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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.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 hard and the depreciation decreases.

Osteochondrosis affects the thoracic, lumbar, but most often the cervical region.The reason is the heavy load on vertebrae 1-7, weak muscles, poor nutrition and the wrong choice of sleeping pillow.

Mechanism of cervical vertebrae injury

Osteochondrosis develops when the process of cartilage tissue nutrition and mineral metabolism is disturbed.The strength of bones and joints decreases, ligaments lose elasticity.The shape and structure of the disc changes, and under the influence of the load it collapses.Vertebrae converge, their surfaces are erased.Pathology causes the following complications:

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

Stages of cervical osteochondrosis

Pathology develops slowly.In the preclinical stage, the distance between the vertebrae decreases, they exert pressure on the soft disc.Further it becomes thinner, the fibrous ring is destroyed, its core protrudes.A bulge forms, then a hernia.Vertebrae rub against each other, change shape and growths appear on them.Nerves and blood vessels are compressed.

Initial stage of cervical osteochondrosis

Cracks 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 are compressed, the blood vessels narrow and the blood flow is obstructed.There is a pain in the back of the head, and the muscles of the back tire quickly.

Stage 2 pathology

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

The last stages of osteochondrosis of the neck

In stage 3 of the pathology, disc protrusion develops, which leads to a hernia;the ring pulp protrudes and protrudes.The cervical vertebrae and their axis are displaced, and the nutrition of the brain suffers.In addition, in the last (3rd and 4th) stage of the pathology, the following processes begin:

  • intervertebral discs are destroyed, which are replaced by connective tissue;
  • mobility of the neck and shoulder joints disappears;
  • due to friction on the surface of the vertebrae, growths are formed 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 pain occurs when turning or lowering the head, and tension in the back muscles.After that, 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 associated with compression of nerve endings;one of the key symptoms is acute pain when turning the head.
  • Vertebral artery syndrome- occurs when the 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 fatigue and apathy.Then the following symptoms appear:

  • increased sweating;
  • emotional lability (instability of mood);
  • increased irritability;
  • dizziness;
  • depression;
  • impaired concentration;
  • tinnitus;
  • "flies" before the eyes;
  • anxiety;
  • tremor (shaking) 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 pathology, patients complain of ringing in the ears, a lump in the throat, weakness of the muscles of the hands and numbness of the tongue.When turning the neck and tilting the head, a crunch is heard, and black dots appear in front of the eyes.With vertebral artery syndrome, other symptoms also appear:

  • migraine that goes from the back of the head to the forehead;
  • darkness before the eyes;
  • painful scalp;
  • hearing loss;
  • increase in blood pressure;
  • tingling fingers.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women

The clinical picture does not depend on gender, but women aged 45-65 more often experience numbness of the limbs during sleep, tingling and pain in the hands.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 car.

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

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

Diagnostics

The doctor examines the patient's complaints, assesses posture and muscle tension.The diagnosis is clarified by 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- the most effective method, it shows in detail degenerative changes on the bones, hernias, protrusions, ruptures of the fibrous ring.It can be prescribed instead of x-rays, but the examination is expensive.
  • Ultrasound duplex scan– to assess blood flow disorders in the arteries.
  • Computed tomography- does not reveal the size and zones of the hernia, it is prescribed in the early stages to determine the narrowing of the vertebrae, the displacement of the cervical segments and marginal growths of 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 muscle corset that supports the neck and restore mobility to the joints.Treatment tactics are selected according to the stage of the disease:

  • Initial – massage, gymnastics, physiotherapy, taking chondroprotectors and medicines that improve blood circulation.
  • Osteochondrosis 2-3 stages – 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 a pepper patch or warming ointment topically to the neck.Active heating of the separated area distracts from the pain and increases blood flow in the 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 in blood clotting problems.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - tablets are taken if there are no results from analgesics, because this group of drugs has a negative effect on the stomach and liver.
  • Injections - given in case of intense acute pain, the effect occurs after 15 minutes.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and myotropic antispasmodics are used for intramuscular injections.In severe cases, blocking is done.

Conservative methods of treatment of neck osteochondrosis

In stages 1-2 of the disease without symptoms of brain 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 drugs and injections during exacerbations, ointments and creams at other times.
  • Physiotherapy - courses of 7-10 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 food, sour and spicy food and fast food.

Medicines

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

During the period of remission, 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 asset groups 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 for no longer than 10 days.
  • Analgesics- they relieve pain, but they do not relieve inflammation and are less effective than NSAIDs.
  • Chondroprotectors– protect and restore cartilage tissue.
  • Sedatives- is often prescribed to women in whom osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is complicated by severe neurotic disorders.
  • Nootropics– affect cerebral circulation, help fight against dizziness.
  • Vitamin-mineral complexes- improve metabolism in nervous tissue.

Non-drug

During remission, the 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 of which is drawn up by the doctor.The main methods of treatment are:

  • Manual therapy- correcting 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 reaches the desired point with the current.
  • Magnetotherapy– to relieve swelling.
  • Acupuncture– improves blood flow, relieves inflammation.It is carried out in courses of 8-10 sessions every 1-2 days.
  • Collar- a controversial method of removing the symptoms of osteochondrosis, because the load is removed from the muscles, but they are not strengthened.The product fixes 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 the period of exacerbation, the patient is advised to perform therapeutic exercises.Strong tilts of the head forwards and backwards, and rotations are prohibited.Each exercise is done for no longer than one minute, without sudden movements and 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 the point in front of you: in this way you control the small amplitude of the movement.Do 10-15 times in each direction, gradually increasing 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, stretch your arms along your body.Lifting the head slightly, slowly turn it so that the ear touches the floor.Do 10 movements on each side.

Surgical methods of 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 condition: paralysis of the hands, 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, introduction of an artificial graft and fastening of the vertebrae with screws.The recovery period is one year, the patient is recommended to wear a corset.
  • Corpectomy- removal of the destroyed vertebra and nearby discs is carried out if other methods have no effect.

Folk remedies for cervical osteochondrosis

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

  1. Pour 500 g of dumplings with water (2 l), boil and leave.Pour the cooled broth through cheesecloth into the prepared bath, hold for 15-20 minutes.The procedure is performed at night, 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, cook for 5 minutes.Strain, mix with butter and vegetable oil (75 g each).Apply a thin layer of fat to the neck, cover with polyethylene and a scarf.Hold for an hour.The procedures are carried out every day for 2 weeks.
  3. Pour vodka (600 ml) over 100 g of elderberries.Leave for a week in a cool place.Rub your neck with this remedy 2 times a day for 10-15 days.
Elderberry tincture for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Prevention

Patients over the age of 40 should take calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D and magnesium supplements every six months - they improve the condition of bones, ligaments and cartilage.The diet includes oily 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;
  • engage in swimming, yoga;
  • avoid lifting weights, sports with jumping, running;
  • Avoid hypothermia of the neck.