Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disorder in the articular cartilage tissues, which can be localized in any joint, as well as in the intervertebral disc.The cervical spine is subjected to heavy loads, which over time leads to a decrease in the elasticity of the discs and their flattening.The distance between the vertebrae decreases, blood circulation worsens in the affected area, 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 be caused by being overweight, staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time or during sedentary work.Osteochondrosis is not always the result of direct stress on the vertebrae.The disease can be caused by metabolic disorders, lack of vitamins B, C, D, as well as hormonal and autoimmune diseases, chronic poisoning, injuries and age changes.
Currently, there is no accurate data on the causes of degenerative diseases of the spine.Osteochondrosis can occur as a result of several reasons:
- genetic factor - congenital weakness of connective tissue;
- age-related changes in the spinal column;
- diseases of the musculoskeletal system (scoliosis, flat feet, torticollis, rheumatic diseases, developmental abnormalities);
- instability of the spine (increased mobility of a part of the spine);
- low physical activity;
- cervical spine injuries;
- heavy physical activities, carrying heavy objects.
Stages of osteochondrosis
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis depends on the degree of development and clinical signs of the disease.Each phase is characterized by certain characteristics:
- Phase 1 – destruction of osteochondral tissue occurs.At this stage, patients do not notice the symptoms of the disease.It can be discomfort, pain in the cervical spine, pain during movement.
- Phase 2 – MRI reveals protrusions of intervertebral discs, compression of spinal roots (radicular syndrome).The resulting changes cause pain in the cervical spine with radiation to the shoulder and upper limbs.Associated symptoms include increased fatigue, headaches and difficulty concentrating.
- Phase 3 – painful sensations intensify and last, radiating to the upper part of the body.Numbness of the hands, weakness of the muscles of the upper extremities appears, and one side of the body is often affected.
- Phase 4 - bone tissue is replaced, osteophytes are formed, and adjacent joints are damaged.
Clinical manifestations
General signs of cervical osteochondrosis:
- pain in the cervical spine;
- radiculopathy – compression of nerve roots, which is manifested by pain, sensory disturbances and muscle weakness;
- numbness of the upper extremities appears;
- pain in the cervical region spreading to the back of the head, dizziness.
Diagnostics
The examination includes the collection of the patient's anamnestic data, complaints, examination and palpation of the cervical spine, and assessment of the neurological status.Digital radiography, MRI and CT, and Doppler ultrasound of the main arteries of the brain (USGD) are used to determine the present changes and the stage of the disease.Diagnostics allows the specialist to create an effective treatment regimen.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
In order to achieve the most positive results and slow down the progression of the disease, comprehensive treatment is carried out.Treatment combines drug therapy with physiotherapeutic procedures, massage, acupuncture, manual therapy, hardware traction of the cervical spine and therapeutic exercises.
Collar
In the period of deterioration of cervical osteochondrosis, it is prescribed to wear a special orthopedic device - Shants collar.The main purpose of the product is to fix the cervical spine in the correct position.
Surgical treatment
Surgical intervention is indicated in cases where medication and physical intervention are unavoidable.People turn to him if a patient's spinal canal has become catastrophically narrow.
Surgical intervention is performed to remove the hernia, replace the destroyed intervertebral disc with an implant and widen the spinal canal.
Massage for cervical osteochondrosis
Massage allows you to relax the muscles, improve blood circulation in the affected area and reduce the load on the vertebrae.Massage in combination with exercise and other treatments helps relieve pain.
The massage is performed when the pain decreases or recedes, in the stabilization phase.
The procedure is performed by a qualified specialist to relieve muscle tension, pain and improve blood circulation.During the massage, caressing, rubbing, kneading and other techniques of classic massage techniques are performed.
In the period of exacerbation, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, ultrasound with the use of glucocorticoids, 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 the stomach, palms resting on the floor, arms straight, the upper part of the body must be raised, bent in the back, hold for a few minutes;
- I. n.– lying on your stomach, arms outstretched by your body, you should turn your head left and right, trying to reach your ear to the floor;
- I. p.- sitting on the floor, inhale - bend forward towards the chest, exhale - bend back, throwing your head back.
Manual therapy
The effect of the chiropractor's hands on the spine allows you to increase the distance between the vertebrae, which reduces the load.It is prescribed by a doctor after radiography, MRI or CT.
Drug treatment
The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is aimed at eliminating pain, the inflammatory process in the period of exacerbation and preventing the progression of dystrophic changes in the structures of the spine.
For this purpose, local therapy with anti-inflammatory gels is used.
medicines:
- NSAIDs.
- Muscle relaxants.
- Diuretics.
- Opioid analgesics.
- Therapeutic drug blockades with anesthetics or corticosteroid drugs, and 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 - playing sports (swimming, yoga, fitness) with the aim of forming a muscular corset, warming the cervical spine, creating comfortable sleeping conditions (comfortable mattress and pillow).
To prevent exacerbation, it is necessary to undergo a preventive course of neck and back massage, acupuncture and hardware traction of the cervical spine twice a year.
All these procedures are performed on an inpatient and outpatient basis.