Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is known and well studied. At the moment, most of the working population suffers from this disease. This type of osteochondrosis develops not only in the adult population, but is quite common in adolescents, the so-called juvenile osteochondrosis.
The cervical region is the most mobile part of the spine, so the load on this region is quite large. The disease develops gradually, it is characterized by frequent exacerbations, which can lead to a significant decrease in the patient's quality of life.
Causes of the disease
There are usually several causes of the disease and may depend on the patient's age. Let's highlight the most frequent:
- violation of calcium-phosphorus metabolism of any etiology;
- various traumatic back injuries;
- unbalanced load on the spine (physical inactivity or, on the contrary, the effect of increased load);
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- congenital malformations of the spine;
- change in posture, including scoliotic type;
- circulatory disorders leading to poor nutrition of the intervertebral disc;
- age-related dystrophic disorders of bone tissue.
In adolescence, the main causes of the development of the disease are injuries, unbalanced physical activity (training process). In older patients, the main reason is a long-term habitual position during work, a violation of the hormonal background.
Additional predisposing factors for the development of the disease may be:
- heredity;
- hypothermia;
- poorly or not fully treated exacerbation of osteochondrosis;
- stressful situations and overwork.
Osteochondrosis develops gradually. A person who is constantly involved in sports may not realize that he is susceptible to this disease.
Most of this condition occurs in people over twenty-five years old. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by the fact that the process develops from the upper sections. However, if you do not receive medical care, the process can gradually affect the lower segments of the spinal column.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in adults and children
As the disease develops over the years, in many cases the process is asymptomatic. Sometimes it happens that by chance, by X-ray images, you can determine the initial signs of the disease, while there will be no active complaints. It must be remembered that the older the patient is, the more varied complaints he will present.
The main complaints in cervical osteochondrosis are:
- frequent headache and dizziness;
- numbness in the fingertips and weakness in the arms;
- vegetative manifestations;
- increased blood pressure;
- discomfort with movements in the neck;
- constant aching or burning pains along the spine;
- frequent myositis of the neck muscles;
- posture changes;
- restrictions in head movements;
- a forced head position may additionally develop;
- tinnitus;
- weather dependence;
- crunch in the neck when performing movements;
- sleep disturbance.
These are the most frequently voiced symptoms that a patient may present. Unfortunately, the process can begin to develop from adolescence, and adolescents will make similar complaints.
Most of these symptoms occur together. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occurs with episodes of exacerbation and remission. This is due to the effect of provoking factors on the body. We must not forget that if a similar diagnosis is made, rehabilitation therapy and a course of rehabilitation must be carried out every six months in order to avoid an acute period.
Considering that the main reason for the development of the disease is a decrease in trophism of the intervertebral disc, and the lack of adequate therapy, the process may end with the formation of an intervertebral hernia.
Complaints and clinical picture of the disease - photo
Vascular manifestations in the form of dizziness or headache are aggravated when performing elementary motor tasks (tilting or turning the head). In the aggregate of all complaints, the patient tries to additionally take a forced position to reduce symptoms, which worsens the nutrition of the intervertebral disc.
It is these complaints that most often prompt the patient to see a doctor. If treatment is not carried out, the complaints will intensify and be more persistent, that is, they will not go away on their own.
Pain in cervical osteochondrosis, as a rule, constant, aching, burning character. The disease can be accompanied by periodic "lumbago", which are provoked by sudden movements.
An increase in blood pressure against the background of osteochondrosis prompts the patient to be examined by a therapist. If proper treatment is not carried out in a timely manner, the increase in blood pressure will become permanent, which contributes to the development of secondary hypertension. In these situations, a correctly collected anamnesis is of great importance.
When the process is localized in the cervical spine, unpleasant sensations spread along the back of the neck, the constant tension of the musculoskeletal system contributes to the limitation of movements and the formation of a forced head position.
Pain in cervical osteochondrosis is accompanied by impaired sensitivity. Due to constant discomfort, a muscular roller gradually forms in the shoulder area, palpation the patient experiences discomfort in this area.
