Osteochondrosis of the cervical area

30 May 2025

Osteochondrosis is the loss of the intervertebral disc disk degenerative-dystrophic, and the cervical region is the weakest part of the spinal column, which has an anatomical structure very close to other vertebrae and weak muscle corsets.Therefore, even with a small additional load in the neck, vertebral vertebrae can occur, leading to squeezing blood vessels and nerves.

And since the vertebral arteries involved in blood supply to the brain pass through the hole in the horizontal process of the vertebra in the department, the effects of the vertebrae in the department or squeeze holes with overhead osteophytes are filled with severe consequences.

What is it?

Osteochondrosis of the cervical area is a polyethological progressive disease indicated by the deterioration of the intervertebral disc and the dysfunction of the spinal ligament.

Cause

The main causes and prerequisites for the occurrence of cervical vertebral osteochondrosis are:

Spinal cord, scoliosis.
Pressure, nerve pressure negatively affects the general condition of the body, can cause cervical osteochondrosis.
Moving infectious diseases is often the main cause.
Wrong position, uncomfortable body during sleep (for example, uncomfortable pillows).
Congenital problems or the presence of cervical spinal diseases.
Violations of posture in youth and adolescents.
Excessive weight, different degrees of obesity.Extra pounds increase the load on the vertebra and disc, leading to the degenerative process.
Back injuries, which may occur in children or adolescents.
Violation of metabolic processes.
Work related to physical labor, which can cause spinal disease in different departments.
Cheap lifestyle, sitting work, improper performance from any training.

For successful osteochondrosis treatment in the cervical region, it is first necessary to establish the cause of the incident, the prerequisites that cause its development and eliminate it.As of recently, the disease is only found in people aged 45.Now young people are subject to her, the age range is 18-25 years old.

Features -Create a cervical area

Consider how the cervical region varies from the rest of the spine, and in the process of development of osteochondrosis, it serves as a prerequisite for the development of this syndrome.

In the cervical region, the essential ganglia (nodes) of the autonomic nervous system is located.
In the horizontal process of the vertebra, there are holes that form the channel where the artery of the vertebra passes that supplies oxygen and brain nutrients, cerebellum, hearing organs, and vertebral nerves.This is a prerequisite for frequent artery clamps and nerves.
The cervical spine is the most portable.He is characterized by all kinds of movements.This is a prerequisite for frequent violations and subluxations.
The intervertebral hole of three lower vertebrae is not round, but a triangle shape.This is a prerequisite for infringement of the nerve root with bone growth formed with osteochondrosis.
The intervertebral disc is located between the body of the vertebrae that is not throughout.In front of them, there is a prominent edge of the vertebra, which is related to the joints.This is a prerequisite for the emergence of joint subluxation.

Stage of development

The level of osteochondrosis is determined by the clinical picture and the patient's complaint.The concept of a degree should not be confused with osteochondrosis.The level will be discussed below.

First degree.Clinical manifestations are minimal, patients can complain of pain in low intensity cervical spine, it can be intensified when the head is rotated.During a physical examination, a slight tension of the neck muscle can be detected.
Second degree.Patients are worried about pain in the cervical spine, their intensity is greater, there may be radiation on the shoulder, on the hand.This arises due to the decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc and is violated on the nerve root.The pain is increasing as it tends to change and change your head.Patients can note performance decreases, weakness, headache.
Third degree.Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are enhanced, the pain becomes constant with radiation in the arm or shoulder.Numbness or weakness in the hand muscles appear, as the intervertebral disc hernia is formed.Concerned about weakness, dizziness.During the examination, the limitations of mobility in the cervical spine were lowered, pain in the cervical spine palpation.
Fourth degree.There is a complete destruction of the intervertebral disc and its replacement with connective tissue.Dizziness is growing, noise in the ear appears, violations of coordination, as the vertebral artery is involved in the process of consuming the cerebellum and breakdown of the brain.

Symptom

The severity of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis depends on the degree of destruction of the vertebral structure.These symptoms are aggravated by the growth of bone tissue with the formation of osteophytes, radicular syndrome (root pain when pinching), intervertebral hernia (disc highlights in the spinal cord).

The first signs of the disease are periodic headache in the nape, pain in the neck, crisis and click on the vertebra while turning on the head, sometimes a little shoulder.Over time, symptoms grow, and the intensity of pain increases.

