Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Cervical osteochondrosis is a kind of dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs of the neck.

Not only the discs themselves are negatively affected, but also the vertebrae, soft tissue and cartilage. The main feature of the cervical region is the fact that its vertebrae do not have the most reliable structure compared to other regions, which makes this area very vulnerable. The vertebrae are located in close proximity to each other, as well as the arteries that supply the human brain.

If there is a displacement of the vertebrae, then there is a high probability of compression of the nerve bundles and arteries, which will inevitably lead to the appearance of a hernia between the vertebrae and the protrusion, that is-to say. changes in the structure of the spinal disc.

What it is?

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (Osteohondroz) is a degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the intervertebral discs, as a result of which the discs themselves, vertebrae and joints of the cervical spine are damaged and a decrease in the height of the discsintervertebral is observed. The disease progresses if left untreated and can lead to headaches, poor circulation, and even a hernia. Like osteoporosis, the disease occurs due to a violation of mineral metabolism, as a result of which the bones and joints weaken.

Why does osteochondrosis appear?

Although traditional medicine considers degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine to be a disease, from the point of view of osteopathy it is only a manifestation of deeper disorders in the body.

So, the real causes of cervical osteochondrosis are:

1. Muscle spasms. . . Spasmodic reactions of the muscles of the back, chest, press can lead to the fact that some parts of the body are very tense. As a result, the general equilibrium position of the body is disturbed, causing a change in the position of the spine. The deformities can affect the cervical region or other parts of the spine, causing osteochondrosis of the thoracic, cervical and lumbar regions.
2. Bad position. . . Scoliosis, curvature, round back, kyphosis, and other postural disturbances, even if minor, cause severe imbalance in the spine. As a result, the load on the intervertebral discs is unevenly distributed, which causes their deformation and increased wear. The vertebrae begin to converge, causing damage to nervous processes, cervical osteochondrosis develops quite quickly. Postural disturbances caused by a change in the natural position of the ribs have similar consequences.
3. Innervation disorder. . . A decrease in the sensitivity of the nerve roots leads to pathological changes in their structure, as a result of which the displacement and deformation of the cervical vertebrae remain unnoticed by the patient. After all, pain is absent due to disturbances in sensitivity.
4. Diseases of internal organs. . . The incorrect position of internal organs, their displacement and lowering due to various malfunctions lead to a violation of the general balance of the body. As a result, it strongly affects the position of the spine - the cervical and lumbar vertebrae are displaced and deformed, resulting in the corresponding types of osteochondrosis.
5. Violation of the blood supply. . . Since the vertebral discs do not have a direct connection with the circulatory system, they receive nutrition from the surrounding tissues. Violation of the blood supply to the cervical spine leads to the fact that the discs do not receive enough fluid for rehydration (restoration of the shape due to moisture absorption), the renewal of cartilage tissue. As a result, their wear is accelerated, there is a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae of the cervical spine, leading to osteochondrosis.

Steps

The attending physician should determine the degree of development of cervical osteochondrosis, based on the history, as well as the examination of the patient. There are only four degrees:

1. First degree. . . The disease is in the bud, the patient has mild pain in the neck, which may be more severe if the person begins to turn their head.
2. Second degree. . . The patient may complain of very severe pain in the cervical spine, which may be localized to the upper limbs. The clinical picture shows that at this stage of the development of the disease, a pinching of the nerve bundles is observed, which causes severe pain. Headache, weakness, and general malaise are also noted.
3. Third degree. . . The pains become almost incessant, also radiating to the shoulder or arm. Some patients are diagnosed with a herniated disc, which results in loss of sensation in the upper limbs. Upon examination by a doctor, there is a noticeable decrease in the mobility of the cervical spine, as well as pain on palpation.
4. Fourth degree. . . At this stage of the disease, the intervertebral disc is almost completely destroyed. In its place, connective tissue appears, which leads to a worsening of the patient's condition. He begins to feel more pain, noise in his head, as well as poor orientation in space. This suggests that the artery is pinched, which interferes with the brain's natural nutrition.

First signs

How is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine manifested:

• Radicular syndrome - against the background of compression of nerve endings, pain occurs, which spreads from the neck to the shoulder blades, forearms, covers the anterior wall of the chest;
• muscle weakness in the arms, noticeable swelling in the neck;
• when moving the head, a characteristic crunch is heard;
• weakness, chronic fatigue, drop in blood pressure;
• lack of coordination, often dizziness, seizures are accompanied by nausea, vomiting;
• deterioration of vision and hearing, noise, ringing in the ears;
• numbness of limbs, tongue;
• frequent migraines;
• in women aged 45-65 years, during sleep, pain, numbness, tingling in the upper extremities appears, seizures can be repeated several times a night.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Important symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are dizziness, headache, increased blood pressure.

