Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease in which the vertebrae and intervertebral discs are involved. Cervical osteochondrosis refers to deforming dorsopathies. Evolutionary changes can be observed in the plates as early as 20 years of age. At the same time, they become more sensitive to loads, less flexible and lose lubricating fluid.
Pathology is most common in the elderly, but is currently significantly increasing in children and adolescents. Neurologists are using the latest diagnostic studies to identify cervical osteochondrosis. Once the diagnosis is clarified, complex therapy is performed with the most effective drugs, physiotherapy procedures, and innovative methods of physical rehabilitation.
The name of the disease consists of two Greek terms: "osteon" (bone) and "chondros" (cartilage). Cervical osteochondrosis begins with a change in the middle part of the disc. The intervertebral disc loses moisture, decreases in size, leading to convergence of vertebral bodies and damage to nerve roots with the vessels. The vertebrae receive nutrients from the surrounding tissues, which is harmful to the body. Compression of nerves and blood vessels leads to protective muscle cramps, which become the cause of pain as the disease progresses.
Which doctor treats this disease
The treatment of osteochondrosis is the field of activity of neurologists. However, when symptoms of osteochondrosis of the neck appear, it is possible to consult a family doctor. A neurologist selects drugs for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis that put the least strain on the body, which is important for drug therapy.
To determine the presence of the pathological process in cartilage tissue and cervicobrachial osteochondrosis, the patient is referred for a comprehensive examination. Tactics for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are being developed in line with research findings.
Interdisciplinary collaboration also makes it possible to treat a patient’s comorbidity. In addition, the patient receives full information: treatment plan, a statement of the cost of services, information on specialist consultations and diagnostic measures.
Cause
Cervical osteochondrosis is caused by various provocative factors. The specific cause of osteochondrosis of the cervix has not been determined. The disease is often associated with metabolic disorders and aging of the vertebrae.
Researchers suggest that cervical osteochondrosis develops for the following reasons:
- Excessive stress on the spine. A heavy load can be observed on the spine if you wear bad shoes, flat legs, obesity, prolonged sitting position;
- Metabolic disorders. Lack of vitamins, minerals, calcium metabolism can be the cause of degenerative processes in the vertebrae;
- Congenital and acquired disorders of the spine and ligament (thickening of the ligaments, lumbarization, sacralization);
- Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract leading to insufficient absorption of nutrients;
- Infection, poisoning;
- Injuries, bruises, fractures of the spine that result in disruption of the blood supply and innervation of the spinal column, causing their dystrophic disorders;
- Voltage;
- Wearing heels;
- Pregnancy, especially multiple pregnancies;
- Connective tissue autoimmune lesions, abnormal structure of type 1 and 2 collagen;
- Occupational hazards (lifting heavy loads, persistent vibration, working in a sitting position with a permanent head tilt);
- Atherosclerotic and other changes in vertebral arteries;
- Curvature of the spine (kyphosis, scoliosis, kyphoscoliosis).
An important risk factor for the development of cervical osteochondrosis is the burden of inheritance. This fact proves the presence of osteochondrosis in children when the spine is not yet overloaded.
Degree
Due to the special structure of the spine, it is able to perform its functions. The main structural unit is the spine motion segment (VMS). It consists of two adjacent vertebrae, an intervertebral disc, and a muscle-tape device. Osteochondrosis leads to dystrophic-degenerative processes, first in the intervertebral disc and then in the vertebrae. By defeating a vertebra, its functions are provided by its neighbors. This leads to an increase in the load on the affected segment and a loss of mobility.
