The appearance of discomfort and pain in the cervical region may indicate a disorder of cartilage and bone tissue and, consequently, the development of serious disease. Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology of the spine, in which there are dystrophic-degenerative changes in the vertebral bodies, their intervertebral processes and discs.
In case of severe symptoms, you should definitely see a doctor and undergo an examination. The clinic has everything you need to diagnose this pathology and get a detailed clinical picture of the affected area of the cervical vertebrae.
Classification of cervical osteochondrosis
Previously, osteochondrosis of the neck usually occurred in people aged 45-55 years, however, due to the emergence of many additional factors characteristic of the rhythm of modern life, the disease has become significantly "younger" and is often detected even in adolescents and children.
Among other types of cervical osteochondrosis is the most common. In contrast to the thoracic, lumbar and sacral, it is detected in almost 25% of patients.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region takes place in stages. The resulting signs and symptoms are shown depending on the degree of damage to the cartilage and bone structure.
There are four stages of cervical osteochondrosis:
- I - the height of the intervertebral disc in the affected area is slightly reduced and the symptoms are mild or only determined when performing movements;
- II - in addition to a progressive decrease in disc height, pathological growth of cartilage tissue occurs, protrusions appear, cracks on the fibrous rings, dryness and stiffness when twisting the neck, the pain becomes more pronounced;
- III - fibrous ring ruptures, intervertebral hernia appears, these changes cause deformation of the spine and can cause dislocation and subluxation, the pain becomes longer and more acute, there are signs of loss of sensitivity in the neck area. , neck, arms and shoulders;
- IV - bone lesions and cartilage tissue become irreversible, osteophytes appear on the surface of cartilage and bone are destroyed.
The most neglected levels are characterized by significant compression of nerves and blood vessels, hypoxia of trophic -dependent organs (brain, organs of vision, etc. ), immobility of the shoulder girdle and neck. Prolonged pain syndrome significantly reduces quality of life.
When making a diagnosis, in addition to indicating the stage of cervical osteochondrosis, a system for determining the number of affected cervical vertebrae is used - from CI to CVII. He pointed to a segment that had undergone dystrophic-degenerative changes.
The degree of cervical osteochondrosis is an important criterion for devising treatment tactics.
Etiology and pathogenesis of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis in most cases is provoked by a combination of various factors. The cause between them can be considered the fact of one’s upright walking. In this position, most of the load falls on the neck and lumbar. With age, blood vessel conditions worsen in most people, more chronic pathologies and age -related changes appear that affect tissue nutrition.
Other causes of cervical osteochondrosis are associated with the following factors:
- hypodynamics;
- overweight;
- prolonged smoking;
- Flat feet;
- frequent pregnancies;
- postural disorders;
- autoimmune diseases;
- violation of metabolic processes;
- hereditary tendencies;
- improper dietary composition;
- frequent injuries and microtraumas of the cervical vertebrae;
- carrying a weight on one shoulder or in one hand;
- sleeping on the wrong pillow or mattress;
- acquired or congenital instability of the vertebrae;
- improper workplace organization.
With timely visits to the doctor and the exclusion of predisposing causes of osteochondrosis in the cervical region, it is possible to achieve a stable remission.
Clinical manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis are not always observed by patients in the first stage of this pathology. Their nature and degree of severity are largely determined by the zone of damage, because nerves extending from the spinal cord in one or another part of the spine perform different functions.
The main symptom of cervical osteochondrosis is a manifestation of pain syndrome. Pain and discomfort in the neck and shoulders become stronger after sleeping on uncomfortable pillows, when twisting and other movements in the head and neck and shoulder girdle, hypothermia or vigorous physical exercise. As neck osteochondrosis develops, some patients begin to be forced to keep their head down and they develop the habit of turning their whole body.
Subluxation and dislocation of the vertebrae, rupture of an intervertebral hernia or pinched nerves can cause acute pain (they are often called "back pain"). These complications require emergency care.
In addition to pain, symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Headache;
- pressure surges;
- dizziness;
- memory impairment;
- hearing problem;
- pain in the heart area;
- weakness and drowsiness;
- sensation of lumps in the throat;
- crackling when twisting the neck;
- condition before fainting;
- flashing "flies" in front of the eyes;
- difficulty moving the arm to the side;
- impaired coordination of movement and gait;
- paresthesia in the neck, occiput, shoulders, arms and fingers.