Diagnosis of the disease is difficult, the pain sometimes does not appear, and the symptoms disappear, moreover, the uncontrolled use of strong analgesics masks the signs of the disease. A patient who does not feel pain considers himself to be in good health, and this continues until the development of irreversible processes in the tissues of the joints of the neck.

Headache with cervical osteochondrosis

The most common causes of headaches in the pathology we describe:

1. Vascular spasms of the brain;
2. Pinched nerve roots;
3. Reflex increase in intracranial pressure.

It feels like the pain can be paroxysmal, constant, throbbing, and dull.

Dizziness with cervical osteochondrosis

Dizziness can result from:

1. Inflammation of the middle or inner ear;
2. Vascular spasms of the brain;
3. Disorders of the transmission of nerve impulses;
4. Problems with the vestibular apparatus;
5. Diseases of the cardiovascular system.

There are no clear criteria for dizziness in osteochondrosis. However, there are systemic and non-systemic dizziness, they have obvious differences.

It is recommended to know the differences between systemic and non-systemic dizziness, this will help to independently determine the causes of an unusual condition:

1. Systemic vertigo is a sensation of circular motion of surrounding objects or the body, which is a consequence of disruption of the vestibular apparatus, visual analyzers and receptors in the joints, muscles and epidermis (osteochondrosis of etiologiesvarious);
2. Non-systemic vertigo is a feeling of lightheadedness, a feeling of lightheadedness, doubt of being in an upright position. In non-systemic vertigo, the sensation of circular rotation is absent, and this is an important difference between the signs compared.

A person who experiences vertigo of any of these types should be examined by an experienced doctor, first by a neurologist or (if disease of the ear and nasopharynx is suspected) by an otorhinologist. laryngologist.

The reason for emergency hospitalization, not associated with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, is the identification of the patient (except for dizziness) with signs such as:

1. Paralysis of the facial muscles and numbness of part of the shoulder girdle;
2. Severe headache against the background of deteriorating health;
3. Disorders of coordination of movements;
4. Loss or extinction of consciousness.

Blood pressure in cervical osteochondrosis

The link between cervical osteochondrosis and spikes in blood pressure has long been established. The cervical vertebrae have large nerve endings and blood vessels.

A distinctive feature of high blood pressure in cervical osteochondrosis is a combination with the following symptoms:

• Headache;
• Pain in the limbs and chest;
• Decreased sensitivity in the neck area;
• The appearance of pressure peaks after stress, muscle tension, prolonged uncomfortable posture and other similar situations.

These signs should be taken into account when self-differentiating hypertension of various origins.

Sudden jumps in blood pressure and rapid deterioration in health are the basis for seeking emergency medical help.

Osteochondrosis syndromes

Osteochondrosis consists of the following syndromes:

1. Vertebral. . . It is also called vertebral, which indicates that bones and cartilage tissue are involved in the pathological process. This leads to the formation of such symptoms: limitation of motor activity of the neck, pain when turning it, radiological changes in the image of the cervical spine. It is the simultaneous appearance of these signs which constitutes the vertebral syndrome. A similar set of clinical signs is observed in myositis (pathology of muscle tissue), and painful movements accompany many other pathologies.
2. Cardiac syndrome. . . It manifests itself by a burning sensation in the chest, the appearance of shortness of breath. The person experiences a rapid heartbeat, becomes tired and irritable. This image is also typical of cardiological pathology, for example, angina, coronary syndrome, heart attack. A precise conclusion about the causes of these symptoms can be drawn after the patient has undergone an ECG.
3. Radicular syndrome. . . The cervical region innervates 8 pairs of nerves, each of which has roots - the place where the nerve exits the vertebra. When involved in osteochondrosis, the patient feels a decrease in sensitivity or vice versa - severe pain. There may be numbness in the occiput, whether painful, decreased sensitivity of the tongue, behind the ear, pain in the supraclavicular region. Sometimes there are violations of swallowing, movements of the belt of the upper limb, numbness of the fingers.

Diagnostic

If there are clear signs of cervical osteochondrosis on the face, the doctor prescribes certain methods to ensure that the diagnosis is correct:

1. X-ray of the cervical spine. This method is recommended in the early stages of the disease, but may be unnecessary in advanced forms.
2. CT (computed tomography). This allows you to see the structural changes in the vertebrae, but using this method it is impossible to determine the size of the hernia between the vertebrae.
3. MRI. It is considered the most effective diagnostic method for determining cervical osteochondrosis. It is possible to determine the size of the hernia between the discs, as well as the degree of their development.
4. Your doctor may also order a two-sided ultrasound to determine if your arteries are not working properly.

