Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a degenerative-dystrophic process in the region of the cervical vertebrae and surrounding tissues, associated with gradual thinning, dehydration of the intervertebral discs and the formation of spinal deformities.All this makes mobility difficult, provokes inflammatory changes in the surrounding tissues, pain and complications.The more modern name of the disease is dorsopathy.The term "osteochondrosis" itself does not meet modern criteria, but it is strongly rooted to denote different processes and causes of pain in different parts of the spine.
Osteochondrosis affects the intervertebral discs, the vertebrae and the surrounding soft tissues.As a result of degenerative-dystrophic processes against the background of aging and excessive stress, changes occur in the composition of the gel-like substance of the disc and the surrounding dense fibrous tissue forming an elastic membrane.Gradually, the height of the disk decreases, its damping properties deteriorate.
The metabolism inside the nucleus suffers, microcracks form, the disc is deformed, protrusions (protrusions) and hernias are formed.As the process progresses, the surrounding part of the cartilage and bone tissue of the vertebrae suffers and osteophytes are formed - bone growths that limit mobility and cause pain.
Changes occur near the spinal cord and its membranes, the roots of the spinal nerves, which can cause irritation, inflammation of the surrounding tissues, reflex muscle spasms, which causes typical manifestations of the disease.Nearby vessels, in which the blood flow is disturbed, can suffer.
Reasons
Osteochondrosis in the area of mainly the cervical spine can occur against the background of a number of existing health problems.Each further aggravates the process.Among the leading provocateurs are:
Obesity, overweight;
Inactivity, lack of physical activity;
Predominantly sedentary work or prolonged standing;
Poor posture, slouching;
Problems with the musculoskeletal system (flat feet, scoliosis), due to which the load on the spine is unevenly distributed;
Injuries to the back and neck, congenital malformations of the spine;
Excessive strain on the neck and back;
Predisposition to pathology.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae
The manifestations of the disease are diverse, they are not always recognized immediately, they are mistaken for other pathologies.Among the most typical are:
Dizziness attacks, which are systemic in nature, appear in the form of attacks.
Pain in the back of the head, collar area, neck.The severity and intensity of the pain depends on the development of the process.Initially mild and intermittent, with the development of the pathology it becomes permanent, spreading to the entire head.
Ringing, tinnitus when changing position after prolonged sitting or lying down may be accompanied by an attack of vertigo.
Nausea with vomiting due to circulatory disorders in certain areas of the brain, worse when turning the head.
Visual impairment, fog, blurred vision, flickering of spots.
Pressure spikes, fainting.
Feeling of a lump in the throat, dryness, trouble swallowing.
Pain in the shoulders, numbness in the hands.
In addition to these complaints, typical syndromes that occur only against the background of damage to the cervical vertebrae are also possible.
Vertebral syndrome - impaired mobility of the neck, pain when trying to turn the head, crunching in the vertebrae.
Vertebral artery syndrome with tinnitus, dizziness, pressure changes and drowsiness.
Radicular syndrome with tingling and pain in the back of the head, impaired sensitivity of the tongue, hiccups, problems swallowing, pain in the shoulders, between the shoulder blades, numbness in the little finger.
Possible complications and risks
Prolonged osteochondrosis in the cervical region leads to disturbances in the area of nerve trunks and arteries.This threatens the development of strokes, thyroid disorders, problems with the sensitivity of the hands, difficulty swallowing food and vision disorders.In addition, the mobility of the neck is significantly limited.
Diagnosis
To diagnose the pathology, it is necessary to contact an orthopedist and a neurologist.A complete examination helps to make a diagnosis:
X-ray and CT of the cervical spine, MRI for visualization of bone and soft tissue structures.
A duplex scan of the arteries of the neck and head assesses blood circulation in the brain and neck.
Reflexes, mobility of the neck, condition of soft tissues are assessed.
In addition, ultrasound, ECG, blood pressure monitoring and consultation with an ENT specialist are needed to rule out other pathologies.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae
Basically, the doctor treats osteochondrosis of the cervical spine depending on the underlying cause.If, for example, muscle tension or poor posture is causing the symptoms, the doctor will usually start with conservative treatment.These include, for example, exercises to strengthen the neck muscles, physiotherapy and manual therapy, and pain medication.
In some cases, the doctor recommends surgery.This is required, for example, in the case of a severe disc herniation or an injury to the cervical spine.
Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is aimed at long-term pain relief and restoration of body flexibility.Includes muscle-strengthening exercises, massage, and physical measures (eg, application of heat, cold, light, or electrical stimulation).The therapist massages the affected muscles by irradiating them with red light or applying heat compresses.In this way, tension and blockages in the vertebrae are released, so that the spinal joints are no longer limited in their mobility.
The physiotherapist will also choose specific therapeutic exercises to suit individual needs and health conditions.He will tell you exactly how to perform these exercises and, if necessary, correct the movements that you perform incorrectly.The main thing here is to learn techniques that will help you relax your muscles and improve the mobility of your head and neck.Exercise also helps improve blood circulation in the body, relieve tension and strengthen muscles.
If the symptoms appear acutely or if exercises do not help, the doctor also treats osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with drugs.If necessary, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.They relieve pain for a while and allow patients to move their head and neck better.
If your symptoms are severe and/or particularly painful, your doctor will also prescribe medicines that relax your muscles (called muscle relaxants).
Pharmacy ointments or plasters that have an analgesic effect also relieve the symptoms of cervical syndrome.
In some cases (for example, with disc herniation), the doctor uses the so-called minimally invasive injection therapy.This method is most often used for pinched nerves.To do this, the doctor injects a local anesthetic with a needle directly into the affected area of the spine (infiltration).Soothes irritated nerves, relieves pain and relaxes muscles.Depending on how severe the symptoms are, your doctor will apply the treatment one to ten times.
If conservative treatment is not effective, the doctor will consider surgery.This is the case, for example, with a herniated disc, when a person suffers from very severe pain, symptoms of paralysis appear.Today, the operation is usually microsurgical, i.e.through a small incision.The doctor removes the intervertebral disc tissue that is pressing on the nerves and causing symptoms.The procedure is usually short (approximately 30 to 60 minutes).The patient is usually under general anesthesia during the operation and remains in the hospital for observation for about three days.
Prevention
You have the power to relieve your symptoms and prevent neck strain yourself.The following measures are possible for this:
Exercise therapy and swimming in many cases improve the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae.
Under certain circumstances, stress and psychological tension can contribute to osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae or intensify its symptoms.So try to avoid stressful situations.