Cervical osteochondrosis is a chronic degenerative disease of the articular cartilage tissues, occurring most frequently in the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine, because they are more frequently exposed to high loads, which results in decreased elasticity, flattening and thinning of the discs located between the vertebrae, followed by its replacement with bone tissue. As the degenerative process progresses, surrounding structures become involved. This provokes the development of a whole range of symptoms that deprive the patient of a comfortable life.
Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?
Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathological change in the tissues of intervertebral discs and the vertebrae themselves. Due to the thinning of soft tissues, the depreciation effect of the vertebrae is reduced, nerve fibers and blood vessels are compressed, the mobility of the cervical spine is reduced, and head rotation is limited. As a result of this disease, blood circulation and blood supply to the brain deteriorate, migraines, headaches, tension, cluster headaches, heart rhythm disturbances, respiratory rhythm disturbances, deterioration of memory, vision, coordination and attention, intervertebral hernias, brain input disorders and development of stroke.
Causes of osteochondrosis
What leads to cervical osteochondrosis?
Several factors lead to cervical osteochondrosis, each of which aggravates the course of the disease:
- Sedentary lifestyle (sedentary work);
- Excess body weight;
- Incorrect posture;
- Chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system (scoliosis, flat feet, X- and O-shaped deformities of the lower extremities), contributing to the uneven distribution of the load on the spine;
- Congenital pathologies of spinal development;
- Excessive and repetitive stress on the spine;
- Hereditary predisposition;
- Injuries.
Signs and symptoms
- Systemic dizziness;
- Pain in the back of the head, neck, collar region;
- Noise or ringing in the ears;
- A feeling of shortness of breath, inability to take a deep breath, severe shortness of breath develops;
- Nausea and vomiting, worsening when trying to turn the head;
- Decreased visual acuity, flickering spots or fog before the eyes;
- Fluctuations in blood pressure that are difficult to correct with medication;
- Fainting caused by vasospasm;
- Feeling of lump in the throat, pain, dryness, difficulty swallowing, pain in the shoulder joint;
- Numbness of the fingers.
Degree of development of osteochondrosis
In the process of development of cervical osteochondrosis, four successive stages are distinguished, which determine the severity of symptoms and the general condition of the patient.
- Stage 1. The thickness of the intervertebral discs decreases slightly. There are practically no symptoms, sometimes there is slight discomfort in the neck, for example, when staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time.
- Step 2.The height of the disc becomes even smaller, pathological growth of cartilaginous tissue begins and protrusions (bulges) occur. The patient feels constant pain, weakness, numbness in the face and stiffness in the cervical spine.
- Step 3.The fibrous ring surrounding the disc nucleus ruptures and an intervertebral hernia is formed. The spine becomes visibly deformed, increasing the risk of vertebral dislocations and subluxations. The pain becomes permanent and is accompanied by other symptoms of osteochondrosis.
- Step 4.Irreversible changes occur in the spine: bone growths appear, the intervertebral disc is replaced by scar tissue and loses its ability to absorb load. Symptoms become severe and have a significant impact on the patient's lifestyle and well-being. The quality of life decreases.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis requires an integrated approach, there are non-drug, drug and surgical types of treatment.
Depending on the clinical situation, the following are used:
- Massage (specialized, neurological to eliminate spasms and blockages);
- Therapeutic exercise (to improve blood circulation);
- Osteopathy (thanks to this procedure, blockages and spasms are removed, blood circulation is restored and metabolic processes in the brain are improved);
- Manual therapy;
- Computational traction;
- Physiotherapy.
Non-drug treatmenthelps reduce the severity of symptoms and reduces the frequency and severity of exacerbations, improves blood supply to the affected area, improves metabolism and regeneration processes.
- Strengthens the effect of medications;
- Helps strengthen the muscular structure and stabilize the spine;
- Eliminates muscle spasms and blockages
Non-drug treatment also includes the use of a Shants splint.
Shantsa Tire
The Shants splint or Shants collar is a soft bandage with a certain degree of fixation of the cervical spine, used for the prevention and treatment of injuries and diseases of the cervical spine. Area of application: urgent and emergency medical care in the event of traffic accidents, injuries at home and at work, treatment of patients after surgical interventions on the cervical spine.
By design, Shants splint can be rigid, semi-rigid, ring-shaped, with or without fasteners, but they are all removable and easily replaceable, easy to use and care for, affordable and have a modern design that plays an important role in use around the neck during the period of rehabilitation or outpatient treatment.
Drug treatmenthelps relieve pain, eliminate dizziness, restore the normal functioning of nerve roots and, if possible, stop or slow down the destruction of cartilaginous tissue.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(intended to relieve pain and inflammation) are used in the form of tablets, injections, ointments, patches;
- Muscle relaxants:medicines that eliminate reflex muscle spasms, thereby reducing pain and improving blood circulation;
- B vitaminsin the form of tablets, they help to improve the conduction of nerve impulses;
- Chondroprotectors:medicines that promote the restoration of cartilaginous tissue.
Depending on the symptoms, medications to improve microcirculation in the vessels of the brain, medications that block nausea and dizziness, etc. may also be prescribed.
Surgery
The help of surgeons is necessary in advanced cases of the disease, when medical methods are no longer effective.
- Surgical removal of a herniated disc(microdiscectomy, endoscopic or transfacet surgery);
- Laminectomy:removal of the spinous processes or vertebral arch, thereby reducing the load on the root of the spinal cord;
- Nucleoplasty:elimination of a hernia by removing part of the nucleus of the intervertebral disc.
Prevention of osteochondrosis
- Avoid physical inactivity and lead an active lifestyle;
- Diversify your diet with foods rich in potassium and magnesium;
- Minimize heavy lifting;
- Sleep on an anatomical pillow and anatomical mattress;
- Warm up regularly.
Common questions
How to understand that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is beginning?
- Headache
- Limiting head rotation
- Impaired concentration
- Noise in the ears
- Dizziness
How to make a diagnosis?
- Only a doctor can make a diagnosis
- MRI, MSCT
How to relieve pain in cervical osteochondrosis?
If you experience pain in your cervical spine, see a doctor. The doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, antispasmodics and other medications with analgesic effects.
How to avoid osteochondrosis?
- Start an active lifestyle
- Do preventive exercises daily (at least 10 minutes a day)
- Develop a daily routine
- Massage in the collar area (twice a year)
Which doctor treats osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?
First of all, you should consult a general practitioner who will carry out the necessary tests and make a preliminary diagnosis. As a rule, patients with a confirmed diagnosis of osteochondrosis need to consult a neurologist.