Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Cervical osteochondrosis is a type of dystrophic change in the intervertebral discs of the neck.

Not only the discs are negatively affected, but also the vertebrae, soft and cartilaginous tissue. The main feature of the cervical region is the fact that its vertebrae do not have the most reliable structure compared to other regions, which makes this area very vulnerable. The vertebrae are located in close proximity to each other, as well as those arteries that supply the human brain.

If there is a displacement of the vertebrae, then there is a high probability of compression of nerve bundles and arteries, which will inevitably lead to the appearance of a hernia between the vertebrae and the protrusion, ie. changes in the structure of the spinal disc.

What is it?

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (Osteochondrosis) is a degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the intervertebral discs, which damages the discs, vertebrae and joints of the cervical spine, and a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs is observed. . The disease progresses if left untreated and can lead to headaches, poor circulation, and even hernias. Like osteoporosis, the disease is caused by a violation of mineral metabolism, which makes bones and joints weaker.

Why does osteochondrosis occur?

Although traditional medicine considers degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine to be a disease, from the point of view of osteopathy, this is only a manifestation of deeper disorders in the body.

So, the real causes of cervical osteochondrosis are:

1. Muscle cramps. . . Spasmodic reactions of the muscles of the back, chest, press can lead to certain parts of the body being very tense. As a result, the general balance of the body is disturbed, which causes a change in the position of the spine. Deformities can affect the cervical region or other parts of the spine, causing osteochondrosis of the thoracic, cervical and lumbar regions.
2. Bad posture. . . Scoliosis, bending, rounded back, kyphosis and other postural disorders, even if they are smaller, cause a serious spinal imbalance. As a result, the load on the intervertebral discs is unevenly distributed, which causes their deformation and increased wear. The vertebrae begin to come together, causing a violation of nervous processes, cervical osteochondrosis develops quite quickly. Posture disorders caused by changes in the natural position of the ribs have similar consequences.
3. Innervation disorder. . . Decreased sensitivity of nerve roots leads to pathological changes in their structure, due to which the displacement and deformation of the cervical vertebrae remain unnoticed by the patient. After all, pain is absent due to sensitivity disorders.
4. Diseases of internal organs. . . Improper position of internal organs, their movement and lowering due to various dysfunctions leads to a violation of the general balance in the body. As a result, it sharply affects the position of the spine - the cervical and lumbar vertebrae are displaced and deformed, which leads to the corresponding types of osteochondrosis.
5. Violation of blood supply. . . Since the vertebral discs do not have a direct connection with the circulatory system, they receive nutrition from the surrounding tissues. Violation of the blood supply to the cervical spine leads to the fact that the discs do not receive enough fluid for rehydration (restoration of shape due to moisture absorption), regeneration of cartilage tissue. As a result, their wear is accelerated, there is a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae of the cervical spine, which leads to osteochondrosis.

Phases

The doctor should determine the stage of development of cervical osteochondrosis based on the anamnesis, as well as examination of the patient. There are only four degrees:

1. First degree. . . The disease is in its infancy, the patient has a slight pain in the neck, which can be more intense if the person starts to turn his head.
2. Second degree. . . The patient may complain of very intense pain in the cervical spine, which may be localized in the upper limbs. The clinical picture shows that in this phase of the development of the disease, pinching of the nerve bundles is noticed, which causes intense pain. Headache, weakness and general weakness are also observed.
3. Third degree. . . The pain becomes almost continuous, also radiating to the shoulder or arm. Some patients are diagnosed with a herniated disc, leading to loss of sensation in the upper limbs. Examination by a doctor shows a decrease in the mobility of the cervical spine, as well as pain on palpation.
4. Fourth degree. . . At this stage of the disease, the intervertebral disc is almost completely destroyed. Connective tissue appears in its place, which leads to worsening of the patient's condition. He begins to feel more pain, noise in his head, as well as poor orientation in space. This suggests that the artery is constricted, which interferes with the natural nutrition of the brain.

The first signs

How osteochondrosis of the cervical spine manifests itself:

• radicular syndrome - on the background of compression of nerve endings there is pain, which spreads from the neck to the shoulder blades, forearms, covers the front wall of the chest;
• muscle weakness in the arms, visible swelling of the neck;
• a characteristic creaking is heard when the head is moved;
• weakness, chronic fatigue, drop in blood pressure;
• lack of coordination, often dizziness, attacks accompanied by nausea, vomiting;
• deterioration of sight and hearing, noise, tinnitus;
• numbness of limbs, tongue;
• frequent migraines;
• in women aged 45-65 years, pain, numbness, tingling in the upper extremities occur during sleep, attacks may recur several times during the night.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Important symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are dizziness, headache, jumps in blood pressure.

