Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Osteochondrosis is a complex of dystrophic and degenerative diseases 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, as it is accompanied by compression of the nerve root extending from the spinal cord and impaired intracranial circulation as a result of pressure from deformed intervertebral discs on blood vessels.

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

The perfect 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 that influence changes in cartilaginous tissue;
• Metabolic disorders.

The external reasons are more varied:

• Excessive pressure on the vertebrae due to inadequate load;
• 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 a hunched and S-shaped curvature of the spine;
• Working in an awkward position;
• Drag heavy objects;
• Flat feet;
• Overweight;
• Intoxication;
• Hypothermia;
• Uncomfortable pillows to sleep on;
• Unfavorable environmental conditions;
• Lack of vitamins or microelements (calcium, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, vitamin D);
• Physical inactivity (lack of physical activity).

Cervical osteochondrosis is most likely to develop in people who lead a sedentary and sedentary lifestyle and are involved in mental activities, but sometimes it also occurs in athletes, porters 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, spreading to the back of the head, eye and ear areas, shoulder girdle;
• Pain in the upper extremities, worsening with the slightest exertion;
• Muscle tension and limited neck mobility, especially in the morning;
• Pain when bending and turning the head;
• Sensation of numbness in the cervical spine after sleeping;
• Difficulty moving the arms, decreased range of movement;
• Burning, numbness and tingling in the upper extremities;
• Headaches located mainly in the back of the head, but can also spread to the temples and parietal part;
• Tinnitus;
• Deterioration of vision and hearing (periodic and constant);
• Numbness of the tongue;
• Pain in the chest area or between the shoulder blades, which is not eliminated by nitroglycerin and depends on the position of the body;
• Excessive growth of connective tissue in the cervical region;
• Constant fatigue and fatigue;
• Drowsiness;
• Nausea;
• Diplopia (double vision);
• Crushing in the vertebrae.

Course 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.The degenerative changes that lead to the formation of osteophytes (growths in bone tissue) contribute to irritation and tension in nearby muscles, which in response to impact place even more pressure on cartilage and joints.This leads to disease progression - compression of arteries and nerves.

If the disease is not treated, protrusions and hernias develop in the intervertebral discs, which leads to a significant decrease in spinal mobility and may require surgical intervention.

With severe degenerative changes in cartilaginous tissue and lack of treatment, the so-called “radicular syndrome” can develop - damage to the cervical nerves.This leads to an 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 disturbances in the nervous regulation of the limbs and facial muscles.Impaired cerebral circulation can weaken intellectual abilities, memory, attention and cause stroke.

Osteochondrosis occurs with periods of exacerbations, when all symptoms appear especially sharply, and periods of remission.The duration of remission depends on the patient's lifestyle and the preventative measures he takes.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is established based on characteristic symptoms, in addition to:

• X-ray. The method is ineffective, especially in the last stages of the development of osteochondrosis.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (magnetic resonance imaging) of the cervical spine.A method that allows you to see bone structures, intervertebral disc hernias, their size and direction of development.
• Computed tomography.A less effective solution than MRI, as 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 there is a suspicion of a disturbance in blood flow in the arteries.Using a scan, you can determine the speed of blood flow and whether there are any obstacles to it.

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 cause a deterioration in the general condition.

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

Drug treatment

Medications effectively alleviate (eliminate) pain symptoms, but do not affect the cause of the pathology, so it is not advisable to treat with medications alone.

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

Medications to improve cerebral circulation and medications that affect the relaxation of neck muscles are also used.Vitamins in therapeutic dosages (especially group B and nicotinic acid) and microelements (calcium, phosphorus and magnesium preparations) help.

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

Ointments and gels for external use have some therapeutic effect.

Physiotherapy and alternative treatment

In clinics specializing in orthopedics and treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, physiotherapeutic methods are preferred over medication.Based on a detailed study of the medical history (anamnesis) and an expanded diagnosis, doctors draw up special individual therapy programs, which include:

• Electrophoresis (administration of medicinal substances through the skin using electrodes);
• Magnetotherapy (exposure to magnetic fields);
• Amplipulse Therapy (treatment with modulated currents);
• Reflexology;
• Orthopedic gymnastics;
• Classes on special simulators;
• Massage;
• Manual influence methods;
• Ultrasound therapy;
• Laser therapy.

Treatment of osteochondrosis using non-traditional methods is popular - acupuncture, hirudotherapy (leech 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 incorrect position of the body, the best preventive measure would be therapeutic exercises, which can be performed in the workplace - sitting or standing.

To prevent the disease, it is also necessary to consult an orthopedist from a very 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, as excess weight is one of the reasons for excessive load on the spinal discs.

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

The sleeping place, mattress and pillow play an important role - they should be comfortable and not create tension in the back and neck muscles.

And most importantly, avoid stress, nervous tension and negative emotions.

Forecast

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