Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

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

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 extensive pinching of nerve roots from the spinal cord and impaired intracranial circulation due to pressure from the deformed intervertebral disc on the blood vessels.

The vertebral artery, the largest blood vessel supplying the brain, passes through the opening in the cervical vertebrae.Pressure on these arteries can cause dangerous complications such as coronary artery disease and even stroke.

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

Reason

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

Internal causes include:

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

External reasons are more varied:

• Excessive pressure on the vertebrae caused by improper loading;
• Various injuries and damage to the spine and back (bruises, falls, sprains, fractures);
• Infectious diseases;
• Spinal muscular dystrophy;
• Poor posture in the form of curvature and S-shaped curvature of the spine;
• Work in awkward positions;
• Dragging heavy objects;
• Flat feet;
• Overweight;
• Drunk;
• Hypothermia;
• Uncomfortable pillows for sleeping;
• Unfavorable environmental conditions;
• Vitamin or micro deficiency (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 and inactive lifestyle and engage in mental activity, but sometimes it also occurs in athletes, loaders or people whose work involves bending and sudden movements.

Symptoms

Manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis are quite different.These include:

• Pain in the neck, spreading to the back of the head, eyes and ears, shoulder girdle;
• Pain in the upper part of the leg, worse with the slightest exertion;
• Muscle tension and limited neck movement, especially in the morning;
• Pain when bending and turning the head;
• A feeling of numbness in the cervical spine after sleep;
• Difficulty moving the arm, decreasing range of motion;
• Burning, numbness and tingling in the upper part of the leg;
• Headache localized mainly at the back of the head, but can also spread to the temples and parietals;
• Tinnitus;
• Visual and hearing impairment (periodic and permanent);
• 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;
• Too much connective tissue in the cervical region;
• Constant tiredness and fatigue;
• Drowsy;
• Nausea;
• Diplopia (double vision);
• Crunching in the vertebrae.

Disease course 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 that lead to the formation of osteophytes (growths on bone tissue) contribute to the irritation and tension of the nearby muscles, which in response to their effects put pressure on the cartilage and joints.This leads to the development of diseases - compression of arteries and nerves.

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

With 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 the intensification and development of all the above symptoms and can also cause speech, breathing, and even the rare phenomenon of persistent hiccups.

The inflamed roots gradually occupy the entire area of the spinal canal, which causes an increase in pain syndrome and serious disturbances in the regulation of the nerves of the limbs and facial muscles.Impaired cerebral circulation can cause impairment of intellectual abilities, memory, attention and cause stroke.

Osteochondrosis occurs with a period of exacerbation, when all symptoms appear very sharply, and a period of remission.The duration of remission depends on the patient's lifestyle and the preventive measures taken.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis is established based on characteristic symptoms, as well as using:

• X-ray.This method is ineffective, especially in the last stages of the development of osteochondrosis.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the cervical spine.A method that allows you to see the bone structure, the herniated intervertebral disc, its size and direction of development.
• Computed tomography.A less effective solution than MRI, because the presence and size of the hernia is difficult to determine.
• Doppler ultrasound (to identify cervical vessel pathology).This method is used in cases where blood flow disorders are suspected in the arteries.Using the scan, you can determine the speed of blood flow and whether there are any obstructions to it.

Treatment

It is more advisable to treat osteochondrosis in the early stages of the pathology, however, in practice, the doctor is consulted when the disease progresses to a more dangerous stage.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 medicine and physiotherapy methods.

Drug treatment

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

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

Medications to improve circulation and cerebral medications that affect neck muscle relaxation 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 restores the intervertebral tissue, but some doctors consider these drugs ineffective or useless for the treatment of osteochondrosis.

Jam and gel for external use have several therapeutic effects.

Physiotherapy and alternative treatments

In specialized clinics dealing with orthopedics and the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, priority is given to physiotherapy and not to medical methods.Based on a detailed study of the medical history (Anamnesis) and expanded diagnosis, the doctor creates a special individual therapy program, including:

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

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

In advanced cases and the presence of complications, doctors use surgery.

Prevention

Since the most common cause of cervical osteochondrosis is lack of movement and improper body position, the best preventive measure is therapeutic exercises, which can be done at work - in a sitting or standing position.

To avoid this disease, it is also necessary to visit an orthopedist from a very early age and perform timely correction of postural disorders.

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

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

Beds, mattresses and pillows play a big 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 good, but much depends on the stage of the disease, the severity of the manifestations, the age of the patient and his compliance with medical recommendations on lifestyle, proper nutrition and elimination of bad habits.