The appearance of discomfort and pain in the cervical region can indicate disorders in the cartilaginous and bone tissues and, as a result, the development of a serious disease. Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology of the spine, in which there is a dystrophic-degenerative change in the vertebral bodies, their processes and intervertebral discs.
In case of severe symptoms, you should definitely see a doctor and get tested. 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 between 45 and 55 years, however, due to the emergence of many additional factors characteristic of the modern pace of life, this disease has become significantly "younger" and is often detected even in teenagers and children.
Among other types of cervical osteochondrosis is the most common. In contrast to 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 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 decreases slightly and the symptoms are mild or determined only when performing movements;
- II - in addition to the progressive decrease in the height of the disc, pathological growths of cartilaginous tissue occur, protrusions appear, cracks in the fibrous ring, tightness and stiffness when turning the neck, the pain becomes more pronounced;
- III - the fibrous ring breaks, intervertebral hernias appear, these changes cause deformation of the spine and can lead to its displacements and subluxations, the pain becomes longer and more acute, there are signs of loss of sensitivity in the neck, neck region , arms and shoulders;
- IV - the lesions of the bone and cartilaginous tissue become irreversible, osteophytes appear on the surface of the cartilage and destroyed bones.
The most neglected stage is characterized by significant compression of nerves and blood vessels, hypoxia of trophic-dependent organs (brain, organs of vision, etc. ), immobility of the shoulder girdle and neck. Prolonged pain syndrome significantly reduces quality of life.
When making a diagnosis, in addition to indicating the stage of osteochondrosis of the neck, a system is used to designate the number of cervical vertebrae affected - from CI to CVII. It points to a segment that has undergone dystrophic-degenerative changes.
The stage of cervical osteochondrosis is an important criterion for devising treatment tactics.
Etiology and pathogenesis of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis in most cases is caused by a combination of several factors. The root cause among them can be considered to be the fact that a person walks upright. 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 arise that impair tissue nutrition.
Other causes of cervical osteochondrosis are associated with the following factors:
- hypodynamia;
- overweight;
- prolonged smoking;
- flat foot;
- frequent pregnancies;
- postural disorders;
- autoimmune diseases;
- violation of metabolic processes;
- hereditary predisposition;
- inadequate diet composition;
- frequent injuries and microtraumas of the cervical vertebrae;
- carrying weight on one shoulder or hand;
- sleeping on the wrong pillow or mattress;
- acquired or congenital instability of the vertebrae;
- inadequate organization of the workplace.
With a timely visit to the doctor and the exclusion of predisposing causes of osteochondrosis from the cervical region, it is possible to achieve its stable remission.
Clinical manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis
The signs of cervical osteochondrosis are not always noticed by patients in the first stage of this pathology. Its nature and degree of severity are largely determined by the zone of damage, as the nerves that extend 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 becomes worse 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 a habit of rotating their entire body.
Vertebral subluxations and dislocations, ruptured intervertebral hernias, or pinched nerves can lead to sharp pain (often called "back pain"). These complications require emergency care.
In addition to pain, symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- headaches;
- pressure spikes;
- dizziness;
- memory impairment;
- hearing problems;
- pain in the heart region;
- weakness and drowsiness;
- feeling of a lump in the throat;
- grinding when turning the neck;
- pre-fainting states;
- flashing "flies" before the eyes;
- difficulty moving the arm to the side;
- impaired coordination of movements and gait;
- paresthesia in the neck, occiput, shoulders, arms and fingers.
The signs of cervical osteochondrosis, which indicate the progression of the disease, are:
- intensification, increase in pain and its long duration;
- decreased amplitude of neck turns;
- greater severity of additional symptoms.
Pre-syncope states can cause a drop in blood pressure and increase the risk of various injuries, among which they can be quite dangerous.
Features of the course of cervical osteochondrosis during pregnancy
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region during pregnancy is not dangerous for the health of the fetus, if its manifestations do not lead to a dangerously increased risk of trauma in the pre-fainting state and excessive nervousness that occurs in response to pain. The probability of an exacerbation of this pathology in pregnant women increases due to hormonal changes, which contribute to a greater extensibility of the ligaments and instability of the cervical vertebrae.
For the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis during pregnancy, safe methods should be used, which are recommended after consultation with a neurologist. In addition to recommendations on exercise therapy, massage of the cervical collar zone and compliance with the rules for arranging a place to sleep, in difficult cases, safe anti-inflammatories and analgesics are prescribed. The volume of exercises for cervical osteochondrosis depends on the degree of its severity.
Childbirth is carried out naturally, as the pathology, with the correct behavior of a woman during childbirth, cannot complicate it in any way.
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;
- spinal or muscle abnormalities.
