Are unpleasant neck pains accompanied by dizziness, general weakness, and fatigue? All this should be an alarm for every person, because any of the listed symptoms can indicate the development of cervical osteochondrosis.
It is worth treating such alarming symptoms with full responsibility, because in the absence of timely treatment, the pathology can cause the creation of more serious consequences, including intervertebral hernia.
What is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?
Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the spine, in the development of which the structure of connective tissue changes.
The disease is often disguised as a violation of another type, but a timely visit to a specialist allows you to diagnose in time and begin direct treatment.
Degenerative changes in the tissues of the cervical spine are most commonly found in the medical history of people of mature (45-59) and older (60-74) ages.
Nevertheless, it is worth noting: in modern society there is a rejuvenation of the disease, which is confirmed by the periodic diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in children and adolescents.
Importantly, osteochondrosis can occur both in isolation and in combination with the defeat of other parts, especially the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Today, it is impossible to state the exact reasons for the occurrence of degenerative processes that occur in the intervertebral discs. There is no confirmation that cervical osteochondrosis is a senile phenomenon.
Numerous studies conducted by scientists from different countries have found that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has predominantly provoking factors.
Among the predisposing reasons for the development of osteochondrosis of the neck are:
- low level of activity, inactivity and predominantly sedentary lifestyle;
- types of work involving static loading of the cervical spine;
- overweight, insufficient level of physical development;
- violation of the process of connective tissue development;
- chronic spinal injuries;
- spinal deformity, use of insufficiently comfortable pillows, resting mattresses;
- genetic predisposition.
The vast majority of reasons in one way or another are related to the natural processes of obsolescence of body systems, as well as the probable development of pathologies of bone and cartilage tissue.
What is the risk of cervical osteochondrosis?
Decreased mobility and limited joint flexibility, loss of muscle elasticity, and other signs of body aging are inevitable, natural processes that accompany a person in ontogenesis.
The discomfort of pain that occurs during movement much earlier than the natural age of aging often leads to a loss of quality of life and even disability.
To determine how to treat cervical osteochondrosis, you need a professional consultation with your doctor. In the absence of professional, timely diagnosis and necessary treatment, the disease progresses, which can cause not only a deterioration in well-being, but also serious disorders in the functioning of the nervous and vascular systems.
The main signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The structure of the human skeleton, the ability to walk upright and the impressive size of the head have led to the fact that some parts of the spine are the most endangered, especially the neck.
Among the striking features of the structure of the cervical spine is worth noting the presence of vertebrae, mostly small in size and relatively small number of muscles, in connection with which in this area most often occurs such a disease as osteochondrosis occurs.
Pain is the most common syndrome of spinal disease. Depending on the affected area, one can concentrate:
- in the collarbone and / or shoulder;
- along the entire cervical spine;
- not the anterior surface of the sternum.
It is quite difficult to independently determine the primary signs of the disease, because in the vast majority of cases they are insignificant and very non-specific:
- pain in the areaneckmostly in the evening;
- seriousness,back pain;
- slight numbnesstingling in the shoulder, arms;
- crunch,click when turning head.
The progression of the disease is accompanied by already noticeable leading symptoms.
Vegetative-dystonic symptom
It is characterized by penetrating pain in the neck, especially felt in the area just below the nape of the neck.
Pain often occurs during a prolonged stay in the same position, for example, in the morning.
The muscles of the neck are tense, there are difficulties in moving the hand to the side, stiffness in the movements of the fingers.
Due to the compression of the vertebral arteries, neurological manifestations are often detected:
- recurrent headaches;
- nausea;
- unconsciousness.
Spinal symptom
Localization of the area - left behind the chest.
In the process of gradual disruption of the structure of the intervertebral discs, compression occurs and, as a consequence, nerve root damage, which leads to narrowing of arteries and veins, which in turn leads to the creation of radicular and ischemic syndrome.
Circulatory disorders cause:
- severe migraine headaches;
- dizziness;
- visual impairment, tinnitus;
- disorders of autonomic functions.
In rare cases, the manifestation of cardinal syndrome is followed, accompanied by compression pain of the heart muscle, shortness of breath and heart rhythm disturbances.
Degrees of development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and their characteristic symptoms
The process of disease development is quite slow, but at the same time there are 4 clearly monitored stages:
- 1st degree osteochondrosis of the cervical spine - the appearance of discomfort and minor pain during prolonged walking, static position. Beginning of seal formation in intervertebral discs;
- grade 2 osteochondrosis of the cervical spine - bright painful sensations. To relieve pain, manual therapy and appropriate medications are used;
- grade 3 osteochondrosis of the cervical spine - the presence of pronounced connective tissue lesions of the affected area;
- Grade 4 osteochondrosis of the cervical spine - the last stage of disease development, characterized by damage to almost all parts of the spine.
The last stage of disease development requires surgical intervention that involves a long recovery.
Diagnosis of the disease
In the presence of characteristic symptoms for the diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine you should consult an orthopedist or neurologist.
As part of diagnostic measures, the specialist will determine mobility and pain in the neck area, and assess the degree of sensitivity and identify other functional disorders.
Among the most effective diagnostic methods, it is common to distinguish:
- X-ray of the cervical spine, performed in different projections;
- CT (computed tomography);
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) if a hernia / bulge is suspected.
In case of circulatory disorders, rheoencephalography can be used in addition, as well as examination of the fundus.
