Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disorder 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 exposed to a lot of stress, which over time leads to the loss of flexibility and flattening of the discs.The distance between the vertebrae decreases, the blood circulation in the affected area deteriorates, and pain occurs 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.The strain can occur due to excess weight, long-term uncomfortable posture or during sedentary work.Osteochondrosis is not always the result of direct stress on the vertebrae.The disease can be caused by metabolic disorders, vitamin B, C, and D deficiency, as well as hormonal and autoimmune diseases, chronic poisoning, injuries, and age-related changes.
Currently, there are no exact data on the causes of degenerative diseases of the spine.Osteochondrosis can occur for several reasons:
- genetic factor - congenital weakness of connective tissue;
- age-related changes in the spine;
- musculoskeletal diseases (scoliosis, flat feet, torticollis, rheumatic diseases, developmental disorders);
- vertebral instability (increased mobility of part of the spine);
- low 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 symptoms of the disease.Each stage is characterized by certain characteristics:
- Section 1 – destruction of the osteochondral tissue occurs.At this stage, patients do not notice the symptoms of the disease.This can be discomfort, pain in the cervical spine, pain during movement.
- Section 2 – The MRI reveals protrusions of the intervertebral discs and compression of the spinal roots (radicular syndrome).The changes that occur cause pain in the cervical spine with irradiation of the shoulders and upper limbs.Associated symptoms include increased fatigue, headaches and difficulty concentrating.
- Section 3 – painful sensations increase and last, radiating to the upper part of the body.Numbness in the hand, muscle weakness in the upper limbs, and one side of the body is often affected.
- Section 4 – bone tissue is replaced, osteophytes are formed, and adjacent joints are damaged.
Clinical manifestations
General symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis:
- pain in the cervical spine;
- radiculopathy - compression of the nerve roots, which is manifested by pain, sensory disturbances and muscle weakness;
- numbness of the upper limbs appears;
- pain in the neck region that radiates to the occipital region of the head, dizziness.
Diagnostics
The examination includes the collection of the patient's anamnestic data and complaints, the examination and palpation of the cervical spine, and the assessment of the neurological condition.To determine the changes present and the stage of the disease, digital radiography, MRI and CT, as well as Doppler ultrasound of the main arteries of the brain (USGD) are performed.Diagnosis allows the specialist to create an effective treatment plan.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
In order to achieve the most positive results and to slow down the progression of the disease, a comprehensive treatment is carried out.The treatment combines drug therapy with physiotherapy procedures, massage, acupuncture, manual therapy, hardware traction of the cervical spine and therapeutic exercises.
Shants collar
During the period of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, a special orthopedic device must be worn - the Shants collar.The main purpose of the product is to fix the cervical spine in the right position.
Surgical treatment
Surgical intervention is recommended in cases where medication and physical intervention are unavoidable.People turn to him when the patient's spinal canal has been catastrophically narrowed.
A surgical intervention is performed to eliminate the hernia, to replace the destroyed intervertebral disc with an implant and to expand the spinal canal.
Massage for cervical osteochondrosis
Massage allows the muscles to relax, improves blood circulation in the affected area and reduces the load on the vertebrae.Massage combined with exercise and other treatments helps relieve pain.
The massage is performed when the pain subsides or the pain has regressed, in the stabilization phase.
The procedure is performed by a trained specialist to relieve muscle tension, pain and improve blood circulation.During the massage, we perform stroking, rubbing, kneading and other techniques of classical massage techniques.
In the period of exacerbation, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, ultrasound with glucocorticoid, 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 ground, arms straight, upper body raised, back arched, rest for a few minutes;
- And.n.– lying on your stomach, with your arms straight along your body, your head should be turned left and right, trying to reach your ears to the floor;
- And.p.– sitting on the floor, inhalation – bend forward towards the chest, exhalation – bend back, tilting your head back.
Manual therapy
The effect of the chiropractor's hands on the spine makes it possible to increase the distance between the vertebrae, as a result of which the load is reduced.The attending physician prescribes it after radiography, MRI or CT.
Drug treatment
The aim of the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is to eliminate pain, the inflammatory process during the period of exacerbation, and to prevent the progression of dystrophic changes in the structure of the spine.
For this purpose, local therapy with anti-inflammatory gels is used.
Medicines:
- NSAIDs.
- Muscle relaxants.
- Diuretics.
- Opioid pain relievers.
- Therapeutic drug blockades with anesthetics or corticosteroid drugs, as well as drugs that correct blood microcirculation.
- Metabolic therapy (B vitamins, thioctic acid preparations).
- Medicines that improve the conduction of nerve impulses.
In addition, chondroprotectors can be prescribed to improve the regeneration process.
Disease prevention
Prevention should consist of lifestyle correction - sports (swimming, yoga, fitness) in order to develop muscle ligaments, warming up the cervical spine, creating comfortable sleeping conditions (comfortable mattress and pillow).
In order to prevent exacerbation, the area of the cervical collar and the back should undergo preventive massage, acupuncture and hardware traction of the cervical spine twice a year.
All these procedures are performed on an inpatient and outpatient basis.