Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease that affects the intervertebral discs in the cervical spine. Degenerative changes usually develop in the most mobile part of the spine, therefore, in the cervical region, due to violations in the vertebral structure, nerve roots at the levels of C5, C6 and C7 most often suffer.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
One of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis is a compressed, pressing headache, often radiating to the temples.
The clinical manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis are divided into reflex and radicular.
Reflex symptoms
Patients worry about what is called lumbago - a sharp sharp pain that occurs in the cervical spine, exacerbated by movement. Perhaps the appearance of crunch when turning the head, sometimes the patient assumes a forced position of the head due to severe pain.
People suffering from cervical osteochondrosis often complain of a pressing or narrowing headache, which can radiate to the temples and eyeballs. Sometimes visual acuity may decrease, patients say that everything is floating in front of their eyes.
When the nerve plexus of the vertebral arteries is irritated, vertebral artery syndrome can occur, which is often misdiagnosed as a violation of cerebral circulation, in which the patient experiences dizziness. They can occur with sharp movements of the head, accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
One of the reflex syndromes in the cervical osteochondrosis clinic is cardialgic, in which the patient has a sensation resembling an attack of angina pectoris. Usually, this phenomenon is combined with signs of other diseases, therefore, it rarely causes difficulties in the differential diagnosis with heart disease.
Radicular syndrome
Radicular syndrome results from compression of the spinal roots. The motor and sensory disturbances that appear in this case depend on the nerve root affected:
- C1 - violation of sensitivity in the occipital region;
- C2 - pain in the occipital and parietal regions;
- C3 - decreased sensitivity and pain in the half of the neck where the spinal nerves are violated, possible violation of the sensitivity of the tongue, speech disorders due to loss of control over the tongue;
- C4 - impaired sensitivity and pain in the shoulder -scapula area, decreased tone of the muscles of the head and neck, possible respiratory disorders, pain in the liver and heart;
- C5 - pain and impaired sensitivity on the outer surface of the shoulder;
- C6 - pain extending from neck to scapula, forearm, outer surface of shoulder, radial surface of forearm to thumb;
- C7 - pain extending from neck to scapula, back of shoulder, forearm to fingers II - IV hand, sensitivity affected in this area.
- C8 - pain and sensory disturbances spread from the neck to the shoulders, forearms to the little fingers.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis is a complex disease that requires long-term, systematic and gradual treatment. Therapy aims to eliminate pain and combat the inflammatory process in the affected area.
The patient was given analgesic medication. Recently, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which effectively eliminate pain syndromes and help reduce the activity of inflammatory processes, have become increasingly popular in the treatment of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine.
In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, the appointment of chondroprotectors is indicated - drugs that slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue. Many doctors believe that the use of these drugs also promotes the regrowth of cartilage tissue.
The use of external ointments and gels containing irritants or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is ineffective. Medicinal substances that are part of their composition are unlikely to reach the affected area due to obstruction of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscles. However, there is a sense of using this external agent, because when it is rubbed into the skin, a neck massage is performed.
To enhance the regenerative and metabolic processes in the affected nerve roots, patients are prescribed vitamins of group B. Often, doctors recommend to patients the preparation of combined vitamins, which are given intramuscularly.
Non -drug methods for treating cervical osteochondrosis include acupuncture, hirudotherapy, physiotherapy, exercise therapy, massage, manual therapy.
In severe cases, surgical treatment may be required.
Prophylaxis
Daily gymnastics for the cervical spine is a good prevention of osteochondrosis.
Prevention of the development of cervical osteochondrosis is not difficult. It is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, play sports, or at least do morning exercises.
An important role in the prevention of this disease is played by the proper organization of the workplace and the way of work and rest. People who work inactive should do a little warm -up several times during the working day, and while working, monitor the posture and position of the head.
It is also important to choose a good and comfortable mattress and pillow for sleeping. People with spinal diseases are advised to use special orthopedic products.
Which doctor to contact
Patients with spinal osteochondrosis are monitored by a neurologist. There are a large number of other specialty doctors who help patients with this disease: specialists in exercise and massage physiotherapy, osteopaths, manual and reflex therapists, physiotherapists and others.