Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is known and well studied. At present, most of the working population suffers from this disease. This type of osteochondrosis not only develops in the adult population, but is quite common in adolescents, which is called juvenile osteochondrosis.
The cervical region is the most mobile part of the spine, so the load on this region is quite large. The disease develops gradually, it is characterized by frequent exacerbations, which can lead to a significant decrease in the quality of life of the patient.
Causes of the disease
There are usually several causes of the disease and may depend on the age of the patient. Note the most common:
- violation of calcium-phosphorus metabolism of any etiology;
- various traumatic back injuries;
- unbalanced load on the spine (physical inactivity or, conversely, the effect of increased load);
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- congenital malformations of the spine;
- change in posture, including scoliotic type;
- circulatory disorders leading to poor nutrition of the intervertebral disc;
- age-related dystrophic bone tissue disorders.
In adolescence, injuries, unbalanced physical activity (training process) are considered the main causes of the development of the disease. In older patients, the main reason is a habitual long-term position during labor, a violation of the hormonal background.
Additional predisposing factors for the development of the disease may be:
- heredity
- ;
- hypothermia;
- exacerbation of poorly or not fully treated osteochondrosis;
- stressful situations and overwork.
Osteochondrosis develops gradually. A person who is constantly involved in sports may not realize that they are susceptible to this disease.
Most of this condition occurs in people over the age of twenty-five. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by the fact that the process develops from the upper sections. However, if you don't get medical attention, the process can gradually affect the lower segments of the spine.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in adults and children
As the disease develops over the years, in many cases the process is asymptomatic. Sometimes it happens that by chance from X-ray images it is possible to determine the first signs of the disease, while there will be no active complaints. It should be remembered that the older the patient, the more varied the complaints will be.
The main complaints of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- frequent headache and dizziness;
- numbness in the fingertips and weakness in the arms;
- vegetative manifestations;
- increased blood pressure;
- discomfort with neck movements;
- constant pain or burning along the spine;
- frequent myositis of the neck muscles;
- changes in posture;
- restrictions in head movements;
- a forced head position may also develop;
- tinnitus;
- weather dependency;
- crunch in the neck when performing movements;
- trouble sleeping.
These are the most frequently expressed symptoms that a patient may present. Unfortunately, the process can begin to develop from adolescence onwards and adolescents will make similar complaints.
Most of these symptoms occur together. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occurs with episodes of exacerbation and remission. This is due to the effect of provocative factors on the body. We must not forget that if a similar diagnosis is made, rehabilitation therapy and a rehabilitation course should be carried out every six months in order to avoid an acute period.
Considering that the main reason for the development of the disease is a decrease in the trophism of the intervertebral disc and the lack of adequate therapy, the process may end with the formation of an intervertebral hernia.
Complaints and clinical picture of the disease - photo
Vascular manifestations in the form of dizziness or headache are aggravated when performing basic motor tasks (tilting or rotating the head). In the complex of all complaints, the patient additionally tries to take a forced position to reduce the symptoms, which worsens the nutrition of the intervertebral disc.
These are the complaints that most often lead the patient to see a doctor. If treatment is not carried out, the complaints will intensify and be more persistent, that is, they will not go away on their own.
Pain in cervical osteochondrosis, as a rule, constant, painful and burning character. The disease may be accompanied by periodic "lumbago", caused by sudden movements.
An increase in blood pressure in the context of osteochondrosis prompts the patient to be examined by a therapist. If proper treatment is not carried out in a timely manner, the increase in blood pressure will become permanent, which contributes to the development of secondary hypertension. In these situations, a correctly collected anamnesis is of great importance.
When the process is localized in the cervical spine, the discomfort spreads along the neck, constant tension of the musculoskeletal system contributes to limitation of movement and the formation of a forced position of the head.
Pain in cervical osteochondrosis is accompanied by impaired sensitivity. Due to constant discomfort, a muscle roll gradually forms in the shoulder area, the patient's palpation feels discomfort in this area.
