The appearance of discomfort and pain in the cervical region may indicate disorders of the cartilage and bone tissues and, as a result, the development of a serious disease. Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology of the spine, characterized by a dystrophic-degenerative change in the vertebral bodies, their processes and intervertebral discs.
In case of severe symptoms, you should definitely consult a doctor and undergo an examination. Clinics have everything you need to diagnose this pathology and get a detailed clinical picture of the affected area of the cervical vertebrae.
Classification of cervical osteochondrosis
Previously, osteochondrosis of the neck usually occurred in people aged 45-55 years, however, due to the emergence of many additional factors characteristic of the modern rhythm of life, this disease has become noticeably "younger" and is oftendetected even in adolescents and children.
Of the other types of cervical osteochondrosis, this is the most common. Unlike the thoracic, lumbar and sacral, it is detected in almost 25% of patients.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region proceeds in stages. The resulting signs and symptoms manifest themselves depending on the degree of damage to the cartilaginous and bone structures.
There are four stages of cervical osteochondrosis:
- I - the height of the intervertebral disc in the affected area decreases slightly, and the symptoms are mild or are determined only when performing movements;
- II - in addition to a gradual decrease in the height of the disc, pathological growths of cartilage tissue appear, protrusions appear, cracks in the fibrous ring, cracking and stiffness when rotating the neck, pain becomesmore pronounced;
- III - the fibrous ring breaks, intervertebral hernias appear, these changes cause deformation of the spine and can lead to its dislocations and subluxations, the pain becomes longer and sharper, there are signs of loss of sensitivityin the region of the neck, neck, arms and shoulders;
- IV - damage to bone and cartilage tissues becomes irreversible, osteophytes appear on the surface of cartilage and destroyed bones.
The most neglected stage is characterized by severe compression of nerves and blood vessels, hypoxia of dependent trophic organs (brain, organs of vision, etc. ), immobility of the shoulder girdle and neck. Prolonged pain syndrome significantly reduces the quality of life.
When diagnosing, in addition to indicating the stage of osteochondrosis of the neck, a system of designating the number of affected cervical vertebrae is used - from CI to CVII. It points to a segment that has been subjected to 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 provoked by a combination of various factors. The root cause among them can be seen as a person's upright walking. In this position, most of the load falls on the neck and lower back. With age, the condition of blood vessels worsens in most people, more chronic pathologies and age-related changes appear that impair tissue nutrition.
Other causes of cervical osteochondrosis are associated with the following factors:
- hypodynamia;
- Overweight;
- prolonged smoking;
- flat foot;
- frequent pregnancies;
- posture disorders;
- autoimmune diseases;
- violation of metabolic processes;
- hereditary predisposition;
- poor composition of the diet;
- frequent injuries and microtraumas of the cervical vertebrae;
- carrying weight on one shoulder or in one hand;
- sleeping on the wrong pillow or mattress;
- acquired or congenital instability of the vertebrae;
- poor organization of the workplace.
With a timely visit to the doctor and the exclusion of 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 at the first stage of this pathology. Their nature and degree of severity are largely determined by the area of injury, since the nerves extending from the spinal cord into one or another part of the spine perform different functions.
The main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are manifestations of 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, neck and shoulder girdle, hypothermia orstrenuous physical exertion. As osteochondrosis of the neck progresses, some patients begin to be forced to keep their heads still and they develop the habit of turning their whole body.
Subluxations and dislocations of the vertebrae, rupture of intervertebral hernias or pinching of the nerves can lead to sharp pains (these are often called "back pain"). These complications require emergency care.
In addition to pain, symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- headache;
- water hammer;
- dizziness;
- memory impairment;
- hearing problems;
- pain in the region of the heart;
- weakness and drowsiness;
- feeling of a lump in the throat;
- crackle when turning the neck;
- pre-fainting states;
- flickering "flies" before the eyes;
- difficulty moving the arm to the side;
- movement and gait coordination disorders;
- paresthesias of the neck, occiput, shoulders, arms and fingers.