Doctors distinguish several stages in the development of cervical osteochondrosis:
- The first stage of osteochondrosis of the neck. Because the intervertebral disc lacks its own blood supply and receives nutrients from the surrounding tissues, it is subject to degenerative changes. The first stage of developmental osteochondrosis is characterized by destruction of the nucleus pulposus and ruptures of the annulus fibrosus. Clinically, this is manifested by acute or persistent local pain (cervicalgia) and stiffness in the neck;
- Second degree osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. At this stage, the destruction of annular fibrosis continues, and pathological mobility and instability of the vertebrae appear. Patients complain of neck pain that is exacerbated by physical exertion, tilting of the head, or in a certain situation;
- The third stage of the disease is characterized by the complete destruction of the annulus fibrosus. The gelatinous seed is not fixed. Herniated discs can occur and cause severe pain. At this stage, curvature of the spine can develop due to poor recording of the SMS;
- In the fourth stage of the disease, the intervertebral disc is replaced by connective tissue, other adjacent segments are affected. Spondyloarthrosis, arachnoiditis develops. The joints become completely immobile - ankylosis develops. Bone tissue grows around the affected area - osteon is formed. In the fourth degree of cervical osteochondrosis, vivid symptoms are observed: severe pain radiating to the arm, sternum, area between the shoulder blades, sensitivity disorders.
Symptoms and signs
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis in the initial stage may not be specific: dizziness, headache, weakness, crackling during head movements. As the disease progresses, the following symptoms develop:
- Severe pain in neck and shoulders;
- Numbness of the hand;
- Dizziness;
- High blood pressure;
- Disorder of movement coordination;
- Increased sweating.
Several syndromes appear with the development of a pathological condition of the muscles of the back and cervical spine:
- Cervical migraine syndrome.
- Vertebral artery syndrome.
- Hypertensive syndrome.
- Heart syndrome.
- Radical syndrome.
They occur when nerve endings are damaged and arteries and veins constrict during the development of the disease. The most dangerous complication is vertebral artery syndrome. The blood flow through the artery that feeds the brain and spinal cord is damaged. The patient's hearing decreases, vision decreases, and constant dizziness develops. The patient may lose consciousness while driving due to a sharp violation of blood flow.
Compression of the nerves responsible for innervating the muscles of the chest and diaphragm results in pain in the region of the heart that is not associated with heart disease, but tachycardia, arrhythmia, and hypotension can occur. to develop. Compression of the veins leads to the development of hypertensive CSF syndrome. Cranial pressure increases, nausea, vomiting, and severe headaches appear due to harmful blood flow to the brain.
Narrowing of the neck results in radical syndrome - severe pain in the neck, shoulders, shoulder blades and back of the head. With this syndrome, the area of the arms and neck becomes numb. In cervical migraine syndrome, the patient is concerned about severe pain in the neck, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Reflex syndromes occur when the roots of the spine are not yet affected. Patients complain of pain in the neck, head (especially the headrest), one or both sides of the arms. Reflex pain, unlike radical pain, is not combined with sensitivity disorders. Cervicalgia can be boring and painful. The sharp, sharp "lumbago" pain is called cervicago. There is a spasm and muscle pain, pain in the paravertebral points. Signs of cervical osteochondrosis are increased in an uncomfortable position, the head is tilted, coughing, physical exertion. Signs of epicondylosis, humeroscapular periarthrosis, and shoulder-hand syndrome occur due to nerve impulses from the annulus fibrosus of the affected segment that cause compensatory muscle cramps.
Radical syndromes are accompanied by detrimental motor activity and sensitivity. At the same time, the nerves and blood vessels are damaged, and the abnormal focus of venous and lymphatic outflow is disrupted due to a decrease in the intervertebral canal. The pain of radical syndrome is acute, intense. A common cause of spinal nerve entrapment is hernia formation. In the area of abnormal focus, muscle tone decreases. In radiculoischemia, the vessels compress in addition to the nerves.
If the phrenic nerve is involved in the pathological process, heart syndrome occurs. It manifests as burning, acute pain on the left side of the chest, with irradiation of the arm, the interduloid region. The name of the syndrome is due to the fact that the nature of the pain is similar to the attack of angina pectoris. The main difference between angina pectoris pain is that it is relieved after taking nitroglycerin, may occur at rest, and is combined with interruption of heart rhythm (tachycardia, arrhythmia).
