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Cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis in a man

Cervical osteochondrosis is a chronic dystrophic disease in which the discs are thinner located between the vertebrae, followed by their bone tissue.As the degenerative process progresses, the surrounding structures are involved.This becomes the reason for the development of a whole complex of symptoms that completely subjugate the life of the patient.

General information

Intervertebral discs consist of a gel -shaped nucleus and a dense fibrous ring surrounding it, covered with a layer of cartilage on top.They perform a shock -absorbing function, preventing vertebral damage during running, walking and jumping, and also contribute to the mobility and flexibility of the entire spinal column.

In the process of natural aging, as well as in conditions of increased load, there is a gradual decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc.The metabolism in its core is disturbed, cracks appear in the surrounding fibrous ring.Prutches of discs - protrusion and hernias appear.As the disease progresses, cartilaginous tissue and bones are involved in it, osteophytes occur - bone growths that cause limiting mobility and pronounced pain syndrome.

Since pathological changes take place in the immediate vicinity of the spinal cord and its roots, this leads to their compression and inflammation, as well as the reflex development of muscle spasm.As a result, a person experiences characteristic symptoms by which the disease can be suspected.

Reasons

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine refers to multifactorial diseases.It arises against the background of a whole complex of factors, each of which exacerbates the flow of pathology.The list of reasons includes:

  • excess body weight;
  • sedentary lifestyle;
  • Sedentary work;
  • improper posture;
  • chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system (scoliosis, flat feet) that contribute to the uneven distribution of load on the spine;
  • congenital pathologies of the development of the spinal column, as well as injuries;
  • excessive, repeated loads on the spine;
  • Hereditary predisposition.

Symptoms and syndromes

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis do not appear immediately and, often, are disguised as other diseases.

The most common signs include:

  • Dizziness: as a rule, with osteochondrosis, it is systemic, i.e.It seems to a person that the surrounding objects rotate before his eyes;
  • The pain in the nape, neck, collar zone: its intensity depends on the degree of development of the disease;Light and episodic at an early stage, it spreads to the entire head and acquires a constant character;Periodically attacks become unbearable, as a result of which a person cannot even move his head;
  • noise or ringing in the ears: arise when a position changes after a long period of immobility, often accompanied by dizziness;
  • a feeling of lack of air, the inability to take a deep breath;In severe cases, severe shortness of breath develops;
  • Nausea and vomiting: are associated with circulatory disorders in certain zones of the brain, intensify when trying to turn the head;
  • Reducing vision, flickering flies or fog in front of the eyes: indicate an insufficient supply of the blood of the brain;arise with advanced stages of the disease;
  • fluctuations in blood pressure, poorly amenable to correction with drugs;
  • sudden fainting caused by spasm of blood vessels;
  • The feeling of a lump in the throat, soreness, dryness, problems with swallowing: often are one of the first signs of pathology;
  • pain in the shoulder joint;
  • Numbness of the fingers.

In addition to the general signs of cervical osteochondrosis, several syndromes characteristic of this disease are distinguished.

Vertebral syndrome

The complex of symptoms is associated with damage to bones and cartilage of the spinal column.He includes:

  • violation of mobility in the cervical region;
  • pain in turning the head;
  • X -ray signs of damage to the vertebrae and space between them.

Vail artery syndrome

Symptoms are caused by narrowing or spasm of the vertebral arteries that partially responsible for the blood supply to the brain.It is manifested by the following signs:

  • noise in the ears;
  • dizziness;
  • jumps in blood pressure;
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • headaches;
  • visual impairment;
  • decrease in performance;
  • drowsiness;
  • Fainting.

Cardial syndrome

Resembles a condition with damage to the heart muscle and includes:

  • pain or burning sensation behind the sternum;
  • weakness and fatigue;
  • rapid pulse.

Rook syndrome

The condition is associated with damage (compression or pinching) of the nerve roots emerging from the vertebral column in the cervical region.Depending on the level of defeat, a person may feel:

  • numbness or pain in the back of the head;
  • numbness of the language;
  • Pain in the collarbone, difficulties of swallowing, hiccups;
  • discomfort in the shoulder area intensifying with hand movements;
  • soreness in the area of the blades and forearms;
  • numbness of the index and middle fingers;
  • Numbness of the ring finger and little finger.

Most often, several nerve roots are involved in the pathological process at once, as a result of which several characteristic symptoms are observed at once.

Stages

In the process of development, cervical osteochondrosis passes four consecutive stages (degrees), which determine the severity of the symptoms and the general condition of the patient.

