Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disorder in the articular cartilage tissue, which can be localized in any joint, as well as in the intervertebral disc.The cervical spine is subjected to a high load, which over time leads to a decrease in the elasticity of the disc and its flatness.The distance between the vertebrae decreases, blood circulation in the affected area worsens, and pain appears in the cervical spine.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis is an unbalanced and excessive load on the cervical spine.Overload can occur due to being overweight, being in an uncomfortable position for a long time, or during sedentary work.Osteochondrosis is not always caused by direct pressure on the vertebrae.This 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.
Currently, there is no accurate data on the cause of degenerative diseases of the spine.Osteochondrosis can occur due to several reasons:
- genetic factors - congenital weakness of connective tissue;
- age-related changes in the spinal column;
- diseases of the musculoskeletal system (scoliosis, flat feet, torticollis, rheumatic diseases, developmental abnormalities);
- vertebral instability (increased mobility of the spine);
- low physical activity;
- cervical spine injury;
- heavy physical activity, carrying heavy objects.
Stages of osteochondrosis
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis depends on the stage of development and clinical signs of the disease.Each level is characterized by certain characteristics:
- Stage 1 – destruction of osteochondral tissue occurs.At this stage, the patient is not aware of the symptoms of the disease.This may be discomfort, pain in the cervical spine, pain during movement.
- Stage 2 – MRI reveals intervertebral disc protrusion, spinal root compression (radicular syndrome).The changes that occur cause pain in the cervical spine with radiation to the shoulders and upper limbs.Associated symptoms include increased fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
- Stage 3 – painful sensations increase and remain, radiating to the upper part of the body.There is numbness in the hands, weakness in the muscles of the upper body, and one side of the body is often affected.
- Stage 4 – bone tissue is replaced, osteophytes are formed, and neighboring joints are damaged.
Clinical manifestations
Common signs of cervical osteochondrosis:
- pain in the cervical spine;
- radiculopathy - nerve root compression, which is manifested by pain, sensory disturbances and muscle weakness;
- numbness in the upper part is visible;
- pain in the cervical region radiating to the occipital region of the head, dizziness.
Diagnostics
Examination includes the collection of patient anamnestic data, complaints, examination and palpation of the cervical spine, and assessment of neurological status.To determine the changes that are present and the stage of the disease, digital radiography, MRI and CT, and Doppler ultrasound of the main artery of the brain (USGD) are performed.Diagnostics allows specialists 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, traction of the cervical spine hardware, and therapeutic exercises.
Collar shants
During the period of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, wearing a special orthopedic device is prescribed - Shants collar.The main purpose of the product is to fix the cervical spine in the correct position.
Surgical treatment
Surgical intervention is indicated in cases where medication and physical intervention cannot be avoided.People turn to him if the patient's spinal canal has become catastrophically narrowed.
Surgical intervention is performed to remove the hernia, replace the destroyed intervertebral disc with an implant, and expand the spinal canal.
Massage for cervical osteochondrosis
Massage allows you to relax muscles, improve blood circulation in the affected area, and reduce the load on the vertebrae.Massage combined with exercise and other treatments help relieve pain.
Massage is done when the pain is reduced or the pain is restored, at the stabilization stage.
This procedure is performed by a qualified specialist to relieve muscle tension, pain, and improve blood circulation.During the massage, stroking, rubbing, kneading and other classic massage techniques are performed.
During the exacerbation period, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, ultrasound with the use of glucocorticoids, magnetic laser, and SMT with anesthetics are prescribed.
Basic exercises for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Basic exercises for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis:
- and.n.– lie on your stomach, palms on the floor, straight arms, upper body must be raised, arched back, linger for a few minutes;
- And.n.– lying on your stomach, arms straight along the body, you should turn your head left - right, try to reach your ears to the floor;
- And.p.– sit on the floor, inhale – bend forward towards the chest, exhale – bend back, 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, as a result of which the load is reduced.Prescribed by the attending physician after radiography, MRI or CT.
Drug treatment
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is aimed at eliminating pain, inflammatory processes during the exacerbation period and preventing the progress of dystrophic changes in the spinal structure.
For this purpose, local therapy with a gel with an anti-inflammatory effect is used.
Medicines:
- NSAIDs.
- Relax the muscles.
- Diuretic.
- Opioid analgesics.
- Restriction of therapeutic drugs with anesthetics or corticosteroid drugs, and drugs that correct blood microcirculation.
- Metabolic therapy (B vitamins, thioctic acid preparations).
- Drugs that increase the conduction of nerve impulses.
In addition, chondroprotectors can be prescribed to improve the regeneration process.
Disease prevention
Prevention should consist of lifestyle correction - playing sports (swimming, yoga, fitness) to form a muscle corset, warming the cervical spine, creating comfortable sleeping conditions (comfortable mattress and pillow).
To prevent exacerbation, it is necessary to undergo a preventive course of massage of the cervical collar area and back 2 times a year, acupuncture, and hardware traction of the cervical spine.
All of these procedures are performed on an inpatient and outpatient basis.