The appearance of discomfort and pain in the cervical region may indicate disorders in cartilage and bone tissue and, as a result, the development of serious disease. Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology of the spinal column, in which there is a dystrophic-degenerative change in the vertebral bodies, their processes and intervertebral discs.
In case of serious symptoms, you should definitely consult a doctor and undergo an examination. Clinics have everything needed to diagnose this pathology and obtain a detailed clinical picture of the affected area of the cervical spine.
Classification of cervical osteochondrosis
Previously, osteochondrosis of the neck usually occurred in people aged 45-55, however, due to the appearance of many additional factors characteristic of the modern rhythm of life, this disease has become significantly "younger" and is often detected even in adolescents and children.
Among other types of cervical osteochondrosis, it is the most common. Unlike thoracic, lumbar and sacral, it is detected in almost 25% of patients.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region takes place in stages. The resulting signs and symptoms are manifested depending on the degree of damage to cartilage and bone structures.
There are four stages of cervical osteochondrosis:
- I - the height of the intervertebral disc in the affected area is slightly reduced, and the symptoms are mild or are determined only when performing movements;
- II - in addition to a progressive decrease in the height of the disc, pathological growths of cartilaginous tissue appear, protrusions, cracks in the fibrous ring, cracking and stiffness when turning the neck, the pain becomes more pronounced;
- III - fibrous ring ruptures, intervertebral hernias appear, and changes cause deformity of the spine and can lead to its dislocations and subluxations, pain becomes longer and more acute, there are signs of loss of sensitivity in the neck, neck, arms and shoulders;
- IV - lesions of bone and cartilage tissue become irreversible, osteophytes appear on the surface of destroyed cartilage and bone.
The most neglected stage is characterized by significant compression of nerves and blood vessels, hypoxia of trophically dependent organs (brain, visual organs, etc. ), immobility of the shoulder girdle and neck. Prolonged pain syndrome significantly reduces the quality of life.
When making the diagnosis, in addition to indicating the stage of osteochondrosis of the neck, a system is used to mark the number of affected cervical vertebrae - from CI to CVII. It indicates a segment that has undergone dystrophic-degenerative changes.
The stage of cervical osteochondrosis is an important criterion for developing treatment tactics.
Etiology and pathogenesis of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis is in most cases caused by a combination of different factors. The main cause among them can be considered the fact that a person walks upright. In this position, most of the load falls on the neck and lumbar region. With age, the condition of blood vessels in most people worsens, more chronic pathologies and age-related changes appear that disrupt tissue nutrition.
Other causes of cervical osteochondrosis are related to the following factors:
- hypodynamics;
- overweight;
- long-term smoking;
- flat feet;
- frequent pregnancies;
- posture disorders;
- autoimmune diseases;
- violation of metabolic processes;
- hereditary predisposition;
- improper composition of the child;
- frequent injuries and microtraumas of the cervical vertebrae;
- carrying weight on one shoulder or in one arm;
- sleeping on the wrong pillow or mattress;
- acquired or congenital vertebral instability;
- improper workplace organization.
By timely visit to the doctor and exclusion of the 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 zone of damage, since the nerves extending from the spinal cord in 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 strenuous physical exertion. As osteochondrosis of the neck progresses, some patients begin to be forced to keep their head still and develop the habit of turning their whole body.
Subluxations and dislocations of the vertebrae, ruptures of intervertebral hernias or pinched nerves can lead to acute pain (often called "back pain"). These complications require emergency care.
In addition to pain, symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- headaches;
- pressure jumps;
- dizziness;
- memory impairment;
- hearing problems;
- pain in the heart area;
- weakness and drowsiness;
- feeling of a lump in the throat;
- crunching when turning the door;
- states before unconsciousness;
- flickering "flies" in front of the eyes;
- difficulty moving the arm to the side;
- impaired coordination of movement and gait;
- paresthesias in the neck, nape, shoulders, arms and fingers.
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis that indicate disease progression are:
- intensification, intensification of pain and their long duration;
- reducing the amplitude of neck rotation;
- greater severity of additional symptoms.
