Cervical osteochondrosis: causes, types, symptoms and methods of treatment

If you list the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis - almost every adult will say that he felt them.This disease really has significant prevalence: in developed countries, osteochondrosis occurs in 60-80% of the population.In order to distinguish whether a person really has cervical osteochondrosis or is it manifestations of a different state, it is necessary to own information about this pathology.The article describes the causes of the disease, its features and manifestations, methods of diagnosis and treatment.Owning information about the pathology, patients will be able to recognize it at home and seek help in a timely manner.

What is cervical osteochondrosis?

The disease is degenerative in nature and damages the structure of the spine with the primary and secondary mechanism.The pathogenetic mechanism of the pathology is that the structure of the vertebral connection is damaged.

Normally, between these areas there is a layer - pulpoose fabric.It depreciates the spine and optimizes the motor process.With cervical osteochondrosis, this soft substance is calcified and turns into a hard ochering tissue.This damages the nerve endings and blood vessels, violating their function.

Depending on the level of damage, osteochondrosis can be manifested by pain or high pressure, impaired consciousness or numbness of the language.It can be symptoms from the chest or back.This greatly complicates the diagnostic process.Patients can pass several diagnostic consultations before they get to a profile specialist.The process of diagnosis uses several methods that allow excluding pathology from other organs and systems.

Gradually, cervical osteochondrosis “getting younger” and is increasingly found in young patients.Modern young people begin to experience problems with the neck much earlier than their parents.

Osteochondrosis is the degeneration of the cervical region, which is customary to consider from two positions:

• Physiological changes.Indeed, the degeneration of cartilage is a natural part of development, which is regulated by neuro -endocrine mechanisms and is irreversible.The process begins with the center of the pulpic layer and gradually passes to the periphery.Soft tissue is replaced by fibrous fibrous elements.Such a process practically does not bother the patient and manifests itself only when it affects the nerve endings.
• Pathological changes.Destruction of the vertebrae as a result of the effect of a set of factors.This process is ahead of physiological changes and leads to a violation of the function of the spine.Symptoms accompany this condition almost always, because they spread outside the cartilage structure and damage the nerve endings, blood vessels.

The course of the disease can be of a different nature: sometimes the pathology is independently compensated or vice versa - there are periods of exacerbations.Simultaneously with the pathological process, compensation mechanisms are included, which temporarily extend the vertebral function and eliminate the symptoms.

However, the further course of the disease leads to the destruction of the fibrous ring, the appearance of microcracks.The vertebrae lose their stability and fixation, which is manifested by a clinical picture of the disease.

In addition, cervical osteochondrosis is the impregnation of the pulp of intervertebral space with calcium.This forms a kind of hernia, because the damaged vertebra is pressed into the body of the neighboring one.These structures wear out and as a result there is a massive ossification of neighboring structures.

The course of cervical osteochondrosis has several stages:

• Stage 1 is the instability of the vertebral structures and disks violation;
• 2 stages - reduced fixation of the spine and protrusion of the disk;
• Stage 3 - rupture of a fibrous ring, severe symptoms and pain;
• The 4th stage is accompanied by difficulties in motion, acute pain and widespread bone spread.

Features of the anatomical arrangement of muscles and blood vessels - make the neck a vulnerable area of the body.A long course of osteochondrosis leads to numerous complications, including vascular nature.Many of them can cause significant harm to the patient’s health and make up a pronounced risk.

Symptoms

The danger of cervical osteochondrosis is that it is not manifested by symptoms for a long time.This is facilitated by the masking of signs of the disease for another pathology, as well as an independent administration of analgesic drugs.This makes the diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis long and difficult.It is important not to delay the diagnosis until the structure of the vertebrae has been replaced by bone tissue.

Consider the main groups of symptoms that are found in osteochondrosis of the cervical region and their features.

Dizziness

As mentioned above, most symptoms of osteochondrosis can be characteristic of other conditions.So, dizziness is accompanied by the vascular pathologies of the central nervous system, damage to the auditory apparatus, malfunctions of the vestibular apparatus, and cardiovascular diseases.Dizziness is accompanied by intoxication, inflammatory processes.It is important to take into account a holistic clinical picture, and not individual symptoms.Also, one should learn to distinguish between the main types of dizziness for reasons for its occurrence.

With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, a systematic type of dizziness occurs.It seems to the patient that the surrounding objects begin to be in motion.Such a disorder can be observed after a head and neck injury, as well as against the background of diseases of the vestibular apparatus.

