Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease in which the intervertebral disc becomes thinner, as a result of which the anatomy of the cervical vertebrae changes and the nerve endings and adjacent ducts are violated. As the degenerative process takes place, it also covers the surrounding structures. The disease is characterized by a variety of symptoms, such as neck pain, dizziness, nausea, limited spinal mobility, and significantly affects the quality of life of patients.
Is cervical osteochondrosis
The cervical area is the most mobile part of the spine. It consists of 7 vertebrae, among which is the intervertebral disc. The latter ensures the integrity of this zone and performs a shock -absorbing function. The disk has a complex structure: inside there is a pulp surrounded by a dense fibrous ring.
With age and under the influence of increasing load, the height of the intervertebral disc decreases. Metabolism is disturbed in the nucleus, the fibrous rings acquire cracks. As the disease progresses, discs protrude, protrusions and hernias appear. Osteophytes appear - bone growths that limit spinal mobility and cause pain.
Pathological changes occur near the spinal cord and nerve roots. In the case of their compression, muscle reflex spasm occurs. In this case, a person has expressed symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.
The cause of the disease
Osteochondrosis develops under the influence of several causes. There are several theories that explain the nature of this disease:
- involution - the cause of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is the wear of the intervertebral disc;
- physical - the disease develops as a result of excessive impact on the vertebrae and intervertebral discs;
- autoimmune - one's own immunity destroys the intervertebral disc over time;
- vascular - impaired nutrition of cartilage and bone tissue, which is associated with pathological changes in vessels;
- hereditary predisposition - this disease occurs in people who have a predisposition to degenerative diseases of the spine.
Important! No theory explains the more likely cause of cervical osteochondrosis.
The impetus for the disease can be a combination of several factors:
- incorrect posture, flat feet;
- sedentary work, sedentary lifestyle;
- overweight;
- congenital injuries and pathology of the spine;
- excessive physical activity;
- hormonal changes;
- bad habits;
- vascular disease;
- genetic predisposition.
The more such factors are combined, the more likely it is to develop the disease and the faster the dystrophic process takes place.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis do not appear immediately. For a long time, patients may not be aware of the onset of the disease and pay attention to the state of health only after the onset of pain.
In the first stage of the disease, when the thickness of the disc decreases slightly, you may feel a slight discomfort in the neck if you are in an uncomfortable position for a long time. In the second stage, bulges appear, which make themselves felt by the stiffness of movement in the cervical region.
Further development of the disease leads to persistent pain and deterioration of well -being. There are additional signs of cervical osteochondrosis, significantly worsening the quality of life:
- persistent pain in the cervical area and collar zone;
- severe stiffness of the neck muscles;
- pain during movement and rest;
- limited mobility in the neck;
- numb fingers;
- headaches and dizziness may join.
In addition to the usual symptoms, there are several cervical osteochondrosis syndromes:
- Vertebral. Due to damage to the cartilage and bone of the spine, its mobility is limited, pain occurs.
- Vertebral artery syndrome. Due to the spasm of the ducts responsible for blood supply to the brain, there is tinnitus, headache, fainting and blurred vision.
- akar. Symptoms are associated with pinched nerve roots, as a result of which the patient feels pain in the shoulder area, numbness in the back of the head, fingers, and pain in the shoulder blades.
Is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous
Patients often regard osteochondrosis of the cervical spine as a disease that does not carry serious consequences. But this is a wrong opinion. Pathology causes disturbances in the function of important structures - nerves and blood vessels. If timely treatment is not taken, the consequences of the disease may be a violation of cerebral circulation, muscle weakness and atrophy, violation of the function of internal organs and systems.
Also, osteochondrosis leads to limited mobility of the spine and loss of hand sensitivity. Such significant changes are a serious reason to seek medical help and undergo complex treatment.
Diagnostics
A neurologist deals with the diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis. At the first appointment, she assessed spinal mobility, reflex quality and determined pain zones. If during the collection of anamnesis it turns out that the patient is worried about various symptoms, you may need to consult another specialist:
- therapist;
- cardiologist;
- orthopedic specialist;
- gastroenterologist;
- Laura;
- endocrinologists and others.
For the diagnosis of osteochondrosis, a comprehensive examination is used. Of the radiation diagnosis methods, radiography, computed tomography and MRI were used. MRI, due to the high level of visualization, makes it possible to make a diagnosis even in the early stages of pathology. Duplex scanning of arteries in the neck and head area is recommended if the patient complains of headache and dizziness. The exam allows you to assess blood flow and the condition of the ducts.
In addition to the diagnostic methods listed, the following are prescribed:
- ECG;
- Ultrasound of internal organs, heart;
- chest x-ray;
- laboratory research.