Possible complications
Lack of timely treatment can lead to serious complications, including:
- protrusion of intervertebral discs(hernia / bulge formation);
- rupture of the intervertebral disc,accompanied by constriction of nerves and blood vessels, which can be fatal;
- radiculopathy(nerve root damage), osteophyte formation (spines on the vertebral body) with the manifestation of numerous paresis and paralysis.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is determined by a specialist and depends on the stage of development of the pathology, the form of its course and the characteristics of the clinical manifestation of the disease.
Today, the most effective methods of treating this disease are:
- treatment by conservative methods, including drugs / non-drugs;
- surgical intervention;
- a complex combination of techniques.
Physiotherapy
It assumes the influence of physical factors on the affected area. With an integrated approach and competent implementation of all improvement procedures, they become evident in the second or third month of treatment.
Among the most popular areas of physiotherapy prescribed for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- electrotherapy;
- shock wave therapy;
- magnetotherapy;
- balneotherapy;
- laser therapy;
- vibration massage.
Neck massage for osteochondrosis
The massage should be performed carefully, without the use of force. Violation of the massage technique can cause negative consequences.
The initial massage position is the "lying down" or "sitting with a flat back" position.
All existing massage techniques are based on techniques such as:
- caressing - affects the surface layers of the skin. It is performed with the palms and fingertips down from the back of the head, to the level of the upper third of the back;
- compression - affects the deep layers of the skin in the upper third of the back. It is performed with two fingers of the hand (thumb and forefinger), performed over the neck;
- rubbing - the main goal is to warm the skin and increase blood flow in the desired area;
- kneading - affects deep lying tissues, must be used with caution because illiterate use can worsen the situation.
Physiotherapywith cervical osteochondrosis
There are certain exercises to treat cervical osteochondrosis. The most effective of them are:
Just stretching
Starting position: sitting / standing with straight back.
Sequence of performance: keeping the starting position, try to lower the shoulders as low as possible, while stretching the top of the head upwards.
Performance intensity: at least 10 times (2-5 seconds), at least 3 times a day.
Self-massage
Inventory: terry towel.
Starting position: sitting / standing, wrap your towel around your neck, grab the ends with your hands.
Procedure: Alternately pull the ends of the towel, gently squeezing the neck muscles.
Bitan! During the exercise, care should be taken that the towel does not slip and does not squeeze the neck.
Gymnastics (flexion / extension, twisting, bending)
Starting position: sitting / standing with a straight back.
Execution order: from the starting position, perform a smooth bending / stretching, turning or tilting of the head, first in one direction and then in the other.
Performance intensity: 5-7 movements in one direction.
Medications for cervical osteochondrosis
It is especially important during exacerbation because important blood vessels pass through the cervical spine, supplying the brain.
As a means of treatment, tablets, injections, ointments, as well as other local remedies prescribed by a doctor can be used.
Bitan! Self-medication with drugs of different groups is unacceptable and can lead to disability, death.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
One of the most effective drugs, which is often used in the treatment of osteochondrosis in the form of injections, but is also available in the form of tablets, patches and ointments.
The key direction of action is to reduce pain, remove swelling and inflammation.
Muscle relaxants
It allows you to effectively reduce muscle tension, which significantly reduces pain.
The recommended treatment period is 2 to 4 weeks.
Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and warming ointments for cervical osteochondrosis
To increase their effectiveness, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs contain steroids in their composition.
The action of warming ointments is aimed at relieving pain, as well as warming, which activates blood flow at the site of application of the drug.
Chondroprotectors
They are used to slow down degenerative processes and accelerate connective tissue regeneration. It has a cumulative effect.
Recommended dosing regimen: 2 to 6 months.
Features of nutrition in the treatment and prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Proper nutrition is undoubtedly an important component of maintaining the health of the body.
In the context of prevention or treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, nutrition is, although auxiliary, but at the same time a very important component.
The main goals of proper nutrition in the treatment or prevention of osteochondrosis are:
- eliminating the likelihood of a lack of nutrients needed to carry out metabolic processes in the tissues of the intervertebral discs;
- maintaining optimal body weight;
- reducing the risk of developing vascular changes, preventing circulatory disorders.
Principles of the child
The diet for cervical osteochondrosis is based on the principles of rationality and functionality:
- Minimizing inhibitions - a healthy diet is varied, balanced and at the same time saturated with all the necessary substances.
- Compliance with the drinking regimen is an important component in preventing the deterioration of intervertebral disc tissue.
- Reducing salt intake - eliminates the possibility of increasing the load on blood vessels and maintains the balance of water and electrolytes.
- Limiting the use of starch and sugar, in order to eliminate the possibility of metabolic disorders.
Prohibited and recommended foods
Diet in the treatment and prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine requires the exclusion of such products that clog the body as:
- alcohol that disturbs the balance of water and electrolytes and causes tissue dehydration;
- fatty meat and smoked meat that is difficult to digest;
- sour, spicy foods that increase inflammation;
- semi-finished products that adversely affect digestive processes;
- sweets, sugars that interfere with blood circulation.
The list of recommended foods includes mainly easily digestible foods of plant and animal origin, rich in protein, complex carbohydrates and fiber, including:
- chicken, rabbit, lean beef and pork;
- Fish and seafood;
- dairy products, eggs;
- cereals of various kinds;
- wholemeal bread;
- fruits, vegetables, berries and herbs.
Preventive actions
The basis of the health of the human cervical spine is a strong back, the health of which is a consequence of:
- sufficient level of physical activity;
- maintaining optimal body weight;
- comfortable bed with anatomical pillows and a quality mattress;
- maintaining proper posture;
- a combination of prolonged sitting with periods of rest and physical warm-up;
- adherence to a proper diet.
In addition, it is recommended to avoid neck injuries and, of course, lift unbearable weights.