Headache

Again, it is extremely difficult to call this symptom specific.Pain in the head can accompany overwork, increased pressure, as well as serious acute conditions.With osteochondrosis, headache occurs as a result of compression of the nerve endings.This leads to spasming of arteries that bloodsuvering the brain, as well as to increase pressure in the system of the central nervous system.The result is a pronounced feeling of headache.

Features of headache in this case are a dull character and a feeling of pulsation.Sometimes pain can manifest itself with attacks, and sometimes has a constant character.The pain parameters for osteochondrosis resemble the features of this with hypertension, angina pectoris.The differences in the headache in cardiological pathology are that it is accompanied by chest pain, heart rhythm, changes in the ECG.Therefore, only a doctor can finally determine the cause of pain.

Pain syndrome of various localization

In addition to headache, the patient is often concerned about the pain in the neck.This is called cervical and a complication of osteochondrosis.Painful sensations can radiate to the upper limb.Patients note that pain in their hands occurs after awakening, against the background of sudden movements.Painful sensations pass on their own after a short rest.

The characteristic features of the pain syndrome with cervical osteochondrosis are listed below:

• Unpleasant sensations are localized in deep tissues of the neck;
• The head turns are often accompanied by pain and crunch;
• There is muscle weakness, numbness, cooling of the hands.

Most often, the neck osteochondrosis affects two lower vertebrae - 6 and 7. For small self -diagnosis, this method is recommended.It is necessary to pay attention to the combination of pain in the neck and fingers of the hand.Most often, if the 6th vertebra is affected-the pain will be felt in the thumb, and changes in the 7th vertebra are accompanied by discomfort in the middle finger.

Changes in blood pressure

Such a symptom appears when nerve endings and blood vessels are affected by vertebrae changes.How to distinguish this phenomenon from hypertension?First of all, hypertension for cervical osteochondrosis is not constant and has its own jumps within a day.

Osteochondrosis consists of the following syndromes:

• Vertebral.It is also called vertebrae, which indicates that bones and cartilage tissue are involved in the pathological process.This leads to the formation of such symptoms: restriction of motor activity of the neck, soreness in its turns, radiological changes in the picture of the cervical spine.It is the simultaneous appearance of these signs that is a vertebral syndrome.
• Vertebral artery syndrome.It appears when the vascular beams are involved in the process, which are responsible for the blood supply to the tissues of the central nervous system.Symptoms suggest that brain tissue has ceased to receive a proper amount of nutrients.How to recognize this syndrome?The first signs are dizziness, a sense of noise in the ears, the differences in blood pressure, the appearance of a “veil” before the eyes.This suggests that one of the vertebrates is in a strangled state.Each vessel has its own nerve endings.If you squeeze those that innervate the vertebral artery - migraine, numbness, short -term decrease in vision on the one hand will appear.As a result, changes in the vessel lead to the fact that the brain needs oxygen.At this time, a person feels drowsiness, short -term violations of consciousness, loses attention and control, works worse and remembers information.With such a clinical picture, it is necessary to differentiate cervical osteochondrosis with atherosclerosis of the vertebral arteries, and squeezing the tumor or inflammation.
• Cardial syndrome.It is manifested by burning in the chest area, the appearance of shortness of breath.A person feels his frequent heartbeat, becomes tired and irritable.This picture is also characteristic of cardiological pathology, for example, for angina pectoris, coronary syndrome, heart attack.The exact conclusion about the causes of such symptoms can be made after the patient passes the ECG.
• Rook syndrome.The cervical department innervates 8 pairs of nerves, each of which has roots - the nerve exiting place from the vertebra.When they are involved in osteochondrosis, the patient feels a decrease in sensitivity or vice versa - severe pain.There may be numbness to whether its soreness, a decrease in the sensitivity of the tongue, the freezing area, pain in the supraclinking region can be observed.Sometimes there are disorders of swallowing, movements in the belt of the upper limb, numbness of the fingers.

The causes of cervical osteochondrosis

The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis is the improper distribution of the load on the spinal column.The reasons can be different - a person can wear a bag or weight in one hand, takes an incorrect pose when he sits or sleeps on an uneven surface.It increases the load and a high pillow and shoes that do not correspond to the anatomical features of the foot.Such reasons may seem insignificant, but they act for a long time and, as a result, lead to a logical consequence in the form of osteochondrosis.

Among the risk factors that increase the possibility of the occurrence of the disease:

• low level of physical activity;
• increased body weight;
• transmitted spinal injuries;
• violation of posture or pathology of the foot;
• Reduced blood supply to the cervical spine.

