Cervical osteochondrosis (spondylosis, spondyloarthrosis) is a progressive disease caused by degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc, cartilage tissue, ligaments and bone processes themselves.
Headaches, dizziness, dark eyes - all these can be the cause of cervical osteochondrosis, which often occurs in very young people.
The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae, ligaments, intervertebral discs, joints and the most mobile, which is the moving part of it.
Intervertebral discs are located between two vertebrae and act as shock absorbers.That is, they prevent the vertebral surfaces from touching and distribute the load on the cartilage tissue during flexion, extension, and rotation of the head.
In addition to the disc, the vertebrae are connected by joints and ligaments;The absence of pathological changes in these organs ensures the normal mobility of the vertebrae and, therefore, the entire neck.
Causes of neck osteochondrosis
The main cause of cervical spondylosis is a violation of the nutritional and metabolic processes in the intervertebral discs and ligaments.In its structure and function, the disk resembles a sponge, which must be constantly compressed to remove unnecessary substances, and not intended for nutrition.
To ensure the stability of this process, the spine must be mobile during the day;The absence of this condition leads to a change in the properties of the disc tissue, as a result of which it decreases in volume and no longer provides adequate shock absorption.
The vertebrae begin to touch each other, their bone tissue grows, and the lumen through which the spinal column, arteries and nerves pass narrows.The narrowing of the lumen causes compression of the nerve endings and all the symptoms of chondrosis appear.
Therefore, the main factors that provoke the occurrence of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are now:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- genetic predisposition;
- overweight, boring diet;
- intoxication, infection;
- age-related changes;
- spinal load;
- uncomfortable body position;
- poor posture, flat feet;
- Hypothermia, unfavorable environment;
- injury.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is also an occupational disease.Uncomfortable positions of drivers and computer operators lead to stagnation of the vertebrae and their inflammation.Osteochondrosis can occur due to hormonal and vascular disorders.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis, depending on the involvement of arteries or nerves in the pathological process, can be divided according to clinical signs.
Vertebral artery compression causes the following changes in well-being:
- Migraine.The pain increases gradually, often starts from the back of the head, is localized in one half of the head, and can radiate to the eyes or ears.Patients complain of dizziness, tinnitus, and possibly nausea and vomiting.Cervical migraine is poorly controlled by conventional analgesics.
- Fainting at the peak of a headache or with a sudden turn of the neck.
- Swallowing Disorders.
- Pressure jumps from low to high numbers and vice versa.These attacks are accompanied by fear and panic.
Compression of the nerve endings of the spinal cord is called radicular syndrome;It is characterized by symptoms:
- Pain in the neck vertebrae, constant, aching.It gets worse over time and causes migraines;
- Pain in the back of the head and numbness in the upper neck;
- Feeling of enlargement of the tongue, difficulty eating, feeling of a lump in the throat;
- Dull pain in the collarbone, in the region of the heart;
- Limitation of movement in the hand - it is impossible to lift or move to the side.
- Sharp pain in the neck, spreading to the shoulder blades, arms and fingers;
- Numbness in hands, goosebumps, weakness when squeezing.
Pain in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is initially observed as dull, then increases and spreads throughout the body.Pain in the hand can be observed simultaneously on the left and right side, accompanied by numbness of the fingers.With cervical osteochondrosis, due to impaired blood supply, blurred vision, decreased hearing, and night snoring may occur, the appearance of which creates tension in the neck muscles.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is complex, including pain relief and restoration of normal function of the vertebrae.Basically, this disease is treated by neurologists;In the first stage, drugs are prescribed.If there is no effect of treatment, surgery may be recommended.
Drug treatment
The main group of drugs used to treat cervical osteochondrosis are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Medicines not only treat inflammation, but also relieve pain at the same time, so their use is mandatory for diseases such as spondyloarthrosis of the cervical spine.Non-steroidal drugs also prevent the destruction of the intervertebral disc and participate in the recovery of its tissue.
Antispasmodics are prescribed together with NSAIDs;They help relieve muscle tension, which has a positive effect on treatment.In case of severe pain that does not go away, the doctor can prescribe a blockade - an injection of novocaine or lidocaine into the area of the cervical vertebrae.
The patient is also prescribed an ointment to rub into the painful area.They relieve muscle tension, reduce pain, anti-inflammatory components, penetrate the skin, reduce inflammation.For chronic diseases, chondroprotectors and B vitamins are prescribed.
Drug therapy for cervical osteochondrosis can only be prescribed by a doctor;He will be able to choose the right dose of the drug and calculate the course of administration.Some drugs may be contraindicated in chronic diseases, so their analogues are used in treatment.Treatment of neck osteochondrosis in the active phase can last up to 3 months and, in addition to drugs, physiotherapy and non-drug treatments are also used.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a treatment method that uses external physical factors: low current, ultrasound, laser, magnetic field.Its effect on the affected area improves microcirculation in the tissue and spine, which speeds up the recovery process.
Heating in the inflammatory zone relaxes the muscles, relieves pain, and helps remove damage products.Physiotherapy is a safe procedure for patients of any age.
Taping is also used to treat cervical osteochondrosis.This method uses special elastic cotton or synthetic adhesive tape that has high strength and elasticity.Taping helps relax muscles, relieve tension and pain.
The effect of treating the disease with kinesio taping is not achieved immediately.The first relief comes a quarter of an hour after the procedure, the full effect is achieved after a few days.You can wear kinesio tape for osteochondrosis for up to 5 days, during which time you can take water procedures without fear for its safety, because the tape is held tightly, dries quickly, and has a "breathing" effect.
Kinesio taping is not the main method for treating osteochondrosis;The most effective use is in combination with other types of therapy.
Non-drug methods
Non-traditional methods are also widely used to treat the disease "osteochondrosis of the cervical spine".Basically this is a massage - mechanical effects of varying intensity on the painful areas of the body with your hands.Massage improves tissue circulation and relieves tense muscles.Thai massage is also good for treating the spine.The main thing is to be confident in the professionalism of the massage therapist.
Reflexology is the effect on the active points of the human body using needles.This procedure activates the vitality and, if done correctly, can immediately relieve pain.
Treatment of diseases with folk remedies can also be useful - of course, consult the attending physician.
Traction is used to restore the normal anatomical position of the spine.
Those who suffer from cervical osteochondrosis should remember that the best treatment will not help if the patient himself does not make an effort.It is necessary to change your lifestyle - move more, do therapeutic exercises recommended by your doctor in the morning, eat healthy and varied food.Fresh air, giving up bad habits, eliminating nervous stress - all this contributes to rapid recovery.