The appearance of discomfort and pain in the neck area may indicate disorders in the cartilage and bone tissues and, as a result, the development of a serious disease. Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology of the spine, in which there is a dystrophic-degenerative change in the vertebral bodies, their processes and intervertebral discs.
If you have severe symptoms, you should definitely consult a doctor and have yourself examined. The clinics have everything you need to diagnose this pathology and get a detailed clinical picture of the affected area of \u200b\u200bthe cervical vertebrae.
Classification of cervical osteochondrosis
In the past, osteochondrosis of the neck usually appeared in people aged 45-55 years. However, due to the advent of many additional factors characteristic of the modern rhythm of life, this disease has become significantly "younger" and is often detected already in adolescents and children.
Among other types of cervical osteochondrosis is the most common. Unlike the thoracic, lumbar and sacral, it is detected in almost 25% of patients.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine proceeds in stages. The resulting signs and symptoms manifest themselves depending on the degree of damage to the cartilage and bone structures.
There are four stages of cervical osteochondrosis:
- I - the height of the intervertebral disc in the affected area decreases slightly, and the symptoms are mild or are noted only with movements;
- II - in addition to a progressive decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc, pathological growths of cartilaginous tissue appear, protrusions appear, cracks in the fibrous ring, crunching and stiffness when turning the neck, pain intensifies;
- III - the fibrous ring ruptures, intervertebral hernias appear, these changes cause deformation of the spine and can lead to dislocations and subluxations, pain becomes longer and more acute, there are signs of loss of sensitivity in the area of \u200b\u200bthe neck , neck, arms and shoulders;
- IV - lesions of bone and cartilage tissue become irreversible, osteophytes appear on the surface of the destroyed cartilage and bones.
The most neglected stage is characterized by significant compression of nerves and blood vessels, hypoxia of trophy-dependent organs (brain, organs of vision, etc. ), immobility of the shoulder girdle and neck. Persistent pain syndrome significantly reduces the quality of life.
When diagnosing, in addition to indicating the stage of osteochondrosis of the neck, a system for designating the number of affected cervical vertebrae is used - from CI to CVII. She points to a segment that has been exposed to dystrophic-degenerative changes.
The stage of cervical osteochondrosis is an important criterion for the development of treatment tactics.
Etiology and pathogenesis of cervical osteochondrosis
In most cases, cervical osteochondrosis is caused by a combination of different factors. The main cause among them can be the fact of a person walking upright. In this position, most of the load falls on the neck and lumbar spine. With age, in most people, the condition of blood vessels worsens, more chronic pathologies and age-related changes occur that affect tissue nutrition.
Other causes of cervical osteochondrosis are associated with the following factors:
- hypodynamia;
- overweight;
- prolonged smoking;
- flat feet;
- frequent pregnancies;
- postural disorders;
- autoimmune diseases;
- violation of metabolic processes;
- hereditary predisposition;
- wrong composition of the diet;
- frequent injuries and microtraumas of the cervical vertebrae;
- carrying weight on one shoulder or in one hand;
- sleeping on the wrong pillow or mattress;
- acquired or congenital instability of the vertebrae;
- improper organization of the workplace.
With a timely visit to the doctor and the exclusion of predisposing causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, it is possible to achieve stable remission.
Clinical manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis are not always noticed by patients at the first stage of this pathology. Their nature and severity are largely determined by the zone of damage, since the nerves emanating from the spinal cord perform different functions in one part of the spine or another.
The main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are manifestations of pain syndrome. Pain and discomfort in the neck and shoulder area increases after sleeping on an uncomfortable pillow, when turning and other movements of the head and neck and shoulder girdle, hypothermia or heavy physical exertion. As osteochondrosis of the neck progresses, some patients are forced to keep their heads still and develop a habit of turning their whole body.
Subluxations and dislocations of the vertebrae, ruptured intervertebral hernias, or pinched nerves can lead to acute pain (it's often referred to as "back pain"). These complications require emergency care.
In addition to pain, symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Headache;
- pressure surges;
- Dizziness;
- poor memory;
- hearing problems;
- pain in the heart area;
- weakness and drowsiness;
- lump in the throat;
- crunching when turning the neck;
- states of fainting;
- flickering "flies" before the eyes;
- difficulty moving your arm to the side;
- impaired coordination of movements and gait;
- Paresthesias in the neck, occiput, shoulders, arms and fingers.