Pain syndrome is a major manifestation of osteochondrosis.The pain in the neck is a stupid or sharp stupid with a bastard under the back of the head while turning on the head.The entire cervical compartment or projection zone can hurt the modified vertebrae, as well as collar, shoulders, spatula, heart area.Radiation of pain in the lower jaw, teeth, arms, ears, eye area is not excluded.The neck and shoulder muscles are tense, painful on the palpation.It is difficult to raise your hands from the side of the defeat - immediately there is a shot on the shoulder or neck.Headache restrictions due to pain often occur in the morning after sleeping in an uncomfortable position.

The disease leads to squeezing the peripheral nerve root (casting syndrome) and causes pain along this nerve.It is possible to wet your hands or fingers, a violation of the sensitivity of a particular skin area separated by the pinching nerve.

For some characteristic symptoms, we can assume which vertebrae is affected:

C1 - impaired sensitivity in the occipital region;
C2 - pain in the occipital and parietal areas;
C3-A decrease in sensitivity and pain in the neck in which the spinal cord is violated, violation of language sensitivity, speech disorders due to loss of control over the language;
C4 - impaired sensitivity and pain in the shoulder area, decreased head and neck muscle tone, respiratory disorders, liver and heart pain is possible;
C5 - pain and sensitivity to the outer surface of the shoulder;
C6 - pain spreading from neck to shoulder blade, lower arm, outer surface, radial surface of the lower arm to the thumb;
C7 - The pain spreading from the neck to the shoulder blade, the back surface of the shoulder, the lower arm to the finger - IV of the hand, the sensitivity is affected in the area.
C8 - Pain and affected sensitivity spread from neck to shoulder, lower arm to small fingers.

Cervical osteochondrosis is always accompanied by a headache.Strong and persistent pain increases when changing the neck or movement suddenly.Some patients complain about the severity of their heads.Vertebral artery compression leads to dizziness, nausea.There is noise, ringing in the ear, the black dot blinks in front of the eyes.The deterioration of cerebral circulation causes a progressive decrease in hearing and vision, language numbness, changes in taste sensation.

Click or crunching with the neck almost always accompany the cervical osteochondrosis, observed in each patient.Disadvantages appear during sharp head or back changes.

Syndrome caused by cervical osteochondrosis

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are formed in a particular group called syndrome.Their presence and severity may indicate pathology in the cervical spine with updated localization.

A group of often found syndrome:

Vegetative-Siabolic syndrome.The first vertebra subluxus departs the cervical with displacement can lead to the development of vegeto-vascular dystonia.It is not a specific diagnosis of VVD, as it does not have the symptoms mentioned.There may be signs of neurological, symptoms of impaired cerebral blood flow, intracranial pressure, muscle cramps.As a result, the patient's complaints go down to dizziness, decrease in visual acuity, loss of consciousness, headache, nausea.
Irregular reflexes.The burning and acute pain in the back of the head and neck, sometimes by returning to the chest and shoulders, which occurs at the time of the head and neck position, during sneezing and sharp head turn.
Korshka.Otherwise, called cervical radiculitis, it combines symptoms associated with the cervical vertebral nerve root violation."Goosebumps" in the affected area, tingling in the fingers, lower arms, skin skin, spreading to certain fingers are characteristic.
Heart.Almost the same picture as angina pectoris often leads to improper diagnosis and treatment.This syndrome arises due to irritation of the diaphragm nerve receptor, partly capturing the pericardium and large chest muscles.Thus, cramps in the heart region are more reflex, as a review of the cervical nerve irritation.
Vail artery syndrome.It develops directly with the compression of the artery itself and with a sympathetic nerve plexus, located around it.The pain in this pathology burns or pulses in the occipital region by spreading to whiskey, tutorial arc, crow.It arises on both sides.Patients usually associate deterioration to the after -sleep conditions in non -violeological pose, travel in transport, walk.With clear symptoms, hearing loss, dizziness, ear noise, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, and increased blood pressure are possible.

Diagnostics

As with the diagnosis in medicine, the diagnosis of osteochondrosis is established based on patient complaints, disease anamnesis, clinical examination and additional research methods.X -Ray the cervical spine in direct and lateral projections is performed, if necessary in a special position (with open mouth).At the same time, experts are interested in the height of the intervertebral disc, the presence of osteophytes.

Modern research methods, IAMR and CT research are used, which allows for accurate diagnosis.In addition to the additional research methods listed, the consulting consultation (cardiologist, eye specialist, neurosurgeon) may be needed, and neurologist examination is important.Neurologists are involved in the treatment of osteochondrosis, so after examining the patient, he will prescribe the minimum examination required at his discretion.

How to treat cervical spinal osteochondrosis?

The complex treatment of cervical osteochondrosis may include the following traditional and non -traditional methods: drug treatment, massage, acupressure, manual therapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, homeopathy, folk remedies, etc.

