Cervical osteochondrosis (spondylosis, spondyloarthrosis) is a progressive disease caused by degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, cartilaginous tissue, ligaments and bone processes themselves.
Headaches, dizziness, darkening of the eyes - all this 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 is the most mobile part, that is, the movable part of it.
The intervertebral discs are located between two vertebrae and act as shock absorbers.That is, they prevent the surfaces of the vertebrae from touching each other and evenly distribute the load on the cartilaginous tissue during flexion, extension and rotation of the head.
In addition to the discs, the vertebrae are connected by joints and ligaments;the absence of pathological changes in these organs ensures normal mobility of the vertebrae and therefore of the entire neck.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the neck
The main cause of cervical spondylosis is a violation of the nutrition and metabolic processes of the intervertebral discs and ligaments.In its structure and functioning, the disc resembles a sponge that must be constantly compressed to remove unnecessary substances and loosened to obtain nourishment.
To ensure the consistency 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 sufficient shock absorption.
The vertebrae begin to come into contact with each other, their bone tissue grows, and the lumen through which the spine, arteries and nerve endings pass narrows.The narrowing of the lumen causes compression of the nerve endings and all the symptoms of chondrosis appear.
Therefore, the main factors provoking the appearance of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine currently are:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- genetic predisposition;
- overweight and monotonous diet;
- poisoning, infection;
- age-related changes;
- spinal overload;
- prolonged uncomfortable body position;
- poor posture, flat feet;
- hypothermia, unfavorable environment;
- injuries.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is also an occupational disease.Prolonged uncomfortable posture of drivers and computer operators leads 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 inclusion of arteries or nerves in the pathological process, can be divided according to clinical signs.
Compression of the vertebral artery leads to the following changes in well-being:
- Migraine.The pain gradually increases, often starts at the back of the head, is localized in one half of the head and may radiate to the eyes or ears.The patient complains of dizziness, tinnitus and possibly nausea and vomiting.Cervical migraine is poorly controlled by conventional analgesics.
- Fainting at the height of a headache or with sudden turning of the neck.
- Swallowing disorder.
- The pressure builds from a low number to a high number and vice versa.The attack is accompanied by a feeling of fear and panic.
Compression of the nerve endings in the spinal cord is called radicular syndrome;it is characterized by symptoms:
- Pain in the vertebrae of the neck, constant, aching.This gets worse over time and causes migraines;
- Pain in the back of the head and numbness in the upper neck;
- Feeling of enlarged tongue, difficulty eating, feeling of a lump in the throat;
- Dull pain in the collarbone, in the region of the heart;
- Limitation of arm movements - it is impossible to lift or move to the side.
- Sharp pain in neck, extending to shoulder blade, arm and fingers;
- Numbness of hands, goosebumps, weakness when compressed.
Pain from osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is initially noted as dull, then increases and spreads throughout the body.Pain in the hands can be observed simultaneously on the left and right, 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 causes tension in the neck muscles.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is complex and includes pain relief and restoration of normal functioning of the vertebrae.Basically, the disease is treated by a neurologist;initially, medication is prescribed.If treatment has no effect, surgery may be recommended.
Drug treatment
The main group of medications used to treat cervical osteochondrosis are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Medicines not only treat inflammation, but also relieve pain at the same time, therefore their use is mandatory for conditions such as spondyloarthrosis of the cervical spine.Non-steroidal drugs also prevent further destruction of intervertebral discs and participate in the restoration of their tissues.
Antispasmodics are prescribed in combination with NSAIDs;they help relieve muscle tension, which has a beneficial effect on treatment.In case of severe pain that does not go away, the doctor may prescribe blockades - injection of novocaine or lidocaine into the area of the cervical vertebrae.
Patients are also prescribed ointments to rub into the painful area.They relieve muscle tension, reduce pain, anti-inflammatory components, penetrating through the skin, reduce inflammation.For chronic diseases, chondroprotectors and B vitamins are prescribed.
Drug treatment for cervical osteochondrosis should only be prescribed by a doctor;he will be able to select the correct dose of the medication and calculate the duration of administration.Some drugs may be contraindicated in chronic diseases, therefore their analogues are used in treatment.Treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck in the active phase can last up to 3 months and, in addition to medications, physiotherapy and non-drug treatments are also used.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a treatment method that uses external physical factors: weak currents, ultrasound, laser, magnetic fields.Their effect on the affected area improves microcirculation in the tissues and the spine, which accelerates the recovery process.
Deep heating of the area of inflammation relaxes the muscles, relieves pain and helps remove decay products.Physiotherapy is a safe procedure for patients of any age.
Taping is also used to treat cervical osteochondrosis.This method uses a special elastic cotton or synthetic adhesive tape that has a high level of strength and elasticity.Taping helps relax muscles, relieve tension and pain.
The effect of treating a disease with kinesio taping is not obtained 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 tapes for osteochondrosis for up to 5 days, during which time you can perform water procedures without fearing for its safety, since the tape holds well, dries quickly and has a “breathable” effect.
Kinesio taping is not the main method of treating osteochondrosis;its most effective use is in combination with other types of therapies.
Non-drug methods
Non-traditional methods are also widely used to treat the disease “osteochondrosis of the cervical spine”.Basically, this is a massage - a mechanical effect of varying intensity on a painful area of the body with the hands.Massage improves tissue circulation and relaxes tense muscles.Thai massage is also effective in treating the spine.The main thing is to have confidence in the high professionalism of the massage therapist.
Reflexology is an action on active points of the human body using needles.This procedure activates vitality and, if done correctly, can provide instant pain relief.
Treatment of the disease with folk remedies can also be useful - of course, in consultation with 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 efforts.It is necessary to change your lifestyle - move more, do therapeutic exercises recommended by your doctor in the morning, eat healthy and varied foods.Fresh air, giving up bad habits, getting rid of nervous stress - all this contributes to rapid recovery.