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis indicating the progression of the disease are:
- Intensification, increase in pain and its long duration;
- decrease in the amplitude of neck turns;
- greater severity of additional symptoms.
Pre-syncope conditions can cause a drop in pressure and increase the risk of various injuries, some of which can be quite serious.
Features of the course of cervical osteochondrosis during pregnancy
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region during pregnancy is not dangerous for the health of the unborn child if its manifestations do not lead to a dangerous increase in the risk of trauma in the state of fainting and excessive nervousness that occurs in response to pain. The likelihood of an exacerbation of this pathology in pregnant women increases due to hormonal changes that contribute to greater distensibility of the ligaments and instability of the cervical vertebrae.
To treat cervical osteochondrosis during pregnancy, safe methods should be used, which are recommended after consulting a neurologist. In addition to recommendations for exercise therapy, massage of the area of \u200b\u200bthe cervical collar and compliance with the rules for organizing a place to sleep, safe anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are prescribed in difficult cases. The volume of exercise for cervical osteochondrosis depends on the severity.
Childbirth is carried out in a natural way, since with the correct behavior of a woman during childbirth, the pathology can in no way complicate it.
Features of cervical osteochondrosis in children
Cervical osteochondrosis, signs of which appear in children and adolescents, is rare. The causes of its development are usually some congenital pathologies:
- autoimmune diseases;
- hereditary predisposition;
- Spinal or muscle abnormalities.
With an acquired variant, such pathologies or factors usually lead to osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- endocrine disorders and hormonal fluctuations in adolescence;
- Obesity;
- postural disorders;
- trauma (including childbirth);
- poor diet leading to hypovitaminosis and micronutrient deficiencies.
Before adolescence, cervical osteochondrosis is often asymptomatic or unremarkable. This fact often complicates the diagnosis and the disease is recognized as early as stages II–III.
Serious complications in children and adolescents are rare, so surgeries to treat cervical osteochondrosis are rarely performed. In most cases, conservative methods are used to correct the condition of the spine. In severe cases, there is a risk of consequences of cervical osteochondrosis such as growth retardation and an increased likelihood of stroke in childhood.
Complications of cervical osteochondrosis
With cervical osteochondrosis, complications often arise, since the pathology is asymptomatic for a long time, and many patients try to self-medicate against the background of obvious signs of the disease. That is why the appearance of symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis is always an indication to consult a vertebrologist or neurologist.
The consequences of cervical osteochondrosis can be as follows:
- cervical sciatica;
- Head Start;
- intervertebral hernia;
- poor memory;
- dislocations and subluxations of the vertebrae;
- increased risk of stroke;
- dizziness and headache;
- impaired movement coordination.
First aid for cervical osteochondrosis
The dangerous consequences of cervical osteochondrosis, which require emergency treatment, include:
- fainting spells or fainting spells
These conditions are most common with a sharp tilt or turn of the head. The victim must be seated or lying down to avoid injury from falling. Remove clothing or accessories that interfere with breathing. Provide optimal temperature conditions and access to fresh air. Check the pressure and call an emergency team if it drops sharply. - "Cervical spine pain" (cervicago) or injuries to the vertebrae.
They begin with a stabbing pain in the neck that can radiate to the head. The patient must lie in a horizontal position to ensure optimal temperature and immobility of the head. As first aid, place a cold compress or ice on the area of pain (wrap the bag in a towel and keep it for no more than 15 minutes). In some cases, the best effect is a warm compress that helps eliminate muscle spasms. If the pain is severe, you can give an anesthetic and an antispasmodic drug. To get rid of a headache, you should ensure rest and eliminate bright light sources. If the condition does not improve after providing assistance, an emergency response team must be called. With frequent spasms, it is better not to postpone a visit to the doctor. The specialist can recommend wearing a special neck brace and determine the amount of treatment required.
In order to provide first aid for cervical osteochondrosis, in some complex cases it is necessary to call an emergency team, otherwise this can lead to more dangerous complications.
Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis
The question of how to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis is answered by a neurologist or vertebrologist after examining and examining the complaints.
To identify the underlying causes, signs and complications of cervical osteochondrosis, the following studies may be prescribed:
- neurological tests;
- CT;
- X-ray of the neck in flexion and extension positions;
- MRI.
