don't forget to periodically detach yourself from the monitor, change your body position, don't sit for hours or even days;
Rest your neck by purchasing a Shants collar;
If possible, if the condition of the cardiovascular system permits, take a steam bath.

In conclusion, I would like to say that a child who is at risk of osteochondrosis (the father and mother already have it) and an adult who has acquired the disease later in life are simply obliged to take preventive measures in order not tobecome disabled and not end up on the operating table, After all, this operation is quite complicated and requires long-term rehabilitation. It is also not always possible, because there are unusable cases, so it is best to protect your health from a young age, as long as the discs are intact and unnecessary growths do not compress the blood vessels.