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis depend on the localization of the pathological process. With damage to the upper cervical vertebrae, the blood supply to the brain is disrupted due to compression of the arteries in the brain. This leads to headaches (especially in the occipital region), dizziness, fainting, high blood pressure. Dizziness with osteochondrosis of the cervix is caused by a decrease in blood flow to the inner ear. Patients are also worried about nausea, vestibular and ocular symptoms.
Cervicothoracic osteochondrosis is referred to as combined vertebral lesions. The disease manifests itself in the following symptoms:
- Dizziness;
- Neck and arm pain;
- Tingling, creeping sensation in the upper limb;
- Intercostal neuralgia.
Diagnostics
Cervical osteochondrosis is a chronic disease that can lead to the formation of hernias and compression of the spinal cord. Therefore, it is important to make an accurate diagnosis in time and start treatment. The following types of instrumental diagnostics are used to identify cervical osteochondrosis:
- Spondylography or X-ray of the spine. This research method is painless, highly informative and requires no special training. X-rays of the spine make it possible to assess its anatomical and functional features. In the picture, we pay attention to the structure of the vertebrae, their relationship to each other, the distance between them, the lumen of the spinal canal;
- Computed tomography - primarily provides information on the condition of bone tissue, allows the identification of spinal stenosis and disc herniation;
- Magnetic resonance imaging - allows you to determine changes in soft tissues. The MRI image clearly shows the change in intervertebral discs and spinal cord.
Drug treatment
Treatment of cervical spine osteochondrosis consists of drug and non-drug therapy. Neurologists continue to take preventative measures to prevent relapse after complete recovery. To treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine during the acute period, doctors prescribe drugs for the following pharmacological groups to patients:
- Non-narcotic analgesics. They are administered orally or intramuscularly to achieve the effect rapidly;
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- B vitamins in large doses.
Diuretics are used to reduce fluid retention in the spinal root and surrounding tissues. Antihistamines increase the effect of painkillers. Muscle cramps are eliminated by muscle relaxants. With prolonged severe pain syndrome, neurologists perform nerve blockade.
Chondroprotectors are used to improve the metabolic processes in the intervertebral disc. These drugs increase the content of glycosaminoglycans, increase the strength, flexibility, and shock absorption of intervertebral discs.
Dizziness pills
Patients often experience dizziness in cervical osteochondrosis. To reduce these, doctors prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The different classes of NSAIDs differ in their mechanism of action and mechanism of action, so only a qualified professional can determine the appropriate drug.
It is important to note that medications for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine cannot be taken without a doctor’s appointment. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have side effects, so before prescribing them, the neurologist will determine the presence of contraindications in the patient and the required dose. Anti-dizziness drugs in cervical osteochondrosis can improve a patient’s quality of life.
Osteochondrosis injections
Injections of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine help relieve pain during exacerbation. With this method of drug administration, the effect occurs rapidly. Neurologists use a variety of injections.
Nurses administer the drug solutions subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously. During the period of disease exacerbation, injectable drugs, in cervical osteochondrosis, have only a symptomatic effect.
Headache treatment
Headache is a symptom that occurs with various disorders. However, cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by intense headache. Head movements increase symptoms, so doctors prescribe painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to eliminate them.
Non-drug therapeutic methods
Complex non-drug therapy for cervical osteochondrosis of the spine includes:
- Protective mode - when the roots are pinched, patients lie on a hard surface,
- Massage;
- Physiotherapy exercises;
- Spinal traction;
- Physiotherapy procedures.
Cervical osteochondrosis massage is used to reduce pain and swelling, improve peripheral blood supply, and eliminate muscle cramps. The contraindication to this procedure is the presence of acute pain. Massage the neck and back in the direction of lymph outflow. Particular attention is paid to the interscapular and paravertebral zones.
The goal of therapeutic gymnastics of cervical spine osteochondrosis is to eliminate muscle cramps and strengthen the muscle frame. Because vertebral instability often occurs in the cervical spine, the exercise instructor conducts individual lessons to teach the patient how to perform the exercises safely. Some authors suggest running physiotherapy classes in the Shants collar.
