Discomfort and pain in the neck area may indicate disease in the cartilage and bone tissue, leading to the development of serious disease. Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology of the spine in which there are dystrophic-degenerative changes in the vertebral bodies, their processes and the intervertebral discs.
If your symptoms are severe, you should definitely consult your doctor and get tested. The clinic has 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 years, however, due to the appearance of many additional factors that characterize the modern pace of life, the disease has become significantly "younger", even in adolescents and adolescentsAlso often found. children.
It is most common in other types of cervical osteochondrosis. It was detected in almost 25% of patients compared to the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine.
Osteochondrosis in the neck region is performed in stages. The resulting signs and symptoms depend on the degree of damage to the cartilage and bone structure.
There are four stages of cervical osteochondrosis:
- I - Slight decrease in disc height in the affected area, mild symptoms or only determined during exercise;
- II - in addition to a gradual decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc, pathological growth of cartilage tissue, appearance of protrusions, rupture of the annulus fibrosus, constriction and stiffness when turning the neck, pain becomes more pronounced;
- III - Rupture of the annulus fibrosus, herniation of the vertebrae, these changes cause the spine to deform and possibly lead to its dislocation and subluxation, the pain becomes longer and more intense, there are signs of desensitization in the neck area, neck, arms and shoulders;
- IV - The lesions of bone and cartilage tissue become irreversible, and osteophytes appear on the surface of the destroyed cartilage and bone.
The most neglected stage is characterized by marked compression of nerves and blood vessels, hypoxia of nutrient-dependent organs (brain, visual organs, etc. ), immobility of the shoulder girdle and neck. Long-term pain syndrome can significantly reduce quality of life.
In making the diagnosis, in addition to indicating the stage of cervical osteochondrosis, a system for specifying the number of affected cervical vertebrae - from CI to CVII - is used. She pointed to a section that has experienced malnutrition-degenerative changes.
The staging of cervical osteochondrosis is an important criterion for developing treatment strategies.
The etiology and pathogenesis of cervical osteochondrosis
In most cases, cervical osteochondrosis is caused by a combination of factors. The root cause of this can be considered to be the fact that a person walks upright. In this position, most of the load falls on the neck and waist. Most people's vascular status deteriorates with age, and more chronic diseases and age-related changes impair tissue nutrition.
Other causes of cervical osteochondrosis are related to the following factors:
- Lack of motivation;
- overweight;
- smoking for a long time;
- flatfoot;
- frequent pregnancy;
- Postural disturbance;
- autoimmune disease;
- Violation of metabolic processes;
- genetic predisposition;
- Improper diet;
- The cervical spine is often injured and minimally invasive;
- Carrying weights on one shoulder or one hand;
- Sleeping on the wrong pillow or mattress;
- Acquired or congenital vertebral instability;
- Improper organization of the workplace.
See a doctor in time to rule out the predisposing factors of cervical osteochondrosis, and it is possible to achieve stable remission.
Clinical manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis
In the first stages of this pathology, patients do not always notice signs of cervical osteochondrosis. Their nature and severity depend largely on the area of injury, as the nerves that run from the spinal cord in one or another part of the spine perform different functions.
The main symptom of cervical osteochondrosis is the manifestation of pain syndrome. Neck and shoulder pain and discomfort can be exacerbated by sleeping on uncomfortable pillows, turning around and other head and neck strap movements, hypothermia, or strenuous exercise. As osteochondrosis of the neck progresses, some patients are forced to keep their head still and develop the habit of turning their entire body.
Subluxation and dislocation of vertebrae, ruptured herniation, or pinched nerves can cause acute pain (they are often referred to as "back pain"). These complications require urgent care.
In addition to pain, symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Headache;
- pressure fluctuations;
- Dizziness;
- memory impairment;
- hearing problems;
- pain in the heart area;
- weakness and lethargy;
- feeling like a lump in the throat;
- creaking when turning the neck;
- pre-syncope state;
- "Flies" flashing before the eyes;
- difficulty moving the arm to one side;
- Impaired coordination of movement and gait;
- Paresthesias in the neck, occiput, shoulders, arms, and fingers.
