Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease characterized by damage to the intervertebral discs.
Cervical osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases in the world. Statistically, about 60% of the world's population is faced with this, as modern people suffer from physical inactivity, and also spend a lot of time in sedentary work. Osteochondrosis manifests itself in the form of damage to the intervertebral cartilage, as well as reactive processes in neighboring tissues.
The vertebrae of the cervical vertebrae are much smaller than the vertebrae of the other spine, but the load on them is not less. We are constantly turning our heads, which is why the neck is in a systematic movement. In the initial stages, the disease is difficult to recognize, and the main manifestations of the disease are often ignored by patients. The result is the onset of osteochondrosis of the cervical collar, which significantly complicates the further treatment process.
Modern clinic successfully treats osteochondrosis of the neck with non-surgical methods with the help of correction and kinesiotherapy.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the neck
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of osteochondrosis:
- Lack of physical activity is the main reason that precedes the development of a dangerous disease. The complete lack of moderate physical activity leads to the breakdown of the musculoskeletal system. Insufficient daily activity is not just a problem for office workers and drivers. People who prefer to spend their free time in front of a computer or watching TV suffer from hypodynamics.
- Excessive physical activity. Most often, professional athletes suffer from this, who are exposed to axial loads on the back. Beginner athletes who train without the supervision of a professional coach and perform exercises with incorrectly set techniques also threaten the work of the limit of possibilities.
- Negative factors for posture are walking in high heels and uncomfortable shoes, scoliosis, flat feet, and improper body position during sleep.
- Excess weight puts too much strain on the spine, which leads to displacement of the vertebrae and wear and tear of cartilage structures.
- Rheumatism.
- Disorders of the endocrine system.
- Stress.
- Hypothermia of the neck.
- Sedentary lifestyle (as drivers and office workers) or excessive physical activity (as athletes).
As a rule, under the influence of these factors there is a load on the cervical spine, which causes the formation of muscle spasm. As a result, the circulatory process is disrupted and metabolism deteriorates, leading to degenerative changes.
Interesting fact: the risk of developing such a disease as osteochondrosis is largely related to evolutionary changes in the human body. It's about upright walking. Throughout the life cycle, the spine serves as the "core" of our body. The vertebrae, pressing on the cartilaginous discs, gradually wear them out so that the connective tissue breaks down. Therefore, osteochondrosis is often felt in old age.
The symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine will largely depend on the causes that provoked the disease. To develop an individual treatment plan, doctors conduct a range of examinations. Self-medication for neck pain is strongly discouraged. Improper massages, medicines or methods of traditional medicine can worsen the situation and lead to many irreparable consequences!
Cervical osteochondrosis: symptoms and treatment
The manifestations of a dangerous disease depend on 2 main factors:
- Type of load on the cervical spine.
- The site of damage to the cartilaginous structure of the intervertebral disc.
Nerve roots perform a large number of functions, so the symptoms of damage to their individual parts can vary greatly. In addition, you must take into account the stage of development of the disease. There are 4 of them, each of which is heavier than the previous one.
Cervical osteochondrosis 1 degree
This degree is called preclinical and is mild, which is why patients attribute the symptoms of stress, lack of sleep and other seemingly minor problems. The spine begins to protect itself from "destructive" movements and excessive stress, so people begin to feel discomfort.
The main symptoms are:
- headache
- discomfort in the neck, shoulders and arms
- slight visual impairment
- slight decrease in motor activity of the neck
One of the most noticeable symptoms of the preclinical stage of cervical osteochondrosis is the constant tension of the neck muscles. The muscles are quickly overloaded, which leads to a feeling of tolerable pain, as well as squeaking when turning / tilting the head.
As the above problems do not cause much discomfort, most patients prefer to let the situation develop. In fact, it is now necessary to start treatment for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, because the earlier you start treatment, the more effective it will be.
Grade 2 cervical osteochondrosis
In this case, patients begin to feel noticeable pain when tilting / turning the head. Unpleasant sensations often spread to the hands, shoulder joints and arms. Problems with the state of the nervous system begin to appear: a person becomes irritable, distracted, his daily ability to work is noticeably reduced. The main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women are almost identical to the symptoms of problems with the reproductive system (weakness, fatigue, lethargy and many others).
Despite the obvious signs of the development of the disease, it is still possible to get rid of osteochondrosis of the neck. First of all, doctors work to eliminate the risk of hernias, which lead to impaired limb mobility and blood supply to the brain.
The main symptoms are:
- severe neck pain
- noise in the ears
- visual impairment
- reduced sensitivity of the skin of the shoulders and arms
- deterioration of tendon reflexes
Cervical osteochondrosis grade 3
At this stage of development, the disease is already considered neglected. Stage 3 cervical osteochondrosis is more difficult to treat because the destruction / deformation of cartilage structures is often irreversible. The pain syndrome is getting stronger, which is associated with the active development of hernias and the friction of the bone tissues of the vertebrae against each other.
