The appearance of discomfort and pain in the cervical region may indicate disorders in the cartilage and bone tissues and, as a result, the development of a serious disease. Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology of the spinal column, 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 consult a doctor and undergo an examination. The clinics have everything you need to diagnose this pathology and obtain 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 significantly "younger" and is often detected even in adolescents and children.
Among other types of cervical osteochondrosis 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 are manifested depending on the degree of damage to the 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 are determined only when performing movements;
- II - in addition to a progressive decrease in the height of the disc, pathological growths of cartilaginous tissue occur, protrusions appear, cracks in the fibrous ring, crunch and stiffness when turning the neck, pain becomes more 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 more acute, there are signs of loss of sensitivity in the area of the neck, neck, arms and shoulders;
- IV - lesions of bone and cartilage tissue become irreversible, osteophytes appear on the surface of the destroyed cartilage and 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 the quality of life.
When making a diagnosis, in addition to indicating the stage of osteochondrosis of the neck, a system for designating the number of affected cervical vertebrae is used - from CI to CVII. She points to a segment that has been subjected to dystrophic-degenerative changes.
The stage of cervical osteochondrosis is an important criterion for drawing up treatment tactics.
Etiology and pathogenesis of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis in most cases is provoked by a combination of various factors. The root cause among them can be considered the fact of upright walking of a person. In this position, most of the load falls on the neck and lumbar. With age, the state 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 feet;
- frequent pregnancies;
- posture disorders;
- autoimmune diseases;
- violation of metabolic processes;
- hereditary predisposition;
- improper 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;
- improper 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 in the first stage of this pathology. Their nature and degree of severity are largely determined by the zone of damage, since the nerves extending from the spinal cord in 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 and neck and shoulder girdle, hypothermia or strong 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 pinched nerves can lead to acute pain (they are often called "backache"). These complications require emergency care.
In addition to pain, symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- headaches;
- pressure surges;
- dizziness;
- memory impairment;
- hearing problems;
- pain in the region of the heart;
- weakness and drowsiness;
- sensation of a lump in the throat;
- crunching when turning the neck;
- pre-fainting states;
- flickering "flies" before the eyes;
- difficulty moving the arm to the side;
- impaired coordination of movements and gait;
- paresthesias in the neck, occiput, shoulders, arms and fingers.
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis, which indicate the progression of the disease, are:
- intensification, increase in pain and their long duration;
- decrease in the amplitude of neck turns;
- 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 quite 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 that occurs in response to pain. The likelihood of an 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 zone and compliance with the rules for organizing a place to sleep, in difficult cases, safe anti-inflammatory and pain medications are prescribed. The volume of exercises for cervical osteochondrosis depends on the degree of its severity.
Childbirth is carried out naturally, since pathology, with the correct behavior of a woman during delivery, cannot complicate them 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 muscular anomalies.
In cases of an acquired variant, such pathologies or factors usually 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 unobtrusive. This fact often complicates the diagnosis and the disease is detected already at stages II–III.
Severe 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 condition of the spinal column. In severe cases, there is a risk of such consequences of cervical osteochondrosis 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 may be as follows:
- cervical sciatica;
- protrusion;
- intervertebral hernia;
- memory impairment;
- dislocations and subluxations of the vertebrae;
- increased risk of stroke;
- dizziness and headaches;
- impaired coordination of movements.
First aid for cervical osteochondrosis
The dangerous consequences of cervical osteochondrosis, which require emergency care, include:
- Pre-fainting states or fainting.
These conditions most often occur with a sharp tipping or turning of the head. The victim must be seated or laid down to prevent injury from falling. Remove clothing or accessories that interfere with breathing. Provide optimal temperature conditions and access to fresh air. Control the pressure, and if it drops sharply, call an emergency team. - "Cervical backache" (cervicago) or injuries of the vertebrae.
They begin 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 immobility of the head. For first aid, apply a cold compress or ice to the pain area (wrap the bag with a towel and keep it for no more than 15 minutes). In some cases, a warm compress works best to help relieve muscle spasm. With severe pain, you can give an anesthetic and antispasmodic drug. To remove a headache, you should ensure silence and eliminate sources of bright light. If after rendering assistance the condition does not improve, then it is necessary to call an emergency team. With frequent spasms, it is better not to postpone a visit to the doctor. The specialist can 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 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 complaints.
To identify the underlying causes, signs and complications of cervical osteochondrosis, the following studies may be prescribed:
- neurological tests;
- CT;
- radiography of the neck in the position of flexion and extension;
- MRI.
If pain in the neck appears periodically, then the question of how to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis is solved using techniques to detect muscle lesions. To obtain the desired results, appoint:
- myelography;
- electromyography;
- electroneurography;
- studies of the bioelectric activity of the nervous tissue.
If necessary, the patient needs to 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 any questions about how cervical osteochondrosis will be diagnosed in your case, then contact a specialist.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
The question of how to treat cervical osteochondrosis is asked by many patients. The answer to it 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, then 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. Turns to the sides are especially contraindicated. After a long static posture, you should take breaks. With cervical osteochondrosis, especially intense 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 medication, 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);
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Drug therapy of cervical osteochondrosis is supplemented by physiotherapy:
- traction;
- exercise therapy;
- phonophoresis;
- magnetotherapy;
- reflexology;
- manual therapy;
- therapeutic massage;
- electrophoresis, etc.
A set of exercises for cervical osteochondrosis and physiotherapy is determined by a specialist individually. It depends on the stage of the disease and general health.
After 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, then the question of how to treat cervical osteochondrosis is decided at 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;
- removal of tumors, etc. ;
- transfacet hernia removal;
- anterior or posterior fusion;
- methods of stabilization by methods of bone osteosynthesis.
The volume of postoperative treatment and extremely important 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;
- to give up smoking;
- balanced diet;
- wearing comfortable shoes;
- fight against hypodynamia;
- maintaining 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 to 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 done only after the acute phase subsides and contraindications are excluded. How many massage sessions are needed to get the desired result in the process of treatment and rehabilitation depends on the severity of the lesions and is prescribed individually.
How to relieve tension from the muscles of the neck and shoulders with cervical osteochondrosis?
In mild cases, tension in the muscles of the neck and shoulders can be eliminated with the help of morning exercises and massage of the cervical-collar zone. 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 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 painkillers, massage, 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 notdisrupt treatment.