Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease that affects the intervertebral discs in the cervical spine. Degenerative changes usually develop in the most mobile parts of the spine, therefore, in the cervical region, due to violations in the structure of the vertebrae, nerve roots at the level of C5, C6 and C7 most often suffer.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
One of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis is a compressive, pressing headache, often radiating to the temples.
Clinical manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis are subdivided into reflex and radicular.
Reflex symptoms
Patients are worried about the so-called lumbago - a sharp sharp pain that occurs in the cervical spine, aggravated by movement. Perhaps the appearance of a crunch when turning the head, sometimes patients take a forced position of the head due to severe pain.
People suffering from cervical osteochondrosis often complain of pressing or constricting headaches, which can radiate to the temples and eyeballs. Sometimes visual acuity may decrease, patients say that everything floats before their eyes.
When the nerve plexus of the vertebral artery is irritated, vertebral artery syndrome can occur, which is often mistakenly diagnosed as a violation of cerebral circulation, in which the patient develops dizziness. They can occur with a sharp movement of the head, accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
One of the reflex syndromes in the clinic of cervical osteochondrosis is cardialgic, in which the patient has sensations that resemble an attack of angina pectoris. Usually, this phenomenon is combined with other signs of the disease, therefore, it rarely causes difficulties in differential diagnosis with heart disease.
Radicular syndromes
Radicular syndromes result from compression of the spinal root. Motor and sensory disorders that appear in this case depend on which nerve root is affected:
- C1 - violation of sensitivity in the occipital region;
- C2 - pain in the occipital and parietal regions;
- C3 - decreased sensitivity and pain in the half of the neck where the spinal nerve was infringed, possibly a violation of the sensitivity of the tongue, speech impairment due to loss of control over the tongue;
- C4 - impaired sensitivity and pain in the shoulder-scapular region, decreased tone of the muscles of the head and neck, possible respiratory disturbances, pain in the liver and heart;
- C5 - pain and impaired sensitivity in the outer surface of the shoulder;
- C6 - pain extending from the neck to the scapula, forearm, outer surface of the shoulder, radial surface of the forearm to the thumb;
- C7 - pain extending from the neck to the scapula, the back of the shoulder, the forearm to the II – IV fingers of the hand, impaired sensitivity in this area.
- C8 - pain and sensory impairment spread from the neck to the shoulder, forearm to the little finger.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis is a complex disease that requires long-term, systematic and gradual treatment. Therapy is aimed at eliminating pain and combating the inflammatory process in the affected area.
Patients are prescribed analgesics. Recently, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which effectively eliminate pain syndrome and help to reduce the activity of the inflammatory process, have become increasingly popular in the treatment of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine.
In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, the appointment of chondroprotectors is indicated - drugs that slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue. Many doctors believe that the use of these medicines also promotes the regeneration of cartilage tissue.
The use of external ointments and gels containing irritants or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is ineffective. The drug substance that is part of their composition is unlikely to reach the affected area due to the barrier of skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscles. Nevertheless, there is a sense in using these external agents, since when they are rubbed into the skin, a neck massage is performed.
To improve the regenerative and metabolic processes in the affected nerve root, patients are prescribed vitamins of group B. Very often, doctors recommend to patients a combined vitamin preparation, which is administered intramuscularly.
The non-drug methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis include acupuncture, hirudotherapy, physiotherapy, exercise therapy, massage, manual therapy.
In severe cases, surgical treatment may be necessary.
Prophylaxis
Daily gymnastics for the cervical spine is a good prevention of osteochondrosis.
Prevention of the development of cervical osteochondrosis is not difficult. It is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, play sports, or at least do morning exercises.
An important role in the prevention of the disease is played by the correct organization of the workplace and the mode of work and rest. People with sedentary work need to do a little warm-up several times during the working day, and during work, monitor the posture and head position.
It is also important to choose a good, comfortable mattress and pillow for sleeping. People with spinal diseases are advised to use special orthopedic products.
Which doctor to contact
Patients with osteochondrosis of the spine are monitored by a neurologist. There are a large number of doctors of other specialties who help patients with this disease: specialists in physiotherapy exercises and massage, osteopaths, manual and reflex therapists, physiotherapists and others.