Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Osteochondrosis is a complex of dystrophic and degenerative disorders of the cartilaginous tissue of the vertebral discs.The disease can develop in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine.Osteochondrosis is accompanied by pain and disruption of the vascular and nervous systems.

This type of disease is the most common and occurs even in young people.Cervical osteochondrosis is the most dangerous, since it is accompanied by pinching of the nerve root extending from the spinal cord and impaired intracranial circulation due to pressure of deformed intervertebral discs on blood vessels.

The vertebral artery, the largest blood vessel supplying the brain, passes through the openings in the cervical vertebrae.Pressure on this artery can lead to dangerous complications such as coronary heart disease and even stroke.

The tight fit of the cervical vertebrae to each other leads to the fact that their slightest displacement leads to compression of the nerves and blood vessels.This leads to decreased skin sensitivity, partial loss of hearing and vision, and other nervous disorders.

Reasons

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is caused by internal (endogenous) and external (exogenous) causes.

Internal reasons include:

• Genetic (hereditary) factors;
• Disorders of intrauterine development of cartilage and bone tissue of the spine;
• Age-related factors influencing changes in cartilage tissue;
• Metabolic disorders.

The external reasons are more varied:

• Excessive pressure on the vertebrae due to improper loading;
• Various injuries and damage to the spine and back (bruises, falls, sprains, fractures);
• Infectious diseases;
• Dystrophy of the spinal muscles;
• Bad posture in the form of curvature of the spine and S shape;
• Working in an uncomfortable position;
• Dragging heavy objects;
• Flat feet;
• Excess weight;
• Poisoning;
• Hypothermia;
• Uncomfortable pillows to sleep on;
• Adverse environmental conditions;
• Lack of vitamins or microelements (calcium, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, vitamin D);
• Physical inactivity (lack of physical activity).

Cervical osteochondrosis is more likely to develop in people who lead a sedentary, sedentary lifestyle and engage in mental activity, but sometimes it also occurs in athletes, loaders or people whose work involves frequent bending and sudden movements.

Symptoms

The manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis are quite varied.These include:

• Pain in the neck, extending to the back of the head, to the eyes and ears, to the shoulder girdle;
• Pain in the upper limbs, worsening with the slightest effort;
• Muscle tension and limited mobility of the neck, especially in the morning;
• Pain on bending and turning the head;
• Feeling of numbness in the cervical spine after sleep;
• Difficulty moving arms, decreased range of motion;
• Burning, numbness and tingling in the upper limbs;
• Headaches localized mainly at the back of the head, but can also extend to the temples and the parietal part;
• Tinnitus;
• Deterioration of vision and hearing (periodic and constant);
• Numbness of tongue;
• Pain in the chest or between the shoulder blades, which is not eliminated by nitroglycerin and depends on body position;
• Excessive growth of connective tissue in the cervical region;
• Constant tiredness and tiredness;
• Drowsiness;
• Nausea;
• Diplopia (double vision);
• Cracking in the vertebrae.

Evolution of the disease and possible complications

Even a slight load on the upper part can lead to the development of cervical osteochondrosis - this area of the spine is very vulnerable.Degenerative changes leading to the formation of osteophytes (growths of bone tissue) contribute to irritation and tension of neighboring muscles, which, in response to impact, exert even more pressure on the cartilage and joints.This leads to progression of the disease - compression of arteries and nerves.

If the disease is left untreated, protrusions and herniations develop in the intervertebral discs, which lead to a significant decrease in spinal mobility and may require surgery.

In case of serious degenerative changes in cartilage tissue and lack of treatment, the so-called “radicular syndrome” can develop - damage to the cervical nerves.This leads to intensification and progression of all of the above symptoms and can also cause speech, breathing and even such a rare phenomenon as constant hiccups.

The inflamed root can gradually occupy the entire area of the spinal canal, which causes an increase in pain syndromes and serious disorders of nervous regulation of the limbs and facial muscles.Impaired cerebral circulation can lead to a weakening of intellectual abilities, memory, attention and lead to a stroke.

Osteochondrosis occurs with periods of exacerbations, when all symptoms appear particularly strongly, and periods of remission.The duration of remission depends on the patient's lifestyle and the preventive measures they take.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is established on the basis of characteristic symptoms, as well as using:

• X-ray. The method is ineffective, especially in the late stages of the development of osteochondrosis.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the cervical spine.A method that allows you to visualize bone structures, herniated intervertebral discs, their size and direction of development.
• CT scan.A less effective solution than MRI, since the presence and size of hernias are difficult to determine.
• Doppler ultrasound (to identify pathologies of the cervical vessels).This method is used in cases where a disruption of blood flow in the arteries is suspected.With the help of a scan, you can determine the speed of blood flow and whether there are any obstacles.

Treatment

It is more advisable to treat osteochondrosis in the early stages of the pathology.However, in practice, doctors are consulted when the disease progresses to more dangerous stages.Self-medication for osteochondrosis is unacceptable and can lead to deterioration in general condition.

Therapeutic effect in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis brings positive results with an integrated approach - a combination of medicinal methods and physiotherapy.

Drug treatment

Medicines effectively relieve (eliminate) pain symptoms, but do not affect the cause of the pathology, therefore it is unwise to treat only with medicines.

Medicines from the NSAID group relieve pain and inflammation well - the most suitable remedy is prescribed by the attending physician.

Medicines aimed at improving cerebral circulation and medicines affecting the relaxation of the neck muscles are also used.Vitamins in therapeutic doses (especially group B and nicotinic acid) and microelements (calcium, phosphorus and magnesium preparations) help.

Treatment with chondroprotectors (food supplements) is practiced, which restore intervertebral tissues, but some doctors consider these drugs ineffective or even useless for the treatment of osteochondrosis.

Ointments and gels for external use have a certain therapeutic effect.

Physiotherapeutic and alternative treatments

In specialized clinics dealing with orthopedics and treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, preference is given to physiotherapeutic methods rather than medicinal methods.Based on a detailed study of medical history (history) and expanded diagnosis, doctors develop special individual therapeutic programs, which include:

• Electrophoresis (delivery of medicinal substances through the skin using electrodes);
• Magnetotherapy (exposure to magnetic fields);
• Amplipulse therapy (treatment with modulated currents);
• Reflexology;
• Orthopedic gymnastics;
• Courses on special simulators;
• Massage;
• Methods of manual influence;
• Ultrasound therapy;
• Laser therapy.

Treatment of osteochondrosis using non-traditional methods is popular - acupuncture, hirudotherapy (leeching treatment), osteopathy.

In advanced cases and in the presence of complications, doctors resort to surgery.

Prevention

Since the most common cause of cervical osteochondrosis is lack of movement and poor body position, the best preventive measure would be therapeutic exercises, which can be performed at the workplace, while sitting or standing.

To prevent the disease, it is also necessary to consult an orthopedist from an early age and carry out timely correction of postural disorders.

Prevents osteochondrosis and proper nutrition, which provides the body with essential microelements.At the same time, overeating should not be allowed, since excess weight is one of the reasons for excessive load on the intervertebral discs.

When carrying heavy objects, be careful and distribute the load correctly.

The place to sleep, the mattress and the pillow play an important role: they must be comfortable and not create tension in the back and neck muscles.

And above all, avoid stress, nervous tension and negative emotions.

Forecast

With timely and qualified treatment, the prognosis is favorable, but much depends on the stage of the disease, the severity of manifestations, the patient's age and his compliance with medical recommendations regarding lifestyle, proper nutrition and elimination of bad habits.