Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the articular cartilage tissue, which can be localized in all joints as well as in the intervertebral disc.The cervical spine is exposed to high loads, which over time leads to a decrease in the elasticity of the intervertebral discs and their flattening.The distance between the vertebrae decreases, blood circulation in the affected area worsens, and pain occurs in the cervical spine.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis is unbalanced and excessive load on the cervical spine.The strain can be caused by being overweight, spending long periods of time in an uncomfortable position or while sitting.Osteochondrosis is not always the result of direct stress on the vertebrae.The disease can be caused by metabolic disorders, lack of vitamins B, C, D, as well as hormonal and autoimmune diseases, chronic intoxication, injuries and age-related changes.
There are currently no precise data on the causes of degenerative diseases of the spine.Osteochondrosis can have various causes:
- genetic factor - congenital weakness of connective tissue;
- age-related changes in the spine;
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system (scoliosis, flat feet, torticollis, rheumatic diseases, developmental disorders);
- Vertebral instability (increased mobility of part of the spine);
- low physical activity;
- Cervical spine injuries;
- heavy physical activity, carrying heavy objects.
Stages of osteochondrosis
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis depends on the stage of development and clinical symptoms of the disease.Each stage is characterized by certain features:
- Stage 1 – Destruction of the osteochondral tissue occurs.At this stage, patients do not notice the symptoms of the disease.This can include discomfort, pain in the cervical spine and pain when moving.
- Stage 2 – The MRI shows bulging of the intervertebral discs, compression of the spinal roots (radicular syndrome).The changes that occur cause pain in the cervical spine radiating to the shoulder and upper limbs.Associated symptoms include increased fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
- Stage 3 – Pain sensations increase and are permanent and radiate to the upper body.There is numbness in the hands, weakness in the muscles of the upper extremities and often one side of the body is affected.
- Stage 4 – Bone tissue is replaced, an osteophyte forms and neighboring joints are damaged.
Clinical manifestations
General signs of cervical osteochondrosis:
- pain in the cervical spine;
- Radiculopathy – compression of nerve roots, manifested by pain, sensory disturbances and muscle weakness;
- Numbness of the upper extremities occurs;
- Pain in the neck area radiating to the back of the head, dizziness.
diagnosis
The examination includes taking anamnesis, complaints, examining and palpating the cervical spine and assessing the neurological status.To determine the present changes and the stage of the disease, digital X-ray, MRI and CT, as well as Doppler ultrasound of the main cerebral arteries (USGD) are performed.Diagnostics allows the specialist to create an effective treatment regimen.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
To achieve the most positive results and slow the progression of the disease, comprehensive treatment is carried out.Treatment combines drug therapy with physiotherapeutic procedures, massage, acupuncture, manual therapy, hardware traction of the cervical spine and therapeutic exercises.
Shants collar
During the exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, wearing a special orthopedic device - the Shants collar - is prescribed.The main purpose of the product is to fix the cervical spine in the correct position.
Surgical treatment
Surgical intervention is indicated when medication and physical interventions are unavoidable.He is turned to when the patient's spinal canal is catastrophically narrowed.
A hernia is removed through surgery, a destroyed intervertebral disc is replaced with an implant and the spinal canal is widened.
Massage for cervical osteochondrosis
Massage allows you to relax the muscles, improve blood circulation in the affected area and reduce the load on the vertebrae.Massages combined with exercise and other treatments help relieve pain.
The massage is carried out when the pain subsides or subsides, i.e. in the stabilization stage.
The procedure is performed by a qualified specialist to relieve muscle tension and pain and improve blood circulation.During the massage, stroking, rubbing, kneading and other techniques of classic massage techniques are carried out.
During the exacerbation period, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, ultrasound with the use of glucocorticoids, magnetic laser and SMT with anesthetic are prescribed.
Basic exercises for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Basic exercises for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis:
- and.N. – lying on your stomach, palms on the floor, arms stretched out, the torso must be raised, the back arched, linger for a few minutes;
- And.N. – lying on your stomach, arms straight along your body, turn your head left and right, trying to reach the floor with your ear;
- And.P. – Sitting on the floor, inhale – bend forward towards your chest, exhale – bend backwards and throw your head back.
Manual therapy
The influence of the chiropractor's hands on the spine allows you to increase the distance between the vertebrae, thereby reducing the load.Prescribed by the attending physician after X-ray, MRI or CT.
Drug treatment
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is aimed at eliminating pain and the inflammatory process during the exacerbation phase and preventing the progression of dystrophic changes in the structures of the spine.
For this purpose, local therapy with gels with anti-inflammatory effects is used.
Medication:
- NSAIDs.
- Muscle relaxants.
- Diuretics.
- Opioid analgesics.
- Therapeutic drug blockades with anesthetics or a corticosteroid, as well as drugs that correct blood microcirculation.
- Metabolic therapy (B vitamins, thioctic acid preparations).
- Drugs that improve the conduction of nerve impulses.
Additionally, chondroprotectors may be prescribed to improve the regeneration process.
Disease prevention
Prevention should consist in correcting the lifestyle - playing sports (swimming, yoga, fitness) to form a muscular corset, warming up the cervical spine and creating comfortable sleeping conditions (comfortable mattress and pillow).
To prevent exacerbation, it is necessary to undergo preventive massage of the neck-collar area and back, acupuncture and hardware traction of the cervical spine twice a year.
All of these procedures are carried out on an inpatient and outpatient basis.