Osteochondrosis today is rightfully considered the “disease of the century”, because most often people are suffered by people whose work does not require increased motor activity.
In most cases, changes in cartilage and bone tissue are observed in people of working age - up to 40 years.
The disease can affect different parts of the spine, and the second most prevailing is osteochondrosis of the cervical region.
What is it?
Osteochondrosis is dystrophic disorders of the articular cartilage and adjacent bone tissue.
Previously, the term extended to a large group of bone-artificial diseases, but now it is used only with a degenerative spinal disease.
Compared to other spine departments, the cervical region is the most mobile and has many nervous and vascular formations.The structure of the vertebrae is small in size, as well as the fact that they are surrounded by a fairly weak muscle corset.
Such an anatomical structure predisposes to the development of osteochondrosis, the severity of the clinical manifestations of which depends on the nature of changes in the intervertebral discs and the degree of destruction.
The causes of the development of the disease
The main and most common cause of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a sedentary lifestyle.
Due to the lack of physical exertion with a sedentary and sitting lifestyle:
- metabolic processes are violated;
- the level of salts in the bloodstream and lymphatic fluid increases;
- In the cervical region, in the kidneys and liver of the spine, salts are laid.
Damage to the cervical vertebrae is determined mainly by a lack of nutrients in intervertebral discs.Therefore, the main reasons for the occurrence of cervical osteochondrosis also include improper and unbalanced nutrition.
Risk factors
There are many risk factors for cervical osteochondrosis.
The most common factors are:
- heredity;
- age -related changes;
- injuries of the cervical spine;
- hypothermia;
- hormonal disorders that lead to metabolic disorders;
- Some autoimmune diseases that lead to damage to cartilage tissue (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatism).
What is dangerous
Not only the spinal cord and nerve roots pass through the cervical spine, but also the vertebral artery, which is responsible for supplying the blood of the back of the brain, an oblong brain and cerebellum.
Therefore, with cervical osteochondrosis, this artery is squeezed, and as a result, a violation of cerebral circulation.
In particularly advanced cases, squeezing the artery and adjacent blood vessels and nerve plexuses can lead to such consequences as:
- violation of coordination;
- decrease in hearing and vision;
- stroke.
If you do not cure the disease at the initial stage, then this can lead to such complications as: protrusion of the intervertebral disc or hernia of the intervertebral disc.
The degree of development of the disease
Cervical osteochondrosis, like osteochondrosis of other spine, develops in stages.There are 3 stages of the development of the disease.
1 degree
It is characterized by the beginning of the destruction of the intervertebral discs.
Cracks form in the fibrous ring, the strength and elasticity of the disk are formed, its height decreases, due to which the nerve roots are squeezed.
A characteristic aching pain appears.Sometimes at 1 stage (preclinical) such pain may be absent, and osteochondrosis proceeds with moderate discomfort in the neck.
2 degree
If osteochondrosis of the 1st degree was not treated or treatment was not effective, then a chronic condition occurs, which is the 2nd degree of osteochondrosis.
The pain becomes constant, the destruction and seal of the intervertebral disc continues and leads to small dislocations of the cervical vertebrae.
With cervical osteochondrosis, a falling head syndrome may develop at this stage.This syndrome is characterized by severe pain, and a person is forced to support his head in a fixed state to reduce pain.
3 degree
Cervical osteochondrosis of the 3rd degree is accompanied by the following signs:
- headaches;
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- cervical "bastards";
- Violation of the sensitivity of the upper extremities.
The fibrous ring is already almost destroyed, which leads to complications of osteochondrosis - protrusion of the intervertebral disc or intervertebral hernia.
At 3 stages of osteochondrosis, the intensity of pain can decrease, since the affected cartilaginous tissue in the intervertebral disk simply does not exist, which means there is no source of pain, but the pinching of the nerve roots remains, so the pain does not completely leave.
Characteristic features and symptoms
There are many signs of a manifestation of this disease.And they depend on which vertebrae are damaged by this disease.
Characteristic syndromes for cervical osteochondrosis are:
- spine syndrome;
- vertebral artery syndrome;
- cervical migraine syndrome;
- hypertension syndrome.
All these syndromes are accompanied, first of all, by different types of pain.
If we consider the syndrome of the vertebral artery, then the headache here manifests itself at the early stage of the development of the disease.
At the same time, pain attacks may be accompanied by:
- dizziness;
- gait shake;
- Visual symptoms (the appearance of fog before the eyes, a decrease in visual acuity, etc.).fainting (with sharp movements of the head).
With hypertension syndrome, increased intracranial pressure is determined.
A headache is more bursting, may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.With exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, an increase in temperature and an increase in ESR can be observed.
When compressing the spinal roots (“roying syndrome”), the following neurological symptoms can appear:
- pronounced pain in the neck (cervicalgia);
- pain in the neck, spreading in the forearm and shoulder bone (cervicobrachialgia);
- pain in the hand;
- sensations of crunch or cod in the neck when turning the head;
- the pain “giving” to the ear, which occurs only after a long stay in an uncomfortable position or a sharp movement;
- pain or sensation of a coma in the throat, respiratory disorders;
- numbness of hands and tongue;
- a feeling of swelling of the tongue;
- pronounced weakness;
- violation of hearing and vision;
- noise in the ears;
- General deterioration in well -being.