The diagnosis of the disease is difficult, the pain sometimes does not appear, and the symptoms are erased, moreover, the uncontrolled use of strong analgesics masks the signs of the disease. A patient who does not feel pain is considered healthy, and this continues until the development of irreversible processes in the tissues of the neck joints.

Headache with cervical osteochondrosis

The most common causes of headache in the pathology we describe:

1. Vascular spasms of the brain;
2. Tightened nerve roots;
3. Reflex increase in intracranial pressure.

Feeling as if the pain can be paroxysmal, constant, throbbing and dull.

Dizziness with cervical osteochondrosis

Dizziness can be caused by:

1. Inflammation of the middle or inner ear;
2. Vascular spasms of the brain;
3. Disorders in the transmission of nerve impulses;
4. Problems with the vestibular apparatus;
5. Diseases of the cardiovascular system.

There are no clear criteria for vertigo in osteochondrosis. However, there are systemic and non-systemic vertigo, they have obvious differences.

It is recommended to know the differences between systemic and non-systemic vertigo, this will help to independently determine the causes of the unusual condition:

1. Systemic vertigo is a feeling of circular movement of surrounding objects or bodies, which is a consequence of disorders of the vestibular apparatus, visual analyzers and receptors in the joints, muscles and epidermis (osteochondrosis of various etiologies);
2. Unsystematic dizziness is a feeling of dizziness, a feeling of dizziness, insecurity that you are in an upright position. In the case of non-systemic vertigo, there is no sense of circular rotation, which is an important difference between the compared signs.

A person who feels dizzy of one of these types should be examined by an experienced doctor, primarily a neurologist or (if there is a suspicion of ear and nasopharyngeal disease) otorhinolaryngologist.

The reason for emergency hospitalization, which is not associated with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, is the identification in the patient (except for dizziness) of such signs as:

1. Facial muscle paralysis and numbness of the shoulder girdle;
2. Severe headache in the background of deteriorating health;
3. Movement coordination disorders;
4. Loss or loss of consciousness.

Blood pressure in cervical osteochondrosis

The association of cervical osteochondrosis with an increase in blood pressure has long been established. The cervical vertebrae have important nerve endings and blood vessels.

The peculiarity of high blood pressure in cervical osteochondrosis is the combination with the following symptoms:

• Headache;
• Pain in limbs and chest;
• Decreased sensitivity in the neck area;
• Occurrence of pressure surges after stress, muscle tension, prolonged uncomfortable posture and other similar situations.

These signs should be taken into account in the self-differentiation of hypertension of various origins.

Sharp jumps in blood pressure and a sudden deterioration in health are the basis for seeking emergency medical help.

Osteochondrosis syndromes

Osteochondrosis consists of the following syndromes:

1. Vertebral. . . It is also called vertebral, which indicates that bones and cartilage tissue are involved in the pathological process. This leads to the creation of such symptoms: limitation of motor activity of the neck, pain when turning, radiological changes in the image of the cervical spine. The simultaneous appearance of these signs is the vertebral syndrome. A similar set of clinical signs has been observed in myositis (muscle tissue pathology), and painful movements accompany many other pathologies.
2. Heart syndrome. . . It is manifested by tingling in the area of the chest, the appearance of shortness of breath. The person feels a rapid heartbeat, becomes tired and irritable. This picture is also typical for cardiac pathology, for example, for angina pectoris, coronary syndrome, heart attack. An accurate conclusion about the causes of such symptoms can be made after the patient undergoes an ECG.
3. Radicular syndrome. . . The cervical region innervates 8 pairs of nerves, each of which has a root - the place where the nerve exits the vertebrae. When involved in osteochondrosis, the patient feels a decrease in sensitivity or vice versa - severe pain. Stiffness in the back of the head can occur, whether it is painful, decreased sensitivity of the tongue, behind the ear, pain in the supraclavicular region. Sometimes there are swallowing disorders, movements in the girdle of the upper extremities, numbness of the fingers.

Diagnosis

If there are clear signs of cervical osteochondrosis on the face, then the doctor prescribes certain methods to make sure that the diagnosis is correct:

1. X-ray of the cervical spine. This method is recommended in the early stages of the disease, but may be useless in advanced forms.
2. CT (computed tomography). It allows you to see structural changes in the vertebrae, but with this method it is impossible to determine the size of the hernia between the vertebrae.
3. MRI. It is considered the most effective diagnostic method in determining cervical osteochondrosis. It is possible to determine the size of the hernia between the discs, as well as the degree of their development.
4. Your doctor may also order a duplex scan to determine if your arteries are not working properly.