In addition to the constant discomfort, the patient may experience a sharp, stabbing pain in the neck. The appearance of such complaints suggests that the patient needs to rest completely to reduce pain. In some cases, the pain is so severe that a person cannot perform the simplest actions (turn their head, take a deep breath, straighten their back). In all cases, the patient should be examined by a doctor and the diagnosis of osteochondrosis should be confirmed.
Changes in hormonal levels also play an important role in the development of diseases of the cervical spine. Therefore, properly chosen physical activity will reduce the general clinical symptoms and alleviate the patient's condition. Due to the fact that neck pain constantly bothers, secondary sleep disturbances occur. It is difficult for a person to take a comfortable position in bed, worrying, which leads to psycho-emotional stress.
In addition, the patient pays attention to the violation of sensitivity. They are described as "goose bumps" that are felt on your fingertips. In some cases, the discomfort can be localized throughout the arm and muscle strength decreases.
Diagnosis of diseases
It is quite difficult to make a diagnosis on the basis of a single examination. Basically, to clarify the diagnosis, the following activities are carried out:
- thorough collection of complaints;
- consultations with specialist specialists (cardiologist, endocrinologist, neurologist);
- X-ray examination of the cervical spine; Magnetic resonance imaging
- .
Examinations by specialist physicians are necessary to exclude acute conditions from the cardiological profile and others. Excluding acute somatic pathology, we can talk about the diagnosis of osteochondrosis. In addition to general clinical manifestations, the diagnosis can be confirmed with the help of an X-ray examination of the spine.
X-raysare the most affordable and easy to use test to aid in diagnosis. The photo shows a narrowing of the space between the vertebrae, which indicates dystrophy of the intervertebral disc. Bone growths can be distinguished along the edges of the vertebrae. If the osteochondrosis is complicated by instability of the cervical spine, on the x-ray, the displacement of the vertebrae relative to each other can be noted.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease that can show the most damaged area radiographically. Even by examining a cervical segment, you can see that the process is not evenly distributed.
In particularly difficult cases, magnetic resonance imaging is performed, which helps to diagnose a complication of osteochondrosis - an intervertebral hernia. Thanks to the layer-by-layer MRI image, it is possible to determine even the smallest hernial changes and immediately indicate the level of the lesion.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Only a doctor knows how to treat cervical osteochondrosis during the acute and interictal period. The therapy prescribed for this condition should be comprehensive. With an exacerbation of the disease, it includes:
- drugs
- ;
- complex rehabilitation therapy (physiotherapy exercises, gymnastics, massage, acupuncture, manual therapy);
- physiotherapy (electrophoresis, UHF, magnetotherapy, laser therapy);
To avoid exacerbation of osteochondrosis use:
- spa treatment
- ;
- traditional medicine;
- wearing special bandages and corsets;
- lifestyle changes (weight loss, balanced physical activity).
Drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are as follows:
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- medicines which improve blood circulation; vitamin complexes
- ;
- in acute situations, analgesics;
- means to reduce muscle tension.
In addition to pills and injections, creams, ointments and gels are actively prescribed, which are applied to the affected area. By their effect, they contribute to the irritation of the skin in a certain area, which improves blood circulation in the small vessels, thus ensuring the supply of nutrients to the damaged segments and reducing muscle tension.
After an acute period, physiotherapy, massage and physiotherapy exercises are scheduled. Rehabilitation therapy is a complement to traditional medical treatment. As the condition improves, the nutrition and trophism of the intervertebral disc will also improve.
During the treatment the patient will notice an improvement in his well-being, an increase in his efficiency and in his mood. If the treatment is stopped, without terminating it, exacerbations of osteochondrosis will pass quite often.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis during the recovery period will be explained by a rehabilitation therapist. Before talking about the complex of rehabilitation therapy, it should be noted that any treatment should be accompanied by the correction of bedding. These include orthopedic mattresses and pillows.
Experts also recommend wearing a Shants necklace permanently or for a period of time. This method is especially widely used in children's practice, when patients wear it during the homework period. The Shants Collar is individually selected from orthopedic salons.
An orthopedic pillow for cervical osteochondrosis is selected for each patient. It should match the size of the bed and be selected according to the constitution of the patient. It doesn't have to be very small or very tall, the main guideline is the person's shoulder width.