With “cervical migraine” syndrome, sympathetic nodes are irritated, which leads to impaired reactivity of the vessels of the brain and circulatory disorders.
As a result, hypertension may develop, often accompanied by:
- ears with congestion;
- tachycardia;
- noise in the head;
- Calling in the ears.
When compressing the blood supply to the spinal cord of the arteries, a spinal stroke may occur.
Disruption of blood circulation in the brain with osteochondrosis can lead to:
- oxygen insufficiency of brain cells;
- mental disorders (state of depression, panic attacks);
- The appearance of signs of episindrome, such as short -term losses of consciousness and tension of the whole body - are often confused with signs of epilepsy.
Such a sign of cervical osteochondrosis as changes and rhythm of the heart, such as extrasystole or arrhythmia, is very common.
Such signs are very common among drivers and office workers.
Due to the sedentary lifestyle in the intervertebral dishes of the cervical and thoracic spine, changes occur, which lead to disorders in the heart.
In most cases, until osteochondrosis is cured, it will be virtually impossible to get rid of disorders in the rhythm of the heart.
Swelling under the eyes can also indicate osteochondrosis of the cervical region.
Most often, they depend on the position of the head during night sleep, pass throughout the day and are combined with headaches, dizziness, heaviness in the head, etc.
Vegeta -vascular dystonia is another of the common diseases that occur in this disease.
It is a consequence of pinching the vascular arteries that pass on the sides of the spinal column.
Diagnostic methods
A preliminary diagnosis is established by a neurologist during the initial examination of the patient.More recently, the doctor had to diagnose, having carried out only an external examination of the patient and sending it to the X -ray.
But, unfortunately, in the x -ray, it is impossible to see a complete picture of the development of the disease.
Currently, such examinations as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are available, with which you can fully evaluate what stage of development to be the disease.
After the diagnosis is made, the patient goes to the doctor who specializes in this area.
Which doctor treats?
A narrow orientation specialist is engaged in treatment - a vertebrologist or a vertebroneurist.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
The basis for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is the severity of the main clinical symptoms.
In the cervical region, symptoms are mainly associated with squeezing blood vessels and nerve endings, therefore, during treatment, edema is primarily relieved and blood circulation is restored.
There are many treatment methods used in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
The most effective treatment is a complex, which is a combination of several conservative methods of treatment.
The complex treatment of cervical osteochondrosis may include the following traditional and non -traditional methods: drug treatment, massage, acupressure, manual therapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, homeopathy, folk remedies, etc.
The stages of treatment for osteochondrosis are the same for all localizations of this disease:
- First you need to remove the pain syndrome.
- Then the edema will be removed.
- At this stage, it is necessary to normalize blood circulation.
- Strengthening the muscle corset.
- Improving nutrition and tissue regeneration.
Only the team of good specialists, which includes a neurologist, physiotherapist, masseur, surgeon, vertebroneurologist, can choose the most suitable therapy.
Like any disease, treat osteochondrosis of the cervical region at the very early stage of occurrence.If you do not start the process, then at this stage you can achieve a complete cure of osteochondrosis.
Unfortunately, 2 and 3 stages of cervical osteochondrosis are accompanied by the complete or partial destruction of the intervertebral discs, so these stages are characterized by a very long recovery process.
First aid
How to relieve pain with exacerbation?
With severe pains, you need to take anesthetic from a home medicine cabinet. You can also stick a pepper patch with pains.
When edema appears, diuretics can be taken.Rubbing of the neck area with painkillers can help.
Medical physical education in exacerbations is contraindicated, as well as heating, since these influences can cause serious complications.
After removing acute pain, you must urgently consult your doctor for consultation.
Treatment with medicines
Medications most often begin with injections (with exacerbation), then switch to tablets and candles in combination with local use of ointments and gels.
Anesthesia in drug treatment is performed using steroid anti -inflammatory drugs.
Be sure to prescribe drugs that restore cerebral circulation.
With pathological muscle tension, muscle relaxants, such as Midocalm, can be prescribed.For more effective treatment, vitamins in the therapeutic dose and trace elements are taken.
In cases of intervertebral hernia, surgical intervention is not rarely recommended and the attending physician may offer to do an operation.
Massage and self -massage
This method goes well with physiotherapy and physiotherapy.You can take a massage course both in any medical institution, and turning to private practices.
Massage is necessary for cervical osteochondrosis to strengthen muscles and to relieve tension in the neck.
The task of the massage therapist is to remove the harmful products of metabolism, as well as relieve spasm from the pathology zone by increasing the outflow and flow of blood in the sore zone.
The main techniques used by specialists during the massage of the neck are:
- stroking;
- squeezing;
- trituration;
- vibration;
- kneading.
The self -massage technique can be carried out using the following techniques:
- stroking (movements should be soft, without much effort forming folds);
- kneading (deep effect on the muscles, by capture in the fold, pressure and push -ups);
- vibration (oscillatory effects by shading, shaking, patting).