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis that indicate disease progression are:
- exacerbation, increased pain and its prolonged duration;
- Reduced neck rotation;
- Other symptoms are more severe.
The presyncope state causes a drop in pressure and increases the risk of a variety of injuries, some of which can be quite dangerous.
Characteristics of the course of cervical osteochondrosis during pregnancy
Osteochondrosis of the neck region during pregnancy is not dangerous to the health of the unborn baby if its presentation does not lead to a dangerously increased risk of trauma in the pre-fainting state and excessive stress due to pain. Pregnant women have an increased likelihood of worsening this pathology due to hormonal changes, which contribute to ligament stretchability and cervical spine instability.
For the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis during pregnancy, a safe approach should be used, recommended after consultation with a neurologist. In addition to advice on exercise therapy, neck massage and adherence to the rules of the organization's sleeping place, safe anti-inflammatory and pain relievers are prescribed in difficult cases. The amount of exercise for cervical osteochondrosis depends on its severity.
Childbirth occurs naturally, as pathology and the correct behavior of women during childbirth do not complicate them in any way.
Features of cervical osteochondrosis in children
Cervical osteochondrosis, whose symptoms occur in children and adolescents, is rare. The cause of its development is usually some congenital disease:
- autoimmune disease;
- genetic predisposition;
- Spinal or muscle abnormalities.
In the case of acquired variants, these pathologies or factors often lead to osteochondrosis in the neck region:
- Endocrine disorders and hormonal fluctuations during adolescence;
- obesity;
- Postural disturbance;
- trauma (including birth);
- Malnutrition leads to vitamin deficiencies and micronutrient deficiencies.
Usually, cervical osteochondrosis is asymptomatic or inconspicuous until puberty. This fact often complicates diagnosis, and the disease is already detected in stages II-III.
Serious complications in children and adolescents are rare, so surgery to treat cervical osteochondrosis is rarely performed. In most cases, a conservative approach is used to correct the condition of the spine. In severe cases, there is a risk of cervical osteochondrosis consequences, such as growth retardation and an increased likelihood of stroke in children.
Complications of cervical osteochondrosis
With cervical osteochondrosis, complications often occur because the pathology is long-term asymptomatic, and many patients even attempt self-treatment on the background of obvious signs of the disease. This is why the presence of symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis is always an indication for consultation with a chiropractor or neurologist.
The consequences of cervical osteochondrosis may be as follows:
- cervical spondylosis;
- protrude;
- intervertebral hernia;
- memory impairment;
- Vertebral dislocation and subluxation;
- increased risk of stroke;
- dizziness and headache;
- Impaired motor coordination.
First aid for cervical osteochondrosis
Dangerous consequences of cervical osteochondrosis requiring urgent care include:
- Presyncope state or fainting.
These conditions most commonly occur when the head is tilted or turned sharply. Victims must sit or lie down to prevent falls and injuries. Remove clothing or accessories that interfere with breathing. Provide optimum temperature conditions and fresh air. Control the pressure and call an emergency team if the pressure drops sharply. - "Cervicago" or injury to the vertebrae.
The first is severe pain in the neck that can radiate to the head. The patient must lie flat to ensure optimal temperature and head still. For first aid, apply a cold or ice pack to the painful area (wrap the bag in a towel and hold for no longer than 15 minutes). In some cases, the best effect is a warm compress, which helps eliminate muscle spasms. For severe pain, you can give anesthesia and antispasmodics. To get rid of headaches, you should be quiet and eliminate bright light sources. If the situation does not improve after assistance is provided, it is necessary to call the emergency team. Because of frequent cramps, it's best not to put off seeing a doctor. A specialist can recommend wearing a special neck support corset and determine the amount of treatment needed.
In order to perform first aid for cervical osteochondrosis, in some complex cases, an emergency team is required, otherwise it will lead to more dangerous complications.
Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis
The question of how to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis will be answered by a neurologist or vertebrae after examination and research of the complaint.
To determine the underlying causes, signs, and complications of cervical osteochondrosis, the following studies can be performed:
- neurological examination;
- computerized tomography;
- X-rays of the neck in flexion and extension;
- nuclear magnetic resonance.
