Cervical osteochondrosis (spondylosis, spondyloarthrosis) is a progressive disease caused by degenerative changes in intervertebral discs, cartilage tissue, ligaments and bone processes themselves.
Headaches, dizziness, darkening of the eyes - all this can be the cause of cervical osteochondrosis, which often occurs in young people.
The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae, ligaments, intervertebral discs, joints and is the most mobile, that is, its movable part.
Intervertebral discs are located between two vertebrae and act as shock absorbers.That is, they prevent the surfaces of the vertebrae from touching and evenly distribute the load on the cartilage tissue during flexion, extension and rotation of the head.
In addition to the discs, the vertebrae are connected by joints and ligaments;the absence of pathological changes in these organs ensures normal mobility of the vertebrae and, therefore, of the entire neck.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the neck
The main cause of spondylosis of the neck is a violation of nutrition and metabolic processes in the intervertebral discs and ligaments.In its structure and operation, the disk resembles a sponge, which must be constantly compressed to remove unnecessary substances and unblocked for food.
To ensure the sustainability of this process, the spine must be mobile during the day;the lack of this condition leads to a change in the properties of the disc tissue, as a result of which it decreases in volume and no longer provides sufficient shock absorption.
The vertebrae begin to come into contact with each other, their bone tissue grows and the lumen through which the spinal column, arteries and nerve endings pass narrows.The narrowing of the lumen provokes the compression of the nerve endings and all the symptoms of chondrosis appear.
Therefore, the main provoking factors for the appearance of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are currently:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- genetic predisposition;
- overweight, monotonous diet;
- intoxication, infection;
- age-related changes;
- spinal overload;
- prolonged uncomfortable position of the body;
- poor posture, flat feet;
- hypothermia, adverse environment;
- injuries.
The disease of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is also an occupational disease.The prolonged uncomfortable posture of drivers and computer operators leads to stagnation of the vertebrae and their inflammation.Osteochondrosis can occur due to hormonal and vascular disorders.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis, depending on the involvement of arteries or nerves in the pathological process, can be divided according to clinical signs.
Compression of the vertebral artery causes the following changes in well-being:
- Migraine.The pain increases gradually, often starts from the back of the head, is localized in half of the head and can radiate to the eyes or ears.The patient complains of dizziness, tinnitus and possibly nausea and vomiting.Cervical migraine is poorly controlled by conventional analgesics.
- Fainting at the height of a headache or with sudden twists of the neck.
- Swallowing disorder.
- The pressure increases from low to high numbers and vice versa.The attack is accompanied by a feeling of fear and panic.
Compression of the nerve endings of the spinal cord is called radicular syndrome;characterized by symptoms:
- Pain in the vertebrae of the neck, constant, aching.It gets worse over time and causes migraines;
- Pain in the back of the head and numbness in the upper part of the neck;
- Feeling of swelling of the tongue, difficulty in eating, feeling of a lump in the throat;
- Dull pain in the clavicle, in the region of the heart;
- Limitation of movement in the arms - it is impossible to rise or move to the side.
- Sharp pains in the neck, spreading to the shoulder, arm and fingers;
- Numbness in hands, lumps, weakness when squeezing.
Pain in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is first noticed as dull, then increases and spreads throughout the body.Pain in the hands can be observed simultaneously on the left and on the right, accompanied by numbness of the fingers.With cervical osteochondrosis, due to impaired blood supply, blurred vision, reduced hearing and snoring at night can occur, the appearance of which provokes tension in the neck muscles.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is complex, including relieving pain and restoring the normal functioning of the vertebrae.Basically, the disease is treated by a neurologist;in the first stage, medications are prescribed.If treatment has no effect, surgery may be recommended.
Drug treatment
The main group of drugs used to treat cervical osteochondrosis are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Medicines not only treat inflammation, but also relieve pain at the same time, so their use is mandatory for diseases such as spondyloarthrosis of the cervical spine.Non-steroidal drugs also prevent further destruction of the intervertebral discs and participate in the restoration of its tissues.
Antispasmodics are prescribed together with NSAIDs;they help relieve muscle tension, which has a beneficial effect on treatment.In case of severe pain that does not go away, the doctor can prescribe blockades - the injection of novocaine or lidocaine in the area of the cervical vertebrae.
Patients are also prescribed ointments to rub the painful area.They relieve muscle tension, reduce pain, anti-inflammatory components, penetrating through the skin, reduce inflammation.For chronic diseases, chondroprotectors and B vitamins are prescribed.
Drug therapy for the disease of cervical osteochondrosis should be prescribed only by a doctor;he will be able to choose the correct dose of the drug and calculate the course of administration.Some drugs may be contraindicated in chronic diseases, so their analogues are used in treatment.The treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck in the active phase can last up to 3 months, and in addition to medications, physiotherapy and non-drug treatment are also used.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a treatment method that uses external physical factors: low currents, ultrasound, lasers, magnetic fields.Their effect on the affected area improves microcirculation in the tissues and the spine, due to which the recovery process goes faster.
Deep heating of the inflammation area relaxes the muscles, relieves pain and helps remove decay products.Physiotherapy is a safe procedure for patients of any age.
Taping is also used to treat cervical osteochondrosis.This method uses a special cotton or synthetic elastic adhesive tape that has a high level of strength and elasticity.Taping helps relax muscles, relieve tension and pain.
The effect of treating a disease with kinesio taping is not achieved immediately.The first relief comes a quarter of an hour after the procedure, the full effect is achieved after a few days.You can wear kinesio tapes for osteochondrosis for up to 5 days, during which time you can do water procedures without fear for its safety, since the tape is held tightly, dries quickly and has a "breathing" effect.
Kinesio taping is not the main method of treating osteochondrosis;its most effective use is in combination with other types of therapy.
Non-drug methods
Non-traditional methods are also widely used to treat the disease "osteochondrosis of the cervical spine".Basically this is a massage - a mechanical effect of varying intensity on an injured area of the body with your hands.Massage improves tissue circulation and relaxes tense muscles.Thai massage is also good for treating the spine.The main thing is to be sure of the high professionalism of the massage therapist.
Reflexology is an effect on the active points of the human body using needles.This procedure activates vitality and, if done correctly, can immediately relieve pain.
Treatment of the disease with folk remedies can also be useful - of course, in consultation with the attending physician.
Traction is used to restore the normal anatomical position of the spine.
Those suffering from cervical osteochondrosis should remember that the best treatment will not help if the patient himself does not make an effort.It is necessary to change your lifestyle - move more, do therapeutic exercises recommended by your doctor in the morning, eat healthy and varied foods.Fresh air, giving up bad habits, eliminating nervous stress - all this contributes to quick recovery.