The appearance of discomfort and pain in the cervix may indicate disorders of cartilage and bone tissue and as a result the development of serious disease. Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology of the spine in which there is a dystrophic-degenerative change in the vertebral bodies, their processes and intervertebral discs.
In case of severe symptoms, you must consult a doctor and undergo an examination. Clinics have everything necessary to diagnose this pathology and obtain a detailed clinical picture of the affected area of the cervical spine.
Classification of cervical osteochondrosis
Previously, osteochondrosis of the neck usually occurred in people aged 45-55 years, but due to the emergence of many additional factors characteristic of the modern rhythm of life, this disease has become significantly "younger" and is often found even in adolescents andchildren.
Among other types of cervical osteochondrosis is the most common. Unlike thoracic, lumbar and sacral, it is found in almost 25% of patients.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region occurs in stages. The resulting signs and symptoms are manifested depending on the degree of damage to cartilage and bone structures.
There are four stages of cervical osteochondrosis:
- I - the height of the intervertebral disc in the affected area decreases slightly and the symptoms are mild or are determined only when performing movements;
- II - in addition to the progressive decrease in the height of the disc, pathological growths of cartilage tissue appear, protrusions, cracks in the fibrous ring, crunch and stiffness when turning the neck, the pain becomes more pronounced;
- III - the fibrous ring breaks, intervertebral hernias appear, these changes cause deformity of the spine and can lead to its dislocations and subluxations, the pain becomes longer and more acute, there are signs of loss of sensitivity in the neck, neck, arms and shoulders;
- IV - lesions of bone and cartilage tissue become irreversible, osteophytes appear on the surface of the destroyed cartilage and bones.
The most neglected stage is characterized by significant compression of nerves and blood vessels, hypoxia of trophically dependent organs (brain, visual organs, etc. ), immobility of the shoulder girdle and neck. Prolonged pain syndrome significantly reduces the quality of life.
When making a diagnosis, in addition to indicating the stage of osteochondrosis of the neck, a system is used to indicate the number of affected cervical vertebrae - from CI to CVII. It indicates a segment that has undergone dystrophic-degenerative changes.
The stage of cervical osteochondrosis is an important criterion for developing treatment tactics.
Etiology and pathogenesis of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis in most cases is provoked by a combination of different factors. The main reason among them can be considered the upright walking of a person. In this position, most of the load falls on the neck and lumbar region. With age, the condition of blood vessels deteriorates in most people, more chronic pathologies appear and age-related changes that disrupt tissue nutrition.
Other causes of cervical osteochondrosis are related to the following factors:
- hypodynamia;
- Overweight;
- prolonged smoking;
- flat steps;
- frequent pregnancies;
- posture disorders;
- autoimmune diseases;
- violation of metabolic processes;
- hereditary predisposition;
- improper composition of the diet;
- frequent injuries and microtraumas of the cervical spine;
- carrying a weight on one shoulder or in one arm;
- sleeping on the wrong pillow or mattress;
- acquired or congenital instability of the vertebrae;
- improper organization of the workplace.
With timely visits to the doctor and exclusion of predisposing causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, it is possible to achieve stable remission.
Clinical manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis are not always noticed by patients in the first stage of this pathology. Their nature and degree of severity are largely determined by the area of damage, as the nerves coming out of the spinal cord in one or another part of the spine perform different functions.
The main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are manifestations of pain syndrome. The pain and discomfort in the neck and shoulders become stronger after sleeping on an uncomfortable pillow, when turning and other movements of the head and neck and shoulder girdle, hypothermia or strenuous exercise. As osteochondrosis of the neck progresses, some patients are forced to keep their heads still and develop the habit of turning their whole body.
Subluxations and sprains of the vertebrae, rupture of intervertebral hernias or pinched nerves can lead to acute pain (often called "back pain"). These complications require urgent care.
In addition to pain, symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- headache;
- pressure jumps;
- dizziness;
- memory impairment;
- hearing problems;
- pain in the heart;
- weakness and drowsiness;
- feeling of a lump in the throat;
- crunching when turning the neck;
- pre-seizure conditions;
- flashing "flies" in front of the eyes;
- difficulty moving the arm to the side;
- impaired coordination of movements and gait;
- paresthesias in the neck, occiput, shoulders, arms and fingers.