If neck pain occurs periodically, then the question of how to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis is solved using techniques for detecting muscle lesions. To achieve the desired results appoint:
- myelography;
- electromyography;
- electroneurography;
- Studies on the bioelectrical activity of nerve tissue.
If necessary, the patient must pass clinical and biochemical blood tests, as well as tests to detect neuroinfection. Differential diagnosis with rheumatological pathologies is carried out using tests to determine the level of antinuclear antibodies in the blood and rheumatoid factor.
If you have any questions about how to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis in your case, consult a specialist.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
The question of how to treat cervical osteochondrosis is asked by many patients. The answer to that cannot be unequivocal. With mild forms and a slight deterioration in well-being, treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis. If the pain syndrome is severe and surgical treatment is required, then hospitalization is indicated for a patient with cervical osteochondrosis.
In the first days of pronounced clinical manifestations, it is necessary to maintain maximum rest of the cervical spine. Lateral twists are especially contraindicated. After a long static pose, you should take breaks. With cervical osteochondrosis, especially severe pain is relieved by wearing a special corset that supports the vertebrae in the most physiological position.
How the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with drugs is carried out, the doctor will tell you. To relieve inflammation and reduce the manifestations of other symptoms, different groups of drugs can be used:
- antispasmodics;
- venotonics;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants;
- anticonvulsants;
- B vitamins;
- tranquilizers (for psychogenic pain);
- local anesthetics (in the form of therapeutic blocks);
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Drug therapy of cervical osteochondrosis is supplemented by physiotherapy:
- traction;
- exercise therapy;
- phonophoresis;
- magnetotherapy;
- reflexology;
- manual therapy;
- therapeutic massage;
- electrophoresis etc.
A set of exercises for cervical osteochondrosis and physiotherapy is individually determined by a specialist. This depends on the stage of the disease and general health.
After completion of treatment, inpatient monitoring and preventive therapies are recommended for exacerbations of cervical osteochondrosis.
Operations in cervical osteochondrosis
If the diagnostic data indicate a complex clinical case, or conservative therapy does not bring the desired result for a long time, then the question of how to treat cervical osteochondrosis is decided in the surgeon's consultation.
To eliminate the manifestations and consequences of neglected cervical osteochondrosis, the following types of operations are performed:
- laminectomy;
- microdiscectomy;
- endoscopic discectomy;
- removal of tumors, etc. ;
- transfacet hernia removal;
- anterior or posterior fusion;
- Methods of stabilization using methods of bone osteosynthesis.
The scope of postoperative treatment and the extremely important rehabilitation is determined individually. Before discharge, the doctor explains the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
The development and exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis will help prevent:
- injury prevention;
- stop smoking;
- balanced nutrition;
- wear comfortable shoes;
- fight against hypodynamia;
- maintaining normal weight;
- treatment of chronic diseases;
- proper organization of the workplace;
- the right choice of pillow and mattress, chair for the workplace.
Exercises for cervical osteochondrosis should always be done. It is a targeted action on the affected structures that helps prevent recurrence of the disease.
question answer
What happens if osteochondrosis is not treated?
With a long course of cervical osteochondrosis, normal innervation becomes difficult and blood vessels are compressed, blood circulation is disturbed. As a result, tissue hypoxia develops, which leads to the development of complications. In advanced cases, an intervertebral hernia develops.
How many massage sessions for cervical osteochondrosis?
The therapeutic massage can only be carried out after the acute phase has subsided and contraindications have been ruled out. How many massage sessions are required to achieve the desired result in the treatment and rehabilitation process depends on the severity of the lesions and is prescribed individually.
How to relieve tension in the muscles of the neck and shoulders with cervical osteochondrosis?
In mild cases, tension in the neck and shoulder muscles can be relieved with the help of morning exercises and a massage of the cervical area. If this does not help, you can use a set of exercises for exercise therapy and manual therapy. In extreme cases, the doctor prescribes drug therapy.
What to do if the head hurts from cervical osteochondrosis?
Mainly, the headaches associated with the development of osteochondrosis appear due to a violation of the stable blood circulation process in the brain. To eliminate the pain that has arisen in this case, the doctor prescribes painkillers, massage, reflexology (acupuncture, cupping, etc. ), exercise therapy, ozone therapy, balneotherapy, etc. At the same time, self-medication is strictly prohibited so as not to worsen the clinical picture, and treatment is notdisturb.