Cervical osteochondrosis - causes, symptoms and treatment methods

Dizziness, pressure fluctuations, fainting, heart pain - all this often comes from problems with the spine.80% of the population suffers from osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of varying severity and, according to statistics, men experience it earlier than women: at 45-50 years old.If treatment is not started early, the pathology becomes irreversible.

What is osteochondrosis

The pathology is associated with degenerative changes in the cartilage between the vertebrae, in which the soft tissues harden and depreciation decreases.

Osteochondrosis affects the thoracic, lumbar region, but more often the cervical region.The reason is high loads on vertebrae 1 to 7, weak muscles, poor nutrition and choosing the wrong pillow to sleep on.

Mechanism of injury to cervical vertebrae

Osteochondrosis develops when the process of nutrition of cartilaginous tissue and mineral metabolism are disrupted.The strength of bones and joints decreases, ligaments lose elasticity.The shape and structure of the disk changes, and under the influence of loads it collapses.The vertebrae are brought together, their surfaces are erased.The pathology causes the following complications:

1. Compression of the vessels passing through the 1st to 7th vertebrae causes hypoxia (lack of oxygen) in the brain.
2. Development of problems in the functioning of the respiratory system, blood vessels, heart, loss of vision.
3. Poor blood circulation in the brain leads to neurocirculatory (vegetative-vascular) dystonia.
4. Decreased neck mobility – due to the formation of bone formations in the vertebrae.
5. Impaired cerebellar function and spinal cord compression lead to death in advanced stages of the disease.

Stages of cervical osteochondrosis

The pathology develops slowly.In the preclinical phase, the distance between the vertebrae decreases, they press on the soft disc.Further, it becomes thinner, the fibrous ring is destroyed, its core swells.A bulge forms and then a hernia.The vertebrae rub against each other, change their shape and bulges appear on them.Nerves and blood vessels are compressed.

Initial stage of cervical osteochondrosis

Cracks appear in the fibrous ring, the capsule ruptures and the nucleus pulposus is damaged.Cervical osteochondrosis makes itself felt when turning the head, when nerve endings are compressed, blood vessels narrow and blood flow is affected.Pain appears in the back of the head and the back muscles tire quickly.

Stage 2 pathology

The degenerative process in the discs develops, the capsular ring is completely destroyed.The height between the vertebrae decreases, they become unstable and compress the nerve roots of the spinal cord.Neck flexibility and mobility decrease.At this stage, the disease can still be treated without surgery.

The last stages of neck osteochondrosis

At stage 3 of the pathology, disc protrusion develops, which leads to hernia;the annulus pulposus protrudes and swells.The cervical vertebrae and their axis are displaced and brain nutrition is impaired.In addition, in the last (3 and 4) stages of the pathology, the following processes begin:

• intervertebral discs are destroyed, which are replaced by connective tissue;
• the mobility of the neck and shoulder joints disappears;
• due to friction, growths form on the surface of the vertebrae and nerve fibers are injured;
• Hand sensitivity decreases due to innervation problems.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

The patient's condition depends on the stage of the disease.First, rare pain appears when turning or lowering the head and tension in the back muscles.Afterwards, the person feels constant fatigue.The pain becomes stronger and more frequent.Then weakness, dizziness, ringing in the ears and decreased visual acuity are added.All signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are divided into 3 groups:

• Irritant reflex syndromes– neurodystrophic, muscular-tonic and vegetative-vascular manifestations.
• Root compression– are associated with compression of nerve endings;One of the main symptoms is sharp pain when turning the head.
• Vertebral artery syndrome– occurs when a vessel that supplies brain structures narrows.

Neurotic disorders

The brain is poorly supplied with blood, its functioning and the state of the nervous system are disturbed.I often have headaches and suffer from insomnia, which causes a state of tiredness and apathy.Then the following symptoms occur:

• increased sweating;
• emotional lability (mood instability);
• increased irritability;
• dizziness;
• depression;
• impaired concentration;
• tinnitus;
• “flies” before the eyes;
• anxiety;
• tremor (trembling) of the limbs;
• panic attacks;
• disorders of the vestibular system: nausea, vomiting, gait instability, disorientation in space, loss of coordination.