The main treatment regimen for osteochondrosis is the same for all localization of the disease:

First you need to remove the pain syndrome.
Then edema will be removed.
At this stage, it is necessary to normalize blood circulation.
Strengthen the muscle corset.
Improve nutrition and tissue regeneration.

The list of medicines and medicines for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home is very broad:

Anti -inflammatory (steroid).This is a hormone drug that relieves the phenomenon of inflammation and, thus, eliminates pain;
Analgesic (non -—steroid drug that relieves pain).They are usually prescribed in the form of tablets or capsules.It should be noted that most of these drugs cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the digestive tract;
Musorelaxants are medicines that relieve muscle tone.They are used in surgery and orthopedic as an additional remedy to stop pain.Such medications are given parenteral, and are therefore always under the supervision of a doctor.There is a broad list of contraindications;

Chondroprotectors are drugs that contain substances that replace cartilage components.In order to achieve persistent positive effects, these medications must be taken for a long time;
Ointment and gel for external use.This is the most affordable group of drugs in the home.They are divided into inflammation, heating and painkillers.Such funds are often advertised.With cervical osteochondrosis, not all ointments are effective, in addition, due to access, they are sometimes used unreasonably and regardless of pathogenesis features.
Vitamins.With osteochondrosis, prescribed vitamins that have a beneficial effect on the peripheral nervous system and increase conductivity.Water -soluble vitamins: B1, B6, B12, Fat -soluble vitamins: A, C, D, E. In recent years, combined drugs containing both painkillers and vitamin components more frequently.

Only a good team of experts, including neurologists, physiotherapists, masseurs, surgeons, vertebroneurologists, can choose the most appropriate therapy.

Physical Education Medicine

LFK for cervical osteochondrosis should be done beyond acute anxiety.The biggest effectiveness of this technique during the recovery period.During complex implementation, there is no discomfort and pain!

Exercise number 1. Lying on your stomach, resting your hands on the floor, lifting your head and trunk, your back should be straight.Stay in this position for 1-2 minutes.Slowly sink to the floor.Repeat 2-3 times.
Exercise number 2. Lying on your stomach, stretching your arms along the body, turning your head to the left, try touching the floor with your ears, then turning your head to the right.Repeat 6-7 times in each direction.
Exercise number 3. In a sitting position, lean forward, and try to touch your chest with your head, then exhale, lean and remove your head.Repeat 10-15 times.
Exercise number 4. When sitting, place your palms on your forehead, put pressure on your palm on your forehead, and your forehead is in your palm.Continue this exercise for 30 seconds.Repeat 2-3 times.
Exercise number 5. Slowly turn your head first in one direction, then in the other.10 rotations in each direction.Make sure you have no dizziness.When it appears, the training stops.

Therapeutic massage

Massage can be done at home, but it is very careful not to cause severity and not harm the patient.The patient must take a position to lie down, place his forehead in his hand and stretch the chin to the chest.In this case, the neck muscles should be truly relaxed.

Encouraging.It should start massage with this movement: wiping the collar zone towards the lymph into the supraclinking and axillary node.Then a flat shot and cresting are used.
Squeeze.To do the squeeze, the masseur puts the hands across the neck (index and thumb should be together) and move down the spine.Switch can also be done by the edge of the palm to the shoulder joint.

Therapeutic massage for cervical condosis

Trituration.Rubbings are performed to warm up muscles, relax and increase blood flow in this area.Massage should start from the base of the skull, appearing with a finger -a round and easy movement.You can also do the saw movement by setting your palms in parallel to the ribs.
Knead.The neck should be stirred in a circular movement.
Vibration.Massage is prepared by wiping and vibration, which is done using tremors and stroke.

Massage is needed to strengthen muscle tone and relieve pain.Depending on the level of osteochondrosis, massage techniques are selected.However, when making a neck massage, experts use all classic massage techniques: rubbing, wiping, kneading, and more.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy helps to overcome both acute and chronic pain, also increases the amount of movement and improves posture.The main technique of manual therapy for cervical spinal osteochondrosis:

Relaxed massage and segment.It is used to warm the muscles and relieve tension.
Mobilization.Effects aimed at restoring functions together with attractiveness.
Manipulation.A sharp impulse aimed at the patient's pathological zone.This procedure is accompanied by a feature crisis (return joint to normal position).

Manual therapies that practice experts must have this technique perfectly.Otherwise, any error can cause injury.

