The appearance of discomfort and pain in the cervical region can indicate disorders of the cartilage and bone tissues and, as a consequence, the development of a serious disease. Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology of the spine, in which there is a dystrophic-degenerative change in the vertebral bodies, their processes and intervertebral discs.
In case of severe symptoms, you should definitely consult a doctor and undergo an examination. Clinics have everything necessary to diagnose this pathology and obtain a detailed clinical picture of the affected area of the cervical vertebrae.
Classification of cervical osteochondrosis
Previously, osteochondrosis of the neck usually occurred in people aged 45 to 55, however, due to the emergence of many additional factors characteristic of the modern rhythm of life, this disease has become significantly "younger" and is also often found in adolescents and children.
Among other types of cervical osteochondrosis it is the most common. Unlike the chest, lumbar and sacral, it is detected in almost 25% of patients.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region proceeds in stages. The resulting signs and symptoms manifest themselves depending on the degree of damage to the cartilage and bone structures.
There are four stages of cervical osteochondrosis:
- I - the height of the intervertebral disc in the affected area decreases slightly and the symptoms are mild or are determined only during the execution of the movements;
- II - in addition to a progressive decrease in the height of the disc, pathological growths of cartilage tissue occur, protrusions, cracks in the fibrous ring appear, crunching and stiffness when turning the neck, the pain becomes more pronounced;
- III - the fibrous ring breaks, intervertebral hernias appear, these changes cause deformation of the spine and can lead to its dislocations and subluxations, the pain becomes longer and more acute, there are signs of loss of sensation in the area of the neck, neck, arms and shoulders;
- IV - lesions of bone and cartilage tissue become irreversible, osteophytes appear on the surface of the destroyed cartilage and bones.
The most neglected stage is characterized by significant compression of nerves and blood vessels, hypoxia of dependent trophic organs (brain, organs of vision, etc. ), immobility of the shoulder girdle and neck. Prolonged pain syndrome significantly reduces the quality of life.
When making a diagnosis, in addition to indicating the stage of osteochondrosis of the neck, a system is used to designate the number of cervical vertebrae affected, from CI to CVII. Indicates a segment that has undergone dystrophic-degenerative changes.
The stage of cervical osteochondrosis is an important criterion for drawing up treatment tactics.
Etiology and pathogenesis of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis in most cases is caused by a combination of various factors. The main cause among them can be considered the fact of a person's upright walking. In this position, most of the load falls on the neck and lower back. With age, the state of blood vessels worsens in most people, more chronic pathologies appear and age-related changes that impair tissue nutrition.
Other causes of cervical osteochondrosis are associated with the following factors:
- hypodynamy;
- overweight;
- prolonged smoking;
- flat feet;
- frequent pregnancies;
- posture disorders;
- Autoimmune diseases;
- violation of metabolic processes;
- hereditary predisposition;
- improper composition of the diet;
- frequent injuries and microtraumas of the cervical vertebrae;
- carrying weight on one shoulder or in one hand;
- sleeping on the wrong pillow or mattress;
- acquired or congenital instability of the vertebrae;
- improper organization of the workplace.
With a timely visit to the doctor and the exclusion of predisposing causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, it is possible to achieve its stable remission.
Clinical manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis are not always noticed by patients in the first stage of this pathology. Their nature and degree of severity are largely determined by the area of damage, as the nerves extending from the spinal cord into one or another part of the spine perform different functions.
The main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are manifestations of the pain syndrome. Pain and discomfort in the neck and shoulders become stronger after sleeping on an uncomfortable pillow, when turning and other movements of the head and neck and shoulder girdle, hypothermia or severe physical exertion. As osteochondrosis of the neck progresses, some patients begin to be forced to keep their heads still and develop a habit of turning their whole body.
Subluxations and dislocations of the vertebrae, ruptured intervertebral hernias or pinched nerves can cause acute pain (they are often called "back pain"). These complications require emergency care.
In addition to pain, symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- headache;
- pressure peaks;
- dizziness;
- memory impairment;
- hearing problems;
- pain in the heart region;
- weakness and sleepiness;
- feeling of a lump in the throat;
- nibble when turning the neck;
- pre-fainting states;
- "flies" flickering in front of the eyes;
- difficulty moving the arm to the side;
- impaired coordination of movements and gait;
- paraesthesia in the neck, occiput, shoulders, arms and fingers.