  • 1st stage.The thickness of the intervertebral discs is slightly reduced.Symptoms are practically absent, sometimes there is a slight discomfort in the neck, for example, with a long stay in an uncomfortable position.
  • Stage 2.The height of the disk becomes even smaller, the pathological growth of cartilage tissue begins, protrusion (protrusion) occurs.The pain becomes stronger, stiffness in the cervical region joins it.
  • Stage 3.The fibrous ring surrounding the core of the disk is torn, an intervertebral hernia is formed.The spinal column is noticeably deformed, the risk of dislocations and subluxation of the vertebrae increases.The pain becomes constant in nature, other symptoms of osteochondrosis join it.
  • 4th stage.In the spinal column, irreversible changes occur: bone growths appear, the intervertebral disc is replaced by a scar tissue and loses the ability to amortize the load.Symptoms become pronounced and have a significant effect on the patient’s lifestyle and his well -being.The quality of life is reduced.

Diagnostics

In search of the causes of pain or dizziness, the patient can contact doctors of various specialties: therapist, cardiologist, gastroenterologist, neurologist.To diagnose osteochondrosis, a comprehensive examination is required, which includes:

  • X -ray and computed tomography are effective only in the late stages of the development of the disease, when the changes become clearly visible;
  • Magnetic resonance tomography: due to a high degree of visualization, even allows you to see even initial changes;Currently, it is the main method of diagnosis;
  • Duplex scanning of the arteries of the head and neck: allows you to evaluate the quality of blood flow, identify vessels narrowing;Used to determine the causes of headaches and dizziness.

Mandatory survey and examination of the patient, the determination of the zones of pain and the degree of mobility of the spinal column, is evaluated, the quality of reflexes is carried out.For differential diagnosis with other diseases with similar symptoms, it can be prescribed:

  • ECG, ultrasound of the heart;
  • daily monitoring of ECG and blood pressure;
  • X -ray of the chest organs;
  • Consultations of narrow specialists: cardiologist, Laura.

Treatment

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis requires an integrated approach and includes:

  • medical effects;
  • physiotherapy;
  • physiotherapy physical education;
  • massage;
  • Surgical treatment.

Drug treatment

The main goal of drug treatment: to relieve pain and dizziness, restore the normal functioning of the nerve roots, and also, if possible, stop or slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue.Depending on the situation, they are prescribed:

  • Non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs: aimed at relieving pain and inflammation;They are used in the form of tablets, injections, ointments, plasters;
  • steroid drugs: are also used to relieve inflammation with the ineffectiveness of the NSAID;
  • Musorelaxants: drugs that eliminate reflex muscle cramps, due to which pain decreases and blood circulation improves;
  • B vitamins in the form of injection or tablet drugs: contribute to the improvement of nerve impulses;
  • sedatives with severe pain syndrome to improve sleep and reduce the emotional component of pain;
  • anti -reducing agents when pinched the nerve roots;
  • Chondroprotectors: drugs that contribute to the restoration of cartilage tissue.

Depending on the symptoms, drugs can also be prescribed to improve microcirculation in the vessels of the brain, drugs that block nausea and dizziness, etc.

Non -drug treatment

Non -drug treatment methods are used outside of exacerbation.Depending on the clinical situation, they are used:

  • physiotherapy:
    • laser therapy;
    • magnetotherapy;
    • UHF-therapy;
    • phonophoresis and electrophoresis;
  • massage;
  • physiotherapy physical education;
  • acupuncture;
  • manual therapy;
  • Underwater traction.

Non -drug treatment helps to reduce the severity of symptoms and reduces the frequency and exacerbation.It acts indirectly:

  • improves blood supply to the affected area, metabolism and regeneration processes;
  • enhances the effect of drugs;
  • Promotes to strengthen the muscle frame and stabilize the spinal column;
  • reduces the load on the vertebrates;
  • Eliminates muscle cramps and blocks.

Surgical treatment

Physiotherapeutic method of treating cervical osteochondrosis

Surgeon help is necessary in advanced cases of the disease, when drug methods are already ineffective.Several operations are currently used:

  • surgical removal of a disk hernia (microdiscectomy, endoscopic or transfaset surgery);
  • Laminectomy: removal of spinous processes or arches of the vertebra, due to which the load on the spine of the spinal cord is reduced;
  • Nucleoplasty: elimination of hernia by removing part of the core of the intervertebral disc.

It is important to remember that only a doctor can decide how to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.The scheme is compiled individually, taking into account the stage of the disease, accompanying pathologies and the individual characteristics of the patient's body.

Complications

Osteochondrosis causes a violation of the most important structures: blood vessels and nerves.Without treatment, the disease can lead to the following complications:

  • ischemic stroke;
  • loss of sensitivity or motor function of the hand;
  • difficulties of swallowing;
  • violation of the thyroid gland;
  • Loss or significant decrease in visual acuity.

In addition, the defeat of the intervertebral discs and joints leads to a significant limitation of the mobility of the neck.

Prevention

If you pay attention to the prevention of cervical osteochondrosis, even with existing changes, their progression will slow down significantly.Doctors recommend:

  • lead an active lifestyle, prevent hypodynamia;
  • minimize or exclude severity;
  • sleep on an orthopedic mattress and pillow;
  • Regularly warm up if necessary for long -term work at the computer.

The perfect sport for osteochondrosis is swimming.Water unloads the spinal column, and active movements contribute to the formation of the muscle frame.