Cervical osteochondrosis (spondylosis, spondyloarthrosis) is a progressive disease caused by degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, cartilage tissue, ligaments and bone processes themselves.
Headaches, dizziness, darkening of the eyes - all this can be the cause of cervical osteochondrosis, which often occurs in very young people.
The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae, ligaments, intervertebral discs, joints and is the most mobile, i.e. mobile, part of it.
Intervertebral discs lie between two vertebrae and act as shock absorbers.That is, they prevent the surfaces of the vertebrae from touching each other and evenly distribute the load on the cartilage tissue during flexion, extension and head rotation.
In addition to the intervertebral discs, the vertebrae are connected by joints and ligaments;The absence of pathological changes in these organs ensures normal mobility of the vertebrae, and therefore the entire neck.
Causes of neck osteochondrosis
The main cause of cervical spondylosis is a violation of nutrition and metabolic processes in the intervertebral discs and ligaments.In its structure and function, the intervertebral disc resembles a sponge that must be constantly squeezed to remove unnecessary substances and opened for nutrition.
To ensure the constancy of this process, the spine must be mobile during the day;The absence of this condition leads to a change in the properties of the intervertebral disc tissue, causing it to decrease in volume and no longer provide adequate shock absorption.
The vertebrae begin to come into contact with each other, their bone tissue grows, and the lumen through which the spine, arteries and nerve endings pass narrows.The narrowing of the lumen leads to compression of the nerve endings and all the symptoms of chondrosis appear.
Therefore, currently the main provoking factors for the occurrence of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- genetic predisposition;
- Overweight, monotonous diet;
- poisoning, infection;
- age-related changes;
- overloading of the spine;
- prolonged uncomfortable posture;
- poor posture, flat feet;
- hypothermia, unfavorable environment;
- Injuries.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is also an occupational disease.Prolonged uncomfortable posture of drivers and computer operators leads to stagnation of the vertebrae and their inflammation.Osteochondrosis can occur due to hormonal and vascular disorders.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis can be divided according to clinical symptoms depending on the involvement of arteries or nerves in the pathological process.
Compression of the vertebral artery leads to the following changes in well-being:
- Migraine.The pain increases gradually, often begins at the back of the head, is localized in one half of the head and can radiate to the eye or ear.The patient complains of dizziness, tinnitus, and possibly nausea and vomiting.Cervical migraines are difficult to control with traditional analgesics.
- Fainting at the height of the headache or with sudden twists of the neck.
- Swallowing disorder.
- The pressure increases from low to high values and vice versa.The attack is accompanied by a feeling of fear and panic.
Compression of the nerve endings of the spinal cord is called radicular syndrome.it is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Pain in the cervical vertebrae, constant, aching.It gets worse over time and causes migraines;
- Pain in the back of the head and numbness in the upper neck;
- Sensation of enlargement of the tongue, difficulty eating, feeling of lump in the throat;
- Dull pain in the collarbone, in the region of the heart;
- Restricted movement in the arms – lifting or lateral movement is not possible.
- Stitching pain in neck spreading to shoulder blade, arm and fingers;
- Numbness in the hands, goosebumps, weakness when pressed.
Pain in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is initially perceived as dull, then increases and spreads throughout the body.Pain in the hands can be observed simultaneously on the left and right, accompanied by numbness in the fingers.With cervical osteochondrosis, due to impaired blood supply, blurred vision, reduced hearing, and night snoring may occur, the occurrence of which causes tension in the neck muscles.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is complex and includes pain relief and restoration of normal functioning of the vertebrae.Basically, the disease is treated by a neurologist;In the first stage, medication is prescribed.If treatment is ineffective, surgery may be recommended.
Drug treatment
The main group of drugs used to treat cervical osteochondrosis are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
The drugs not only treat inflammation, but also relieve pain at the same time, making their use mandatory for diseases such as spondyloarthrosis of the cervical spine.Nonsteroidal drugs also prevent further destruction of the intervertebral discs and help restore their tissues.
Antispasmodics are prescribed along with NSAIDs;They help to relieve muscle tension, which has a positive effect on treatment.In case of severe pain that does not go away, the doctor may prescribe blockages - injection of novocaine or lidocaine into the area of the cervical vertebrae.
Patients are also prescribed ointments to rub into the painful area.They relieve muscle tension, relieve pain, have an anti-inflammatory effect, penetrate the skin and reduce inflammation.For chronic diseases, chondroprotectors and B vitamins are prescribed.
Drug therapy for the disease cervical osteochondrosis should only be prescribed by a doctor;He can select the correct dose of the drug and calculate the course of administration.Some drugs may be contraindicated in chronic diseases, so their analogues are used in treatment.Treatment of neck osteochondrosis in the active phase can last up to 3 months and, in addition to medication, physiotherapy and non-drug treatment are used.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a treatment method that uses external physical factors: low currents, ultrasound, lasers, magnetic fields.Their effect on the affected area improves microcirculation in the tissues and spine, making the recovery process faster.
Deep warming of the inflammatory zone relaxes muscles, relieves pain and helps remove caries products.Physiotherapy is a safe procedure for patients of all ages.
Taping is also used to treat cervical osteochondrosis.This method uses a special elastic tape made of cotton or synthetic, which has high strength and elasticity.Taping helps to relax the muscles and relieve tension and pain.
The effect of treating an illness with Kinesio taping does not appear immediately.The first relief occurs a quarter of an hour after the procedure, the full effect occurs after a few days.You can wear kinesio tapes for osteochondrosis for up to 5 days.During this period, you can carry out water treatments without fear for safety, as the tape holds firmly, dries quickly and has a “breathable” effect.
Kinesio taping is not the main method of treating osteochondrosis;The most effective use is in combination with other types of therapy.
Non-drug methods
Non-traditional methods are also often used to treat the disease “osteochondrosis of the cervical spine”.Basically, this is a massage - a mechanical action of varying intensity on a painful part of the body with the hands.The massage improves blood circulation in the tissue and relaxes tense muscles.Thai massage is also good for treating the spine.The main thing is to be able to rely on the high professionalism of the masseur.
Reflexology involves applying needles to active points on the human body.This procedure activates vitality and, if carried out correctly, can immediately relieve pain.
Treating the disease with folk remedies can also make sense - of course in consultation with the treating doctor.
Traction restores the normal anatomical position of the spine.
Anyone suffering from cervical osteochondrosis should remember that the best treatment will not help if the patient does not make an effort on his own.It is necessary to change your lifestyle - move more, do the therapeutic exercises recommended by your doctor in the morning, eat a healthy and varied diet.Fresh air, giving up bad habits, reducing nervous stress - all this contributes to a speedy recovery.