In cases of an acquired variant, such pathologies or factors often lead to osteochondrosis of the cervical region:
- endocrine disorders and hormonal fluctuations in adolescence;
- obesity;
- postural disorders;
- trauma (including birth);
- malnutrition leading to hypovitaminosis and micronutrient deficiencies.
Often, before adolescence, cervical osteochondrosis is asymptomatic or mild. This fact often complicates the diagnosis and the disease is already detected in stages II-III.
Serious complications in children and adolescents are rare, so surgery for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is performed infrequently. In most cases, conservative methods are used to correct the spinal condition. In severe cases, there is a risk of consequences of cervical osteochondrosis such as growth retardation and an increased likelihood of childhood stroke.
Complications of cervical osteochondrosis
With cervical osteochondrosis, complications occur quite often, as 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 to consult a vertebrologist or neurologist.
The consequences of cervical osteochondrosis can be as follows:
- cervical sciatica;
- boss;
- intervertebral hernia;
- memory impairment;
- vertebrae dislocations and subluxations;
- increased risk of stroke;
- dizziness and headaches;
- impaired coordination of movements.
First aid for cervical osteochondrosis
Dangerous consequences of cervical osteochondrosis that require emergency care include:
- Pre-fainting or fainting states.
These conditions most often occur with a sharp tilt or turn of the head. Victim must be sitting or lying down to avoid falling injuries. Remove clothing or accessories that interfere with breathing. Provide ideal temperature conditions and access to fresh air. Control the pressure and, if it drops suddenly, call an emergency team. - "Cervical backache" (cervicago) or injuries to the vertebrae.
They start with a sharp pain in the neck, which can radiate to the head. The patient must be laid in a horizontal position to ensure optimal temperature and head immobility. For first aid, apply a cold compress or ice to the area of pain (wrap the bag in a towel and keep it for a maximum of 15 minutes). In some cases, the best effect is a warm compress, which helps to eliminate muscle spasm. With severe pain, you can administer an anesthetic and antispasmodic medication. To remove a headache, you must ensure silence and eliminate sources of bright light. If after 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 the use of 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 this 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 the complaints.
To identify the underlying causes, signs and complications of cervical osteochondrosis, the following studies may be prescribed:
- neurological tests;
- CT;
- neck radiography in flexion and extension position;
- MRI.
If neck pain appears periodically, the question of how to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis is resolved using techniques to detect muscle injuries. To get the desired results, name:
- myelography;
- electromyography;
- electroneurography;
- studies of the bioelectrical activity of nervous tissue.
If necessary, the patient needs to undergo clinical and biochemical blood tests, tests to detect neuroinfection. The differential diagnosis with rheumatological pathologies is carried out through 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, contact a specialist.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
The question of how to treat cervical osteochondrosis is asked by many patients. The answer to that cannot be unambiguous. With mild forms and a slight deterioration of well-being, treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis. If the pain syndrome is severe 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 turns are especially contraindicated. After a long static pose, you should 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 with medication will be carried out, the doctor will tell you. To relieve inflammation and reduce the manifestations of other symptoms, several groups of medications can be used:
- antispasmodics;
- venotonics;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants;
- anticonvulsants;
- Complex B vitamins;
- sedatives (for psychogenic pain);
- local anesthetics (in the form of therapeutic blocks);
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Drug therapy of cervical osteochondrosis is complemented by physical therapy:
- traction;
- exercise therapy;
- phonophoresis;
- magnetotherapy;
- reflexology;
- manual therapy;
- therapeutic massage;
- electrophoresis, etc.
A set of exercises for cervical osteochondrosis and physiotherapy is determined by an individual specialist. It depends on the stage of the disease and general health.
Upon completion of treatment, dispensary observation and preventive courses of therapy for exacerbations of cervical osteochondrosis are recommended.
Operations 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, the question of how to treat cervical osteochondrosis is decided in the surgeon's consultation.
To eliminate the manifestations and consequences of neglected cervical osteochondrosis, the following types of operations are performed:
- laminectomy;
- microdiscectomy;
- endoscopic discectomy;
- tumor removal, etc. ;
- transfacet hernia removal;
- anterior or posterior fusion;
- stabilization methods by bone osteosynthesis methods.
The extremely important postoperative and rehabilitation treatment volume 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;
- maintenance of normal weight;
- treatment of chronic diseases;
- proper 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 disease relapses.
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 done only after the acute phase subsides and contraindications are excluded. How many massage sessions are needed to get the desired result in the treatment and rehabilitation process depends on the severity of the injuries and is prescribed individually.
How to relieve neck and shoulder muscle tension with cervical osteochondrosis?
In mild cases, tension in the neck and shoulder muscles can be relieved with the help of morning exercises and cervical collar massage. 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?
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 analgesics, massages, reflexology sessions (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 interfere with the treatment.