If neck pain recurs periodically, the question of how to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis can be addressed using techniques that detect muscle damage. To get the expected results, specify:
- myelography;
- EMG;
- electroneurogram;
- Study the bioelectrical activity of neural tissue.
If necessary, patients are tested for nerve infection through clinical and biochemical blood tests. Differential diagnosis from rheumatic pathology is performed using tests to determine blood levels of antinuclear antibodies and rheumatoid factor.
If you have any questions about how to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis, please contact a specialist.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis is a question raised by many patients. Its answer cannot be definitive. Treatment is performed on an outpatient basis due to the mild form and slight deterioration of health. Patients with cervical osteochondrosis require hospitalization if the pain syndrome is severe and requires surgery.
During the first few days of apparent clinical manifestations, it is necessary to maintain maximum rest of the cervical spine. Steering to the sides is especially contraindicated. After a long period of static posture, you should take a break. For cervical osteochondrosis, especially severe pain can be relieved by wearing a special corset that supports the vertebrae in the most physiological position.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis with medication, your doctor will tell you. To relieve inflammation and reduce the manifestations of other symptoms, various medications can be used:
- antispasmodics;
- viperin;
- chondroprotective agent;
- muscle relaxants;
- anticonvulsants;
- B vitamins;
- Sedatives (for psychogenic pain);
- local anesthetics (in the form of therapeutic blockers);
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Medication for cervical osteochondrosis combined with physical therapy:
- traction;
- exercise therapy;
- Acoustic swimming;
- magnetic therapy;
- reflexology;
- manual therapy;
- therapeutic massage;
- electrophoresis, etc.
A set of exercises for cervical osteochondrosis and physiotherapy is individually determined by a specialist. It depends on the stage of the disease and general health.
After completion of treatment, pharmacy observation and preventive courses of treatment for exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis are recommended.
Cervical Osteochondrosis Surgery
The question of how to treat cervical osteochondrosis is a matter of consultation with a surgeon if diagnostic data suggest that complex clinical cases or conservative treatment does not lead to the expected results for a prolonged period of time.
To eliminate the manifestations and consequences of neglected cervical osteochondrosis, the following types of surgery are performed:
- Laminectomy;
- Microdiscectomy;
- Endoscopic discectomy;
- tumor resection, etc. ;
- Transsectional hernia resection;
- Front or back fusion;
- A method of stabilization by osteosynthesis.
The amount of postoperative treatment and the critically important amount of rehabilitation is determined individually. Before you leave the hospital, your doctor will explain how to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
The development and progression of cervical osteochondrosis will help prevent:
- injury prevention;
- quit smoking;
- Balanced diet;
- wear comfortable shoes;
- lack of motivation;
- maintain a normal weight;
- treatment of chronic diseases;
- proper organization of the workplace;
- The right choice of pillows and mattresses, workplace chairs.
Exercises for cervical osteochondrosis should always be performed. It targets the affected structures and helps prevent disease recurrence.
Questions and Answers
What happens if osteochondrosis is not treated?
Cervical vertebral osteochondrosis has a long course of disease, normal innervation becomes difficult, blood vessels are compressed, and blood circulation is disturbed. As a result, tissue hypoxia develops, leading to the development of complications. In advanced cases, intervertebral hernias occur.
How many massages are associated with cervical osteochondrosis?
Therapeutic massage should be performed only after the acute phase has subsided and contraindications have been ruled out. How many massages are needed during treatment and recovery to achieve the desired effect depends on the severity of the lesion and is prescribed individually.
How does cervical osteochondrosis relieve neck and shoulder muscle tension?
In mild cases, neck and shoulder muscle tension can be relieved with morning exercises and neck massage. If that doesn't help, you can use a set of exercises for exercise therapy, manual therapy. In extreme cases, doctors will prescribe medication.
What if cervical osteochondrosis causes head pain?
Mainly, the headache that accompanies the development of osteochondrosis occurs due to the disruption of the stabilizing process of blood circulation in the brain. To eliminate the pain that occurs in this condition, doctors prescribe pain relievers, massage, reflexology (acupuncture, cupping massage, etc. ), exercise therapy, ozone therapy, balneotherapy, etc. At the same time, self-medication is strictly prohibited to avoid worsening clinical manifestations and interfering with treatment.