Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disorder in the tissues of articular cartilage, which can be localized in any joints, as well as in the intervertebral disc.The cervical spine is subjected to high loads, which over time leads to a decrease in the elasticity of the discs and their flattening.The distance between the vertebrae decreases, blood circulation in the affected area worsens, and pain appears in the cervical spine.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis is an unbalanced and excessive load on the cervical spine.The load can occur due to excess weight, being in an uncomfortable position for a long time, or during sedentary work.Osteochondrosis is not always the result of direct stress on the vertebrae.The disease can be caused by metabolic disorders, deficiency of vitamins B, C, D, as well as hormonal and autoimmune diseases, chronic intoxication, injuries and age-related changes.
Currently, there is no exact data on the causes of degenerative diseases of the spine.Osteochondrosis can occur as a result of a number of reasons:
- genetic factor - congenital weakness of connective tissue;
- age-related changes in the spinal column;
- diseases of the musculoskeletal system (scoliosis, flat feet, torticollis, rheumatic diseases, developmental abnormalities);
- vertebral instability (increased mobility of part of the spine);
- low physical activity;
- cervical spine injuries;
- heavy physical activity, carrying heavy objects.
Stages of osteochondrosis
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis depends on the stage of development and clinical signs of the disease.Each stage is characterized by certain characteristics:
- Stage 1 – destruction of osteochondral tissue occurs.During this stage, patients do not notice the symptoms of the disease.This may be discomfort, pain in the cervical spine, pain during movement.
- Stage 2 – MRI reveals protrusions of the intervertebral discs, compression of the spinal roots (radicular syndrome).The changes that occur cause pain in the cervical spine with irradiation to the shoulder and upper limbs.Associated symptoms include increased fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
- Stage 3 – painful sensations increase and are permanent, radiating to the upper part of the body.There is numbness in the hands, weakness in the muscles of the upper extremities, and one side of the body is often affected.
- Stage 4 – bone tissue is replaced, an osteophyte is formed, and neighboring joints are damaged.
Clinical manifestations
General signs of cervical osteochondrosis:
- pain in the cervical spine;
- radiculopathy – compression of nerve roots, which is manifested by pain, sensory disturbances and muscle weakness;
- numbness of the upper extremities appears;
- pain in the cervical region radiating to the occipital region of the head, dizziness.
Diagnostics
The examination includes the collection of the patient's anamnestic data, complaints, examination and palpation of the cervical spine, and assessment of the neurological status.To determine the changes present and the stage of the disease, digital radiography, MRI and CT, and Doppler ultrasound of the main arteries of the brain (USGD) are performed.Diagnostics allows the specialist to create an effective treatment regimen.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
To achieve the most positive results and slow down the progression of the disease, comprehensive treatment is carried out.Treatment combines drug therapy with physiotherapeutic procedures, massage, acupuncture, manual therapy, hardware traction of the cervical spine, and therapeutic exercises.
Shants collar
During the period of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, wearing a special orthopedic device is prescribed - the Shants collar.The main purpose of the product is to fix the cervical spine in the correct position.
Surgical treatment
Surgical intervention is indicated in cases where medication and physical intervention are unavoidable.People turn to him if the patient’s spinal canal has become catastrophically narrow.
Surgical intervention is performed to eliminate a hernia, replace a destroyed intervertebral disc with an implant, and expand the spinal canal.
Massage for cervical osteochondrosis
Massage allows you to relax muscles, improve blood circulation in the affected area, and reduce the load on the vertebrae.Massage combined with exercise and other treatments helps relieve pain.
Massage is performed when pain is reduced or pain is regressed, at the stabilization stage.
The procedure is carried out by a qualified specialist to relieve muscle tension, pain, and improve blood circulation.During the massage, stroking, rubbing, kneading and other techniques of classical massage techniques are performed.
During the period of exacerbation, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, ultrasound with the use of glucocorticoid, magnetic laser, and SMT with an anesthetic are prescribed.
Basic exercises for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Basic exercises for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis:
- And.n. – lying on your stomach, palms resting on the floor, arms straight, the upper part of the body must be raised, arching in the back, linger for a few minutes;
- And.n. – lying on your stomach, arms straight along the body, you should turn your head left - right, trying to reach your ear to the floor;
- And.p. – sitting on the floor, inhale – bend forward towards the chest, exhale – bend back, throwing your head back.
Manual therapy
The influence of the chiropractor's hands on the spine allows you to increase the distance between the vertebrae, as a result of which the load is reduced.Prescribed by the attending physician after radiography, MRI or CT.
Drug treatment
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is aimed at eliminating pain, the inflammatory process during the period of exacerbation and preventing the progress of dystrophic changes in the structures of the spine.
For this purpose, local therapy with gels with an anti-inflammatory effect is used.
Medications:
- NSAIDs.
- Muscle relaxants.
- Diuretics.
- Opioid analgesics.
- Therapeutic drug blockades with anesthetics or a corticosteroid drug, and drugs that correct blood microcirculation.
- Metabolic therapy (B vitamins, thioctic acid preparations).
- Drugs that improve the conduction of nerve impulses.
Additionally, chondroprotectors may be prescribed to improve the regeneration process.
Disease prevention
Prevention should consist of lifestyle correction - playing sports (swimming, yoga, fitness) in order to form a muscle corset, warming up the cervical spine, creating comfortable sleeping conditions (comfortable mattress and pillow).
To prevent exacerbation, it is necessary to undergo a preventive course of massage of the cervical-collar area and back 2 times a year, acupuncture, and hardware traction of the cervical spine.
All these procedures are performed on an inpatient and outpatient basis.