A pillow for prolonged sleep and rest should be of medium firmness and resemble a square or rectangle. Other pillows are suitable for short rests. Depending on the activity of the degenerative process, the orthopedic pillow for cervical osteochondrosis should be changed.
Exercise and gymnastics (lfk)
Rehabilitation therapy should include gymnastics. The main task of the exercises is to strengthen the muscles of the neck and back, the upper shoulder girdle, improve the mobility of the spine and eliminate muscle clamps. In addition, cervical osteochondrosis exercises affect deeply localized muscles.
As a result of gymnastics in cervical osteochondrosis, physiological curves are gradually restored, and the load on the intervertebral discs decreases. It should be remembered that cervical osteochondrosis exercises should also include the thoracic segments.
Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis is performed with an instructor. It helps patients understand which areas need more emphasis. The load and volume of tasks are selected individually, and it depends:
- the age of the patient;
- on the prevalence of the process;
- the presence of additional comorbidities;
- on the effectiveness of drug treatment.
At first they perform simple and not difficult tasks, as the body begins to adapt to the new conditions and the muscles do their work in sufficient volume, the exercises become more difficult and the duration of the sessions increases.
Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis includes simple actions. These tilt the head back and forth, gradually adding circular movements of the head. It should be borne in mind that even for physiotherapy exercises there may be contraindications. As a rule, the complex of a lesson includes tasks that are aimed at developing and influencing all segments of the spine.
After the exercises on the cervical spine, tasks are gradually added to improve the work of the thoracic and lumbar spine. Physiotherapy exercises for cervical osteochondrosis can be performed while standing or sitting. The tasks are performed gradually, at a slow pace, this will allow additional breathing exercises.
Contraindications to physiotherapy exercises:
- acute pain syndrome
- ;
- increased blood pressure and the presence of cardiac pathology in the acute phase;
- coordination disorders and diseases of the vestibular system;
- temperature rise;
- exacerbation of other chronic pathologies;
- condition after surgical treatment.
Special technique exercises
This technique is based on the progressive restoration of the normal activity of the musculoskeletal system. Gymnastic exercises, which are performed on a specialized simulator, allow you to gradually restore the work of the structures of the cervical spine.
First of all, the pain is relieved, then blood circulation is restored, muscle tension is removed, and classes are held to develop the motor activity of the cervical spine. The method is further supported by massage lessons, swimming pool lessons.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
In addition to general strengthening exercises, massage gives a very good effect. Massage for cervical osteochondrosis can be used in different ways (classic, segmental, punctual). In some cases, a combination of different techniques in one session is allowed.
Remember that massage for cervical osteochondrosis is performed on a hard surface, face down, and its duration can vary from ten sessions or more. The frequency of repetition of the course is also determined by the attending physician. The effectiveness of the massage will last longer if the patient sleeps on the correct pillow.
Physiotherapy treatments such as magnetism or electrophoresis have a local irritant effect. Magnetotherapy is a painless procedure that is well tolerated by adults and children. The manipulation lasts several minutes, the patient must remain still, which is why it is most often recommended for older patients.
Electrophoresis is a manipulation carried out using a special device. During the procedure, the patient feels a slight tingling sensation generated by the currents. The frequency and impulsivity of the signal are different for each age.
With this technique, a drug that has a positive effect is injected. This manipulation is more aggressive compared to magnetotherapy, therefore there must be strict indications for its implementation.
A balanced diet is essential for this disease. Patients are advised to eat fruits, vegetables, meat, herbs, and fish. You should limit the intake of salt and all kinds of spices, seasonings, smoked or fried foods, sugar. It is better to drink herbal decoctions and teas, it is advisable to avoid drinking coffee and alcohol.
Traditional medicine is used to reduce pain. Most often, compresses and mixtures are used, which are applied to the affected area. The success of the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine largely depends on the conscience of the patient. You should not stop taking courses and therapy as soon as you feel better. It is irrational to constantly use pain relievers that provide temporary relief, and the disease itself does not cure.