Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is known and well studied. Most of the working population currently suffers from this disease. This type of osteochondrosis not only develops in the adult population, but is also widespread among adolescents, called juvenile osteochondrosis.
The neck region is the most flexible part of the spine, so the stress on this region is quite high. The disease develops gradually and is characterized by frequent exacerbations, which can lead to a significant deterioration in the patient's quality of life.
Causes of the disease
There are usually several causes of the disease and can depend on the age of the patient. Let's highlight the most common ones:
- Violation of the calcium-phosphorus metabolism of any etiology;
- various traumatic back injuries;
- unbalanced load on the spine (physical inactivity or, on the contrary, the effect of increased load);
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- congenital malformations of the spine;
- change of posture, including scoliotic type;
- circulatory disorders that lead to impaired nutrition in the intervertebral disc;
- age-related dystrophic diseases of the bone tissue.
In adolescence, the main causes of the development of the disease are injuries, unbalanced physical activity (training process). In the elderly, the main reason for a long-term habit during work is a violation of the hormonal background.
Additional predisposing factors for the development of the disease can be:
- inheritance;
- hypothermia;
- poorly or incompletely treated exacerbation of osteochondrosis;
- Stressful situations and overload.
Osteochondrosis develops gradually. A person who constantly exercises may not realize that they are prone to this disease.
Most of this condition occurs in people over the age of 25. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by the fact that the process develops from the upper sections. However, if you don't get medical attention, the process can gradually affect the lower segments of the spine.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in adults and children
As the disease develops over the years, in many cases the process is asymptomatic. Sometimes it happens that by means of x-rays you can randomly determine the first signs of the disease, while there are no active complaints. It must be remembered that the older the patient, the more diverse complaints will be.
The main complaints of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- frequent headaches and dizziness;
- numbness in the fingertips and weakness in the arms;
- vegetative manifestations;
- increased blood pressure;
- discomfort when moving the neck;
- constant pain or burning pain along the spine;
- frequent myositis of the neck muscles;
- posture changes;
- Restrictions on head movements;
- can also develop a forced head position;
- tinnitus;
- weather dependency;
- creaking in the neck when making movements;
- sleep disorder.
These are the most commonly expressed symptoms a patient may experience. Unfortunately, the process can develop as early as adolescence, and teenagers will bring up similar complaints.
Most of these symptoms appear together. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occurs with episodes of exacerbation and remission. This is due to the effect on the body of provoking factors. We must not forget that with a similar diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct rehabilitation therapy and a rehabilitation course every six months to avoid an acute period.
Considering that the main reason for the development of the disease is a decrease in the trophism of the intervertebral disc and the lack of adequate therapy, the process can end with the formation of an intervertebral hernia.
Complaints and clinical picture - photo
Vascular manifestations in the form of dizziness or headaches are intensified during elementary motor tasks (tilting or turning the head). In the sum of all complaints, the patient tries to additionally take a forced position in order to reduce the symptoms, which worsens the nutrition of the intervertebral disc.
It is these complaints that most often cause the patient to see a doctor. If no treatment is given, the symptoms will worsen and be more persistent, which means they will not go away on their own.
Pain in cervical osteochondrosis, usually constant, aching, burning character. The illness can be accompanied by periodic "lumbago" caused by sudden movements.
An increased blood pressure against the background of osteochondrosis causes the patient to be examined by a therapist. If the correct treatment is not carried out in a timely manner, the increase in blood pressure will become permanent, which will contribute to the development of secondary hypertension. In these situations, a properly collected medical history is of great importance.
If the process is localized in the cervical spine, then the discomfort spreads in the neck. A constant tension of the musculoskeletal system contributes to the restriction of movements and the formation of a forced head position.
Pain in cervical osteochondrosis is associated with impaired sensitivity. Due to constant discomfort, a muscle roller gradually forms in the shoulder area, and the patient feels discomfort in this area when palpating.
