Spinal diseases are getting younger every year. The most common is osteochondrosis, which has recently been recognized as an age-related disorder. When the neck region is affected, due to the degenerative dystrophic nature of osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernias form in the spine and severe pain in the neck and head can significantly reduce quality of life and lead to surgical intervention.
The dangers of cervical osteochondrosis
It is important to diagnose cervical disc disease early so that treatment can begin immediately until the bone tissue grows, and the salt deposits and growths that do not form on the vertebrae irritate the muscles, causing them to contract.
When the head is turned, the osteophytes can increase pressure on the vertebrae, squeezing arteries and pinching nerve endings. Cervical osteochondrosis is a serious and dangerous disease. Symptoms of neck pain are not limited to movement of the head. If left untreated, the disease can develop uncomfortable complications that can be a significant cause of dysfunction.
When the vertebrae approach each other, vertebrobasilar syndrome is caused by the deformation of the blood vessels that invade. Insufficient blood flow to the brain is a major cause of dizziness, poor balance, visual disturbances, loss of consciousness and tinnitus. The degree of compression of the cervical vertebral artery depends on the negative consequences of varying severity that manifest in the body. Cervical osteochondrosis disrupts the process of blood supply to areas of the brain and causes brain complications due to lack of oxygen.
Headaches are caused by compression of the nerves in the back of the head, which can radiate to the neck or temples. The most dangerous is the impairment of neuronal processes in the spinal cord, in which dysfunction is observed, severe uncontrolled spastic coordination disturbances in the lower extremities, decreased sensitivity of the bladder and bowel.
If osteochondrosis is left untreated, complications such as cervical disc herniation and hernias can occur. Sometimes it leads to the development of vascular disease and even brain damage before its various parts die.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
While traditional medicine considers osteochondrosis to be a disease of degenerative changes in the cervical discs, alternative medicine treats systemic bone disease as a manifestation of a disease deep within the body.
There are several causes of cervical osteochondrosis:
Postural disturbance
Bending, scoliosis, rounded backs, and kyphosis can cause an imbalance in the spine, so the load is unevenly distributed across the discs, causing deformation and increased wear and tear. At the same time, the vertebrae approach each other and begin to squeeze the neurites, and as a result, osteochondrosis develops.
muscle spasms
Spastic muscle responses cause tension in certain parts of the body, causing changes and deformations in the natural positions of the discs in the spine.
Violation of blood supply
The discs of the spine are not connected to the circulatory system, so they are filled with blood from the body's tissues. Violation of the blood supply process in the neck can lead to a lack of sufficient fluid to absorb water and restore cartilage shape and renewal. As a result, the wear of the vertebrae is accelerated and the intervertebral distance is reduced, leading to osteochondrosis in the cervical region.
Violation of innervation
Due to the reduced sensitivity of the nerve roots during disc displacement and deformation in the cervical region, the patient still does not notice pathological changes due to the absence of pain.
Visceral disease
Displacement of internal organs, lowering due to deformity of the cervical spine can lead to disruption of spinal position and body balance.
Improper nutrition
An unbalanced diet rich in carbohydrates and fatty foods and deficient in protein and trace elements can lead to unpleasant difficulties.
Cervical osteochondrosis occurs due to external factors that adversely affect the balance of the spine and the natural development of the entire body system. In addition to the symptoms listed, illness and pain may occur due to prolonged exposure to uncomfortable positions, frequent tension in the back and neck musculature, and hypothermia in the neck and collar area.
The causes are also often nervous tension, frequent stress and sleep disturbances. Often, violations do not attract immediate attention, so cervical osteochondrosis can sometimes persist for a long time and lead to serious health consequences. Therefore, it is important to see your doctor regularly to correct the underlying cause of cervical osteochondrosis, rather than to treat its symptoms.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease that occurs in the intervertebral discs with degenerative dystrophic changes. Originally, the intervertebral disc was cartilage, which contained a jelly-like substance. Over time, discs can become dehydrated due to poor posture, a sedentary lifestyle, computer work, neck injuries and injuries, and other factors.
