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Cervical osteochondrosis - causes, symptoms and methods of treatment

Dizziness, pressure fluctuations, fainting, pain in the heart - 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 the age of 45-50 years.If treatment is not started at an early stage, the pathology becomes irreversible.

What is osteochondrosis?

The pathology is associated with degenerative changes in the cartilage between the vertebrae, in which the soft tissue becomes strong and the impairment decreases.

Osteochondrosis affects the chest, waist, but most often the cervical region.The reason is the high load on vertebrae 1-7, weak muscles, poor nutrition and choosing the wrong pillow for sleeping.

The mechanism of damage to the cervical vertebrae

Osteochondrosis develops when the process of cartilage tissue nutrition and mineral metabolism are interrupted.The strength of bones and joints decreases, ligaments lose elasticity.The shape and structure of the disc changes, and under the influence of loads it collapses.The beads come closer, their surfaces are hidden.The pathology causes the following complications:

  1. Compression of vessels passing through vertebrae 1-7 causes hypoxia (starvation of oxygen) of 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 mobility of the neck - due to the formation of bone formations in the vertebrae.
  5. Impaired function of the cerebellum and compression of the spinal cord lead to death in the advanced stages of the disease.

Stages of cervical osteochondrosis

The pathology develops slowly.In the preclinical stage, the distance between the vertebrae decreases, they put pressure on the soft disc.Further it becomes thinner, the fibrous ring is destroyed, its core swells.A protrusion is formed, then a hernia.The beads rub against each other, change shape and growths appear on them.Nerves and blood vessels are constricted.

The initial stage of cervical osteochondrosis

Fissures appear in the annulus fibrosus, the capsule ruptures and the nucleus pulposus is damaged.Cervical osteochondrosis is felt when turning the head, when the nerve endings tighten, blood vessels narrow and blood flow is affected.The pain appears in the back of the head and the back muscles tire quickly.

Stage 2 pathology

The degenerative process develops in the discs, the capsular ring is completely destroyed.The height between the vertebrae decreases, they become unstable and squeeze 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 osteochondrosis of the neck

In the 3rd stage of the pathology, disc protrusion develops, which leads to a hernia;the pulp ring protrudes and swells.The cervical vertebrae and their axis are displaced, and brain nutrition suffers.Moreover, in the last stages (3 and 4) 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;
  • from friction, growths are formed on the surface of the vertebrae and nerve fibers are injured;
  • The sensitivity of the hands decreases due to problems with their innervation.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

The condition of the patient depends on the stage of the disease.First, rare pains appear when you turn or lower your head and tension in the back muscles.Then the person experiences constant fatigue.The pain becomes stronger and more frequent.Then weakness, dizziness, ringing in the ears are added and visual acuity decreases.All signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are divided into 3 groups:

  • Irritative-reflex syndromes– neurodystrophic, muscle-tonic and vegetative-vascular manifestations.
  • Compression-radicular- are accompanied by compression of nerve endings;one of the main symptoms is acute pain when turning the head.
  • Vertebral artery syndrome– occurs when a vessel supplying brain structures becomes narrowed.

Neurotic disorders

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

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

General clinical signs

Osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae causes headaches and visual disturbances.In the 2nd stage of the pathology, patients complain of ringing in the ears, a lump in the throat, weakness of the arm muscles and numbness of the tongue.When you turn your neck and bend your head, a crackling noise is heard and black dots appear in front of your eyes.With vertebral artery syndrome, other symptoms appear:

  • migraine that goes from the back of the head to the forehead;
  • darkness before the eyes;
  • headache;
  • hearing loss;
  • increased blood pressure;
  • tingling of the fingers.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women

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

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

The pathology develops under the influence of high load on the vertebrae, which causes muscle spasm.Sedentary work often leads to this - at a computer, in a 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;
  • weakness of neck muscles;
  • hereditary predisposition;
  • spinal cord injuries;
  • rheumatism;
  • excessive physical activity, heavy lifting;
  • poor nutrition;
  • metabolic disorders;
  • frequent hypothermia of the neck;
  • age-related changes in the musculoskeletal system, cartilage tissue;
  • congenital anomalies of the cervical spine;
  • autoimmune pathologies that affect cartilage tissue;
  • overweight;
  • vertebral instability.

