Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease in the tissues of the articular cartilage, which can be localized in any joint, as well as in the intervertebral disc.The cervical spine is subjected to high loads, which over time leads to a decrease in the elasticity of the discs and their flattening.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.Loading can occur due to excess weight, an uncomfortable position for a long time or during sedentary work.Osteochondrosis is not always the result of direct stress on the vertebrae.The disease can be caused by metabolic disorders, deficiency of vitamins B, C, D, as well as hormonal and autoimmune diseases, chronic intoxication, injuries and age-related changes.
There is currently no exact data on the causes of degenerative diseases of the spine.Osteochondrosis can occur due to a number of reasons:
- genetic factor - congenital weakness of connective tissue;
- age-related changes in the spine;
- diseases of the musculoskeletal system (scoliosis, flat feet, stiff neck, rheumatic diseases, developmental anomalies);
- vertebral instability (greater mobility of part of the spinal column);
- poor physical activity;
- cervical spine injuries;
- 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 phase is characterized by some characteristics:
- Phase 1 – destruction of osteochondral tissue occurs.During this stage, patients do not notice the symptoms of the disease.This can be discomfort, pain in the cervical spine, pain during movement.
- Phase 2 – Magnetic resonance imaging reveals protrusions of the intervertebral discs, compression of the spinal roots (radicular syndrome).The changes that occur cause pain in the cervical spine with radiation to the shoulder and upper extremities.Associated symptoms include increased fatigue, headaches and difficulty concentrating.
- Phase 3 – painful sensations increase and are permanent, radiating to the upper part of the body.There is numbness in the hands, weakness of the muscles of the upper extremities, and one side of the body is often affected.
- Phase 4 – bone tissue is replaced, an osteophyte forms and nearby joints are damaged.
Clinical manifestations
General signs of cervical osteochondrosis:
- pain in the cervical spine;
- radiculopathy – compression of the nerve roots, which manifests itself with pain, sensory disturbances and muscle weakness;
- numbness of the upper limbs appears;
- pain in the cervical region radiating to the occipital region of the head, dizziness.
Diagnostics
The examination includes collection of the patient's anamnestic data, complaints, examination and palpation of the cervical spine, and evaluation of neurological status.To determine the present changes and the stage of the disease, digital radiography, MRI and CT and Doppler ultrasound of the main arteries of the brain (USGD) are performed.Diagnostics allows the specialist to create an effective treatment regimen.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
To achieve the most positive results and slow down the progression of the disease, comprehensive treatment is carried out.The treatment combines drug therapy with physiotherapeutic procedures, massage, acupuncture, manual therapy, hardware traction of the cervical spine and therapeutic exercises.
Shants collar
During the period of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, the use of a special orthopedic device is prescribed - the Shants collar.The main purpose of the product is to fix the cervical spine in the correct position.
Surgical treatment
Surgery is indicated in cases where medications and physical intervention are unavoidable.People turn to him if the patient's spinal canal has become catastrophically narrowed.
Surgery is performed to eliminate a hernia, replace a 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 helps relieve pain.
The massage is performed when the pain reduces or regresses, in the stabilization phase.
The procedure is performed by a qualified specialist to relieve muscle tension, pain and improve blood circulation.During the massage, caressing, rubbing, kneading and other classic massage techniques are performed.
During the period of exacerbation, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, ultrasound with the use of glucocorticoids, magnetic laser and SMT with anesthetic are prescribed.
Basic exercises for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Basic exercises for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis:
- And.N. – lying on your stomach, palms resting on the floor, arms outstretched, the upper part of the body should be raised, arching your back, linger for a few minutes;
- E. N. – lying on your stomach, with your arms stretched along your body, you should turn your head left - right, trying to reach your ear on the floor;
- E. P. – sitting on the floor, inhale – bend forward towards the chest, exhale – bend back, throwing your head back.
Manual therapy
The influence of the chiropractor's hands on the spine allows you to increase the distance between the vertebrae, thereby reducing the load.Prescribed by the attending physician after x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging or CT.
Pharmacological treatment
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is aimed at eliminating pain, the inflammatory process during the period of exacerbation and preventing the progress of dystrophic changes in the structures of the spine.
For this purpose, local therapy with gels with an anti-inflammatory effect is used.
Medicines:
- NSAIDs.
- Muscle relaxants.
- Diuretics.
- Opioid analgesics.
- Pharmacological therapeutic blocks with anesthetics or corticosteroid drugs and drugs that correct blood microcirculation.
- Metabolic therapy (group B vitamins, preparations based on lipoic acid).
- Drugs that improve the conduction of nerve impulses.
Additionally, chondroprotectors may 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 up 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 area and back 2 times a year, acupuncture and hardware traction of the cervical spine.
All these procedures are performed on an inpatient and outpatient basis.