Complications of the disease

What is the danger of cervical osteochondrosis:

• frequent migraine attacks;
• heart rhythm disturbances, atherosclerosis;
• protrusion, intervertebral hernia, bony growths of the vertebrae;
• serious pathologies of the brain;
• narrowing of the lumen of the vertebral artery, which leads to the development of VSD, cerebral hypertension, disability;
• stroke.

First aid at home with exacerbation of osteochondrosis

In case of severe pain, pain relievers can be used. If pain relievers do not help, NSAIDs can be taken.

Often used are "distracting" means, for example, pepper plaster, which does not heal, but only heats the inflamed and distracted area from pain. In case of edema at the level of inflammation, the patient can drink an infusion of herbs or a diuretic for 3-4 days. Can osteochondrosis be cured by such methods? These measures are only temporary; to treat the causes, you need to see a doctor.

How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?

At the initial stage of development, osteochondrosis can be cured without drugs, it is enough to revise the diet, daily regimen and regularly perform a series of special exercises. With advanced forms of the disease, effective treatment is possible only with the use of various drugs that help stop degenerative changes in the vertebrae.

The set of therapeutic measures should include physiotherapy - electrophoresis with drugs, ultrasound, magnetotherapy, laser therapy. These methods help to cope with pain, inflammation, tissue swelling, improve metabolic processes and improve blood circulation.

Medical treatment

The main methods of treating osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are drug therapy, physiotherapy, massage of the cervical neck area, therapeutic exercises for cervical osteochondrosis are especially effective. The main groups of drugs used for this disease include:

name	Principle of operation
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).	They reduce pain, help relieve aseptic inflammation and edema of the damaged nerve root.
Medicines which improve the rheological properties of blood and blood circulation.	Improves the nutrition of damaged nerve roots and improves blood flow to the brain.
B vitamins.	Improves metabolic processes in nervous tissue.
Muscle relaxants.	These are drugs that relieve muscle spasms.
Chondroprotectors. These are glucosamine and chondroitin.	These are drugs that restore cartilage tissue, including in the damaged intervertebral disc.

When taking pills for osteochondrosis, it should be remembered that a significant effect of drug treatment with pills will be only if you combine it with other methods, including exercise. It should also be noted that the attending physician should prescribe how to treat the disease depending on its stage and other signs.

The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with injections is considered by many doctors to be effective because it allows faster action on the nerve endings and causes minimal side reactions. At the same time, it is better to take the vitamins in pill form, since there is no difference in assimilation, but the injections can be painful.

Injections used for treatment:

• intramuscular injections cause a general strengthening and anti-inflammatory effect;
• blockages are injected directly into the affected area, resulting in a rapid effect.

Ointments and gels for external use

This is the most accessible group of drugs for home use. They are divided into inflammation relief, warming, and pain relievers.

With cervical osteochondrosis, not all ointments are effective. In addition, due to their availability, they are sometimes used unreasonably and without taking into account the peculiarities of pathogenesis. Before using any medicine, you must be examined by a doctor.

Exercise therapy

Physiotherapy of cervical osteochondrosis should be carried out without acute exacerbation. The greatest effectiveness of this technique is during the recovery period. There should be no discomfort or pain while performing the complex!

Exercise number 1	Lying on your stomach, put your hands on the floor, raise your head and torso, your back should be straight. Stay in this position for 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly lower yourself to the ground. Repeat 2-3 times.
Exercise number 2	Lying on your stomach, stretch your arms out alongside your body, turn your head to the left, try to touch the floor with your ear, then turn your head to the right. Repeat 6-7 times in each direction.
Exercise number 3	While seated, while inhaling, lean forward and try to touch your chest with your head, then exhale, lean back and tilt your head back. Repeat 10-15 times.
Exercise number 4	While seated, place your palms on your forehead, apply pressure with your palms on your forehead and your forehead on your palms. 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 direction. 10 turns in each direction. Watch for dizziness. When it appears, the exercise stops.

Massage for cervical osteochondrosis

The massage should be done carefully, without any force. Inexperienced and unprofessional massage can be unsuccessful. The movements should extend to the cervical region, neck and part of the back. Massage is performed while lying down, in extreme cases, while sitting.