The signs of cervical osteochondrosis, which indicate the progression of the disease, are:
- intensification, increased pain and prolonged duration;
- a decrease in the amplitude of round neck;
- more additional symptom severity.
Pre-syncopation conditions can cause a drop in pressure and increase the risk of a variety of injuries, some of which may be quite dangerous.
Characteristics of the course of cervical osteochondrosis during pregnancy
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region during pregnancy is not harmful to the health of the unborn baby, if its manifestations do not lead to a dangerous increase in the risk of trauma in the state of pre-fainting and excessive restlessness that occurs in response to pain. The likelihood of exacerbation of this pathology in pregnant women is increased due to hormonal changes, which contribute to greater ligament elongation and instability of the cervical vertebrae.
For the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis during pregnancy, safe methods should be used, which are recommended after consultation with a neurologist. In addition to recommendations on exercise therapy, massage of the cervical collar zone and compliance with the rules for arranging bedding, in difficult cases, safe anti-inflammatory and pain medications are prescribed. The amount of exercise for cervical osteochondrosis depends on its severity.
Childbirth is done naturally, because the pathology, with the correct behavior of women during childbirth, can not complicate them in any way.
Characteristics of cervical osteochondrosis in children
Cervical osteochondrosis, a symptom that occurs in children and adolescents, is rare. The cause of its development is usually some congenital pathology:
- autoimmune diseases;
- hereditary tendencies;
- spinal or muscular anomalies.
In the case of acquired variants, such pathologies or factors usually lead to osteochondrosis of the cervical region:
- endocrine disorders and hormonal fluctuations in adolescence;
- obesiti;
- postural disorders;
- trauma (including birth);
- poor nutrition leading to hypovitaminosis and micronutrient deficiency.
Often, before adolescence, cervical osteochondrosis is asymptomatic or unobtrusive. This fact often complicates the diagnosis and the disease is detected already in stages II – III.
Severe complications in children and adolescents are rare, so surgery for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is rarely performed. In most cases, conservative methods are used to correct the condition of the spinal column. In severe cases, there is a risk of cervical osteochondrosis such as growth retardation and increased likelihood of stroke in childhood.
Complications of cervical osteochondrosis
With cervical osteochondrosis, complications occur quite often, because the pathology is asymptomatic for a long time, and many patients try to treat themselves even against the background of obvious signs of the disease. That is why the appearance of symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis is always an indication to consult a vertebrologist or neurologist.
The consequences of cervical osteochondrosis may be as follows:
- cervical sciatica;
- protrusion;
- intervertebral hernia;
- memory impairment;
- vertebral dislocation and subluxation;
- increased risk of stroke;
- dizziness and headache;
- impaired movement coordination.
First aid for cervical osteochondrosis
Dangerous consequences of cervical osteochondrosis, which require emergency care, include:
- Conditions before fainting or fainting.
This condition most often occurs with a sharp tilt or dizziness. The victim must be seated or lying down to prevent injuries from falling. Remove clothing or accessories that interfere with breathing. Provides optimal temperature conditions and access to fresh air. Control the pressure, and if it drops sharply, call the emergency team. - "Servical backache" (cervicago) or injury to the vertebrae.
They begin with a sharp pain in the neck, which can radiate to the head. The patient must be laid in a horizontal position, to ensure optimal temperature and immobility of the head. For first aid, apply cold compresses or ice to the sore area (wrap the bag with a towel and keep no more than 15 minutes). In some cases, the best effect is a warm compress, which helps relieve muscle cramps. With severe pain, you can give anesthetic and antispasmodic medications. To get rid of headaches, you should keep quiet and eliminate bright light sources. If after providing assistance the situation does not improve, then it is necessary to contact the emergency team. With frequent cramps, it is better not to delay a visit to the doctor. Specialists may recommend wearing a special neck support corset and will determine the amount of treatment needed.
To provide first aid for cervical osteochondrosis, in some complex cases, it is necessary to involve the emergency team, otherwise this can lead to more dangerous complications.
Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis
The question of how to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis will be answered by a neurologist or vertebrologist after examination and review of the complaint.
To identify the causes, signs and complications of cervical osteochondrosis, the following studies may be prescribed:
- neurological examination;
- CT;
- neck radiography in flexion and extension positions;
- MRI.