In addition to constant discomfort, the patient may feel a sharp, stabbing pain in the neck. The appearance of such discomfort suggests that the patient must be fully rested to relieve the pain. In some cases, the pain is so severe that a person cannot perform the simplest of actions (turn his head, take deep breaths, straighten his back). In all cases, the patient should be examined by a doctor and the diagnosis of osteochondrosis confirmed.
Changes in hormone levels also play an important role in the development of diseases of the cervical spine. Hence, well-chosen physical activity will reduce the general clinical symptoms and alleviate the patient's condition. Due to the fact that neck pain is a constant bother, a secondary sleep disorder occurs. Difficult for a person to take a comfortable position in bed, worries that lead to psycho-emotional stress.
In addition, the patient pays attention to the violation of sensitivity. They are known as "goose bumps" that can be felt on the fingertips. In some cases, discomfort can be localized throughout the arm and muscle strength decreases.
Disease diagnostics
It is quite difficult to make a diagnosis from an examination. In principle, the following activities are carried out to clarify the diagnosis:
- thorough collection of complaints;
- Consultations with specialized specialists (cardiologist, endocrinologist, neurologist);
- X-ray examination of the cervical spine;
- magnetic resonance imaging.
Examinations by specialists are necessary to rule out acute conditions of the cardiological profile and others. If an acute somatic pathology is excluded, one can speak of a diagnosis of osteochondrosis. In addition to general clinical manifestations, the diagnosis can be confirmed by an X-ray examination of the spine.
X-rays are the cheapest and easiest to use test to aid diagnosis. The picture shows a narrowing of the space between the vertebrae, which indicates dystrophy of the intervertebral disc. Bony outgrowths can be distinguished on the edges of the vertebrae. If the osteochondrosis is made more difficult by instability of the cervical spine, an X-ray can be used to determine the displacement of the vertebrae relative to one another.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease that can radiographically show which area is most damaged. Even when examining a cervical segment, you can find that the process is not evenly distributed.
In particularly difficult cases, magnetic resonance imaging is performed, with the help of which a complication of osteochondrosis - intervertebral hernia - can be diagnosed. Thanks to the layered MRI image, even the smallest changes in the hernia can be detected and the extent of the lesion displayed immediately.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Only a doctor knows how to treat cervical osteochondrosis in the acute and interictal phases. Therapy prescribed for this condition should be comprehensive. With an exacerbation of the disease, it includes:
- drugs;
- complex rehabilitation therapy (physical therapy exercises, gymnastics, massage, acupuncture, manual therapy);
- Physiotherapy (electrophoresis, UHF, magnetotherapy, laser therapy);
To prevent osteochondrosis from worsening, contact:
- spa treatment;
- traditional medicine;
- wears special bandages and corsets;
- Lifestyle changes (weight loss, balanced physical activity).
Medicines used to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are as follows:
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- drugs that improve blood circulation;
- vitamin complexes;
- in acute situations analgesics;
- means that muscle tension is reduced.
In addition to pills and injections, creams, ointments and gels are actively prescribed, which are applied to the affected area. By their action, they contribute to skin irritation in a specific area, thereby improving blood circulation in small vessels, ensuring the supply of nutrients to the damaged segments and reducing muscle tension.
After an acute phase, physiotherapy, massage and physiotherapy exercises are planned. Rehabilitation therapy is a complement to general medical treatment. As the condition improves, the disc nutrition and trophism will also improve.
During the treatment, the patient will notice an improvement in well-being, an increase in efficiency and an increase in mood. If treatment is stopped without completing it, the osteochondrosis exacerbations are common.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis during the recovery phase is explained by a rehabilitation therapist. Before going into the complex of rehabilitation therapy, it should be noted that every treatment must be accompanied by a correction of the bedding. This includes orthopedic mattresses and pillows.
Experts also recommend wearing a shants collar permanently or for a certain period of time. This method is particularly popular in children's practices when patients wear them for homework. The Shants collar is selected individually in orthopedic salons.