In addition to pain, the patient feels weak and complains of dizziness. The reason for this is the disruption of large vessels and nerves passing through the spine. The brain receives insufficient amounts of food and oxygen, which can lead to blurred consciousness. The pain radiates to the upper extremities, there is a feeling of weakness in the hands. Another clear sign of grade 3 osteochondrosis is loss of sensitivity of the fingers, as well as numbness in them.
The main symptoms are:
- increased pain
- cervical hernia
- very weak tendon reflexes
- paralysis of the upper limbs
Cervical osteochondrosis grade 4
The cartilaginous tissues of the intervertebral discs have already undergone major changes due to destruction. In stage 4 of the disease in 99% of cases there are protrusions and hernias, which have a significant negative impact on the patient's condition. The body begins to repair itself and "builds" tissue in areas of disc damage. As a result, the pillar itself loses its mobility.
As nerves and blood vessels are compressed, one loses coordination. Drowsiness, apathy and pain only increase. Patients often complain of annoying tinnitus. In addition, stage 4 cervical osteochondrosis threatens a number of the following consequences:
- Cerebral ischemia, risk of developing a spinal stroke. This is due to the strong compression of the vertebral arteries.
- Impaired perception of the world around and systemic loss of consciousness. The reason is pinching of blood vessels and insufficient blood supply to the cerebral cortex.
- Fatal outcome. Catastrophic consequences can occur as a result of spinal cord compression.
The main symptoms are:
- depression of brain activity
- lack of coordination
- increased dizziness
- paralysis
- hearing and vision loss
- angina pectoris, shortness of breath
How to cure cervical osteochondrosis: diagnostic stage
Before they begin to eliminate the disease, doctors conduct a thorough examination of the patient's cervical spine. This is necessary to establish the fact of the presence and neglect of the disease. Diagnosis consists of several stages:
- X-rays. This is a visual way to determine the location of the vertebrae, as well as changes in their mobility.
- Laboratory researches. With the help of tests, doctors identify disorders of the spine, and also make a definitive diagnosis.
- CT. This is a modern technique for assessing ruptures and changes in the height of the intervertebral discs. Also, computed tomography helps to monitor the instability of individual vertebrae.
- NMR. The presented stage of the research is conducted in order to establish the condition of the nerve roots, the quality of the blood circulation, as well as pathological changes in the cartilage / bone structures.
- Differential diagnosis. This includes an ultrasound scan, a cardiogram and several other procedures. They are necessary so as not to confuse osteochondrosis with other diseases that have identical symptoms. These include diseases of the urinary system, all kinds of deformities of the spine, injuries of the hip joint, as well as disorders of the central nervous system.
Determining the symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is impossible without a complete diagnosis. The earlier it is performed, the more effective the therapy will be. If you find symptoms of the disease, see your doctor as soon as possible. He will provide referrals for meetings with specialists from narrower profiles: neurologist and orthopedist. In some cases, it may be necessary to consult a cardiologist if the signs of the disease overlap with suspected angina pectoris or ischemia of the heart muscle.
In modern clinics, the diagnosis and successful treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck are based on the use of kinesiotherapy. With the help of this treatment technique, patients significantly improve their health by performing a set of physical exercises on special recovery simulators.
Basic methods of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men
High quality and stable results in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can be achieved only with an integrated approach to the problem. The effectiveness of recovery largely depends on the mood of the patient, who will have to completely reconsider lifestyle, diet, sleep and wakefulness.
In no case is it possible to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in women and men alone, as the main symptoms of the disease can signal the development of a completely different disease. Medicines chosen without the doctor's knowledge can seriously aggravate the situation. Even a simple intake of painkillers does not always have the expected effect, which once again proves the need for prior consultation with a specialist.
Eliminate exacerbation of pain
The disease often manifests itself in the form of a syndrome of piercing, painful and pulling pain. The main task of the doctor is to alleviate your suffering, which is why in the first place specialists prescribe:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Vitamins;
- Painkillers;
- Chondroprotectors.
The last category of drugs is aimed at restoring cartilage structures, which is especially important in the advanced stage of the disease. In addition, patients are prescribed medications to relieve muscle spasms and improve blood flow to the body.
Healing gymnastic exercises
Physiotherapists know how to get rid of cervical osteochondrosis in the most affordable ways. Healing therapy is one of the most effective methods of treating osteochondrosis, which can be used even at home. The intensity of the exercise in this case does not play any role. Regularity of moderate physical activity will help achieve the result. Here is the effect of the exercises:
- Strengthen the muscles of the neck that are responsible for maintaining weakened vertebrae.
