Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, grade 1, is the initial stage of irreversible destructive and degenerative changes in the cartilaginous intervertebral discs and bone bodies of the vertebrae.It is rarely possible to diagnose pathology at an early stage of development, since cervical osteochondrosis may not manifest itself clinically.Even on x-ray images, characteristic signs of damage to cartilaginous structures are often absent.
Characteristics of cervical osteochondrosis of the 1st degree
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the 1st degree is often detected by chance - when diagnosing other pathologies, even not related to the musculoskeletal system.But sometimes the patient himself comes to see the doctor, alarmed by the deterioration of his general health.Indeed, despite the absence of pronounced symptoms of osteochondrosis, the intervertebral discs have already undergone degenerative changes:
- the cartilaginous tissues became denser and enlarged;
- radial cracks appeared on the fibrous rings.
The loss of firmness and elasticity of the intervertebral discs has deteriorated their shock absorption properties.Due to their inability to completely alleviate the load on the vertebrae, slight instability of the cervical spine always occurs.But even a slight displacement of cartilage or bone structures becomes a prerequisite for faster progression of osteochondrosis.
Clinical picture
With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine grade 1, the characteristic signs of this pathology may be absent.A person explains the discomfort that occurs from time to time due to fatigue after physical activity or muscle tension due to the body staying in the same position for a long time.Gradually, the intensity of the neck pain increases.
Periodic, aching and even slightly expressed painful sensations occur for the first time after lifting heavy objects or with hypothermia.They do not have a clear localization, often radiating to the shoulders and upper back.Painful syndrome in the shoulder develops, which becomes the first specific sign of cervical osteochondrosis.At the initial stage of development, pathology can manifest itself clinically as follows:
- limited mobility in the neck.When tilting or turning the head, stiffness of movements is felt, not accompanied by pain;
- The sensitivity of the parts of the body innervated by the nerve plexuses common to the cervical region begins to decrease.The tactility of the shoulders and forearms decreases, less often that of the hands;
- the patient feels a decrease in muscle strength in the arms;
- Headaches and dizziness become more frequent, and visual acuity decreases for a short time.
Cervical osteochondrosis of the 1st degree can be indicated by attacks of sharp, piercing, shooting pain.They usually occur when the head turns suddenly.This is how an increase in the tone of the neck muscles is manifested.Their spasms are a compensatory reaction of the body to the instability of the spinal segments.
Osteochondrosis is characterized by alternating relapses and stages of remission.During exacerbations, discomfort in the neck area is constantly felt.The clinical picture includes vascular, neurological and static signs.During the remission phase, the disease is practically asymptomatic.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made on the basis of the patient's complaints and a series of tests aimed at determining the mobility of the cervical segments.A clue is a history of previous injuries or systemic pathologies of the musculoskeletal system (gout, rheumatoid, reactive arthritis).
The most informative diagnostic procedure is x-ray.1st degree pathologies correspond to the 1st or 2nd radiological stage.The images obtained visualize the typical signs of the disease.
| Radiological stages of cervical osteochondrosis of the 1st degree | Characteristic signs |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Minor changes in spinal curvature in the cervical region, affecting one or more segments |
| Step 2 | Slight thickening of the intervertebral discs, deformation of the uncinate processes, straightening of lordosis, minor growths of bony structures |
Sometimes magnetic resonance imaging is necessary to clarify the diagnosis.With its help, you can detect an aseptic, sluggish inflammatory process and destructive-degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs.
Therapy
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis grade 1 is long-term.At the initial stage of development, the pathology responds well to conservative treatment.Patients are prescribed medications, and physiotherapy and massage procedures are recommended.
All treatment methods are aimed at improving blood circulation in the cervical spine.This allows you to avoid deterioration of the trophism of the intervertebral discs - the main cause of the development of osteochondrosis.And the elimination of the deficit of nutrients and oxygen stimulates the partial regeneration of cartilage tissue.
Pharmacological drugs
Clinically, grade 1 osteochondrosis is manifested by mild pain, the elimination of which does not require the use of drugs in the form of tablets or solutions for parenteral administration.Patients are recommended, if necessary, to apply ointments, gels or creams to the back of the neck:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- local irritating, distracting and warming agents.
In this case, it is still better to use not medications, but biologically active additives for external use containing camphor, formic alcohol, red pepper extract and bee venom.
Vertebrologists include systemic chondroprotectors in treatment regimens.Injectable solutions are used for several days.And then the therapeutic effect is consolidated by taking pills.The duration of treatment is several months to 2 years.
Non-drug treatment
To treat grade 1 osteochondrosis, physiotherapeutic methods are used using various physical factors: low-frequency currents, magnetic fields, laser, ultrasound.The procedures help relieve pain, relieve aseptic inflammation and eliminate increased tone of the neck muscles.
Neurologists and vertebrologists recommend that patients visit the massage room regularly.Thanks to the dosed mechanical effect on the vertebrae, spasmodic muscles relax, blood circulation and microcirculation improve, and local immunity is strengthened.The following types of massage are used in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis:
- classic;
- indicate;
- empty.
Manual therapy with an individually selected method of influence allows you to increase the range of movements of the cervical spine and eliminate the first signs of changes in lordosis.
To restore the anatomically correct shape of the spine or increase the distance between the vertebrae, traction (dry or underwater traction of the spine) is used.
Regular exercise therapy can replace taking medications, massage and physiotherapy.During exercise therapy, blood circulation improves, the neck muscles that stabilize the vertebrae are strengthened, and tissue trophism is normalized.Daily training is an excellent prevention of pain and stiffness of movements.
The first courses of physiotherapy (physiotherapy) are carried out under the guidance of a physiotherapist doctor.It shows how to perform exercises by proportioning the load on the discs and vertebrae to avoid compression of the spinal roots.After a few days, the patient can practice independently at home.
The benefit of rapid detection of the disease lies in the favorable prognosis for complete recovery.The earlier the treatment is carried out, the greater the likelihood of complete restoration of the functional activity of the spine.