General clinical signs

Osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae causes headaches and visual disturbances.In stage 2 of the pathology, patients complain of ringing in the ears, lump in the throat, weakness in the arm muscles and numbness in the tongue.When turning the neck and tilting the head, a crunching sound is heard and black dots appear before the eyes.In vertebral artery syndrome, other symptoms appear:

• migraine that runs from the back of the neck to the forehead;
• darkening before the eyes;
• sore scalp;
• hearing loss;
• increased blood pressure;
• tingling in the fingers.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women

The clinical picture does not depend on gender, but women aged 45 to 65 are more likely to experience numbness in the limbs during sleep, tingling and pain in the arms.The attacks are repeated several times at night.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

Pathology develops under the influence of high load on the vertebrae, which causes muscle spasm.Sedentary work often leads to this - at the computer, in the vehicle.

People with poor posture are at risk.Other causes of cervical osteochondrosis:

• nervous tension, frequent stressful situations;
• physical inactivity – lack of physical activity, low activity;
• muscle weakness in the neck;
• hereditary predisposition;
• spinal injuries;
• rheumatism;
• excessive physical activity, weight lifting;
• poor nutrition;
• metabolic disorders;
• frequent neck hypothermia;
• age-related changes in the musculoskeletal system, cartilaginous tissue;
• congenital anomalies of the cervical spine;
• autoimmune pathologies that affect cartilaginous tissue;
• overweight;
• vertebral instability.

Diagnosis

The doctor examines the patient's complaints, assesses posture and muscle tension.The diagnosis is clarified through an x-ray of the neck in 4 projections: the image shows the position of the vertebrae and the displacements.The stage of the disease and hidden pathologies are revealed by the following methods:

• MRI– the most effective method, shows in detail degenerative changes in the bones, hernias, protrusions, ruptures of the fibrous ring.It may be prescribed instead of x-rays, but the test is expensive.
• Ultrasound duplex scanning– to evaluate blood flow disorders in the arteries.
• Computed tomography– does not reveal the size and zones of hernias, is prescribed in the initial stages to determine the narrowing of the vertebral space, displacement of the cervical segments and marginal growths of bone tissue.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

The goals of therapy are to restore blood flow and tissue nutrition, remove symptoms of hypoxia, and stop the destruction of vertebrae and discs.It is important to strengthen the muscular corset that supports the neck and restore mobility to the joints.Treatment tactics are chosen depending on the stage of the disease:

• Initial – massage, gymnastics, physiotherapy, use of chondroprotectors and medications that improve blood circulation.
• Osteochondrosis stages 2-3 – drug treatment, therapeutic exercises, massage.
• Irreversible degenerative changes with destruction and deformation of the vertebrae - surgical intervention and symptomatic drug therapy.
• Exacerbation of the chronic form of cervical osteochondrosis - injections or tablets of medications that relieve pain and spasms.

Helps with severe pain

Locally apply a pepper patch or warming ointment to the neck.Active heating of a separate area distracts from pain and increases blood flow to the tissues.Ointments are applied in a very thin layer with an applicator.Other ways to relieve osteochondrosis pain:

• Tablet painkillers - have average effectiveness, are contraindicated for blood clotting problems.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - tablets are taken if there is no result from painkillers, as this group of drugs negatively affects the stomach and liver.
• Injections - administered for intense acute pain, the effect appears after 15 minutes.For intramuscular injections, NSAIDs and myotropic antispasmodics are used.In severe cases, a blockade is performed.

Conservative methods of therapy for cervical osteochondrosis

In stages 1-2 of the disease without symptoms of cerebral hypoxia, treatment is carried out at home.The basis of therapy is gymnastics and massage.They improve blood flow and strengthen muscles.Other methods:

• Drug therapy - oral medications and injections during exacerbations, ointments and creams at other times.
• Physiotherapy – courses of 7 to 10 procedures during remission.
• Folk remedies - as an additional method of treating osteochondrosis.
• Diet therapy - foods rich in fatty acids, magnesium and calcium are introduced into the diet.Avoid salt, smoked foods, pickled and spicy foods, and fast food.

Medication

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis during an exacerbation is aimed at relieving unpleasant symptoms, stimulating blood flow and tissue nutrition.

During the period of remission, medications are used to improve the quality of the cartilage and prevent the collapse of the vertebrae.Medicines are used internally and locally.The main groups of funds are:

• Muscle relaxants– relieve muscle spasms, reduce pain, use for one month.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)– applied locally and internally, relieves pain and swelling.Tablets are not used for more than 10 days.
• Painkillers– relieve pain, but do not relieve inflammation and have a weaker effect than NSAIDs.
• Chondroprotectors– protect and restore cartilaginous tissue.
• Sedatives– often prescribed for women in whom osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is complicated by severe neurotic disorders.
• Nootropics– affect cerebral circulation, help combat dizziness.
• Vitamin and mineral complexes– improve metabolism in nervous tissue.