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis that indicate disease progression are:
- intensification, increase in pain and their duration;
- reducing the amplitude of neck bends;
- greater severity of additional symptoms.
Pre-syncope conditions can cause a drop in blood pressure and increase the risk of various injuries, some of which can be dangerous.
Characteristics of the course of cervical osteochondrosis during pregnancy
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region during pregnancy is not dangerous to the health of the unborn baby, if its manifestations do not lead to a dangerous increase in the risk of trauma in the pre-seizure state and excessive nervousness that occurs in response to pain. The likelihood of exacerbation of this pathology in pregnant women increases due to hormonal changes that contribute to greater extensibility of ligaments and instability of the cervical spine.
For the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis during pregnancy, safe methods should be used, which are recommended after consultation with a neurologist. In addition to the recommendations for therapeutic exercise, massage of the neck and neck area and compliance with the rules of organizing a place to sleep, in difficult cases, safe anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are prescribed. The amount of exercise for cervical osteochondrosis depends on its severity.
Childbirth occurs naturally, because the pathology, with the correct behavior of the woman during childbirth, can not complicate them in any way.
Characteristics of cervical osteochondrosis in children
Cervical osteochondrosis, which occurs in children and adolescents, is rare. The reasons for its development are usually some congenital pathologies:
- autoimmune diseases;
- hereditary predisposition;
- spinal or muscular abnormalities.
In cases of acquired variant such pathologies or factors usually lead to osteochondrosis of the cervical region:
- endocrine disorders and hormonal fluctuations in adolescence;
- obesity;
- posture disorders;
- trauma (including childbirth);
- 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 in stages II-III.
Severe complications in children and adolescents are rare, so surgery to treat cervical osteochondrosis is rare. In most cases, conservative methods are used to correct the condition of the spine. In severe cases, there is a risk of such consequences of cervical osteochondrosis as growth retardation and an increased likelihood of stroke in childhood.
Complications of cervical osteochondrosis
In cervical osteochondrosis, complications occur quite often, as the pathology is asymptomatic for a long time and many patients try to self-medicate even against the background of obvious signs of the disease. Therefore, the appearance of symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis is always an indication to consult a vertebrologist or neurologist.
The consequences of cervical osteochondrosis can be as follows:
- cervical sciatica;
- protrusion;
- intervertebral hernia;
- memory impairment;
- vertebral dislocations and subluxations;
- increased risk of stroke;
- dizziness and headache;
- impaired coordination of movements.
First aid for cervical osteochondrosis
Dangerous consequences of cervical osteochondrosis that require urgent care include:
- Conditions before seizure or seizure.
These conditions most often occur when the head is tilted or turned sharply. The victim should sit or lie down to prevent injury. Remove clothing or accessories that interfere with breathing. Provide optimal temperature conditions and access to fresh air. Control the pressure and if it drops sharply, call an ambulance. - "Cervical back pain" (cervicago) or vertebral injuries.
They start with a sharp pain in the neck that can radiate to the head. The patient should be placed in a horizontal position to ensure optimal temperature and immobility of the head. For first aid, apply a cold compress or ice on the area of pain (wrap the bag with a towel and hold it for no more than 15 minutes). In some cases, the best effect is a warm compress that helps eliminate muscle spasm. In case of severe pain you can give anesthetic and antispasmodic medicine. To eliminate the headache, you need to ensure silence and eliminate sources of bright light. If the condition does not improve after assistance, then it is necessary to call an emergency team. In case of frequent spasms, it is better not to delay a visit to the doctor. The specialist may recommend wearing a special neck corset and will determine the amount of treatment required.
To provide first aid for cervical osteochondrosis in some complex cases it is necessary to involve an emergency team, otherwise it 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 reviewing and investigating the complaints.
The following tests may be prescribed to identify the main causes, signs and complications of cervical osteochondrosis:
- neurological tests;
- CT;
- radiography of the neck in the position of flexion and extension;
- NMR.
