Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervix

Do you have unpleasant neck pain accompanied by dizziness, general weakness and fatigue? All this should be an alarm clock for every person, because any of the reported symptoms may indicate the development of cervical osteochondrosis.

It is worth treating such disturbing symptoms with full responsibility, because in the absence of timely treatment, the pathology can cause the formation of more serious consequences, including an intervertebral hernia.

What is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?

Osteochondrosis of the cervix is a degenerative disease of the spine, in the development of which the structure of the connective tissue changes.

The disease is often disguised as a different type of violation, but a timely visit to a specialist allows you to diagnose in time and start immediate treatment.

Degenerative changes in the tissues of the cervical spine are most often found in the medical history of adults (45-59) and older (60-74).

Nevertheless, it is worth noting: in modern society, there is a resurgence of the disease, which is confirmed by the periodic diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in children and adolescents.

It is important that osteochondrosis can occur both individually and in combination with the defeat of other parts, especially the thoracic, lumbar and sacral.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

Today it is impossible to name the exact reasons for the occurrence of degenerative processes that occur in the intervertebral discs. There is no confirmation that osteochondrosis of the cervix is an aging phenomenon.

Numerous studies conducted by scientists from different countries have shown that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has mainly provocative factors.

Among the predisposing reasons for the development of osteochondrosis of the neck, there are:

  • low level of activity, inactivity and mainly sedentary life;
  • types of work involving static load on the cervical spine.
  • overweight, inadequate level of physical development.
  • violation of connective tissue development processes.
  • chronic spinal cord injury.
  • deformity of the spine, use of insufficiently comfortable pillows, mattresses for rest.
  • genetic predisposition.

The vast majority of reasons are related in one way or another to the natural processes of aging of the body systems, as well as to the possible development of pathologies of bone and cartilage tissue.

What is the risk of cervical osteochondrosis?

Decreased mobility and limited joint flexibility, loss of muscle elasticity and other signs of aging are inevitable, natural processes that accompany a person in ontogeny.

The annoyance of pain that occurs during movement much earlier than the natural age of aging often leads to loss of quality of life and even disability.

To determine how to treat cervical osteochondrosis, you need professional advice from your doctor. In the absence of professional, early diagnosis and the necessary treatment, the disease progresses, which can cause not only deterioration of well-being, but also severe disorders of the nervous and vascular systems.

The main signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

The structure of the human skeleton, the ability to walk upright and the impressive size of the head have led to the fact that certain parts of the spine are the most vulnerable, especially the cervical spine.

Among the striking features of the structure of the cervical spine, it is worth noting the presence of vertebrae, mainly small in size and relatively small number of muscles, in relation to which is in this area such a disease as osteochondrosis most often occurs.

Pain is the most common syndrome of spinal disease. Depending on the affected area, the following can be concentrated:

  • in the key and / or on the shoulder.
  • along the entire cervical spine.
  • not the anterior surface of the sternum.

It is rather difficult to identify the main signs of the disease independently, because in the vast majority of cases they are insignificant and very non-specific:

  • pain in the areaneckmainly at night;
  • stringency,pain on the back;
  • slight numbnesstingling in the shoulder, in the hands.
  • crunching,click when you turn your head.

The progression of the disease is accompanied by a number of already remarkable main symptoms.

Plant-dystonic symptom

It is characterized by a shot of pain in the neck, especially felt in the area just below the back of the head.

Painful sensation often occurs during prolonged stay in the same place, for example, in the morning.

The muscles of the neck are tense, there are difficulties in moving the hand to the side, stiffness in the movements of the fingers.

Due to the compression of the vertebral arteries, neurological manifestations are often detected:

  • recurrent headaches
  • motion sickness;
  • faint

Spine symptom

Locate the area - on the left behind the chest.

During the gradual disruption of the structure of the intervertebral discs, compression occurs and, consequently, infection of the nerve roots, which leads to narrowing of the arteries and veins, which in turn leads to the formation of radical and ischemic syndrome E

Circulatory disorders cause:

  • severe, migraine headaches
  • dizziness;
  • visual impairment, tinnitus;
  • disorders of autonomic functions.

In rare cases, the manifestation of cardinal syndrome is detected, accompanied by compressive pain in the heart muscle, shortness of breath and heart rhythm disorders.

Degrees of development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and their characteristic symptoms

The process of disease development is quite slow, but at the same time it has 4 clearly identified stages:

  • 1st degree osteochondrosis of the cervical spine - appearance of discomfort and slight pain during prolonged walking, static position. The beginning of the formation of seals in the intervertebral discs.
  • 2nd degree osteochondrosis of the cervical spine - intense painful sensations. In order to eliminate the pain, manual therapy and appropriate medications are used.
  • 3rd degree osteochondrosis of the cervical spine - the presence of severe damage to the connective tissue of the affected area.
  • Grade 4 osteochondrosis of the cervical spine - the final stage of development of the disease, characterized by damage to almost all parts of the spine.

The last stage of the disease development requires surgery, which involves a long recovery.

Diagnosis of the disease

In the presence of typical symptoms for the diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, you should consult an orthopedist or neurologist.

As part of the diagnostic measures, the specialist will determine mobility and pain in the neck area, as well as assess the degree of sensitivity and identify other functional disorders.

Among the most effective diagnostic methods, it is common to distinguish:

  • X-ray of the cervical spine, performed in various projections.
  • CT (computed tomography);
  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) if a hernia / protrusion is suspected.

In case of circulatory disorders, additional rheoencephalography may be used, as well as examination of the fundus.

Possible complications

Lack of timely treatment can lead to serious complications, such as:

  • protrusion of intervertebral discs(hernia formation / protrusion).
  • rupture of the intervertebral disc,accompanied by pinching of nerves and blood vessels, which can be fatal.
  • root disease(damage to the nerve roots), the formation of osteophytes (spines in the spine) with the manifestation of numerous paralysis and paralysis.

