Among all the pathological processes affecting the spine in its various parts, cervical osteochondrosis is considered one of the most common. This disease leads to many complications, mainly because it affects the spinal cord and also negatively affects the functioning of the brain.
According to statistics for 2017, the disease has become significantly younger. While osteochondrosis used to mainly affect people over the age of 40, today various stages of cervical osteochondrosis are diagnosed in 90% of people over 25 years old. For this reason, it is important to know as much as possible about the pathology, from the pathology to the treatment methods.
What is cervical osteochondrosis?
In medical practice, the term "cervical osteochondrosis" refers to an acquired progressive disease affecting a certain part of the spine. This pathological process is characterized by degenerative-dystrophic processes in the tissue of the intervertebral discs, which are shock absorbers for the cervical vertebrae.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs occur because they are worn out and deformed. As a result, the distance between the vertebrae decreases and the following consequences occur:
- Narrowing of the spinal canal in certain areas of the spine.
- Compression of the vertebral arteries – large blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. As a result, the supply to the brain deteriorates and the blood flow to the cervical spinal cord is disrupted.
- Intervertebral discs can become deformed and flattened. This leads to compression of certain areas of the spinal cord and nerves, most commonly compression of the nerve roots.
All these problems threaten not only blood circulation in the brain, neck pain, headaches, etc. The development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is dangerous and is accompanied by neurological problems, deterioration of the central nervous system and damage to brain tissue.
According to the international classification of diseases, several separate codes are assigned to osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. The disease code according to ICD 10 depends on the age at which the disease was diagnosed:
- M02 – Intervertebral disc dystrophy in adolescence.
- M42. 12 – degenerative process in the neck area in adults.
Many factors depend on the patient's age and the degree of development of the pathological process, for example, consequences, complications, symptoms and, of course, the principles of treatment.
causes
Knowledge of the causes of the development of cervical osteochondrosis can play a decisive role in the diagnostic process, as well as in determining the principles of combating the disease.
However, before listing the reasons, it is worth noting that doctors identify two factors that lead to the development of this pathological process:
- Pathological – the destruction of intervertebral discs and other vertebral structures with the involvement of neighboring tissues, vessels and nerve bundles in the pathological process occurs under the influence of unfavorable external factors. The more serious these factors and other pathologies are, the faster the disease develops.
- Physiological – the development of pathology is based mainly on age-related changes. We are talking about the natural aging of the cartilage tissue in the spine, salt deposits, etc.
If we list more specific causes of cervical osteochondrosis, they are as follows:
- Disturbances of metabolic processes in the body and certain stages of obesity.
- Physical inactivity is a phenomenon characterized by reduced mobility. It's not just about injuries or illnesses, but also about a sedentary lifestyle and sedentary work.
- Pathologies of the cardiovascular system, leading to impaired blood circulation in the brain, changes in pressure, etc.
- Poor posture includes various forms of scoliosis, rheumatism and even flat feet.
- Cervical spine injury. In this case we are talking about sprains, blows, bruises. Injuries to other parts of the spine can influence the development of cervical osteochondrosis.
- Excessive physical stress on the cervical spine caused by intense sports or severe physical difficulties, depending on the type of activity the person is doing.
- A sedentary lifestyle is also dangerous due to constant tension in the cervical spine and the entire spine when sitting incorrectly or on uncomfortable furniture.
- Hernia of the cervical spine and various concomitant diseases.
- Compulsive holding of the head in an uncomfortable or unnatural position for long periods of time. This not only causes a muscle strain, but also a bending of the spine in the neck area.
- Doctors consider constant stress and nervous tension to be a very common cause.
- One of the reasons is also considered to be congenital anomalies in the structure of the spine.
What health risks does it pose?
As already mentioned, the cervical spinal region contains not only the spinal cord and various nerve branches, but also the vertebral arteries that supply blood to the occipital part of the brain, the cerebellum and the medulla oblongata.
With the development of cervical osteochondrosis, inflammation of the surrounding tissue occurs. In addition, the development of pathology threatens to compress nerve roots and squeeze blood vessels, which causes the following consequences:
- Osteochondrosis is accompanied by spinal deformations that lead to narrowing of the spinal canal in certain areas. This can lead to compression of the spinal cord and nerve branches, promising serious neurological problems. In severe cases, the person may feel pain and may even lose control of certain parts of the body (mainly the arms or face).
- As already mentioned, the compression of the neck vessels is accompanied by a circulatory disorder in the back of the brain. In this case, the brain no longer receives oxygen and nutrients in the required amount and oxygen starvation begins. When blood flow is compromised, there is a real risk of ischemic stroke and various neurological diseases.