All this leads to the fact that the wrong position of the vertebrae is formed.The weight is not distributed to all sections of the cervical region evenly and some of its departments carry heavy loads.The response is a change in tissues.

To one degree or another, the situation can be aggravated:

1. Suffered serious illness or injury that led to an exhausted state of health;
2. Frequent stresses;
3. Violation of metabolism in the body, reduced consumption of trace elements, their increased consumption or lack of absorption in the intestine;
4. Occupational diseases (in particular, vibrational disease);
5. Hereditary tendency to osteochondrosis;
6. Scoliosis and other disorders of the musculoskeletal system;
7. Violation of the drinking regime;
8. Low -quality nutrition and bad habits;
9. Pregnancy.

As you can see, there is no only cause of osteochondrosis.There is only a set of factors that can provoke it.Again, the same reason affects different people in different ways.The state of health, the duration, intensity and number of risk factors, background pathologies, and the mode of life plays a role.

Modern methods of treatment

Even before the prescription of therapy, the patient must modify the way of life.For this, it is necessary to change the level of loads that the cervical department experiences.It is necessary to monitor the quality of nutrition, to allocate the necessary time for sleep and rest, to beware of stress.If the body has a background pathology that exacerbates the course of osteochondrosis, it is necessary to undergo a course of treatment and eliminate it.The choice of treatment method depends on the stage of osteochondrosis and well -being of the patient.

Treatment can be:

• non -drug;
• medication;
• Surgical.

Separately also consider folk methods and rehabilitation measures.

Non -drug methods of treatment consist in the use of therapeutic exercises, special simulators or devices, manual therapy, as well as physiotherapeutic methods.Proper purpose is facilitated by improving blood supply in the vertebrae or slowing down the ossification process.

As for manual therapy or massage, be sure to consult a doctor about their expediency.Do not independently assign yourself these methods.At some stages of osteochondrosis, massage can only harm and lead to long immobilization.If manual therapy is carried out according to indications, it is able to relieve symptoms and improve the patient's well -being.

From physiotherapeutic techniques, with cervical osteochondrosis, the following are used:

1. magnetotherapy;
2. therapeutic baths;
3. Therapeutic shower;
4. mud;
5. electrophoresis.

The use of medicines is indicated in case of exacerbation of the situation.Many of them eliminate inflammation and sharp pain, improve the blood supply to tissues, restore cartilage structures, and ensure joint mobility.This is a comprehensive approach to causes and symptoms, and not a unilateral solution to the problem.After taking correctly selected medicines, the patient again gets the opportunity to move his neck, ceases to experience irritation, worsened mood, returns to normal work and sleep.

Consider groups of drugs used for cervical osteochondrosis:

Nonsteroidal anti -inflammatory drugs

They are used in order to reduce inflammatory phenomena in the tissues, eliminate pain, relieve squeezing the roots and blood vessels.With minor symptoms, ointments and gels are used, more intense pain syndrome is stopped by tablet forms.Injection administration is prescribed with severe intensity of pain and its sharp occurrence.

They can have other trading names, but the active substance remains unchanged.The patient should take medications with the course, only after the approval of the attending doctor.Please note that these funds must be taken after eating, as they can irritate the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract.

Vasodilators

Their function is the expansion of the vessels that are narrowed against the background of the course of osteochondrosis.Drugs - pentoxifillin, Actovegin, Berlithion.These drugs will relieve the vertebral artery syndrome, improve blood flow to the vertebrae and the patient's well -being.It is necessary to monitor the lack of contraindications to these substances in the patient, as well as their compatibility with other drugs that a person takes.

Muscle relaxants

The purpose of this group is a decrease in the spasm of the neck muscles.This accelerates and optimizes the treatment process, since muscle tension acts on the vessels and nerve endings.Regular intake normalizes the tone of blood vessels, reduces the feeling of pain.

Chondroprotectors

Take in order to improve the condition of the cartilage elements of the spine and protect their structure from destruction.A long reception of these substances is needed, otherwise they will not have the right action.Patients may not like that the effect occurs only after 6 months of use.However, if this effect is achieved, it will be persistent and significantly improve the clinical picture.

Sedatives

They are used as an auxiliary substance in order to eliminate depressive manifestations and stress.In mild cases, valerian, motherwort, mint and lemon balm are used.If depression progresses, more serious substances are needed.They will improve sleep and mood, help the patient tune in to effective treatment.

Vitamins

The reception of vitamins of group B. They can be recommended from food - this path of introducing vitamins is most physiological and does not carry a special load on the liver.If vitamin deficiency is observed, vitamin complexes and drugs can be used.This will improve sensitivity and innervation, accelerate the process of tissue restoration.