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis, which indicate the progression of the disease, are:
- intensification, increase in pain and its long duration;
- decrease in the amplitude of the chokers;
- greater severity of additional symptoms.
Pre-syncope states can cause a drop in pressure and increase the risk of various injuries, among which there can be very dangerous ones.
Features of the course of cervical osteochondrosis during pregnancy
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region during gestation is not dangerous for the health of the unborn baby, if its manifestations do not lead to a dangerous increase in the risk of trauma in the pre-fainting state and excessive nervousness thatoccurs in response to pain. The likelihood of exacerbation of this pathology in pregnant women increases due to hormonal changes, which contribute to greater extensibility of the ligaments and instability of the cervical vertebrae.
For the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis during gestation, safe methods should be used, which are recommended after consulting a neurologist. In addition to recommendations on exercise therapy, massage of the cervical collar area and observance of the rules for organizing a place of sleep, in difficult cases, safe anti-inflammatories and painkillers are prescribed. The volume of exercises for cervical osteochondrosis depends on the degree of its severity.
Childbirth takes place naturally, because pathology, with the correct behavior of a woman during childbirth, in no way can complicate them.
Features of cervical osteochondrosis in children
Cervical osteochondrosis, the signs of which occur in children and adolescents, is rare. The causes of its development are usually some congenital pathologies:
- autoimmune diseases;
- hereditary predisposition;
- vertebral or muscular abnormalities.
In the case of an acquired variant, these pathologies or factors generally lead to osteochondrosis of the cervical region:
- endocrine disorders and hormonal fluctuations in adolescence;
- obesity;
- posture disorders;
- trauma (including birth);
- poor nutrition leading to hypovitaminosis and micronutrient deficiencies.
Often, before adolescence, cervical osteochondrosis is asymptomatic or inconspicuous. This fact often complicates the diagnosis, and the disease is detected already at the II-III stages.
Serious complications in children and adolescents are rare, so surgery for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is rarely performed. In most cases, conservative methods are used to correct the condition of the spine. In severe cases, there is a risk of consequences of cervical osteochondrosis such as growth retardation and an increased likelihood of stroke in childhood.
Complications of cervical osteochondrosis
With cervical osteochondrosis, complications occur quite often, since the pathology is asymptomatic for a long time, and many patients try to self-medicate even against the background of obvious signs of the disease. That is why the appearance of symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis is always an indication for consulting a vertebrologist or neurologist.
The consequences of cervical osteochondrosis can be as follows:
- cervical sciatica;
- protrusion;
- intervertebral hernia;
- memory impairment;
- dislocations and subluxations of the vertebrae;
- increased risk of stroke;
- dizziness and headache;
- movement coordination disorders.
First aid for cervical osteochondrosis
Dangerous consequences of cervical osteochondrosis, which require emergency care, include:
- Pre-fainting or fainting states.
These conditions most often occur with a sudden tilting or rotation of the head. The victim must be sitting or lying down to prevent them from falling. Remove clothing or accessories that interfere with breathing. Provide optimal temperature conditions and access to fresh air. Check the pressure, and if it suddenly drops, call an emergency team. - "Cervical back pain" (cervicago) or injuries of the vertebrae.
They start with a sharp pain in the neck, which can radiate to the head. The patient should be lying in a horizontal position, to ensure optimal temperature and immobility of the head. For first aid, apply a cold compress or ice to the painful area (wrap the bag with a towel and do not keep it on for more than 15 minutes). In some cases, the best effect is a warm compress, which helps to eliminate muscle spasms. In case of severe pain, you can administer an anesthetic and antispasmodic drug. To remove a headache, you need to ensure silence and eliminate sources of bright light. If, after rendering assistance, the condition does not improve, it is necessary to call an emergency team. With frequent spasms, it is better not to postpone a visit to the doctor. The specialist may recommend wearing a special neck support corset and will determine the amount of treatment needed.
To provide first aid for cervical osteochondrosis, in some complex cases it is necessary to involve an emergency team, otherwise it 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 an examination and study of complaints.
To identify the underlying causes, signs and complications of cervical osteochondrosis, the following studies may be ordered:
- neurological tests;
- CT;
- X-ray of the neck in flexion and extension position;
- MRI.
