Cervical osteochondrosis today has become one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system, from which, unfortunately, not only the elderly, but also the very young are suffering more and more. Lack of physical activity, constant work at the computer and other attributes of modern urban life negatively affect their condition and lead to the development of osteochondrosis.
In the article, we will see why it occurs, how it manifests itself, how it is treated and which drugs are effective in treating cervical osteochondrosis, and we will also find out what non-pharmacological methods exist.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a pronounced change of a degenerative-dystrophic nature, disrupting the functional activity and structure of the spine. For this reason, changes occur not only in the intervertebral discs themselves, but also in the vertebrae and joints of the cervical spine.
Causes of occurrence
With this disease, there is a destructive change in the shock absorption capacity of the vertebral discs, accompanied by their displacement. One of the reasons for this change is the deposition of salts as a result of an increase in their level in human blood and lymphatic fluids.
The main reason for the appearance of cervical osteochondrosis is a sedentary lifestyle. Office workers are the most susceptible to this disease and spend most of their working time on papers and a computer. In the absence of the required amount of physical activity in the human body, blood flow slows down, muscle tissue does not need an influx of salts from food. As a result, the salts are deposited in the cartilage tissue of the spine.
It contributes to the development of diseases and malnutrition, overweight and metabolic disorders, as well as prolonged stress, nervous tension, sleep disturbances.
Also, the disease can occur as a result of trauma, extreme stress, inflammatory and other diseases.
Development degrees
Depending on the severity of the symptoms and the degree of functional impairment, three stages are distinguished:
First grade
It is characterized by minimal severity of symptoms. Patients often notice a general deterioration in well-being, the appearance of headaches, weakness, and dizziness. At this stage, there is a slight deformation and displacement of the cervical vertebrae, cracks appear in the cartilaginous tissue of the disc.
Second grade
For the second degree of the development of the disease, a significant increase in pain is characteristic, which occurs as a result of a strong displacement of the intervertebral discs and pinching of the nerve roots.
Third degree
It is characterized by the complete destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc, which can lead to the formation of a hernia. Symptoms of the disease at this stage are pronounced. The patient feels severe weakness, headache, nausea, dizziness, sharp pain in the neck, radiating to the shoulder blades and shoulders. In some cases, there is a temporary weakening of the intensity of the manifestation of symptoms associated with the replacement of the damaged area with connective tissue.
Fourth grade
Complete destruction of the intervertebral disc, the destroyed disc replaces its connective tissue. Dizziness, increased tinnitus, coordination is impaired, due to the fact that an artery that feeds the cerebellum and the occipital lobe of the brain is involved in the process.
It is very important to diagnose the disease in the initial stage and to consult a specialist to find out what to do to prevent its further development.
Signs and symptoms
In addition to the pain syndrome, cervical osteochondrosis can be accompanied by a variety of symptoms, having felt that a person cannot immediately guess about the developing disease. This is due to the fact that dysfunctions of the cervical spine inevitably affect the work of the vascular system of the brain.
It is customary to distinguish three main groups of symptoms:
Pain syndrome
Neurological manifestations in the form of pain syndromes of various locations. First of all, these are headaches of varying intensity and duration, which can occur in the eye or in the ear. In this case, the pain usually does not go away after taking pain relievers. Shooting or sharp pain in the neck and back of the head, radiating to the shoulder blades, forearm, and elbow. With this disease, a dull, aching ache usually occurs, which later becomes more pronounced and spreads to various parts of the body.
Decreased sensitivity
Movement disorders that appear as a result of the disruption of the normal functioning of the spinal cord. Patients may experience numbness and decreased sensation in the extremities, impaired tone of the legs, weakness in the arms and legs, and goose bumps. You may feel pain when raising your arms or moving them to the side.
Soft spot
Signs of vascular disorders of the brain, which have multiple manifestations. People suffering from cervical osteochondrosis often feel severe weakness for no apparent reason, they quickly tire.
Noise in the ears
Often observed the appearance of a feeling of congestion and noise in the ears, hearing impairment and a sharp deterioration in well-being.
Mental disorders such as depression, anxiety syndrome, panic attacks are also possible.
Diagnostics
Basic diagnostic methods:
- Bone scan.An uninformative method, especially in the later stages of the disease.
- Computed tomography (CT).It shows abnormalities in the vertebrae more effectively, but it is difficult to determine the size, the presence of hernias, and the presence of a herniated spinal hernia (disc-medullary conflict).
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).The method that shows the most information, clearly visible bone structures, intervertebral discs, hernias and their size, as well as the direction of their growth.
- Ultrasonic duplex scanning.This method is used if there is a suspicion of altered blood flow in the arteries of the spine. This reveals a decrease in the speed of blood flow and the presence of an obstruction to normal blood flow.
Treatment
The development of a treatment plan for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine depends mainly on the causes of the disease, the nature and intensity of its symptoms. As practice has shown, complex therapy has the greatest effect, which can include drug treatment, massage, therapeutic exercises, and some other methods.
Treatment should be carried out under the supervision of qualified specialists: vertebral neurologist, massage therapist, chiropractor, surgeon, neurologist. It is very important to consult a doctor in time to prevent the development of the second and third degree of the disease. In this case, the treatment until full recovery will take much longer.
The therapy is prescribed in a certain order:
- first of all, it is necessary to relieve pain;
- then get rid of edema;
- drugs are prescribed that restore blood circulation;
- muscle tissue is strengthened;
- steps are taken to restore damaged tissue.
Important!Remember that during periods of exacerbation of the disease, exercise therapy is contraindicated, as it can cause complications.
As a first aid to relieve acute pain syndrome during an exacerbation, patients are prescribed painkillers and, in the presence of acute pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In places of localization of muscle spasms, hot ointments and painkillers, pepper patches are used. The swelling is well removed with diuretics. If the patient has numbness in the limbs, it is necessary to perform special exercises that stimulate blood circulation.
It should be remembered that these measures will relieve pain, but will not eliminate the causes of the disease. Medicines prescribed by a doctor in combination with other methods of therapy will cope with this task.
Medicine
The purpose of taking drugs for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is to relieve pain and muscle inflammation, restore blood circulation and strengthen the vascular system of the brain, and a general healing effect on the body.
Patients should be prescribed preparations containing B vitamins, which can be prescribed in the form of tablets or intramuscular injections.
To restore the damaged cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs, chondroprotective drugs are prescribed. Taking these medications should not be ignored as they help to strengthen bone tissue and prevent recurrence of the disease in the future.
Physiotherapy
During the performance of gymnastics to improve health, circular movements of the head should be performed, the neck is bent to the left, to the right, to the front and back. Also in the set of exercises it is necessary to include movements of the shoulders and arms. All movements should be performed smoothly, without harshness or stress, alternating the active phase and a little rest.
Conclution
It is always easier to prevent a disease than to cure it. To prevent the development of the disease, it is necessary to follow a few simple rules:
- avoid extreme stress on the spine to avoid damage to the intervertebral discs;
- do full-body gymnastics daily, focus on the muscles of the back, and especially the cervical spine;
- avoid nervous overexertion and fatigue, remember the importance of adequate rest and adequate sleep for the body;
- lead an active and mobile lifestyle, get more exercise, go for a walk outside, eat right and balanced, and kick bad habits.