Complications of the disease

What is the risk of cervical osteochondrosis:

• frequent migraine attacks;
• heart rhythm disorder, atherosclerosis;
• protrusion, intervertebral hernia, vertebral bone growths;
• serious brain pathologies;
• narrowing of the lumen of the vertebral artery, which leads to the development of VSD, cerebral hypertension, disability;
• spinal stroke.

First aid at home with worsening osteochondrosis

For severe pain, painkillers may be used. If analgesics do not provide relief, NSAIDs may be taken.

Distractions are also often used, for example, pepper plaster, which does not heal, but only warms the inflamed area and distracts from the pain. In case of edema in the area of inflammation, the patient can drink an infusion of herbs or a diuretic for 3-4 days. Can osteochondrosis be cured by such methods? These measures are only temporary; to treat the cause it is necessary to visit a doctor.

How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?

In the initial stage of development, osteochondrosis can be cured without medication, it is enough to revise the diet, daily regimen and regularly perform a set of special exercises. In advanced forms of the disease, effective treatment is possible only with the use of various drugs that help stop degenerative changes in the vertebrae.

The complex of therapeutic measures must include physiotherapy - electrophoresis with drugs, ultrasound, magnetotherapy, laser therapy. These methods help to cope with pain, inflammation, tissue swelling, improve metabolic processes and blood circulation.

Drug treatment

The main methods of treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are drug treatment, physiotherapy, massage of the cervical-cervical zone, therapeutic exercises for cervical osteochondrosis are especially effective. The main groups of drugs used for this disease include:

> zxtable border = "1" cellpadding = "0" >Name Working principle Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They reduce pain, help alleviate aseptic inflammation and edema of the damaged nerve roots. Drugs that improve the rheological properties of blood and blood flow. Improves the nutrition of damaged nerve roots and improves blood flow to the brain. B vitamins. Improves metabolic processes in nervous tissue. Muscle relaxants. These are medications that relieve muscle cramps. Chondroprotectors. These are glucosamine and chondroitin. These are drugs that repair cartilage tissue, including damaged intervertebral discs.

When taking pills for osteochondrosis, it should be borne in mind that a significant effect of treatment with pills will be only if you combine it with other methods, including exercise. It should also be noted that the attending physician must prescribe how to treat the disease based on its stage and other signs.

Many doctors consider effective treatment of cervical osteochondrosis injections, because it allows faster action on nerve endings and causes minimal side effects. At the same time, it is best to take vitamins in the form of tablets, because there is no difference in assimilation, but injections can be painful.

Injections used for treatment:

• intramuscular injections cause general strengthening and anti-inflammatory effect;
• the blockages are injected directly into the affected area, leading to a rapid effect.

Ointments and gels for external use

This is the most affordable group of medicines for home use. They are divided into agents for relieving inflammation, warming and painkillers.

Not all fats are effective in cervical osteochondrosis, in addition, due to their availability, they are sometimes used unreasonably and without taking into account the peculiarities of pathogenesis. Before using any medication, you must be examined by a doctor.

Exercise therapy

Physiotherapy of cervical osteochondrosis should be performed without acute exacerbation. The greatest efficiency of this technique is during the recovery period. There should be no discomfort or pain when performing the complex!

> zxtable border = "1" cellpadding = "0" >Exercise number 1 Lying on your stomach, put your hands on the floor, raise your head and torso, your back should be straight. Stay in this position for 1-2 minutes. Slowly lower yourself to the floor. Repeat 2-3 times. Exercise number 2 Lying on your stomach, stretch your arms along your body, turn your head to the left, try to touch the floor with your ear, and then turn your head to the right. Repeat 6-7 times in each direction. Exercise number 3 In a sitting position, while inhaling, bend forward and try to touch your chest with your head, then on your exhale bend backwards and tilt your head back. Repeat 10-15 times. Exercise number 4 While sitting, place your palms on your forehead, press your palms to your forehead and forehead to your palms. Continue with this exercise for 30 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times. Exercise number 5 Slowly turn your head first in one direction and then in the other. 10 rotations in each direction. Watch out for dizziness. When it appears, the exercise stops.

Massage for cervical osteochondrosis

The massage must be done carefully, without effort. Inexperienced, unprofessional massage can end in failure. The movements should extend to the cervical part, the collar area and the back part. The massage is performed in a supine position, in extreme cases in a sitting position.