The signs of cervical osteochondrosis, which indicate the progression of the disease, are:
- intensification, increased pain and their long duration;
- decrease in the width of the coils of the neck;
- greater severity of additional symptoms.
Pre-syncope states can cause a drop in blood pressure and increase the risk of various injuries, among which there can be quite dangerous injuries.
Features of the course of cervical osteochondrosis during pregnancy
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region during gestation is not dangerous for the health of the unborn child, if its manifestations do not lead to a dangerous increase in the risk of trauma in the pre-fainting state and excessive nervousness that occurs in response to pain. The likelihood of an exacerbation of this pathology in pregnant women increases due to hormonal changes, which contribute to increased extensibility of the ligaments and instability of the cervical vertebrae.
For the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis during gestation, safe methods should be used, which are recommended after consultation with a neurologist. In addition to recommendations on physical therapy, massage of the cervical neck area and compliance with the rules for organizing a place to sleep, safe anti-inflammatory and painkilling drugs are prescribed in difficult cases. The volume of exercises for cervical osteochondrosis depends on the degree of its severity.
Childbirth takes place naturally, since pathology, with the correct behavior of a woman during childbirth, cannot complicate them in any way.
Features of cervical osteochondrosis in children
Cervical osteochondrosis, the signs of which occur in children and adolescents, is rare. The causes of its development are usually some congenital pathologies:
- Autoimmune diseases;
- hereditary predisposition;
- spinal or muscle abnormalities.
In cases of an acquired variant, such pathologies or factors usually lead to osteochondrosis of the cervical region:
- endocrine disorders and hormonal fluctuations in adolescence;
- obesity;
- posture disorders;
- trauma (including childbirth);
- a poor diet that leads to hypovitaminosis and micronutrient deficiencies.
Cervical osteochondrosis is often asymptomatic or discrete before adolescence. This fact often complicates the diagnosis, and the disease is detected already in stages II-III.
Serious complications in children and adolescents are rare, so surgery to treat cervical osteochondrosis is rarely done. In most cases, conservative methods are used to correct the condition of the spine. In severe cases, there is a risk of such consequences of cervical osteochondrosis as growth retardation and an increased likelihood of stroke in childhood.
Complications of cervical osteochondrosis
With cervical osteochondrosis, complications occur quite often, since the pathology has been asymptomatic for a long time, and many patients try to self-medicate even against the background of obvious signs of the disease. That is why the appearance of symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis is always an indication to consult a vertebrologist or neurologist.
The consequences of cervical osteochondrosis can be the following:
- cervical sciatica;
- ledge;
- intervertebral hernia;
- memory impairment;
- dislocations and subluxations of the vertebrae;
- increased risk of stroke;
- dizziness and headache;
- impaired coordination of movements.
First aid for cervical osteochondrosis
The dangerous consequences of cervical osteochondrosis, which require emergency care, include:
- Pre-fainting or fainting states.
These conditions most often occur with a severe tilt or turn of the head. The victim must be sitting or lying down to prevent injuries from falling. Remove clothing or accessories that interfere with breathing. Provide optimal temperature conditions and access to fresh air. Check your blood pressure, and if it drops sharply, call an emergency team. - "cervical back pain" (cervicago) or injury to the vertebrae.
They start with severe pain in the neck, which can radiate to the head. The patient must be reclined in a horizontal position to ensure optimal temperature and head immobility. For first aid, apply a cold pack or ice to the painful area (wrap the bag with a towel and hold it for no more than 15 minutes). In some cases, the best effect is a warm compress, which helps eliminate muscle spasm. With severe pain, you can administer an anesthetic and antispasmodic drug. To remove a headache, you should ensure silence and eliminate bright light sources. If the condition does not improve after providing assistance, an emergency team should be called. With frequent spasms, it is better not to postpone a visit to the doctor. The specialist may recommend wearing a special neck support corset and will determine the amount of treatment needed.
To provide first aid to cervical osteochondrosis, in some complex cases, it is necessary to involve an emergency team, otherwise this can lead to more dangerous complications.
Cervical Osteochondrosis Diagnosis
The question of how to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis will be answered by a neurologist or vertebrologist after an examination and study of the complaints.
To identify the underlying causes, signs and complications of cervical osteochondrosis, the following studies may be prescribed:
- neurological tests;
- TC;
- X-ray of the neck in flexion and extension position;
- magnetic resonance.