- Stimulating and normalizing the blood supply in the body, which is especially important for the cerebral cortex.
- Increasing the overall tone, energy charge, restoring the productivity and efficiency of a person.
Daily exercise classes are allowed. The set of exercises includes all kinds of rotations and tilts of the head. With the right level of physical fitness, the level of difficulty increases and hand movements are work-related. The advantage of the elements for therapeutic gymnastics is that they can be used even in the workplace. But remember that they can be performed only after the elimination of the acute pain syndrome.
As an extra load, doctors recommend that patients visit the pool, as swimming relieves tension in the spine and relieves tension from the intervertebral discs. Also shown work with light dumbbells to strengthen the shoulder girdle.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic methods are numerous:
- Electrophoresis.
- Magneto, laser and shock wave therapy.
- Mud treatment.
- Healing baths and showers.
The above are just the main therapeutic methods that are aimed at restoring the blood supply to the affected spine, eliminating inflammation, pain and slowing down the process of ossification of the neck.
Massage
Massage treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is widespread throughout the world. But this method should be used very carefully, as rough and clumsy impact on the damaged parts of the neck can lead to worsening of the condition. Before making an appointment with a masseur, you should consult your doctor.
Due to the impact of the hands on the inflamed area, muscle tone decreases, which leads to the elimination of painful spasms. In addition, it improves blood circulation, restores clarity of thought and general well-being of the patient.
Surgery
The last stage of the disease leads to the formation of serious intervertebral hernias, as well as to the narrowing of the lumen of the spine. Treatment of the patient in this case may require surgery. The surgeon decides if surgery is needed. It also defines the set of preparatory measures, the period of postoperative recovery and rehabilitation.
Most surgeries involve removing the resulting hernias, as well as replacing damaged vertebrae.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in the clinic
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in a professional clinic involves the use of extremely non-surgical methods. Specialists work on a unique technique developed on the basis of the principles of kinesiotherapy. Patients who turn to us for help are treated with a set of exercises in a specially equipped room.
The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out according to an individually developed program. The therapeutic effect is not only on a certain part of the spine, but also on the internal organs. The process of non-drug and non-surgical treatment is difficult, but we provide comprehensive support to patients, help them become more determined and rethink their attitude towards their own disease.
From this the healing process is built:
- Training in the rehabilitation hall at least 2-3 times a week.
- Ground therapeutic gymnastics.
- Thermotherapy according to individual indications.
- Pain relief with ice massage.
- Therapeutic / restorative massage.
- Adaptive exercises for work at home.
- Microanatomical ultrasound examinations to monitor recovery over time.
- Personal consultations with the specialists of the kinesitherapy clinic.
Prevention of osteochondrosis
The treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in the context of modern medicine involves many effective methods. But it is much better to prevent this problem at all than to deal with it. There are a number of preventive measures that will minimize the risk of occurrence and development of a dangerous disease:
- Take a 10-minute hot shower every day. Regular visits to baths / saunas are also recommended. Please note that these recommendations are only suitable for people without cardiovascular health problems.
- Swim and take regular walks in the fresh air at a leisurely pace. Lack of physical activity is one of the main causes of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
- Give up excessive physical exertion at the limit of human capabilities. This is especially true when working out in gyms. Critical axial loads on the spine lead to convexity.
- Try to avoid blows to the back, especially if you are over 30 years old.
- Review your diet. Try to exclude confectionery, flour, moderate salt and sugar intake. Reducing the calorie content of food allows you to avoid gaining excess weight, which puts extra strain on the spine.
- If you work in an office and spend a lot of time in front of the computer, make sure to buy a special chair with a support for the waist and neck. Try to do basic warm-up exercises every 60 minutes.
- In case the pain appears after waking up, consider buying an orthopedic mattress and pillow. If possible, take a bed with a flat, hard surface.
- To avoid degenerative and dystrophic changes in the cervical spine, visit a professional masseur at least 2-3 times a year. Neck and collar massage is one of the most effective preventive measures.
- Women should minimize walking in high heels, as this interferes with the natural position of the spine. When diagnosed with flat feet, it is recommended to buy special shoes or insoles, as orthopedic products correct the position of the foot and relieve unnecessary stress from the spine.
As well as:
- you should visit the bathroom regularly
- you need to give up bodybuilding, which can contribute to the protrusion of the cervical disc
- gentle exercise can be a good prevention of the disease
The result
The treatment of osteochondrosis in a professional clinic is carried out under the strict supervision of highly qualified specialists. Physicians adhere to an integrated approach to working with patients and even deal with advanced stages of the disease. If you notice symptoms of osteochondrosis, you do not need to tolerate, self-medicate and postpone a visit to the doctor. Start your journey to a healthy, happy life!