As a result, the strength of the collagen fibers of the fibrous disc gradually decreases and its thickness decreases, leading to the development of osteochondrosis, characterized by:
- neck pain;
- Head pain, dizziness, loss of consciousness due to damage to the arteries that pass through the vertebrae;
- blood pressure fluctuations;
- Root syndrome, which results in impaired sensitivity, goose bumps and numbness in certain areas of the skin on the back of the head, shoulders, arms, and neck due to squeezing the base of the spine. accompanied by pain in the shoulders and arms, even in the fingers;
- Decreased ability to turn and tilt the neck due to severe pain, stiffness;
- increased fatigue and decreased performance;
- The appearance of ENT lesions, tinnitus, decreased vision;
- As complications develop, nausea, vomiting, and migraine attacks may occur.
The cervical spine has 7 vertebrae, and osteochondrosis often affects the intervertebral disc, which is located between the 5th and 7th vertebrae. A general practitioner or neurologist will need to be consulted, who will prescribe the necessary diagnosis and perform an MRI to confirm the diagnosis and choose treatment.
development level
There are four stages of osteochondrosis:
- Grade 1 - The disc has only begun to show pathological changes, so symptoms are mild and not always observed. Treatment will be quick and effective.
- Grade 2 - Changes in the intervertebral disc become apparent, which cause pain in the neck area, which is exacerbated by head movement.
- Grade 3 - Persistent pain complicated by the development of intervertebral herniation and the formation of a hernia.
- Grade 4 - Destruction of fibrous discs, movement of the spine is virtually excluded due to damage to the intervertebral arteries, which leads to the development of radiculopathy and severe pain not only in the neck but also in the chest, hands, and lumbar spine.
diagnosis
Only a qualified physician can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Usually this is a neurologist, but in some cases additional appointments with the following specialists may be required: chiropractor, endocrinologist, oncologist, orthopaedic surgeon, traumatologist or neurosurgeon.
At appointments, physicians collect medical records — major complaints and troubling patient symptoms, injuries, presence of chronic illnesses, and additional information about them. Next, doctors determine the patient's neck mobility, sensitivity, and muscle tone. To obtain more accurate information, patients are assigned diagnostic tests using special equipment:
- radiography (X-rays);
- Computed tomography (CT);
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis depends on the patient's age characteristics and the degree of degenerative dystrophic changes in the discs between the vertebrae. Therefore, treatments are always developed individually for the patient and always aim to address the following issues:
- eliminate worsening symptoms;
- Improve blood circulation;
- an increase in metabolic processes;
- Eliminate degenerative dystrophic changes in the intervertebral disc;
- Reduce complications of cervical osteochondrosis.
At each stage of the development of the disease, its own treatment measures are employed:
- The first stage - doing physical therapy exercises and adjusting your lifestyle is enough;
- Stage 2 - additionally includes medication intake, manual therapy, use of orthopaedic devices.
It must be understood that complete alteration of the degenerative dystrophic process is not possible, especially in the case of osteochondrosis diagnosed as stage 2 or above. In these cases, it is necessary to improve health and prevent disease progression with the help of treatment. The first stage of cervical osteochondrosis can sometimes be corrected when developmental pathology is rarely diagnosed. Because the patient sees mild neck discomfort as overwork, they do not go to the doctor.
In severe cases with cervical osteochondrosis, treatment becomes difficult and takes longer. Regular check-ups are performed under the supervision of a neurologist to correct treatment, depending on ongoing changes in the patient's health.
lifestyle modification
All patients diagnosed with cervical osteochondrosis should increase physical activity and take breaks for physical activity during sedentary work. Conversely, if the patient is actively involved in sports, then he needs to reduce the physical load on the neck and give up running, wrestling, jumping, and weightlifting.
People who are overweight are advised to take extra steps to lose weight by adjusting their diet so that the diet is healthy and meets the needs of the body. The menu should be designed so that the food is protein, half vegetables and fruit.
Drug therapy for cervical osteochondrosis
Medication is primarily aimed at eliminating the symptoms of neck pain caused by osteochondrosis of the spine. The complexities of treatment are developed individually for patients, including the use of different drug groups to address their problems.
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a group of drugs with anti-inflammatory and anti-pain properties. They are available in tablets and capsules, as well as in the form of creams, ointments and gels, and for severe pain, they are available for intramuscular injection.
The disadvantage of using the drug is the irritation of the mucosa of the stomach and duodenum, which can impair the function of the organs due to gastritis and ulcers. To reduce the risk of NSAIDs, proton pump inhibitors are used in combination.