Syndromes
As for the danger that cervical osteochondrosis poses, with a progressive course and lack of adequate treatment, the disease can lead to a number of complications and syndromes.
The main syndromes are:
- Whirl.
- Vertebral artery.
- Koreshkovy.
- Heart.
It is important to know that each of these symptoms is accompanied by painful sensations of different nature, as well as a variety of unfavorable clinical symptoms. A person may feel dizzy, have tinnitus, and more.
Vertebral syndrome
Speaks of a direct connection between cervical osteochondrosis and bone and cartilage tissue. The symptoms of this type of pathology are also accompanied by damage to the mentioned tissues:
- Neck movements are partially or completely restricted.
- Head movements are accompanied by painful sensations in the neck area.
- X-rays show morphological changes in the tissue (intervertebral and vertebral bodies).
It is worth noting that vertebral syndrome is always accompanied by these three clinical symptoms. If at least one of these is missing, the diagnosis is completely different.
Vertebral artery syndrome
This syndrome is caused by narrowing of the vertebral artery, which leads to vestibular, vascular and autonomic problems. In this case, the main symptoms are extensive:
- Headaches and migraines.
- visual impairment.
- Noises in the ears.
- Frequent dizziness and much more.
The most dangerous symptom is fainting, which indicates a severe lack of oxygen.
Radicular syndrome
Occurs when the roots of the spinal cord are damaged. In this case, nerve conduction is disrupted and pain or loss of sensitivity in certain parts of the body or even paralysis can occur.
Depending on which of the 8 root pairs the conduction disorder occurs, the following symptoms are observed:
- 1 pair – numbness or pain in the back of the head;
- 3rd pair – impaired chewing reflex, numbness of the tongue and unpleasant sensations behind the ears;
- 4 pairs – pain in the clavicle area, impaired swallowing reflex;
- 5 pair – disorders of the shoulder girdle, accompanied by problems with arm movement;
- 6th pair - the patient begins to feel pain and numbness in the forearm and shoulder blades;
- 7. Pair – hands and fingers (usually index and middle fingers) become numb;
- 8th pair - similar problems to the previous point, but numbness is felt in the ring finger and little finger.
Based on the characteristics described, it is sometimes possible to determine which pair of roots is affected by the root syndrome.
Cardiac syndrome
Despite the fact that the pathological process is still localized in the cervical spine, the syndrome has all the signs of heart disease. The clinical picture is as follows:
- Fast pulse.
- Pain in the sternum.
- Shortness of breath, weakness, lethargy, reduced performance.
Degree of disease development
When we talk about the degree of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, we mean the stages of progression of the pathological process, which differ in clinical symptoms. There are a total of four degrees of development of the disease:
- The first stage is characterized by vague symptoms. The patients complain of a slight headache, and during the initial examination the doctor notices slight muscle stiffness.
- Pain in the cervical spine and head occurs more frequently, is more intense and radiates to the shoulder and arms. The pathology is caused by damage to the intervertebral discs and pinched nerve roots. The pain increases when turning, throwing back and bending the head forward.
- In the third stage, pain is constant, muscle weakness is noted in the arms, and hernias form in the intervertebral discs. Movement in the neck area is restricted and dizziness often occurs.
- The fourth stage is accompanied by complete destruction of the intervertebral disc, cartilage tissue is replaced by connective tissue. In addition to pain and dizziness, coordination problems are also observed, and the vertebral arteries are often pinched.
Signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
In order to consult a doctor in a timely manner, it is necessary to clearly understand the signs of cervical osteochondrosis. In some cases, this knowledge allows you to seek help in the early stages of the disease, when the disease is easier to treat.
In general, the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are as follows:
- Pain in osteochondrosis is always present, only the intensity and frequency differ. Pain is the first clinical sign. Its intensity depends on the stage of the disease progression; they are dull or compressive in nature. Pain sensations occur primarily in the neck and back of the head, but can also radiate to the temple region, the shoulder girdle and the arms.
- In most cases there are signs of damage to the vestibular system. We are talking about frequent dizziness for no reason, nausea, poor coordination of movements, uneven gait and loss of space.
- One of the most common clinical signs is stiffness of the neck muscles and stiffness of movement. It is difficult for a person to turn, lower and throw his head back, movements are accompanied by attacks of pain.
- Many patients report a feeling of goosebumps on the scalp or a characteristic tingling sensation.
- Muscle weakness and numbness occur in the arm area.
- Psychological symptoms often occur, which manifest themselves in depression, sleepiness, sudden mood swings, short temper or irritability.