They allow to distinguish osteochondrosis from other pathologies with similar symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment of cervical spine osteochondrosis requires an integrated approach and includes medication, physiotherapy, massage, exercise therapy, manual therapy, carboxytherapy and other modern techniques.
Medical treatment
The main goals of drug exposure are to relieve pain, relieve dizziness, normalize nerve root function, and even stop or slow down degenerative changes in cartilage tissue. Depending on the diagnosis given:
- non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs in the form of drops, injections, tablets, ointments - to relieve inflammation and pain;
- hormone medications - to stop the inflammatory process in the event of previous ineffectiveness;
- muscle relaxants - drugs that relieve cramps and thus improve blood circulation;
- Vitamin B in the form of tablets and injections - to improve the conduction of nerve impulses and nutrition of nerve tissue;
- sedatives - for chronic or severe pain, sleep disorders;
- chondroprotectors - drugs aimed at enhancing metabolic processes in cartilage tissue.
Depending on the symptoms, medications may be prescribed to increase microcirculation in the brain, decongestants, metabolic and others.
Non -drug methods
Along with the use of drugs, for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in the acute stage, traditional physiotherapeutic methods are used, such as laser and magnetotherapy, electrical stimulation, phono- and electrophoresis.
Important! Good effects are given by massage, manual therapy, osteopathy and reflexology. They aim to remove restrictions in the work of the spine, relieve pain and regulate the function of internal organs.
Along with traditional medical procedures, innovative methods are used. How to treat cervical osteochondrosis of the spine is determined by the attending physician. The following methods are given:
- Carboxytherapy. The treatment is carried out with the help of subcutaneous injection of carbon dioxide, which triggers a series of biochemical reactions. As a result, microcirculation is improved, swelling and pain are reduced, and local protective processes are activated. This procedure is completely safe. It is often used for patients for whom drug therapy is contraindicated. The number of injections depends on the problem and varies from 5 to 10.
- Ozone therapy. This procedure relieves pain and inflammation, and the effects last for a long period of time. The introduction of ozone around the nearby spine increases tissue nutrition and waste outflow, and also reduces the activity of enzymes that trigger degenerative changes in cartilage.
- PRP - therapy (plasma therapy). Platelet plasma is injected into a muscle located close to the spine. This procedure has a clear stimulating effect on regenerative processes in all spinal structures, slows down the process of destruction of cartilage tissue, relieves muscle spasms, pain, and improves local blood circulation.
- Shock wave therapy. Allows you to quickly relieve muscle spasms, improve blood circulation and eliminate congestion in tissues.
- Kinesio recording. Kinesio taping helps relax the muscles and at the same time has a supportive effect on the spine. This method helps relieve inflammation and swelling, restores joint mobility.
Non -pharmacological methods also include kinesiotherapy (exercise therapy), leech therapy, musculoskeletal therapy and local cryotherapy. The choice of method for treating cervical osteochondrosis remains with the doctor, who focuses on the diagnosis and individual characteristics of the patient's body.
Plans for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are made taking into account the stage of pathology and the presence of concomitant diseases.
Prevention
If you pay attention to preventive measures, you can prevent or slow the progression of osteochondrosis:
- Live an active lifestyle, but avoid excessive physical activity.
- Undergoing preventive treatment 2p/year.
- Avoid or reduce weight lifting.
- For sleeping, use orthopedic mattresses and pillows.
- While working at the computer, warm up every 1 hour.
- Balance your diet by eliminating unhealthy foods.
- Always be involved in physical therapy.
Important! With osteochondrosis, swimming is recommended. Water unloads the spinal space, and the movement forms a strong muscular corset.
To protect and unload the spine, if necessary, it is recommended to wear orthopedic devices. To increase metabolic processes in cartilage and slow down its destruction, do not forget to take chondroprotectors.
Treatment at the clinic
The clinic offers comprehensive diagnostics and modern effective methods for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine: carboxytherapy, interstitial electrical stimulation, general magnetotherapy, shock wave therapy, osteopathy, ozone therapy, local cryotherapy and others.
On visitor services:
- comfortable office;
- modern equipment;
- qualified physician;
- reception by appointment;
- polite staff.
When choosing a method of treatment, the clinician takes into account the diagnosis, the patient's body characteristics and lifestyle. They give recommendations for the prevention and prevention of recurrence of the disease.
In addition to the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in our country, the clinic offers preventive courses, including reflexology, physiotherapy and exercise therapy.
If you are worried about pain in the cervical spine, make an appointment with a professional. They will help you eliminate the manifestations of the disease, give recommendations on prevention, nutrition and lifestyle.