If pain in the neck appears periodically, then the question of how to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis is solved using techniques for detecting muscle lesions. To get the results you want, appoint:
- myelography;
- electromyography;
- electroneurography;
- study of the bioelectric activity of nerve tissue.
If necessary, patients should pass clinical and biochemical blood tests, tests to detect nerve infections. Differential diagnosis with rheumatological pathology is carried out using tests to determine the level of antinuclear antibodies in the blood and rheumatoid factors.
If you have any questions about how cervical osteochondrosis will be diagnosed in your case, then contact a specialist.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
The question of how to treat cervical osteochondrosis is asked by many patients. The answer cannot be clear. With mild forms and slight deterioration in well -being, treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis. If severe pain syndrome and surgical care are required, then hospitalization is indicated for patients with cervical osteochondrosis.
In the first days of obvious clinical manifestations, it is necessary to maintain maximum rest of the cervical spine. Turning to the side is strongly contraindicated. After a long static posture, you need to relax. With cervical osteochondrosis, especially severe pain is relieved by wearing a special corset that supports the vertebrae in the most physiological position.
How the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis will be carried out with medication, the doctor will tell you. To relieve inflammation and reduce the manifestation of other symptoms, various groups of drugs can be used:
- antispasmodic;
- venotonic;
- chondroprotector;
- muscle relaxants;
- anticonvulsant;
- vitamin B;
- sedatives (for psychogenic pain);
- local anesthetics (in the form of therapeutic restrictions);
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Drug therapy of cervical osteochondrosis coupled with physiotherapy:
- attraction;
- exercise therapy;
- phonophoresis;
- magnetotherapy;
- reflexology;
- manual therapy;
- therapeutic sequence;
- electrophoresis, etc.
A set of exercises for cervical osteochondrosis and physiotherapy are determined by the specialist individually. It depends on the stage of the disease and general health.
Upon completion of treatment, dispensary observation and a course of preventive therapy for exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis are recommended.
Surgery for cervical osteochondrosis
If the diagnostic data show a complex clinical case or conservative therapy does not bring the desired result for a long time, then the question of how to treat cervical osteochondrosis is decided in consultation with a surgeon.
To eliminate the manifestations and consequences of neglected cervical osteochondrosis, the following types of surgery are performed:
- laminectomy;
- microdiscectomy;
- endoscopic discectomy;
- tumor removal, etc. ;
- transfacet hernia removal;
- anterior or posterior joint;
- stabilization method with bone osteosynthesis method.
The amount of postoperative treatment and very important recovery is determined individually. Before going out, the doctor explained how to treat cervical osteochondrosis.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
The development and worsening of cervical osteochondrosis will help prevent:
- injury prevention;
- to quit smoking;
- balanced diet;
- wear comfortable shoes;
- against hypodynamia;
- maintain a normal weight;
- treatment of chronic diseases;
- proper workplace organization;
- choice of pillows and mattresses, chairs suitable for the workplace.
Exercise for cervical osteochondrosis should always be done. It is a targeted effect on the affected structure that helps prevent recurrence of the disease.
Question answers
What will happen if osteochondrosis is not treated?
With a long course of cervical osteochondrosis, normal maintenance becomes difficult and blood vessels are compressed, blood circulation is disrupted. As a result, tissue hypoxia develops, which leads to the development of complications. In further cases, an intervertebral hernia develops.
How many massage sessions need to be done with cervical osteochondrosis?
Therapeutic massage can be performed only after the acute phase is reduced and contraindications are excluded. How many massage sessions are needed to get the desired results in the treatment and recovery process depends on the severity of the lesion and is set individually.
How to relieve tension from the neck and shoulder muscles with cervical osteochondrosis?
In mild cases, tension in the neck and shoulder muscles can be eliminated with the help of morning exercises and massage of the cervical collar zone. If this does not help, you can use a set of exercises for exercise therapy, manual therapy. In severe cases, doctors prescribe drug therapy.
What to do if the head hurts due to cervical osteochondrosis?
In particular, the headaches that accompany the development of osteochondrosis appear due to violations of stable circulatory processes in the brain. To eliminate the pain that arises in this case, the doctor prescribes painkillers, massage, reflexology sessions (acupuncture, cupping massage, etc. ), exercise therapy, ozone therapy, balneotherapy, etc. At the same time, self-medication is strictly prohibited so as not to worsen the clinical picture and not to interfere with treatment.