Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine: symptoms and treatment

The main causes, symptoms and prevention of cervical osteochondrosis. Bonus: preventive exercise.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the intervertebral discs in the cervical spine. With age and lack of treatment and prevention, the disease tends to progress. Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the spine.

If you experience pain in this section, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible, as progressive osteochondrosis leads to severe deterioration of health, up to vision problems, persistent migraines and may even cause death.

Osteochondrosis is not necessarily an age-related change, it often affects people at a young age.

Eight major causes of osteochondrosis

• heredity,
• injuries,
• excessive physical activity,
• age-related changes,
• metabolic disorders,
• sedentary work (weakness),
• incorrect body position during sleep,
• stress (psychosomatic).

If you experience one or more symptoms, you should consult your doctor for treatment or prevention.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

The causes of cervical osteochondrosis can vary. It is not just age-related changes that can cause illness. The disease also affects young people who prefer sedentary work.

Inactivity is the most common cause of osteochondrosis. Lack of moderate exercise leads to muscle weakness and poor circulation. It is possible to further pinch the nerves and the appearance of an intervertebral hernia.

Factors contributing to the development of cervical osteochondrosis

1. Violation of the structure and position of the brainstem in relation to the spine and the deformity of the first cervical vertebra.
Acquired forms of deformities - kyphosis, lordosis, scoliosis and their combinations.
2. Elderly over 60 years. At this age, natural age-related changes in the vertebral discs occur. Bone overgrowth.
3. Poor posture due to crouching or in an awkward position for a long time.
4. Cervical injuries.
5. Improper muscle loading.
6. Obesity.

If the muscle load is not symmetrical, it can lead to deformity. Such changes are caused by the habit of lifting weights with one hand, carrying a bag on one shoulder and using a pillow that is very soft while sleeping.

Degrees of osteochondrosis

Modern science knows three main stages in the development of cervical osteochondrosis. They differ in the degree of damage to the vertebrae and the methods of treatment.

First degree osteochondrosis

It starts with the rupture of the intervertebral disc capsule and the appearance of small things in the fibrous ring. This type is characterized by degenerative transformations in the cervical joints and changes in tissue structures.

Signs of first degree osteochondrosis:

• worry about pain in the joints of the neck and shoulder girdle, vasoconstriction and circulatory disorders occur.

• the appearance of pain in the neck with a sharp turn of the head, which shows compression of the nerve endings.
• discomfort in the cervical region, temples, neck and persistent headaches.
• blurred vision, the appearance of flies and veils in the eyes.

Second degree osteochondrosis

It is characterized by a reduction in the distance between the vertebral discs. This causes point pain with any load, it becomes difficult to turn or tilt the head.

Third degree osteochondrosis

It is noted as a chronic disorder of the musculoskeletal function of the spine. Significant changes in the structure of the spine are felt.

Lack of treatment at this stage can lead to a stroke. Death is possible.

Signs of third degree osteochondrosis:

• partial or complete paralysis of the neck and shoulder joints.
• reduced sensitivity of the upper extremities.
• the herniated disc becomes visually visible.
• death of certain parts of the cerebral cortex due to circulatory disorders and lack of adequate oxygen supply.

In the third stage of osteochondrosis surgery is required.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis in various parts of the spine

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis:

• severe neck pain, passing to the upper extremities,
• headaches,
• fingers may numb,
• high blood pressure,
• reduced coordination of movements,
• feeling of stiffness in movement,
• periods of nausea are excluded,
• when a nerve is punctured, pain is felt when swallowing,
• are possible painful sensations in the teeth.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis:

• chest pain, which may emit in the area of ​​the heart, lungs, pass to the shoulders,
• pain throughout the spine,
• pain in the ribs,
• shoulder pain,
• points in front of the eyes,
• tinnitus.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region:

• menstrual disorder
• lower back pain syndromes
• lumbago
• hernia between the vertebrae
• increased fatigue.

X-rays, CT and MRI, ultrasound and neuromyography are prescribed to women with suspected osteochondrosis. They may recommend a visit to a mammologist and gynecologist to rule out diseases similar to their osteochondrosis symptoms.

Osteochondrosis in women

In women, as in men, there are three main types of osteochondrosis, these are:

• cervical,
• lumbar region,
• chest.

Women are more likely than men to develop osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic regions. This phenomenon is due to the fact that in men, by nature, the muscles of the neck and chest develop more strongly. So these sections have the best support. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the back and neck muscles with appropriate exercises whenever possible.

