Cervical osteochondrosis is a chronic degenerative disease in the tissues of the articular cartilage, most often occurring in the intervertebral discs of the cervical vertebrae, becausemore often they are exposed to high loads, which lead to a decrease in elasticity, flattening and thinning of the discs located between the vertebrae, followed by their replacement by bone tissue. As the degenerative process progresses, the surrounding structures are also involved. This causes the development of a whole complex of symptoms that deprive the patient of a comfortable life.
Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?
Cervical osteochondrosis is pathological changes in the tissues of the intervertebral discs and the vertebrae themselves. Due to the thinning of the soft tissues, the cushioning effect of the vertebrae is reduced, the nerve fibers and blood vessels are compressed, the mobility of the cervical vertebrae is reduced and the rotation of the head is limited. As a result of this disease, blood circulation and blood supply to the brain deteriorates, migraines, headaches, tension, cluster headaches, heart rhythm disorders, respiratory rhythm disorders, deterioration of memory, vision, coordination and attention, intervertebral hernias, input brain disorders anda stroke develops.
Causes of osteochondrosis
What causes cervical osteochondrosis?
A number of factors lead to cervical osteochondrosis, each of which worsens the course of the disease:
- Sedentary lifestyle (sedentary work);
- Excess body weight;
- Improper posture;
- Chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system (scoliosis, flat feet, X- and O-shaped deformations of the lower limbs), contributing to the uneven distribution of the load on the spine;
- Congenital pathologies of the development of the spine;
- Excessive, repeated loading of the spine;
- Hereditary predisposition;
- Injuries.
Signs and symptoms
- Systemic dizziness;
- Pain in the back of the head, neck, collar area;
- Noise or ringing in the ears;
- Feeling of lack of air, inability to take a deep breath, severe shortness of breath;
- Nausea and vomiting, which is worse when trying to turn the head;
- Decreased visual acuity, flashing spots or fog before the eyes;
- Fluctuations in blood pressure that are difficult to correct with medication;
- Fainting caused by vasospasm;
- Feeling of a lump in the throat, soreness, dryness, trouble 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 the 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 a slight discomfort in the neck area, for example, when you stay in an uncomfortable position for a long time.
- Stage 2.The height of the disc becomes even smaller, pathological growth of cartilaginous tissue begins and protrusions (protrusions) appear. The patient experiences constant pain, weakness, numbness of the face and stiffness in the cervical vertebrae.
- Stage 3.The fibrous ring surrounding the core of the disc is torn and an intervertebral hernia is formed. The spine is noticeably deformed, which increases the risk of vertebrae and subluxations. The pain becomes constant and is accompanied by other symptoms of osteochondrosis.
- Stage 4.Irreversible changes occur in the spine: bone growths appear, the intervertebral disc is replaced by a scar and loses its ability to bear the 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 vertebrae
The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis requires an integrated approach, there are non-medicinal, medicinal and surgical types of treatment.
Depending on the clinical situation, the following are used:
- Massage (specialized, neurological to remove spasms and blocks);
- Therapeutic exercise (to improve blood circulation);
- Osteopathy (thanks to this procedure, blocks and spasms are removed, blood circulation is restored and metabolic processes of the brain are improved);
- Manual therapy;
- Computer 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, enhances metabolism and regeneration processes.
- Enhances the effect of drugs;
- Helps to strengthen the muscle frame and stabilize the spine;
- Eliminates spasms and muscle blocks
Non-drug treatment also includes wearing a Schantz splint.
Chance tire
The Shants splint or Shants collar is a soft bandage with a certain degree of fixation of the cervical vertebrae, used for the prevention and treatment of injuries and diseases of the cervical vertebrae. Field of application: emergency and urgent medical care in traffic accidents, injuries at home and at work, treatment of patients after surgical interventions on the cervical spine.
By design, the Shants splint can be rigid, semi-rigid, ring-shaped, with or without fasteners, but all of them are removable and easily replaceable, easy to use and care for, affordable and have a modern design that plays an important role in wearing around the neckduring the rehabilitation period or outpatient treatment.
Medication treatmenthelps relieve pain, eliminate vertigo, restore the normal functioning of the nerve roots and, if possible, stop or slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aimed at relieving pain and inflammation) are used in the form of tablets, injections, ointments, patches;Muscle relaxants: drugs that eliminate reflex muscle spasms, thereby reducing pain and improving blood circulation;B vitamins in the form of tablets, help to improve the conduction of nerve impulses;Chondroprotectors: drugs that promote the recovery of cartilage tissue.
Depending on the symptoms, drugs can also be prescribed to improve microcirculation in the vessels of the brain, drugs that block nausea and vertigo, etc.
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 transfacetal surgery);Laminectomy: removal of the spinous processes or spinal arch, thus reducing the load on the root of the spinal cord;Nucleoplasty: elimination of a hernia by removing part of the core of the intervertebral disc.
Prevention of osteochondrosis
- Avoid physical activity and lead an active lifestyle;
- Diversify your diet with foods rich in potassium and magnesium;
- Minimize heavy lifting;
- Sleeping on an anatomic pillow and an anatomic mattress;
- Warm up regularly.
FAQ
How do we know that osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae begins?
- Headache
- Restriction of 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 have pain in the cervical vertebrae, you should consult a doctor. The doctor can prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, antispasmodics and other drugs with an analgesic effect.
How to protect yourself from osteochondrosis?
- Start an active lifestyle
- Do preventative exercise every day (at least 10 minutes a day)
- Develop a daily routine
- Massage of the collar area (2 times a year)
Which doctor treats osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae?
First of all, you should visit a general practitioner who will issue a referral for the necessary tests and make a preliminary diagnosis. As a rule, patients with a confirmed diagnosis of osteochondrosis should consult a neurologist.