An orthopedic pillow for cervical osteochondrosis is selected for each patient. It should match the size of the bed and be selected according to the patient's constitution. It shouldn't be very small or very large, the main guideline is the width of the person's shoulders.
A pillow for longer sleep and rest should be of medium firmness and be square or rectangular in shape. Other forms are suitable for short breaks. Depending on the activity of the degenerative process, the orthopedic pillow for cervical osteochondrosis should change.
Movement and gymnastics (lfk)
Rehabilitation therapy should include gymnastics. The main task of the exercises is to strengthen the muscles of the neck and back, as well as the upper shoulder girdle, improve the mobility of the spine and remove muscle clamps. In addition, cervical osteochondrosis exercises affect deep-set muscles.
Through gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis, the physiological curves are gradually restored and the load on the intervertebral discs decreases. We must remember that exercises for cervical osteochondrosis should also include the chest segments.
Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis is carried out with an instructor. It helps the patient understand which areas need more emphasis. The load and the volume of the tasks are selected individually and depend on it:
- from the patient's age;
- to spread the process;
- due to additional comorbidities;
- on the effectiveness of drug therapy.
At first they perform simple and not difficult tasks, as the body adapts to new conditions and the muscles do their work in sufficient volume, the exercises become more difficult and the duration of the sessions increases.
Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis comprises simple measures. These tilt the head back and forth and gradually add circular head movements. It should be noted that there may be contraindications even with physiotherapy exercises. As a rule, the complex of a lesson includes tasks aimed at developing and influencing all segments of the spine.
After the exercises on the cervical spine, tasks are gradually added to improve the work of the thoracic and lumbar spine. Physiotherapy exercises for treating cervical osteochondrosis can be performed while standing or sitting. The tasks are performed gradually and at a slow pace to allow additional breathing exercises.
Contraindications for physical therapy exercises:
- acute pain syndrome;
- increased blood pressure and the presence of cardiac pathology in the acute period;
- coordination disorders and diseases of the vestibular apparatus;
- temperature rise;
- exacerbation of other chronic pathologies;
- Condition after surgical treatment.
Special technical exercises
This technique is based on the gradual restoration of normal activity of the musculoskeletal system. Gymnastic exercises performed on a special simulator allow you to gradually restore the work of the structures of the cervical spine.
First, the pain is relieved, then blood circulation is restored, muscle tension is eliminated, and classes are held to expand motor activity in the cervical spine. The method is also supported by massage courses, courses in the pool.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
In addition to general strengthening exercises, the massage works very well. Massage for cervical osteochondrosis can be applied in several ways (classic, segmental, point). In some cases a combination of different techniques is allowed in one session.
We must not forget that for cervical osteochondrosis, massage is performed on a hard surface face down and its duration can vary from ten sessions or more. The frequency of repetition of the course is also determined by the attending physician. The effectiveness of the massage lasts longer if the patient sleeps on the correct pillow.
Physiotherapy procedures such as magnetism or electrophoresis have a local irritant effect. Magnetotherapy is a painless procedure that is well tolerated by both adults and children. The manipulation takes several minutes, the patient must lie still, so it is most often recommended for elderly patients.
Electrophoresis is a manipulation that is carried out with a special device. During the procedure, the patient feels a slight tingling sensation caused by currents. The frequency and impulsiveness of the signal is different for each age.
This technique is used to inject a drug that has a positive effect. This manipulation is more aggressive compared to magnetotherapy, so there must be strict indications for its implementation.
A balanced diet is essential for this disease. Patients are advised to eat fruits, vegetables, meat, herbs, and fish. You should limit the consumption of salt and all kinds of spices, condiments, smoked or fried foods, sugar. It is better to drink herbal cookings and teas. It is advisable not to drink coffee and alcohol.
Traditional medicine is used to relieve pain. Most often, compresses and mixtures are used, which are applied to the affected area. Success in treating osteochondrosis of the cervical spine largely depends on the patient's awareness. You shouldn't stop starting classes and therapy once you are feeling better. It is irrational to constantly use pain relievers that provide temporary relief, and the disease itself does not cure.