Most often, cervical osteochondrosis occurs in women who lead a sedentary lifestyle or do sedentary work (office work, salespeople, drivers) and thoracic osteochondrosis is more common in women who have had scoliosis since childhood. .

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

To make the correct diagnosis, you need to make an appointment with a doctor. Other diseases can also be hidden under the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.

Osteochondrosis of the cervix does not have the ability to pass on its own and, passing to the last, third stage, can be fatal.

Early initiation of treatment will help avoid serious, irreversible consequences.

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis

Here is a sample list of specialist doctors to help you understand the problem.

• General Practitioner (GP). Therapists generally perform diagnostics without treatment, prescribe general examinations (urine, blood biochemistry). They take into account your individual complaints and refer you further to the right specialist.
• Neurologist. A neurologist treats the early and middle stages of cervical osteochondrosis. At the stage of a visit to a neurologist, as a rule, an x-ray of the spine is performed. With confirmed osteochondrosis, the appropriate treatment is selected.
• Trauma surgeon. Consultation with this specialist is defined if there are changes in the tissues. Maybe the appointment MRI, spondylography, CT. Further treatment is also selected.
• Neurosurgeon. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon if an intervertebral hernia is suspected, referring to the results of CT and magnetic resonance imaging.
• Physiotherapist. It deals with the elimination of the clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis.
• Healer. Treatment by a rehabilitation therapist involves a recovery period after surgery. During this period, special therapeutic exercises (exercise therapy) are selected.
• Chiropractor. Prescribed to eliminate pain.
• Rheumatologist. Gives advice and prescribes diagnostics to people with various forms of arthritis.
• Oncologist. A visit to an oncologist is indicated for people with suspicious CT and MRI findings. A special consultation helps to confirm or rule out the presence of bone cancer. A biopsy may be prescribed.

Modern methods of treating osteochondrosis:

• surgery (presence of irreversible changes,
• osteopathy,
• manual therapy,
• physiotherapy,
• massage,
• work with the psychosomatic,
• reflexology,
• drug treatment.

Drug treatment

The goal of medication is to relieve inflammation and pain. Properly selected drugs restore blood circulation and healthy tissue nutrition.

In the acute stage, drug therapy stabilizes the patient's condition and prepares him for the next stage of treatment. Ointments, muscle relaxants, corticosteroids and vitamin complexes are used.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy involves a combination of natural and material effects on the body. Effectively relieves pain and restores physical activity.

Manual therapy

Manual treatment is effective when supervised by a good specialist.

Massage stimulates blood circulation and improves tissue nutrition. The manual therapy is suitable for home use (massage and various applicators).

Before using any home remedies, consult a specialist.

Reflexology

Reflexology works due to its effect on biologically active parts of the body. It can be performed in the form of acupuncture, acoustic pressure, sometimes moxibustion. If you choose this particular method of treatment, make sure you have a qualified specialist in front of you, as exposure to inappropriate biological sites can have negative consequences.

exercise therapy

Physiotherapy (LFK) exercises for osteochondrosis are prescribed without failure in the recovery phase. The purpose of exercise therapy is to strengthen the ligaments and muscles, exercise helps to restore blood flow.

Properly selected exercises can prevent recurrence and deepening of the damage.

Exercises for osteochondrosis of the cervix

In conclusion, we present you some exercises from the complex of physiotherapy exercises.

Consult a physician before exercising.

Exercise therapy complex exercises can be uncomfortable, so before you do, try to relax as much as possible and make sure your breathing is calm and measured.

Muscle overload is not recommended during exercise. Do what you can, then, after resting, return to the exercises.

To achieve the result of the final recovery, it is necessary to perform up to 300 movements in the diseased spine and 100 repetitions for adjacent parts.

When osteochondrosis of the cervix is ​​recommended to prevent sudden head movements. The exercises are performed in an upright position, back straight, shoulder width apart (repeated 15 times):

1. Tilt your head to the left, hold for 10 seconds. Putting pressure on the shoulders, tighten the neck muscles and resist the pressure. Repeat the same movements to the right. Repeat the first exercise, bending forward and backward.
2. Turn your head to the right, trying to reach your shoulder with your chin, hold the movement for a few seconds. Repeat the exercise with one turn to the left.
3. Use your chin to draw numbers from 0 to 9 in the air.

Back Exercises:

1. Raise your head and hold for 10 seconds. Lower your head and take a five-second break.
2. Pull your chin toward the ceiling and hold for 10 seconds, then gently lower your head.

Side exercises:

1. Lift your head and hold it parallel to the floor for 10 seconds. Then, gently lowering your head, pause for a few seconds.
2. Repeat this exercise while on the other side.