In addition to constant discomfort, the patient may experience a sharp, shooting pain in the neck. The occurrence of such complaints suggests that the patient must be given complete rest to reduce pain. In some cases, the pain is so severe that a person cannot perform the simplest actions (turn his head, take a deep breath, straighten his back). In all cases, the patient should be examined by a doctor and the diagnosis of osteochondrosis should be confirmed.
Changes in hormonal levels also play a significant role in the development of diseases of the cervical spine. Therefore, a well-chosen physical activity will reduce general clinical symptoms and alleviate the patient's condition. Due to the fact that neck pain constantly bothers, secondary sleep disturbance occurs. It is difficult for a person to take a comfortable position in bed, worries, which leads to psycho-emotional stress.
Additionally, the patient pays attention to the violation of sensitivity. They are described as "goosebumps" that are felt on the fingertips. In some cases, discomfort can be localized throughout the arm, and muscle strength decreases.
Disease Diagnostics
It is quite difficult to make a diagnosis based on one examination. Basically, to clarify the diagnosis, the following activities are carried out:
- thorough collection of complaints;
- consultations of specialized specialists (cardiologist, endocrinologist, neurologist);
- X-ray examination of the cervical spine;
- magnetic resonance imaging.
Examinations by specialized doctors are necessary to exclude acute conditions of the cardiological profile and others. With the exclusion of acute somatic pathology, one can speak of the diagnosis of osteochondrosis. In addition to general clinical manifestations, the diagnosis can be confirmed using an X-ray examination of the spine.
X-rays are the most affordable and easy to carry out research that helps in making a diagnosis. The picture shows a narrowing of the space between the vertebrae, which indicates dystrophy of the intervertebral disc. Bony outgrowths can be distinguished along the edges of the vertebrae. If osteochondrosis is complicated by instability in the cervical spine, then on x-ray one can note the displacement of the vertebrae relative to each other.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease that can show radiographically which area is most damaged. Even when examining one cervical segment, you can see that the process is not evenly distributed.
In especially difficult cases, magnetic resonance imaging is performed, which helps to diagnose a complication of osteochondrosis - intervertebral hernia. Thanks to the layer-by-layer MRI image, it is possible to determine even the smallest hernial changes and immediately indicate the level of the lesion.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Only a doctor knows how to treat cervical osteochondrosis in the acute and interictal period. The therapy that is prescribed for this condition should be comprehensive. With an exacerbation of the disease, it includes:
- medications;
- complex rehabilitation therapy (physiotherapy exercises, gymnastics, massage, acupuncture, manual therapy);
- physiotherapy (electrophoresis, UHF, magnetotherapy, laser therapy);
To prevent exacerbation of osteochondrosis, resort to:
- spa treatment;
- traditional medicine;
- wearing special bandages and corsets;
- lifestyle changes (weight loss, balanced physical activity).
Medicines for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are as follows:
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- drugs that improve blood circulation;
- vitamin complexes;
- in acute situations, analgesics;
- means that reduce muscle tension.
In addition to pills and injections, creams, ointments and gels are actively prescribed, which are applied to the affected area. By their effect, they contribute to skin irritation in a certain area, which improves blood circulation in small vessels, thereby ensuring the delivery of nutrients to the damaged segments, and reducing muscle tension.
After an acute period, physical therapy, massage and physiotherapy exercises are scheduled. Rehabilitation therapy is an adjunct to mainstream medical treatment. As the condition improves, nutrition and trophism of the intervertebral disc will also pass better.
During treatment, the patient will notice an improvement in well-being, an increase in efficiency and mood. If the treatment is stopped, without completing it, then exacerbations of osteochondrosis will pass quite often.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis in the recovery period will be told by a rehabilitator.Before talking about the complex of rehabilitation therapy, it should be noted that any treatment must be accompanied by the correction of bedding. These include orthopedic mattresses and pillows.
Experts also additionally recommend wearing a Shants collar permanently or for a certain period of time. This method is especially widely used in children's practice, when patients wear it for the period of homework. The Shants collar is selected individually in orthopedic salons.
An orthopedic pillow for cervical osteochondrosis is selected for each patient. It should be suitable for the size of the bed and selected depending on the patient's constitution. It should not be very small or very large, the main guideline is the width of a person's shoulders.