If neck pain appears periodically, the question of how to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis is solved using techniques for detecting muscle injuries. To get the desired results, name:
- myelography;
- electromyography;
- electroneurography;
- studies on the bioelectric activity of the nervous tissue.
If necessary, the patient must pass clinical and biochemical blood tests, tests to detect neuroinfection. Differential diagnosis with rheumatological pathologies is carried out using tests to determine the level of antinuclear antibodies in the blood and rheumatoid factor.
If you have questions about how cervical osteochondrosis will be diagnosed in your case, contact a specialist.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
The question of how to treat cervical osteochondrosis is asked by many patients. The answer cannot be unique. With mild forms and a slight deterioration in well-being, the treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis. If the pain syndrome is severe and surgical treatment is required, hospitalization is indicated for a patient with cervical osteochondrosis.
In the first days of pronounced clinical manifestations, it is necessary to maintain maximum rest of the cervical spine. Tacks to the sides are particularly contraindicated. After a long static posture, you should take breaks. With cervical osteochondrosis, particularly severe pain is relieved by wearing a special brace that supports the vertebrae in the most physiological position.
How the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with drugs will be carried out, the doctor will tell you. To relieve inflammation and reduce the manifestations of other symptoms, various groups of drugs can be used:
- antispasmodics;
- venotonics;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants;
- anticonvulsants;
- vitamins of group B;
- sedatives (for psychogenic pain);
- local anesthetics (in the form of therapeutic blocks);
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Drug therapy of cervical osteochondrosis is complemented by physiotherapy:
- traction;
- physical therapy;
- phonophoresis;
- magnetotherapy;
- reflexology;
- manual therapy;
- therapeutic massage;
- electrophoresis, etc.
A set of exercises for cervical osteochondrosis and physiotherapy is determined individually by a specialist. It depends on the stage of the disease and overall health.
After completion of treatment, observation of the dispensary and preventive courses of therapy for exacerbations of cervical osteochondrosis are recommended.
Interventions for cervical osteochondrosis
If the diagnostic data indicate a complex clinical case or conservative therapy does not bring the desired result for a long time, the question of how to treat cervical osteochondrosis is decided during the consultation of the surgeon.
To eliminate the manifestations and consequences of neglected cervical osteochondrosis, the following types of operations are performed:
- laminectomy;
- microdiscectomy;
- endoscopic discectomy;
- removal of tumors, etc. ;
- removal of transfacet hernia;
- anterior or posterior fusion;
- stabilization methods using bone osteosynthesis methods.
The volume of extremely important postoperative treatment and rehabilitation is determined individually. Before discharge, the doctor explains how to treat cervical osteochondrosis.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
The development and exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis will help prevent:
- accident prevention;
- stop smoking;
- balanced diet;
- wear comfortable shoes;
- fight against hypodynamy;
- maintaining normal weight;
- treatment of chronic diseases;
- correct organization of the workplace;
- the right choice of pillow and mattress, chair for work.
Exercises for cervical osteochondrosis should always be done. It is a targeted effect on the affected structures that helps prevent relapse of the disease.
Question Answer
What will happen if osteochondrosis is not treated?
With a long course of cervical osteochondrosis, normal innervation becomes difficult and blood vessels are compressed, blood circulation is disturbed. As a result, tissue hypoxia develops, which leads to the development of complications. In advanced cases, an intervertebral hernia develops.
How many massage sessions have to do with cervical osteochondrosis?
Therapeutic massage can only be performed after the acute phase has subsided and contraindications are excluded. How many massage sessions are needed to achieve the desired result in the treatment and rehabilitation process depends on the severity of the injuries and is prescribed individually.
How to relieve tension from the muscles of the neck and shoulders with cervical osteochondrosis?
In mild cases, tensions in the neck and shoulder muscles can be relieved with the help of morning exercises and massage of the cervical neck area. If this does not help, you can use a set of exercises for physical therapy, manual therapy. In extreme cases, the doctor prescribes drug therapy.
What to do if the head hurts due to cervical osteochondrosis?
Mainly, the headache accompanying the development of osteochondrosis appears due to a violation of the stable process of blood circulation in the brain. To eliminate the pain that has arisen in this case, the doctor prescribes painkillers, massages, reflexology sessions (acupuncture, cupping, etc. ), physical therapy, ozone therapy, balneotherapy, etc. At the same time, self-medication is strictly prohibited in order not to worsen the clinical picture and not to stop treatment.