Pre-syncopal conditions can cause a drop in blood pressure and increase the risk of various injuries, among which they can be quite dangerous.
Characteristics of the course of cervical osteochondrosis during pregnancy
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region during gestation is not dangerous to the health of the unborn baby, if its manifestations do not lead to a dangerous increase in the risk of trauma in the preconscious state and excessive nervousness that occurs in response to pain. The likelihood of exacerbation of this pathology in pregnant women increases due to hormonal changes, which contribute to greater ligament extensibility and instability of the cervical spine.
For the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis during pregnancy should use safe methods that are recommended after consultation with a neurologist. In addition to recommendations on exercise therapy, cervical-neck massage and adherence to the rules for organizing a place to sleep, in severe cases, safe anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers are prescribed. The extent of exercise for cervical osteochondrosis depends on the degree of its severity.
Childbirth takes place in a natural way, because pathology, with the correct behavior of a woman during childbirth, cannot complicate them in any way.
Characteristics of cervical osteochondrosis in children
Cervical osteochondrosis, whose signs occur in children and adolescents, is rare. The causes of its development are usually some congenital pathologies:
- autoimmune diseases;
- hereditary predisposition;
- spinal or muscular anomalies.
In cases of 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);
- poor diet leading to hypovitaminosis and micronutrient deficiency.
Often, before adolescence, cervical osteochondrosis is asymptomatic or unobtrusive. This fact often complicates the diagnosis and the disease is detected already in the II-III stages.
Severe complications in children and adolescents are rare, so surgeries to treat cervical osteochondrosis are rarely performed. In most cases, conservative methods are used to correct the condition of the spine. In severe cases, there is a risk of the consequences of cervical osteochondrosis such as growth retardation and an increased likelihood of stroke in childhood.
Complications of cervical osteochondrosis
In cervical osteochondrosis, complications occur quite often, because the pathology is asymptomatic for a long time, and many patients try to self-medicate even on the background of obvious signs of the disease. Therefore, the appearance of symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis is always an indication for consultation with a vertebrologist or neurologist.
The consequences of cervical osteochondrosis can be the following:
- cervical sciatica;
- bulge;
- intervertebral hernia;
- memory impairment;
- vertebral dislocations and subluxations;
- increased risk of stroke;
- dizziness and headache;
- impaired coordination of movements.
First aid for cervical osteochondrosis
Dangerous consequences of cervical osteochondrosis, which require emergency care, include:
- Conditions before unconsciousness or unconsciousness.
These conditions most often occur when you tilt or turn your head sharply. The victim must sit or lie down to prevent injury from falling. Remove clothing or accessories that interfere with breathing. Provide optimal temperature conditions and access to fresh air. Control the pressure, and if it drops suddenly, call an ambulance. - "cervical back pain" (cervicago) or vertebral injuries.
They begin with a sharp pain in the neck, which can radiate to the head. The patient must be placed in a horizontal position, in order to ensure optimal temperature and immobility of the head. For first aid, apply a cold compress or ice to the sore area (wrap the bag in a towel and hold it for no more than 15 minutes). In some cases, the best effect is a warm compress, which helps relieve muscle spasm. With severe pain, you can give anesthetics and antispasmodics. To eliminate the headache, you should ensure silence and eliminate sources of strong light. If the condition does not improve after receiving help, it is necessary to call an ambulance. With frequent cramps, it is better not to delay a visit to the doctor. The specialist may recommend wearing a special corset to support the neck and determine the amount of treatment required.
In order to provide first aid for cervical osteochondrosis, in some complex cases it is necessary to include an emergency team, because that can lead to more dangerous complications.
Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis
The question of how to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis will be answered by a neurologist or vertebrologist after reviewing and studying the complaints.
To identify the underlying causes, signs, and complications of cervical osteochondrosis, the following studies may be prescribed:
- neurological tests;
- CT;
- radiography of the neck in the position of flexion and extension;
- MRI.
If neck pain occurs intermittently, then the question of how to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis is resolved by techniques to detect muscle lesions. To achieve the desired results, specify:
- myelography;
- electromyography;
- electroneurography;
- studies of the bioelectrical activity of nervous tissue.