The techniques are based on the following techniques:

1. Caress. Impact on the superficial layers of the skin. With the palms of the hands or the fingertips of the head to the upper third of the middle of the back. The strokes from the base of the neck can also be zigzagged;
2. Pressing. Impact on the deep layers of the skin in the upper third of the back. The fingers (thumb and index finger) across the neck perform movements to grip the skin, reminiscent of a compression. This is done with care, the tissues close to the vertebrae are not involved;
3. Trituration. The purpose of the procedure is to warm the skin and increase blood flow to the neck area. This is done with extreme caution. Impact on the spinous processes of the vertebrae is not allowed. The friction can be replaced by movements reminiscent of sawing, or circular strokes;
4. Kneading. It is of limited importance because it affects very deeply lying tissues, which can aggravate the pathology.

Self-massage for cervical osteochondrosis is performed in a comfortable sitting position. Methods of caressing, circular rubbing in the neck or shoulders are used. It is advisable to combine the self-massage method with the rubbing of various ointments that increase blood flow and relieve pain in the kneaded area.

Physiotherapy

In addition to taking medication, the patient has to undergo physiotherapy procedures. They increase the effectiveness of drugs and promote the restoration of joints and intervertebral discs.

1. Electrophoresis - ions of the anesthetic drug enter the sore spot due to the action of an electric current.
2. Laser therapy - has anti-inflammatory properties, ensures improved blood circulation, by means of exposure to light.
3. Magnetic therapy - relieves tissue swelling, has an analgesic effect.
4. Ultrasound - there is an improvement in metabolic processes, relief of pain, relief of inflammation of damaged areas.

Several procedures are used in the form of physiotherapy. The doctor prescribes treatment based on the indications and the absence of contraindications.

Folk remedies

Alternative therapy should be used in addition to drug therapy and physical education, unconventional methods will not help to get rid of the disease completely.

What to do with cervical osteochondrosis at home:

1. Pour boiling water over a fresh horseradish leaf, cool slightly, fix the inside to the neck, fix with a thin natural cloth. The procedure is done before going to bed, leave the compress overnight.
2. Grate raw potatoes on a fine grater, mix in equal proportions with warm liquid honey. Use the mixture for compresses, the procedure should be carried out 1-2 times a week.
3. Mix a raw egg with 100 ml of sunflower oil, 20 ml of vinegar and 20 g of flour, remove the mixture in a dark place for 48 hours, remove the film from the surface. Means for smearing the inflamed area before bedtime, store in the refrigerator.
4. In May, harvest pine buds up to 2 cm long, cut them into thin slices, fold them into a dark glass container. For 1 part of the raw material take 2 parts of sugar, remove the drug in a dark place for 2 weeks. Drink 5 ml of the mixture three times a day, do not swallow immediately, hold in your mouth for 2-3 minutes. Course duration - 15-20 days, repeat 2-3 times a year.
5. Grind 150 g of peeled garlic and 400 g of cranberries, put the mixture in a glass container, add 800 ml of honey after 24 hours, mix. Take 5 ml of the drug three times a day before meals.

Face severe pain, remove excess salt with a cabbage leaf smeared with honey, fix the compress on the neck with a warm scarf, leave it overnight.

Applicator

The use of applicators is one of the methods of treating diseases of the spine, including osteochondrosis.

The impact of the device on the cervical spine normalizes metabolic processes, relieves pain, increases muscle tone, improves blood circulation, increases the conductivity of nervous tissue, etc.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy is based on the principle of restoring motor functions and mobility between the vertebrae.

At first, the manipulations consist of a light relaxing massage, then the doctor applies more and more force, acts on the vertebrae by pressing and turning the neck.

Surgery

The spine is the foundation of the entire human body. When diagnosing any pathology associated with the spine, specialists seek to eliminate it therapeutically. Any operation on the spine is fatal.

With cervical osteochondrosis, surgical intervention is allowed in the following indications:

• intervertebral hernia, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis;
• lack of therapy results when exposed for more than six months;
• the formation of osteophytes.

Modern medicine offers many ways to perform surgery with minimal risk to the health and life of the patient.

Prophylaxis

Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease that first of all develops with an improper lifestyle. As a result, disease prevention is a healthy lifestyle.

It is possible to reduce the risk of developing OHSS if:

• exclude provoking factors;
• regular exercise;
• do not resort to strenuous physical activity;
• get rid of bad habits;
• try to be as little nervous as possible;
• eat well.

Compliance with preventive measures will help speed up the healing process and eliminate the risk of relapse. The elderly and those who have a hereditary predisposition are invited to constantly adhere to prevention. The observance of a diet, the realization of simple exercises will certainly bring a positive result. It is also helpful to do yoga and swimming.