Orthopedic pillow

Orthopedic pillows for sleeping are an effective preventive method.In many cases, osteochondrosis is aggravated due to additional delivery of cervical arteries and nerve roots during sleep on uncomfortable pillows.Orthopedic products provide a person's uniform horizontal position during sleep and, thus, guarantee a physiological blood supply to the brain.

When choosing a pillow, a person's individual anatomy feature should be taken into account and they should be associated with the amount and feature of the filler.Properly selected pillows bring significant benefits to patients with cervical spinal osteochondrosis.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy procedures for cervical area osteochondrosis:

Electrophoresis.It should be used using painkillers (anesthetic), which is introduced under the skin through electronic pulse.
Ultrasound.It has a good effect on the metabolic processes in the cervical region, as swelling is removed, the leaves are sore.
Magnetotherapy.Safe treatment techniques, consisting of damaged cell effects from low magnetic fields.This gives an analgesic effect, acting as an anti -inflammatory agent.
Laser therapy.Improves blood circulation in the damage zone, relieves tissue swelling, pain.

Physiotherapeutic procedures have a good effect on disc and vertebrae with cervical osteochondrosis.In combination with medicines, combined treatment helps eliminate the symptoms of the disease.The procedure is performed at a special hospital or office in the clinic.Before starting the course, consult your doctor, determine the period of physiotherapy, type.It is strictly prohibited to convey it during severity.

Shanza collar

Shantsa Collar is a soft and simple device, fastening behind Velcro and used for cervical osteochondrosis.But not for treatment, but for temporary relaxation and removal of fatigue.It cannot be worn without removing, otherwise the neck muscles will stop functioning and soon atrophy.If the chantza collar is selected correctly, the patient feels comfortable and safe.

Collar is strictly selected in size at a pharmacy or an orthopedic shop.It is best in the store, because the people working there, as a rule, know the business and characterization of the goods well, and, therefore, can help in every case.

The recovery of the people

If the pain of spinal osteochondrosis becomes unbearable and normal, then you will agree with everything, if only to stop it, and here the traditional complex treatment will successfully complete the people's methods.

Assist the celery root (5 gr. Per 1 liter of boiling water) for 4 hours, drink one tablespoon before each meal;
Honey compress, which we take 2 teaspoons.Honey and 1 tablet mummy.We heat the components in the water bath, spread to the cloth and apply to the cervical area, that is, the neck, at night;
In acute pain, hell that grows in this country helps me.The sheet is just mine, I dial me with boiling water, cool it slightly, put it on my neck and hide it with a thin scarf at night - in the morning you can live and work;
We emphasize chamomile flowers in vegetable oil for two days, after heating to boiling (30 ml of oil is required for 30 grams of plant), rub to the pain area;
Honey-Cartel compress also helps, for this, the root crop must be rubbed and mixed with honey in the same amount, attach it to the pain at night, use it regularly, at least once a week.

Prevention

As always, proper prevention will help prevent osteochondrosis of the cervical area, but, of course, all physical exercises should be used regularly, otherwise, there will not be many "periodic" classes.

It remembers simple rules:

Eat more products with a large amount of calcium and magnesium.These are fish, nuts, nuts, nuts, cheese, vegetables, but from sugar, flour, smoke, acute are better to hold back.
Frequently playing sports, especially swimming, aquaerobics, also to prevent osteochondrosis, gymnastics for stretching and flexibility of the appropriate vertebrae, which can be practiced at home.
When sitting at work at least a few times a day, do a set of special exercises.
Choose good orthopedic mattresses and pillows, suitable for the neck, support the head in a dream in the right anatomy position (yes, your favorite big pillow with a problem with the spine will not pass!).

If you already have such a diagnosis, then the patient must release his spine, that is:

To be careful by lifting and carrying weight, it is best to go to the store twice than pulling an unbearable bag on both hands, very drowning the neck and shoulders;
Do not overcool, avoid drafts and cold air from air conditioning (some like cold on hot days, turning back to fan);
When tilting the body forward - remember osteochondrosis;
Avoid overheating local muscles, which can occur in too hot bathing lovers;
Do not forget to break up regularly from the monitor, change your body position, do not sit for hours, or even days;
Relax to the neck, where it needs to buy chantsis collar;
If possible, if the condition of the cardiovascular system allows, steamed in the bath.

In conclusion, I would like to say that children who threaten osteochondrosis (father and mother already have it) and adults who have obtained the disease in the process of life, only need to take steps to avoid disabled and not on the operating table, as this operation is quite complicated and requires long recovery.In addition, it is not always possible, as there are cases that cannot be used, so it is best to protect the health with the younger, while the disc is intact, and the unnecessary growth of the blood vessels.