A pillow for extended sleep and rest should be of medium firmness and resemble a square or rectangle in shape. Other shapes are suitable for short rests. Depending on the activity of the degenerative process, the orthopedic pillow for cervical osteochondrosis should be changed.
Exercise and gymnastics (lfk)
Rehabilitation therapy should include gymnastics. The main task of the exercises is to strengthen the muscles of the neck and back, the upper shoulder girdle, improve the mobility of the spine, and eliminate muscle clamps. In addition, exercises for cervical osteochondrosis affect deeply located muscles.
As a result of gymnastics in cervical osteochondrosis, physiological curves are gradually restored, and the load on the intervertebral discs decreases. We must not forget that exercises for cervical osteochondrosis should cover the thoracic segments as well.
Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis is carried out with an instructor. It helps patients understand which areas need to be emphasized more. The load and the volume of tasks are selected individually, and it depends:
- from the patient's age;
- on the prevalence of the process;
- from the presence of additional comorbidities;
- on the effectiveness of drug therapy.
At first, they perform simple and not difficult tasks, as the body begins to adapt to new conditions and the muscles do their job in sufficient volume, the exercises become more difficult and the duration of the sessions increases.
Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis includes simple actions. These are tilting the head back and forth, gradually adding circular head movements. It should be borne in mind that even for physiotherapy exercises there may be contraindications. As a rule, the complex of one lesson includes tasks that are aimed at developing and influencing all segments of the spine.
After the exercises on the cervical spine, tasks are gradually added to improve the work of the thoracic and lumbar spine. Physiotherapy exercises for cervical osteochondrosis can be performed in a standing or sitting position. Tasks are carried out gradually, at a low pace, this will allow additional breathing exercises.
Contraindications to physiotherapy exercises:
- acute pain syndrome;
- increased blood pressure and the presence of cardiac pathology in the acute phase;
- coordination disorders and diseases of the vestibular apparatus;
- temperature rise;
- exacerbation of other chronic pathology;
- state after surgical treatment.
Special Technique Exercises
This technique is based on the phased restoration of the normal activity of the musculoskeletal system. Gymnastic exercises, which are performed on a specialized simulator, allow you to gradually restore the work of the structures of the cervical spine.
First, pain is relieved, then blood circulation is restored, muscle tension is removed and classes are conducted to expand motor activity in the cervical spine. The method is additionally supported by massage courses, classes in the pool.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
In addition to general strengthening exercises, massage gives a very good effect. Massage for cervical osteochondrosis can be used in different ways (classic, segmental, point). In some cases, a combination of different techniques in one session is allowed.
We must not forget that massage for cervical osteochondrosis is carried out on a hard surface, face down, and its duration can vary from ten sessions or more. The frequency of repetition of the course is also determined by the attending doctor. The effectiveness of the massage will last longer if the patient sleeps on the correct pillow.
Physiotherapy treatments like magnet or electrophoresis have a local irritant effect. Magnetotherapy is a painless procedure that is well tolerated by both adults and children. The manipulation lasts several minutes, the patient must lie still, therefore it is most often recommended for older patients.
Electrophoresis is a manipulation that is carried out using a special device. During the procedure, the patient feels a slight tingling sensation, which is created with the help of currents. The frequency and impulsivity of the signal is different for each age.
With this technique, a drug is injected that has a positive effect. This manipulation is more aggressive in comparison with magnetotherapy, therefore, there must be strict indications for its implementation.
A balanced diet is essential for this disease. Patients are advised to eat fruits, vegetables, meat, herbs, fish. You should limit the consumption of salt and all kinds of spices, seasonings, smoked or fried foods, sugar. It is better to drink herbal decoctions and teas, it is advisable to avoid drinking coffee and alcohol.
Traditional medicine is used to reduce pain. Most often, compresses and mixtures are used, which are applied to the affected area. Success in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine largely depends on the consciousness of the patient. You should not quit started classes and therapy as soon as you feel better. It is irrational to constantly use pain relievers that bring temporary relief, and the disease itself does not cure.