Non-drugs

During remission, treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is based on local procedures that improve blood flow, metabolism, relieve pain and inflammation.The patient does gymnastics every day, the plan for which is drawn up by the doctor.The main treatment methods are:

• Manual therapy– straighten the position of the vertebrae and strengthen them with massage.A course of 5 to 10 sessions is held 2 to 4 times a year.At home, a light massage with stroking and rubbing of the neck and collar area from top to bottom for 7-10 minutes is allowed to relieve muscle spasm.
• Drug electrophoresis– Medicines are used to relieve pain and improve blood circulation, which with the current quickly reaches the desired point.
• Magnetotherapy– intended to relieve swelling.
• Acupuncture– improves blood flow, relieves inflammation.Carried out in courses of 8-10 sessions every 1-2 days.
• Shants collar- a controversial method of eliminating the symptoms of osteochondrosis, as the load is removed from the muscles, but they are not strengthened.The product fixes the neck and lengthens the spine, increasing the distance between its segments.They wear the collar 3 hours a day for a month.

Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae

Outside of periods of exacerbation, the patient is advised to perform therapeutic exercises.Strong forward and backward head tilts and rotations are prohibited.Each exercise is performed for no more than one minute, without sudden movements or jerks.If discomfort or pain occurs, stop the activity.Proven exercises for the cervical spine:

• Slowly turn your head to the right and left, constantly looking at a point in front of you: this way you control the small amplitude of the movement.Do 10-15 times in each direction and gradually increase to 30.
• Place your palm on your forehead and press it, while trying to tilt your head forward.Count to 5 and relax.Repeat 10 times.
• Place your right palm over your left temple and press down to tilt your head toward your shoulder.Count to 5, release.Do 10 times on each side.
• Lying on your stomach, extend your arms along your body.Lifting your head slightly, slowly turn it so that your ear touches the floor.Do 10 movements on each side.

Surgical methods for treating cervical osteochondrosis

If the nerve roots are affected, there is a hernia with a ruptured ring, the vertebrae are destroyed and there is no result from the main therapy, surgery is performed.

Symptoms of a serious illness: paralysis of the arms, muscle atrophy, stroke.

Main treatment methods:

• Facetectomy– endoscopic removal of the joints with subsequent fixation of the vertebrae, which will remain immobile.
• Disectomy with spinal fusion– prescribed for severe deforming changes.During the operation, the soft disc is removed and the vertebrae are fused together to prevent its destruction.Cons: mobility of the cervical spine is limited, rehabilitation is long.
• Spinal fusion– removal of fragments of the destroyed disc, bone processes, introduction of an artificial graft and fixation of the vertebrae with screws.The recovery period is one year, the patient is advised to wear a corset.
• Corpectomy– removal of a destroyed vertebra and nearby discs is performed if other methods have no effect.

Folk remedies for cervical osteochondrosis

For severe pain, take 1 teaspoon.alcohol and camphor, add 2 drops of iodine and rub the areas to the left and right of the spine (do not touch the spine itself) for 3-5 minutes.This is done 1-2 times a day.Other popular recipes besides basic therapy:

1. Pour 500 g of knotweed with water (2 l), boil and leave.Pour the cooled broth through cheesecloth into the prepared bath and leave for 15-20 minutes.The procedure is carried out at night, relaxes and soothes.Course – 7 to 10 sessions.
2. Mix 1 tbsp.I.birch buds, St. John's wort, mint leaves.Grind, add a glass of water, boil for 5 minutes.Strain, mix with butter and vegetable oil (75 g each).Apply a thin layer of ointment to the neck, cover with polyethylene and a scarf.Keep it for an hour.Procedures are carried out every day for 2 weeks.
3. Pour 100 g of elderberries with vodka (600 ml).Leave for a week in a cold place.Rub your neck with this remedy twice a day for 10 to 15 days.

Prevention

Patients over 40 years of age should take calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D and magnesium supplements every six months - they improve the condition of bones, ligaments and cartilage.The diet includes fatty fish, shrimp, mussels, nuts, legumes, spinach, cheese and milk.Other preventive measures:

• when working sedentary, change the position of your neck more often, stretch it every hour;
• choose a comfortable pillow;
• do swimming, yoga;
• avoid weight lifting, jumping sports, running;
• Avoid neck hypothermia.