The techniques are based on the following techniques:

1. Stroking. Effect on the surface layers of the skin. The palms of the hands or the tips of the fingers from the head down to the upper third of the middle of the back. Smoothing from the base of the neck can also be zigzag;
2. Compression. It affects the deep layers of the skin in the upper third of the back. Fingers (thumb and forefinger) make movements over the neck to catch the skin, which is reminiscent of squeezing. This is done carefully, the tissues near the vertebrae are not affected;
3. Trituration. The purpose of the procedure is to warm the skin and increase blood flow in the neck area. This is done with great caution. Influence on spinous processes of vertebrae is not allowed. Rubbing can be replaced by movements reminiscent of sawing, or circular stroking;
4. Kneading. It has limited importance because it affects very deep lying tissues, which can worsen the pathology.

Self-massage for cervical osteochondrosis is performed sitting in a comfortable position. Methods of caressing, circular rubbing in the neck or shoulders are used. It is recommended to combine the method of self-massage with rubbing various ointments that increase blood flow and relieve pain in the crushed area.

Physiotherapy

In addition to taking medication, the patient should also undergo physiotherapy procedures. They increase the effectiveness of drugs and promote the recovery of joints and intervertebral discs.

1. Electrophoresis - ions of the anesthetic drug penetrate the painful area by the action of electric current.
2. Laser therapy - has anti-inflammatory properties, guarantees improved blood circulation, through exposure to light.
3. Magnetic therapy - relieves tissue swelling, has an analgesic effect.
4. Ultrasound - improves metabolic processes, relieves pain, relieves inflammation of damaged areas.

Several procedures are used in the form of physiotherapy. Treatment is prescribed by a doctor, relying on the indications and the absence of contraindications.

Folk remedies

Alternative treatments must be used as an adjunct to drug therapy and physical education, unconventional methods will not help to get rid of the disease completely.

What to do with cervical osteochondrosis at home:

1. Pour fresh water over the fresh horseradish leaf, cool slightly, fasten the inside to the neck, fix with a thin natural cloth. The procedure is done before bedtime, leave the compress overnight.
2. Grate the raw potatoes on a fine grater, mix in equal proportions with warm liquid honey. Use the mixture for dressings, the procedure should be performed 1-2 times a week.
3. Mix raw egg with 100 ml of sunflower oil, 20 ml of vinegar and 20 g of flour, remove the mixture in a dark place for 48 hours, remove the film from the surface. Store lubricants in the inflamed area before going to bed in the refrigerator.
4. In May, collect pine buds up to 2 cm long, cut into thin slices, fold into a dark glass dish. For 1 part of raw material take 2 parts of sugar, remove the drug in a dark place for 2 weeks. Drink 5 ml of the mixture three times a day, do not swallow immediately, keep in your mouth for 2-3 minutes. Course duration - 15-20 days, repetition 2-3 times a year.
5. Grind 150 g of peeled garlic and 400 g of cranberries, put the mixture in a glass jar, add 800 ml of honey after 24 hours, stir. Take 5 ml of the drug three times daily before meals.

Face the severe pain, remove the excess salt with a cabbage leaf smeared with honey, fix the bandage on the neck with a warm scarf, leave overnight.

Applicator

The use of applicators is one of the methods of treatment of spinal diseases, including osteochondrosis.

The effect of the device on the cervical spine normalizes metabolic processes, relieves pain, increases muscle tone, improves blood circulation, increases the conductivity of nervous tissue, etc.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy is based on the principle of restoring motor functions and mobility between the vertebrae.

At the beginning, the manipulations consist of a light relaxing massage, then the doctor applies more and more force, acting on the vertebrae by pressing and turning the neck.

Operation

The spine is the foundation of the entire human body. When diagnosing any pathology related to the spine, experts try to eliminate it therapeutically. Every operation on the spine is life-threatening.

In cervical osteochondrosis, surgery is allowed under the following indications:

• intervertebral hernia, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis;
• lack of therapy results when exposed for more than six months;
• osteophyte formation.

Modern medicine offers many ways to perform surgery with minimal risks to the health and life of the patient.

Prophylaxis

Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease that occurs primarily through improper lifestyle. Accordingly, disease prevention is a healthy lifestyle.

It is possible to reduce the risk of developing SHO if:

• exclude provoking factors;
• exercise regularly;
• do not resort to strenuous physical activity;
• get rid of bad habits;
• try to be as nervous as possible;
• eat right.

Adherence to preventive measures will help speed up the healing process and eliminate the likelihood of recurrence. The elderly and those with a hereditary predisposition are advised to adhere to prevention at all times. Compliance with the diet, performing simple exercises will certainly bring a positive result. It is also helpful to do yoga and swimming.