Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the 1st degree is the initial stage of irreversible destructive and degenerative changes in the cartilaginous intervertebral discs and bone bodies of the vertebrae.It is rarely possible to diagnose the pathology at an early stage of development, because cervical osteochondrosis may not manifest itself clinically.Even on radiographic images, characteristic signs of damage to cartilaginous structures are often absent.
Characteristics of cervical osteochondrosis of the 1st degree
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the 1st degree is often discovered by chance - when diagnosing other pathologies, even those not related to the musculoskeletal system.But sometimes the patient himself comes to the doctor, disturbed by the deterioration of his general health.Indeed, despite the absence of pronounced symptoms of osteochondrosis, the intervertebral discs have already undergone degenerative changes:
- cartilaginous tissues have become denser and expanded;
- radial cracks appeared on the fibrous rings.
The loss of strength and elasticity of the intervertebral discs worsened their cushioning properties.Due to their inability to fully alleviate the load on the vertebrae, mild instability of the cervical spine still occurs.But even a slight movement of cartilage or bone structures becomes a prerequisite for further rapid progression of osteochondrosis.
Clinical picture
In osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the 1st degree, the characteristic signs of this pathology may be absent.The person explains the discomfort that occurs from time to time due to fatigue after physical activity or muscle strain due to prolonged stay of the body in one position.The intensity of the pain in the back of the neck gradually increases.
Periodic, painful and still mild painful sensations first appear after lifting heavy objects or hypothermia.They do not have a clear localization, they often radiate to the shoulders and upper back.A shoulder pain syndrome develops, which becomes the first specific sign of cervical osteochondrosis.In the initial stage of development, the pathology can be clinically manifested as follows:
- limited mobility in the neck.When tilting or turning the head, stiffness of movement is felt, which is not accompanied by pain;
- The sensitivity of the parts of the body innervated by nerve plexuses common to the cervical region begins to decrease.The tactility of the shoulders and forearms decreases, less often - the hands;
- the patient feels a decrease in the muscle strength of the hands;
- Headaches and dizziness become more frequent, and visual acuity briefly decreases.
Cervical osteochondrosis of the 1st degree may be indicated by attacks of acute, piercing, shooting pain.They usually occur when the head is suddenly turned.This is how the increased tone of the neck muscles is manifested.Their spasms are the body's compensatory reaction to the instability of the spinal segments.
Osteochondrosis is characterized by alternating relapses with phases of remission.During exacerbations, discomfort in the neck is constantly felt.The clinical picture contains simultaneously vascular, neurological and static signs.In the phase of remission, the disease is practically asymptomatic.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis is made based on the patient's complaints and a series of tests to determine the mobility of the cervical segments.A clue is the history of previous injuries or systemic pathologies of the musculoskeletal system (gout, rheumatoid, reactive arthritis).
The most informative diagnostic procedure is radiography.Grade 1 pathologies correspond to radiological stage 1 or 2.The obtained images visualize the typical signs of the disease.
| X-ray stages of cervical osteochondrosis of the 1st degree | Characteristic signs |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Minor changes in the curvature of the spine in the cervical region affecting one or more segments |
| Phase 2 | Slight thickening of the intervertebral discs, deformation of the uncinate appendages, correction of lordosis, minor growths of bony structures |
Sometimes an MRI is needed to clarify the diagnosis.With its help, you can detect an aseptic, sluggish inflammatory process and destructive-degenerative changes on the intervertebral discs.
Therapy
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis of the 1st degree is long-term.In the initial stage of development, the pathology responds well to conservative therapy.Medicines are prescribed to patients and physiotherapeutic and massage procedures are recommended.
All treatment methods are aimed at improving blood circulation in the cervical spine.This allows you to avoid aggravation of trophism of the intervertebral discs - the main cause of the development of osteochondrosis.And eliminating the lack of nutrients and oxygen stimulates the partial regeneration of cartilage tissue.
Pharmacological drugs
Clinically, osteochondrosis of the 1st degree is manifested by mild pain, the removal of which does not require the use of drugs in the form of tablets or solutions for parenteral administration.Patients are advised to rub ointments, gels or creams into the back of the neck if necessary:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- local irritating, distracting, heating agents.
In this case, it is even better to use not drugs, but biologically active additives for external use with camphor, formic alcohol, red pepper extract and bee venom.
Vertebrologists include systemic chondroprotectors in therapeutic regimens.Injection solutions are used for several days.And then the therapeutic effect is consolidated by taking pills.The duration of the treatment is from several months to 2 years.
Treatment without drugs
For the treatment of osteochondrosis of the 1st degree, physiotherapeutic methods using various physical factors are used: low-frequency currents, magnetic fields, laser, ultrasound.Procedures help relieve pain, alleviate aseptic inflammation and remove increased neck muscle tone.
Neurologists and vertebrologists recommend patients to regularly visit the massage room.Thanks to the dosed mechanical effect on the vertebrae, muscles that spasm relax, circulation and microcirculation improve, local immunity is strengthened.The following types of massage are used in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis:
- classic;
- point;
- vacuum.
Manual therapy with an individually selected influence method allows you to increase the range of motion in the cervical spine and eliminate the first signs of changes in lordosis.
Traction (dry or underwater traction of the spine) is used to restore the anatomically correct shape of the spine or to increase the distance between the vertebrae.
Regular exercise therapy can replace medication, massage and physiotherapy.During exercise therapy, blood circulation improves, neck muscles that stabilize the vertebrae are strengthened, and tissue trophism is normalized.Daily training is an excellent prevention of pain and stiffness of movements.
The first classes of physical therapy (kinesitherapy) are conducted under the guidance of a doctor of physical therapy.It shows how to perform exercises, dose the load on the discs and vertebrae in order to avoid compression of the spinal roots.After a few days, the patient can exercise independently at home.
The value of timely detection of the disease is in the favorable prognosis for full recovery.The sooner the therapy is carried out, the greater the probability of complete restoration of the functional activity of the spinal column.