Diagnosing

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

  • Magnetic resonance imaging– the most effective method, shows in detail degenerative changes in bones, hernias, elongations, ruptures of the fibrous ring.It can be prescribed instead of X-rays, but the examination is expensive.
  • Duplex ultrasound scan– to assess blood circulation disorders in the arteries.
  • Computed tomography- does not reveal the size and areas of the hernia, it is prescribed in the early stages to determine the narrowing of the vertebral space, the displacement of the cervical segments and the marginal growths of the bone tissue.
MRI as a method for diagnosing cervical osteochondrosis

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 in the joints.Treatment tactics are selected according to the stage of the disease:

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

Help with severe pain

Apply peppercorns or warming ointments locally to the neck.Active heating of a specific area relieves pain and increases blood flow to tissues.Ointments are applied in a very thin layer using an applicator.Other ways to relieve pain from osteochondrosis:

  • Analgesics in tablets - have average effectiveness, are contraindicated for problems with blood coagulation.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - tablets are taken if there is no result from analgesics, since this group of drugs negatively affects the stomach and liver.
  • Injections - given for severe acute pain, the effect appears after 15 minutes.For intramuscular injections, NSAIDs and myotropic antispasmodics are used.In severe cases, a blockade is carried out.

Conservative methods of therapy for osteochondrosis of the neck

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

  • Drug therapy - oral medication and injections during flare-ups, ointments and creams in other cases.
  • Physiotherapy - courses with 7-10 procedures during remission.
  • Folk remedies - as an additional method for the treatment of osteochondrosis.
  • Dietary therapy - foods rich in fatty acids, magnesium and calcium are included in the diet.Avoid salt, smoked foods, pickled and spicy foods, and fast foods.

Treatment

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

During the remission period, drugs are used that 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 a month.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)– applied locally and internally, relieves pain and swelling.Tablets are used no more than 10 days.
  • Analgesics- relieve pain, but do not relieve inflammation and have a weaker effect than NSAIDs.
  • Chondroprotectors– protect and restore cartilage tissue.
  • soothing- often prescribed to women in whom osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is complicated by severe neurotic disorders.
  • Nootropics– affect cerebral circulation, help fight dizziness.
  • Complexes of vitamins and minerals– improves metabolism in nervous tissue.

Non-drug

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

  • Manual therapy– directing the position of the vertebrae and strengthening them with massage.A course of 5-10 sessions is held 2-4 times a year.At home, a light massage with stroking and rubbing of the neck and collar area from top to bottom is allowed for 7-10 minutes to relieve muscle spasm.
  • Electrophoresis with drugs- drugs are used to relieve pain and improve blood circulation, which quickly reach the desired point with current.
  • Magnetotherapy– aimed at relieving swelling.
  • Acupuncture- improves blood circulation, relieves inflammation.It is carried out in courses of 8-10 sessions every 1-2 days.
  • Shants collar- a controversial method of eliminating the symptoms of osteochondrosis, since the load is removed from the muscles, but they are not strengthened.The product adjusts the neck and stretches 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 periods of deterioration, the patient is advised to perform therapeutic exercises.The solid head tilts forward and backward, 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 ahead: in this way you control the small amplitude of the movement.Do 10-15 times in each direction, 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 on 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, stretch your arms along your body.Raising your head slightly, slowly turn it so that your ear touches the floor.Do 10 movements on each side.

Surgical methods for the treatment of 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, the operation is performed.

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

Main methods of treatment:

  • Facetectomy– endoscopic removal of the joints with subsequent fixation of the vertebrae, which will be immobile.
  • Discectomy with spinal fusion– prescribed for serious deforming changes.During the operation, the soft disc is removed and the vertebrae are fused to stop their destruction.Cons: mobility of the cervical spine is limited, rehabilitation is long.
  • Spinal fusion– removal of fragments of the destroyed disc, bone processes, insertion 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 the destroyed vertebra and adjacent discs is performed if other methods have no effect.

Folk remedies for cervical osteochondrosis

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

  1. Pour 500 g of needles with water (2 l), boil and leave.Pour the cooled liquid through gauze into the prepared bath, take it for 15-20 minutes.The procedure is performed at night, it relaxes and soothes.Course - 7-10 sessions.
  2. Mix 1 tbsp.l.birch buds, St. John's wort, mint leaves.Grind, add a glass of water, boil for 5 minutes.Drain, mix with butter and vegetable oil (75 g each).Apply a thin layer of oil on the neck, cover with polyethylene and a scarf.Keep it for an hour.Procedures are performed every day for 2 weeks.
  3. Pour 100 g of berries with vodka (600 ml).Leave it for a week in a cool place.Rub your neck with this medicine 2 times a day for 10-15 days.
Elderberry tincture for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Preventing

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

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