Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a degenerative-dystrophic process in the region of the cervical vertebrae and surrounding tissues, associated with gradual thinning, dehydration of the intervertebral discs and the formation of spinal deformities.All this disrupts mobility, causes inflammatory changes in the surrounding tissues, pain and complications.The more modern name of the disease is dorsopathy.The term "osteochondrosis" itself does not correspond to modern criteria, but it has a strong root to refer to various processes and causes of pain in different parts of the spine.
Osteochondrosis affects the intervertebral discs, vertebrae and surrounding soft tissues.As a result of degenerative-dystrophic processes against the background of aging and excessive stress, changes occur in the composition of the gel-like substance of the disk and the dense fibrous tissue surrounding it, forming an elastic membrane.Gradually, the height of the disk decreases, its shock absorption properties deteriorate.
Metabolism within the nucleus suffers, microcracks are formed, the disc is deformed, protrusions (protrusions) and tears are formed.As the process progresses, the surrounding part of the cartilage and the bone tissue of the vertebra suffers and osteophytes are formed - bony protrusions that limit mobility and cause pain.
Changes occur near the spinal cord and its membranes, the roots of the spinal nerves, which can cause irritation, inflammation of the surrounding tissues, reflex muscle spasms, which cause typical manifestations of the disease.Nearby vessels with impaired blood flow may suffer.
Reasons
Osteochondrosis, mainly in the cervical spine, can occur against the background of a number of existing health problems.Each makes the process worse.Among the leading provocateurs:
Obesity, overweight;
Immobility, lack of physical activity;
Mainly sedentary work or standing for long periods of time;
Poor posture, stooping;
Problems with the musculoskeletal system (flat feet, scoliosis), due to which the load on the spine is unevenly distributed;
Back and neck injuries, birth defects of the spine;
Excessive stress on the neck and back;
Tendency to pathology.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Manifestations of the disease are diverse, they are not always recognized immediately, they are mistaken for other pathologies.Among the most typical:
Systemic vertigo attacks occur in the form of attacks.
Pain in the back of the head, neck, neck.The severity and intensity of the pain depends on the development of the process.At the beginning, it is mild and periodic, as the pathology develops, it becomes stable and spreads over the whole head.
It may be accompanied by ringing in the ears, noise, dizziness attack when changing position after long sitting or lying down.
Nausea accompanied by vomiting due to impaired blood circulation in certain areas of the brain, worsens when dizzy.
Blurred vision, fog, blurred vision, flickering of the spots.
Pressure increase, fainting.
A feeling of swelling in the throat, dryness, problems with swallowing.
Pain in the shoulders, numbness in the hands.
In addition to these complaints, typical syndromes arising only against the background of cervical spine injury are also possible.
Vertebral syndrome - impaired mobility in the neck, pain when trying to turn the head, creaking in the vertebrae.
Vertebral artery syndrome with tinnitus, dizziness, pressure changes and drowsiness.
Numbness and pain in the back of the head, impaired sensitivity of the tongue, hiccups, swallowing problems, radicular syndrome accompanied by numbness in the shoulders, between the shoulder blades, in the little finger.
Possible complications and risks
Long-term osteochondrosis in the cervical region causes disorders in the area of nerve trunks and arteries.This threatens the development of strokes, thyroid disorders, hand sensitivity problems, difficulty swallowing and vision impairment.In addition, neck mobility is significantly limited.
Diagnostics
To determine the pathology, it is necessary to contact an orthopedist and a neurologist.A comprehensive examination helps to diagnose:
X-ray and CT of the cervical spine, MRI for visualization of bone and soft tissue structures.
A duplex scan of the vessels of the neck and head evaluates blood circulation in the brain and neck.
Reflexes, neck mobility and soft tissue condition are assessed.
In addition, ultrasound, ECG, blood pressure monitoring and consultation with an ENT specialist are required to rule out other pathologies.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Basically, the doctor treats osteochondrosis of the cervical spine according to the underlying cause.For example, if muscle tension or poor posture is causing the symptoms, the doctor will usually begin conservative treatment.These include, for example, exercises to strengthen the muscles in the neck, physical therapy and manual therapy, and pain relief with medication.
In some cases, the doctor recommends surgical intervention.This is necessary, for example, in case of a severe disc herniation or cervical spine injury.
Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is aimed at relieving pain and restoring the flexibility of the body in the long term.This includes muscle-strengthening exercises, massages, and physical measures (such as the application of heat, cold, light, or electrical stimuli).The therapist massages the affected muscles, for example, irradiating them with red light or applying heat compresses.Thus, tension and blockages in the spine are released so that the spinal joints no longer limit their mobility.
A physical therapist will also select specific therapeutic exercises according to individual needs and health conditions.He will explain to you how to perform these exercises and, if necessary, correct the movements that you did wrong.The key here is that you learn techniques to help relax your muscles and improve head and neck mobility.Exercise also helps improve blood circulation in the body, relieve tension and strengthen muscles.
If symptoms occur acutely or exercise does not help, the doctor also treats osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with medication.If necessary, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.They relieve pain for a while and enable patients to move their head and neck better.
If your symptoms are severe and/or particularly painful, your doctor will also prescribe medicines that relax your muscles (called muscle relaxants).
Pharmacy ointments or patches with analgesic effect also relieve the symptoms of cervical syndrome.
In some cases (for example, with a herniated disc), the doctor uses the so-called minimally invasive injection therapy.This method is most commonly used for pinched nerves.To do this, the doctor injects local anesthesia directly into the affected area of the spine (infiltration).It soothes irritated nerves, relieves pain and relaxes muscles.Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor will prescribe one to ten treatments.
If conservative treatment is not effective, the doctor will consider surgical intervention.This is, for example, with a herniated disc, when a person suffers from very severe pain, symptoms of paralysis occur.Today, the operation is usually performed through microsurgery, that is, through a small incision.The doctor removes the intervertebral disc tissue that is pressing on the nerves and causing the symptoms.The procedure is usually short (about 30-60 minutes).During the operation, the patient is usually under general anesthesia and remains in the hospital for observation for about three days.
Prevention
You have the power to relieve your symptoms and prevent neck strain.The following measures are possible for this:
Exercise therapy and swimming improve the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in many cases.
Under certain conditions, stress and psychological tension can contribute to osteochondrosis of the cervical spine or intensify its symptoms.Therefore, try to avoid stressful situations.