If neck pain occurs periodically, then the question of how to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis is solved with the help of techniques to detect muscle lesions. To get the desired results, appoint:
- myelography;
- electromyography;
- electroneurography;
- study of the bioelectrical activity of nerve tissue.
If necessary, the patient should undergo clinical and biochemical blood tests, tests to detect neuroinfection. The differential diagnosis with rheumatic pathologies is made with the help of tests to determine the level of antinuclear antibodies in the blood and rheumatoid factor.
If you have questions about how cervical osteochondrosis will be diagnosed in your case, contact a specialist.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
The question of how to treat cervical osteochondrosis is asked by many patients. The answer to it cannot be unambiguous. In mild forms and mild deterioration of well-being, treatment is performed on an outpatient basis. If the pain syndrome is severe and surgical assistance is required, then hospitalization of a patient with cervical osteochondrosis is indicated.
During the first days of pronounced clinical manifestations it is necessary to maintain maximum rest of the cervical spine. Sideways turns are especially contraindicated. After a long static posture you should take breaks. In cervical osteochondrosis, especially intense pain is relieved by wearing a special corset that keeps the vertebrae in the most physiological position.
Your doctor will tell you how to treat cervical osteochondrosis with medication. Different groups of drugs can be used to relieve inflammation and reduce the symptoms of other symptoms:
- antispasmodics;
- venotonics;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants;
- anticonvulsants;
- B vitamins;
- sedatives (for psychogenic pain);
- local anesthetics (in the form of therapeutic blockades);
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Drug therapy of cervical osteochondrosis is supplemented by physiotherapy:
- clutch;
- exercise therapy;
- phonophoresis;
- magnetic therapy;
- reflexology;
- manual therapy;
- therapeutic massage;
- electrophoresis, etc.
A set of exercises for cervical osteochondrosis and physiotherapy is determined by a specialist individually. It depends on the stage of the disease and the general state of health.
After completion of treatment, dispensary monitoring and preventive courses of 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 operations are performed:
- laminectomy;
- microdiscectomy;
- endoscopic discectomy;
- removal of tumors, etc. ;
- removal of transfacial hernia;
- front or rear merger;
- methods of stabilization by methods of bone osteosynthesis.
The volume of postoperative treatment and extremely important rehabilitation is determined individually. Before discharge, the doctor explains how to treat cervical osteochondrosis.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
The development and exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis will help prevent:
- injury prevention;
- to quit smoking;
- balanced diet;
- wearing comfortable shoes;
- fight against hypodynamia;
- maintaining a normal weight;
- treatment of chronic diseases;
- proper organization of the workplace;
- the right choice of pillow and mattress, chair for the workplace.
Exercises for cervical osteochondrosis should always be performed. This is a targeted effect on the affected structures, which helps prevent recurrence of the disease.
Question answer
What will happen if osteochondrosis is not treated?
With a long course of cervical osteochondrosis, normal innervation 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 advanced cases, an intervertebral hernia develops.
How many massage sessions to do for cervical osteochondrosis?
Therapeutic massage can be done only after the acute phase subsides and the contraindications are ruled out. How many massage sessions are needed to achieve the desired result in the process of treatment and rehabilitation depends on the severity of the lesions and is prescribed individually.
How to relieve tension from the muscles of the neck and shoulders with cervical osteochondrosis?
In mild cases, the tension in the muscles of the neck and shoulders can be removed with the help of morning exercises and massage of the cervical region. If this does not help, you can use a set of exercises for training therapy, manual therapy. In extreme cases, the doctor prescribes drug therapy.
What to do if the head hurts from cervical osteochondrosis?
The headache that accompanies the development of osteochondrosis occurs mainly due to a violation of the stable process of blood circulation in the brain. To eliminate the pain that arose in this case, the doctor prescribes painkillers, massage, reflexology sessions (acupuncture, cup massage, etc. ), exercise therapy, ozone therapy, balneotherapy, etc. At the same time, self-medication is strictly prohibited in order not to worsen the clinical picture and not to disrupt treatment.