Self -massage must always be completed by stroking.During vibration, you can use a massager.
Supreme massage
Surplus massage relieves headache with exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, helps with pressure surges, normalizing it.
Scheme of acupressure:
- The impact on the feng fu point, which is located under the occipital hill, for 1 minute.
- The impact on the feng-chi point, located on the width of two fingers from the special processes of the skull.
- Exposure for 1-1.5 minutes on the I-Men point (is located at a distance of three fingers width from the fen-fu point).
- The sedative exposure is 1-1.5 minutes on the dowel point (7th cervical vertebra).
After acupressure, it is necessary to lie down for several minutes, since a small dizziness may occur.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy helps to cope with both acute and chronic pains, also increases the volume of movements and improves posture well.
The main techniques of manual therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- Relaxing and segmental massage.It is used to warm up the muscles and relieve tension.
- Mobilization.Impacts aimed at restoring joint functions.The traction method.
- Manipulation.A sharp impetus aimed at the pathological zones of the patient.The procedure is accompanied by a characteristic crunch (the return of the joint to a normal position).
A specialist practicing manual therapy should own these techniques perfectly.Otherwise, any mistake can lead to injuries.
Acupuncture
The acupuncture contributes to the release of cortisol into the blood.This hormone has a pronounced anti -inflammatory effect.
The acupuncture is carried out by exposure to points near the inner edge of the scapula.The needles are introduced to a depth of 1 - 2 cm and are left for exposure to 10 - 30 minutes.
Homeopathy
Medication treatment carries with it many side adverse consequences, so homeopathy can become a worthy replacement for treatment without undesirable consequences.
With cervical osteochondrosis with pronounced hypertension (expressed by pain in the back of the head), strontium carbonate is used.
Assign at 3, 6, 12 and 30 breeding.
Features of nutrition
Food should be saturated with calcium and magnesium.
These trace elements are located in fish and seafood, in nuts, legumes and dairy products.
Often osteochondrosis of the neck can be accompanied by atherosclerosis.In this case, a hard diet is recommended.
The diet is prescribed for 3-4 months.It is necessary to limit the consumption of all products containing cholesterol.These include animal fats, fatty varieties of meat, fatty dairy products, etc.Also, the consumption of salt, sugar, flour products should be limited or excluded.
It is recommended to abandon bad habits (smoking, alcohol, etc.).
Cervical osteochondrosis and alcohol are interconnected.The fact is that when falling into the blood, alcohol destroys the cells, thereby aggravating the already disturbed blood circulation for osteochondrosis.
Therefore, it should be limited to a minimum, and during the period of exacerbation to completely abandon the use of alcohol.
Prevention of the disease
To prevent cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended to follow the following rules:
- The dream should be on a solid mattress and on a low pillow: the angle of flexion of the neck should not be more than 15 degrees;
- Take a hot shower every day for at least 10 minutes;
- Visit a sauna and a bath as often as possible: warmly helps to remove neck cramps;
- Let's ourselves aerobic loads and regular walks at a low pace;
- engage in swimming;
- After 25 years, avoid shock load on the spine (jumping, running);
- When sitting work, be sure to take five -minute breaks every hour;
- regular yoga classes can prevent any manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis;
- Refuse to visit the gym, as bodybuilding classes can provoke the occurrence of the protrusion of the cervical disc;
- Exercise as prevention for osteochondrosis of the neck helps strengthen the cervical muscles, relieve tension.
Frequently asked questions
What to do during pregnancy, and how to treat it?
Often, it is during pregnancy that the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis occur.
This is due to the change in the hormonal background and the softening of the vertebrae, as well as due to the displacement of the center of gravity and excessive load on the spine.
The treatment of osteochondrosis of pregnant women is quite complicated, since it is limited mainly by the medication method aimed at stopping pain.
You can use natural ointments or resort to folk medicine.
Any effects on the neck area (heating, charging, etc.) are strictly prohibited during pregnancy.
Does children and adolescents happen?
In children and adolescents, cervical osteochondrosis develops due to congenital or acquired functional deficiency of cartilage.
It is expressed by complaints of headache, rapid fatigue, dizziness and fainting.
Is it possible to warm the neck area?
The warning of the neck with cervical osteochondrosis is strictly prohibited, especially in the stage of exacerbation of the disease, since warming can lead to an increase in edema and the expansion of the vessels of the brain.
How to sleep correctly?
You need to sleep on a flat, hard bed with an orthopedic mattress.
The recommended and most convenient position is lying on the side when the shoulder rests on the mattress, and the head rests on a small pillow.
The use of an orthopedic pillow helps to relax the muscles in the cervical region, reduces the irritation of the nerve endings, which prevents headache and insomnia.
Are physical activity and bath allowed?
In preventive measures and at 1 stages of cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended to engage in physiotherapy exercises and swimming.
It is strictly forbidden to lift weights, hard work, classes in gym.
Visiting a bath and sauna is also recommended only for the prevention of cervical osteochondrosis and at the initial stage of the disease.