To improve the mobility of the cervical vertebrae, rehabilitation therapists recommend the following exercises:
- Bending and lengthening of the neck. Tilt your head forward toward the sternum without pulling your shoulders forward and then backward. Hold the ascent for 3 seconds, repeat each exercise 8-10 times;
- Neck turns. Turn your neck first to the left until it stops, then to the right without changing the position of your shoulders and the level of your chin;
- Lower your head until it stops. Then tilt your head back without changing the level of your shoulders. Hold the position for 5 seconds.
The following exercises have been developed to strengthen the muscles of the neck:
- Place your hands on the back of your head. Tilt your head back, rest your hands;
- Place your hand in the time region. As he tilts his head, stand against his hand;
- Put your hand on your forehead, resist him, tilt your head forward;
- Tilt your head to the side with your right hand and your left hand behind your back. On the other hand, repeat the exercise.
Autogravity therapy is the exact name of the spinal traction procedure. They are implemented with special tools. The goal of therapy is to reduce muscle cramps and restore the correct position of the vertebrae. To avoid complications, the spine is pulled by a doctor.
The following physiotherapy procedures are used to improve the blood supply to the abnormal focus, relieve swelling and relieve pain:
- Diadynamic currents. This procedure uses a special device to use low-frequency currents that stimulate the muscles, relieve cramps and pain. It has a positive effect, improves tissue trophism;
- Ultraviolet radiation. UV radiation improves vitamin D metabolism, increases calcium content, strengthens bone tissue;
- Ultrasound exposure - accelerates blood flow, has an antispasmodic and corrective effect. Ultrasound can penetrate deep into tissues, sometimes for better absorption of medicinal substances;
- Amplipulse therapy - allows you to relieve pain by blocking nerve impulses from painful focus.
During the acute period of the disease, which lasts 4-7 days, analgesics, antispasmodics, irritants are used to reduce the pain. The patient provides peace. Immobilization of the cervical spine is performed using the Shants collar. Exercise and massage are contraindicated. Use ultraviolet radiation.
The duration of the subacute period is 29 days. After complete recovery, the patient should rest for several days. You can then begin a course of rehabilitation therapy. During the chronic course of the disease, the patient is prescribed muscle relaxants, chondroprotectors, B vitamins for pain - painkillers, NSAIDs. Physiotherapy exercises, massage provided. The patient is released by physiotherapy procedures (amplipulse, exposure to alternating current), and the spine is pulled.
Food
Proper nutrition for osteochondrosis is an important condition for achieving remission. The progression of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis is stopped by diet and treatment. Neurologists know how to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, so they include complex therapeutic measures, including procedures, exercise, proper nutrition, and lifestyle changes.
Many patients consult a neurologist with the question of how to treat cervical spinal osteochondrosis and whether there are dietary restrictions. Specialists create individual nutrition programs that take into account the patient’s preferences. The diet for osteochondrosis is based on a balanced, low-fat, nutrient-rich diet. The patient’s daily diet includes foods high in calcium.
How to sleep in cervical osteochondrosis
In diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the question of how to sleep properly in cervical osteochondrosis is relevant. Abdominal sleep provokes further development of the disease, so it is better to avoid sleep in this situation. The best position is the back and side.
Cervical osteochondrosis progresses while resting on a soft mattress bed. Therefore, experts recommend that you prefer flexible mattresses as well as moderately soft pillows. If a patient is diagnosed with cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, experienced professionals will tell you which bedding is safe to sleep on.
Prophylaxis
To prevent the development or progression of cervical osteochondrosis, doctors recommend:
- Maintain the correct posture;
- Take an active lifestyle, take breaks at work;
- Do physiotherapy regularly;
- Sleep on a solid and horizontal surface, orthopedic mattress and pillow;
- Get rid of bad habits, especially smoking;
- Choose shoes that take into account the physiological structure of the foot;
- Do not carry bags on the one hand, this will lead to spine flexion;
- Healthy lifestyle, eating right, eating lots of fruits and vegetables;
- He does not sit with his head bowed for long;
- Go for a swim.
Massage therapy should be performed regularly to improve blood circulation.