- Due to poor blood circulation and damage to brain tissue, dizziness increases and ringing in the ears appears, resembling rustling, pulsating and ringing.
- Most patients notice worsening vision as well as pain in the eyeballs, especially when they try to squint their eyes too much to the left, right, up, or down.
Sometimes it is possible to determine the degree of development of the pathological process by the symptoms. However, this is not enough for a complete diagnosis and a number of diagnostic measures are required.
Diagnostic methods
Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis is necessary to determine the location and stage of progression of the disease. For a complete diagnosis, the following diagnostic methods are required:
- Radiography is the primary method for determining the extent and location of a spinal deformity.
- With the help of computer tomography, pathological changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs can be diagnosed more precisely.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – allows detailed examination of intervertebral discs and vertebrae, determining the presence of hernias, protrusions, the extent of lesions, etc.
- Dopplerography – with this examination it is possible to find the place of compression of the artery and assess the degree of circulatory impairment.
Treatment methods
Treatment of neck osteochondrosis always requires an integrated approach. The principles of treatment depend on a variety of factors, such as the patient's age, the stage of development of the disease, the severity of the clinical picture, etc.
However, in this situation you cannot do without a doctor and should first contact a family doctor who will then refer you to a vertebral doctor.
As for the integrated approach: osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is treated with the help of drug therapy, physiotherapy, massage, exercise therapy and other methods that are worth talking about in more detail.
Medication
The basis for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is drug therapy, in which tablets, medications and drugs of the following groups are used:
- Painkillers – analgesics and antispasmodics. The first directly dampen the nerve centers, thereby relieving painful sensations. The latter allow you to relieve spasms of the neck muscles, improve blood circulation and suppress pain.
- NSAIDs – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are necessary to relieve inflammation, most of them also eliminate pain. Often these medications are used in the form of gels or ointments that are rubbed into the affected area.
- Muscle relaxants are another way to relieve muscle spasms in the neck area.
- At certain stages of osteochondrosis of the spine, chondroprotectors are mandatory, as they contribute to the restoration of bone tissue.
- B vitamins – normalize the metabolic processes of nervous tissue, improve the conductivity of nerve impulses and promote the functioning of the central nervous system.
Remember that treatment should only be carried out under the supervision of a doctor who is responsible for prescribing each medication, as well as determining the duration of use and dosage.
physical therapy
Treatment of neck osteochondrosis will be many times more effective using certain physiotherapeutic techniques:
- Electrophoresis.
- Laser therapy.
- Ultrasonic.
- Massage.
Massage therapy must be carried out by an experienced doctor, the treatment takes place in at least 10 sessions. Cervical massages help to normalize blood circulation, restore elasticity and muscle tone, relieve pain, etc.
physical therapy
Therapeutic exercises also help speed recovery, but are only performed during the recovery period. It is important that the exercises do not cause discomfort or pain to the patient. The aim of exercise therapy is to strengthen the muscles and relieve movement problems by increasing the elasticity of the muscle fibers.
The exercise technique is first developed by a physiotherapist, then the patient can do gymnastics independently at home.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy is based on the principle of restoring motor functions and mobility between the vertebrae. The manipulations initially consist of a light relaxing massage, then the doctor applies more and more force, applying pressure and turning the neck towards the vertebrae.
Kuznetsov applicator
The use of Kuznetsov applicators is one of the methods of treating spinal diseases, including osteochondrosis. The effect 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.
Home treatment
The entire range of therapeutic measures is carried out at home, with the exception of physiotherapy, massages (partially) and the first steps of exercise therapy. However, now let's talk about traditional medicine and consider some of the most effective recipes:
- To use horseradish, take a leaf of this plant, pour boiling water over it, place the inside on your neck and secure it with a bandage. Can be left on while sleeping to enhance the effects.
- If there are no medical contraindications, warming the cervical spine would be a good remedy. The easiest method is to use a pepper patch. However, you can also heat the wax cake and apply 1-2 times until it cools completely.
Disease prevention
In order to prevent the development of the disease or its recurrence after treatment, it is necessary to prevent osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. It consists of the following simple recommendations:
- Sleep on a flat, hard surface; It is better to buy a special orthopedic mattress and pillow that adapts to the shape of your head.
- To prevent the disease, monitor your physical activity and do not overload your spine. If you must lift weights, do so gently and keep your back straight.
- If your job requires sitting for long periods of time, take breaks. Every hour you need to walk or stretch your stiff muscles with simple gymnastic movements.
To prevent osteochondrosis, it makes sense to go swimming and hang on the horizontal bar for 2-3 minutes every day.