If pain in the neck periodically appears, the question of how to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis is solved using techniques for detecting muscle damage. To achieve the desired results, appoint:
- myelography;
- electromyography;
- electroneurography;
- studies of the bioelectric activity of nervous tissue.
If necessary, the patient must pass clinical and biochemical blood tests, tests to detect neuroinfection. Differential diagnosis with rheumatological pathologies is carried out using tests to determine the level of antinuclear antibodies in the blood and rheumatoid factor.
If you have questions about how cervical osteochondrosis will be diagnosed in your case, contact a specialist.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
The question of how to treat cervical osteochondrosis is asked by many patients. The answer cannot be unambiguous. With mild forms and a slight deterioration in well-being, treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis. If the pain syndrome is strong and surgical care is required, hospitalization is indicated for a patient with cervical osteochondrosis.
In the first days of pronounced clinical manifestations, it is necessary to maintain maximum rest of the cervical spine. Side bends are especially contraindicated. After a long static posture, you need to take breaks. With cervical osteochondrosis, especially severe pain is relieved by wearing a special corset that supports the vertebrae in the most physiological position.
How the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis will be carried out with drugs, the doctor will tell you. To relieve inflammation and reduce the manifestations of other symptoms, various groups of drugs can be used:
- antispasmodics;
- venotonics;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants;
- anticonvulsants;
- B vitamins;
- sedatives (for psychogenic pain);
- local anesthetics (in the form of therapeutic blockades);
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Drug therapy for cervical osteochondrosis is supplemented with physiotherapy:
- traction;
- exercise therapy;
- phonophoresis;
- magnetic therapy;
- reflexology;
- manual therapy;
- therapeutic massage;
- electrophoresis, etc.
A set of exercises for cervical osteochondrosis and physiotherapy is determined individually by a specialist. It depends on the stage of the disease and the general state of health.
After completion of treatment, dispensary observation and preventive treatment for exacerbations of cervical osteochondrosis are recommended.
Operations for cervical osteochondrosis
If the diagnostic data indicate that a complex clinical case or conservative treatment does not bring the desired result for a long time, the question of how to treat cervical osteochondrosis is decided during the consultation with the surgeon.
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 a transfacet hernia;
- anterior or posterior fusion;
- methods of stabilization by bone osteosynthesis methods.
The extremely large volume of postoperative treatment and rehabilitation is determined individually. Before discharge, the doctor explains how to treat cervical osteochondrosis.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
The development and exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis will help prevent:
- Injury prevention;
- stop smoking;
- Balanced diet;
- wear comfortable shoes;
- fight against hypodynamia;
- maintain a normal weight;
- treatment of chronic diseases;
- good organization of the workplace;
- the right choice of pillow and mattress, chair for the workplace.
Exercises for cervical osteochondrosis should always be performed. It is a targeted effect on the affected structures that helps prevent relapses of the disease.
Question Answer
What will happen if osteochondrosis is not treated?
With a long 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 complications. In advanced cases, an intervertebral hernia develops.
How many massage sessions to do with cervical osteochondrosis?
Therapeutic massage can be performed only after the disappearance of the acute phase and contraindications are excluded. The number of massage sessions required to achieve the desired result in the treatment and rehabilitation process depends on the severity of the lesions and is prescribed individually.
How to relieve the tension of the muscles of the neck and shoulders with cervical osteochondrosis?
In mild cases, the tension in the muscles of the neck and shoulders can be eliminated with the help of morning exercises and massage of the cervical collar area. If this does not 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 due to cervical osteochondrosis?
Mainly, the headache that accompanies the development of osteochondrosis appears due to a violation of the stable process of blood circulation in the brain. To eliminate the pain that has arisen in this case, the doctor prescribes painkillers, massage, reflexology sessions (acupuncture, cupping massage, etc. ), exercise therapy, ozone therapy, balneotherapy, etcAt the same time, self-medication is strictly prohibited so as not to aggravate the clinical picture and not to disrupt the treatment.