If necessary, the patient must undergo clinical and biochemical blood tests, tests to detect neuroinfection. Differential diagnosis with rheumatological pathologies is performed using tests to determine the level of antinuclear antibodies in the blood and rheumatoid factor.
If you have any questions about how cervical osteochondrosis will be diagnosed in your case, consult a specialist.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Many patients question how to treat cervical osteochondrosis. The answer to this cannot be unambiguous. With mild forms and mild deterioration in well-being, treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis. If the pain syndrome is severe and surgical care is required, then hospitalization is indicated for patients with cervical osteochondrosis.
In the first days of pronounced clinical manifestations, it is necessary to maintain maximum rest of the cervical spine. Sideways turns are especially contraindicated. After a long static posture, you should take breaks. In cervical osteochondrosis, especially intense pain is alleviated by wearing a special corset that supports the vertebrae in the most physiological position.
Your doctor will tell you how to treat cervical osteochondrosis with medication. Different groups of drugs can be used to alleviate inflammation and reduce the manifestations of other symptoms:
- antispasmodics;
- venotonics;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants;
- anticonvulsants;
- B vitamins;
- sedatives (for psychogenic pain);
- local anesthetics (in the form of therapeutic blockades);
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is supplemented by physiotherapy:
- traction;
- exercise therapy;
- phonophoresis;
- magnetotherapy;
- reflexology;
- manual therapy;
- therapeutic massage;
- electrophoresis, etc.
The set of exercises for cervical osteochondrosis and physiotherapy is determined by a specialist individually. It depends on the stage of the disease and the general state of health.
After completion of treatment, dispensary observation and preventive courses of therapy for exacerbations of cervical osteochondrosis are recommended.
Surgery 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, then the question of how to treat cervical osteochondrosis is decided in consultation with a surgeon.
In order to eliminate the manifestations and consequences of neglected cervical osteochondrosis, the following types of operations are performed:
- laminectomy;
- microdiscectomy;
- endoscopic discectomy;
- tumor removal, etc. ;
- removal of the transverse hernia;
- anterior or posterior fusion;
- stabilization methods by bone osteosynthesis methods.
The scope of postoperative treatment and extremely important rehabilitation is determined individually. Before discharge, the doctor explains how to treat cervical osteochondrosis.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
The development and worsening of cervical osteochondrosis will help prevent:
- injury prevention;
- quit smoking;
- balanced diet;
- wearing comfortable shoes;
- combating hypodynamics;
- maintaining a normal weight;
- treatment of chronic diseases;
- proper workplace organization;
- makes a choice of pillows and mattresses, a chair for the workplace.
Exercises for cervical osteochondrosis should always be performed. It is a targeted action on the affected structures that helps prevent relapse of the disease.
The answer to the question
What will happen if osteochondrosis is not treated?
In the long-term course of cervical osteochondrosis, normal innervation becomes difficult and blood vessels are compressed, blood circulation is disturbed. As a result, tissue hypoxia develops, leading to the development of a complication. In advanced cases, an intervertebral hernia develops.
How many massage sessions to do with cervical osteochondrosis?
Therapeutic massage can be done only after the withdrawal of the acute phase and the exclusion of contraindications. How much massage is needed to achieve the desired result in the process of treatment and rehabilitation depends on the severity of the lesion and is prescribed individually.
How to get rid of neck and shoulder muscle tension in cervical osteochondrosis?
In mild cases, tension in the muscles of the neck and shoulders can be removed with the help of morning exercises and massage of the cervical-neck zone. If that doesn't help, you can use a set of exercises for exercise therapy, manual therapy. In extreme cases, the doctor prescribes drug therapy.
What to do if the head hurts from cervical osteochondrosis?
In general, the headache that accompanies the development of osteochondrosis appears due to the violation of the stable process of blood circulation in the brain. To relieve the pain that has arisen in this case, the doctor prescribes painkillers, massage, reflexology (acupuncture, cupping massage, etc. ), exercise therapy, ozone therapy, balneotherapy, etc. At the same time, self-medication is strictly prohibited so as not to worsen the clinical picture and not to interfere with treatment.