Since the treatment process is prolonged and brings the effect gradually, all the stages of taking medications are important.Make sure that the drugs are stored in the right place, as indicated on the package.If on the box it is written that you need to store medicines in a dark or cool place - do it, otherwise the drug will lose its properties.Observe the duration of the course and frequency of application - some substances tend to accumulate in the body, and only then have the right effect.

If the introduction path is injectable, the procedure should be carried out by medical personnel or a trained person, because the correct introduction increases efficiency.Tabblet forms must be taken after meals, washed down with water.Pay attention to this moment, since other liquids are not suitable for this.The combination of grapefruit juice and drugs is especially dangerous - enzymes that are contained in this fruit slow down the liver function and reduce the delivery of medicines to the tissue.

Surgical treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

This method is used when cervical osteochondrosis led to a narrowing of the lumen of the spinal column.This can happen as a result of a hernia or protrusion of the disk.The narrowing of the channel is accompanied by a significant stenosis of the vessels and compression of the beams of nerves.If an isolated hernia of the intervertebral discs is observed, this is also an indication for surgical intervention.The operation is necessary for spondylolistz - a displacement of the vertebrae from the axis.In addition to these indications, the doctor pays attention to the quality of the patient’s life, his condition, the severity of symptoms.

Types of surgical interventions:

• Supported spondylodeza.The essence is to eliminate the damaged disk and replace it with a movable connection, a prosthesis that performs the function of a remote structure;
• Dynamic stabilization of the spine.A silicone implant is introduced between the spinning processes along the spine, which correctly distributes the load and stabilizes the vertebrae;
• Vaporization of the disk nucleus with a laser beam.This is a modern technique that shows good results.The laser affects the disk core, reducing its size and eliminating the hernia.The intervention is atravmatical, it can be carried out under local anesthesia.However, a set of indications for such manipulation is limited, it can only be done at that stage.When a hernia size is not more than 6 mm.This once again focuses on why the early seeking a doctor and a timely diagnosis is useful.

Surgical interventions are held in a hospital.Depending on the degree of complexity of treatment, the duration of the postoperative period and rehabilitation differs.Conducting surgical intervention implies an additional complex of drugs - medicines for the preparation of the patient, analgesics, antibacterial therapy for the prevention of septic complications.

Diagnostics

The beginning of the diagnosis is the beginning of the patient’s address to the doctor and the listing of symptoms.The doctor listens to the patient’s complaints, details them, forms them from symptoms of syndromes.Also, the specialist needs details about clinical manifestations: the time of occurrence, whether the methods of treatment were used and what influence, the nature of the pain, periods of increased pressure and more were used.In important information is information about an uncomfortable position during sleep, work, bad habits, background diseases.All this is clear during the conversation.

X -ray is performed in direct and lateral projections.A functional radiological study is carried out simultaneously with the rotation of the neck.The contrast of the spinal canal is used in order to better visualize the affected areas.The contrast can be introduced into the vessel or the disk itself, depending on which the method is called angiography or discography.In the picture you can see tissue seals, calcification deposits, displacement of the spine structures.

As for magnetically resonance tomography, this is the most informative method, which is also painless and fast.The doctor can see damage and establish the severity of the process.Scans of the tomograph will help the surgeon prepare for the operation, determine the hernia, changes in the nerve endings and blood vessels.

MRI is carried out in the absence of contraindications that are metal objects in the body, claustrophobia.pregnancy.

Computed tomography also gives an accurate diagnostic picture.The study does not take much time - about 10 minutes and does not require special preparation.The radiation load in this study is small, which makes tomography safe for health.Contraindications - pregnancy and lactation, children's age.

In addition to methods that allow you to visualize the pathological process, it is necessary to use additional diagnostic manipulations.

These include an ultrasound study of the vessels of the head and neck.Indications for diagnosis are dizziness, headache, pressure drops.The specialist will determine the patency of blood vessels and the state of blood flow.The most informative method, in this case, is a duplex scanning of blood vessels.

Prevention

As you can see, cervical osteochondrosis has a diverse clinic, many syndromes and requires a serious approach both in diagnosis and treatment.If you pay attention to your sensations, listen to the body and respond to its signals, an early diagnosis is possible.In the first stages of the disease - treatment has a high effect.

To do this, contact a profile specialist and go through the necessary research methods.High -quality and timely treatment will avoid complications, improve well -being and quality of life, eliminate depression and normalize sleep.Tune in to a positive way and you can again feel freedom of movement.