How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?

The treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervix is determined by a specialist and depends on the degree of development of the pathology, the form of its course and the characteristics of the clinical manifestation of the disease.

Today, the most effective methods of treating the disease are:

  • treatment with conservative methods, including medication / non-medication.
  • surgery;
  • a complex combination of techniques.

Physiotherapy

Assumes the effect of natural factors on the affected area. With a comprehensive approach and capable of performing all procedures, the improvements become apparent already in the second or third month of treatment.

Among the most popular areas of physiotherapy prescribed for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are:

  • electrotherapy;
  • shock wave therapy;
  • magnetotherapy;
  • spa treatment;
  • laser treatment;
  • vibration massage.

Neck massage for osteochondrosis

The massage should be performed carefully, without the use of force loads. Violation of the massage technique can have negative consequences.

The starting position for the massage is the "prone" or "sitting with a straight back" position.

All existing massage techniques are based on techniques such as:

  • caressing - affects the surface layers of the skin. It is performed with the palms of the hands and the fingertips down below the back of the head, at the level of the upper third of the back.
  • compression - affects the deep layers of skin in the upper third of the back. It is performed with two fingers of the hand (thumb and forefinger), which are performed on the neck.
  • rubbing - the main goal is to warm the skin and increase blood flow to the desired area.
  • Kneading - affects deeply lying tissues, should be used with caution, as illiterate use may worsen the condition.

Physiotherapywith osteochondrosis of the cervix

There are some exercises to treat osteochondrosis of the cervix. The most effective of these are:

Self-stretching

Starting position: sitting / standing with straight back.

Execution class: maintaining the starting position, try to lower the shoulders as low as possible while stretching the top of the head upwards.

Execution intensity: at least 10 times (2-5 seconds), at least 3 times a day.

Self-massage

Inventory: towel.

Starting position: sitting / standing, close the neck with a towel, grab the ends with your hands.

Procedure: Alternately pull the ends of the towel, gently kneading the neck muscles.

Great! During the exercise, it is necessary to ensure that the towel does not slip and does not wrinkle the neck.

Gymnastics (bending / extension, twists, turns)

Starting position: sitting / standing with straight back.

The order of execution: from the starting position, perform a smooth bend / extension, turn or tilt of the head, first in one direction, then in the other.

Performance intensity: 5-7 movements in one direction.

Drugs for osteochondrosis of the cervix

It is especially important during an outbreak, as important blood vessels pass through the cervical spine, providing nutrition to the brain.

As a treatment, tablets, injections, ointments, and other topical medications prescribed by your doctor can be used.

Great! Self-medication with drugs of different groups is unacceptable and can lead to disability, death.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

One of the most effective drugs, often used for osteochondrosis in the form of injections, but also available in the form of tablets, patches and ointments.

The main direction of action is the reduction of pain, the elimination of swelling and inflammation.

Muscle relaxants

Provides effective reduction of muscle tension, which significantly reduces pain.

The recommended treatment period is 2 to 4 weeks.

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and heating ointments for cervical osteochondrosis

In order to increase their effectiveness, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs contain steroids in their composition.

The action of the heating ointments is aimed at relieving the pain, as well as at heating, which activates the blood flow at the point of application of the drug.

Chondroprotective

They are used to slow down degenerative processes and accelerate connective tissue regeneration. It has a cumulative effect.

Recommended dosage: from 2 to 6 months.

Characteristics of diet in the treatment and prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Proper nutrition is an undeniably important ingredient in maintaining a healthy body.

In the context of the prevention or treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, nutrition is, although auxiliary, but at the same time a very important component.

The main goals of proper nutrition in the treatment or prevention of osteochondrosis are:

  • elimination of the possibility of insufficiency of nutrients necessary for the implementation of metabolic processes in the tissues of the intervertebral discs.
  • maintaining optimal body weight;
  • reducing the risk of developing vascular changes, preventing circulatory disorders.

Principles of nutrition

The diet for cervical osteochondrosis is based on the principles of rationality and functionality:

  1. Minimize inhibitions - a healthy diet is varied, balanced and at the same time saturated with all the necessary substances.
  2. Adherence to the alcohol regime is an important component in preventing degeneration of intervertebral disc tissue.
  3. Reduce salt intake - eliminates the possibility of increasing the load on blood vessels and maintains the balance of water and electrolytes.
  4. Limit the use of starches and sugars in order to eliminate the possibility of metabolic disorders.

Prohibited and recommended food

Nutrition in the treatment and prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine requires the exclusion of products that block the body, such as:

  • alcohol that disturbs the water-electrolyte balance and causes tissue dehydration.
  • fatty meats and smoked meats that are difficult to digest.
  • acidic, spicy foods that increase inflammation.
  • unfinished products that adversely affect digestive processes.
  • sweets, sugar that disrupt blood circulation.

The list of recommended foods includes mainly digestible foods of plant and animal origin, rich in protein, complex carbohydrates and fiber, including:

  • chicken, rabbit, lean beef and pork;
  • Lighthouses and seafood;
  • dairy products, eggs.
  • cereals of various types;
  • wholegrain bread;
  • fruits, vegetables, berries and herbs.

Precautions

The basis of the health of the human cervical spine is a strong back, the health of which is due to:

  • adequate level of physical activity;
  • maintaining optimal body weight;
  • comfortable bed with anatomical pillows and quality mattress.
  • maintaining the right attitude;
  • combination of prolonged sitting with periods of rest and natural warm-up.
  • adherence to proper nutrition.

In addition, it is recommended to avoid neck injuries and, of course, to lift unbearable weights.