To reduce pain and inflammation in osteochondrosis, diclofenac sodium or piroxicam is used as the active ingredient. They have a mild effect on the digestive tract. Drugs characterized by selective action have now been developed.
corticosteroids and blockers
Corticosteroids are hormonal drugs that are prescribed in short courses for severe patients with complex inflammatory processes. Long-term use can cause adverse reactions, so it is used in the form of injection, which has no side effects and is easier to absorb.
Corticosteroids are often used with anesthesia when a blockade is performed. To relieve severe pain syndromes, the prepared mixture is injected at a point near the spinal nerve. The procedure is performed in the clinic by medically trained staff. Lockdown doctors recommend four times a year.
muscle relaxant
Muscle relaxants are medications that eliminate muscle spasms caused by severe inflammation and pain in the neck caused by osteochondrosis.
vitamins
Osteochondrosis can compress the base of the spine, so taking B vitamins involved in nerve impulses is recommended.
chondroprotective agent
Chondroprotective agents - drugs used to restore cartilage tissue. In the early stages of cervical osteochondrosis, they do have a positive effect on the condition of the discs between the vertebrae, improving the health of the patient. At a later stage, they can only slow down the degenerative dystrophic process of these discs.
Chondroprotective agents are produced in capsules, powders, and solutions when administered intramuscularly.
topical
A gel, cream, or ointment used when osteochondrosis of the neck first appears to affect the painful area. They have different working principles, which can reduce inflammation, analgesia, warming and cooling. They often contain ingredients such as NSAIDs, menthol, cayenne pepper, snake and bee venom extracts in their ingredients.
Preparations for improving microcirculation
This group of drugs improves the quality of blood circulation, which is especially necessary for vertebral artery syndrome. They promote vasodilation, improve brain nutrition, and eliminate tinnitus, headaches, dizziness.
exercise therapy
Therapeutic exercise is the main method for the treatment of spinal and cervical osteochondrosis. Comprehensive physiotherapy exercises are selected individually by specialists taking into account the patient's age, the presence of radiculopathy and arterial compression, as well as the development of existing disease and degenerative dystrophic changes. The goals of physical therapy:
- Strengthen the muscles of the shoulder girdle and neck;
- activate blood circulation;
- Normalization of muscle tone.
You need to do it every day with a specialist who will help you choose the load, develop the best program, taking into account the patient's physical condition.
It is important to do all physical activity slowly, without sudden head movements and in comfortable conditions. If neck pain occurs, stop exercising immediately and consult your doctor for corrective treatment options.
Swimming has a positive effect on the state of the cervical spine, where the physical pressure on the discs is not related to swimming, but the neck muscles are actively working. As a result, the muscular corset that supports the spine is strengthened. People with osteochondrosis swim 2 to 3 times a week.
Manipulative treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Manual therapy is an effective treatment for osteochondrosis because it affects the muscles and spine. Specialists must have a high degree of education, be licensed in medicine for manual therapy, and must have experience with an understanding of the anatomy and characteristics of osteochondrosis.
self massage
To improve physical and mental health, patients can perform neck massage on their own to relieve fatigue and pain.
Physiotherapy
If there is no inflammatory process, physical therapy is required. Assign a course of 10-15 programs, which are selected individually.
- Electrophoresis - Electric current is used to ensure deep penetration of the drug.
- Magnetic therapy - activates the blood circulation process and stimulates the metabolic process. Additionally, these classes fight pain and reduce swelling.
- Laser therapy - fights inflammatory processes and dilates blood vessels, thus reducing pain.
- Ultrasound therapy is a method to reduce the sensitivity of nerve endings and has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Bikinetic Current - Reduces pain, improves tissue nutrition, reduces inflammation.
Traction therapy
Due to the flattening of the disc and the closer vertebrae, distraction therapy with a Glisson ring is recommended.
applicator
The Iplicator is an affordable and simple neck reflexology tool. The sharp sting can cause skin irritation, leading to active blood flow, increased efficiency in the neck, and improved sleep.
Orthopedic appliance
To reduce the burden on the neck, it is recommended to replace the mattress and pillow with an orthopedic mattress that maintains the correct position of the spine, reducing the progression of osteochondrosis. Patients are advised to wear an orthopaedic removable device - the Shants Collar, which allows you to immobilize the neck and reduce the load.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
To avoid cervical osteochondrosis, you need to perform regular warm-ups, during which you change positions, perform neck tilts and head turns. Maintain proper posture from an early age. Exercise more, strengthen the muscle strength of the neck and joints, and reduce the occurrence of cervical osteochondrosis. Take care of your health!