Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is known and well studied. Currently, the majority of the working population suffers from this disease. This type of osteochondrosis develops not only in the adult population, but is also quite common in adolescents, the so-called juvenile osteochondrosis.
The cervical region is the most mobile part of the spine, so the load on this region is quite large. The disease develops gradually, it is characterized by frequent exacerbations, which can lead to a significant reduction in the quality of life of the patient.
Causes of the disease
There are usually several causes of the disease and it may depend on the age of the patient. Let's highlight the most common:
- violation of calcium-phosphorus metabolism of any etiology;
- various traumatic back injuries;
- unbalanced load on the spine (physical inactivity or, conversely, the effect of increased load);
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- congenital malformations of the spine;
- changes in posture, including scoliotic type;
- circulatory disorders leading to poor nutrition of the intervertebral disc;
- age-related dystrophic bone disorders.
In adolescence, the main causes of the development of the disease are injuries, unbalanced physical activity (training process). In elderly patients, the main reason is a long-term normal position during work, a violation of the hormonal background.
Additional factors that predispose to the development of the disease can be:
- heredity;
- hypothermia;
- worsening of osteochondrosis poorly or not completely treated;
- stressful situations and overwork.
Osteochondrosis develops gradually. A person who is constantly involved in sports may not realize that he is susceptible to this disease.
Most of this condition occurs in people over the age of twenty-five. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by the fact that the process develops from the upper parts. However, if you do not receive medical help, the procedure can gradually affect the lower segments of the spine.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in adults and children
As the disease develops over the years, in many cases the process is asymptomatic. Sometimes it happens that you accidentally determine the initial signs of the disease with X-rays, while there will be no active complaints. It must be remembered that the older the patient, the more various complaints he will file.
The main complaints of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- frequent headache and dizziness;
- numbness of fingertips and weakness of hands;
- vegetative manifestations;
- high blood pressure;
- discomfort with movement in the neck;
- constant aching or burning pains along the spine;
- frequent myositis of the neck muscles;
- posture changes;
- restrictions on head movements;
- a forced head position may be further developed;
- tinnitus;
- time dependence;
- cracking in the neck when performing movements;
- sleep disorder.
These are the symptoms most commonly reported in a patient. Unfortunately, the process can begin to develop from adolescence, and adolescents will file similar complaints.
Most of these symptoms occur together. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occurs with episodes of worsening and remission. This is due to the effect of provoking factors on the body. We must not forget that, if a similar diagnosis is made, rehabilitation therapy and a rehabilitation course must be carried out every six months in order to avoid an acute period.
Since the main reason for the development of the disease is the reduction of intervertebral disc trophism and the lack of adequate therapy, the process can end in the formation of an intervertebral hernia.
Complaints and the clinical picture of the disease - photography
Vascular manifestations in the form of dizziness or headache worsen when performing elementary motor tasks (tilting or turning the head). In the collection of all complaints, the patient tries to take an additional position in order to reduce the symptoms, which worsens the nutrition of the intervertebral disc.
It is these complaints that most often encourage the patient to contact a doctor. If the treatment is not carried out, the complaints will intensify and be more persistent, ie they will not disappear on their own.
Pain in cervical osteochondrosis, as a rule, constant, painful, burning character. The disease can be accompanied by occasional "lumbago", which are caused by sudden movements.
The increase in blood pressure in the background of osteochondrosis leads the patient to be examined by a therapist. If proper treatment is not performed in time, the rise in blood pressure will become permanent, contributing to the development of secondary hypertension. In these situations, a proper history is of great importance.
When the process is localized in the cervical spine, the discomfort spreads along the nape of the neck, the constant tension of the musculoskeletal system contributes to the restriction of movement and the formation of a forced position of the head.
Pain in cervical osteochondrosis is accompanied by impaired sensitivity. Due to the constant discomfort, the muscular roller is gradually formed in the shoulder area, and the patient experiences discomfort in this area by palpation.
In addition to constant discomfort, the patient may also feel a sharp shooting pain in the neck. The appearance of such complaints suggests that the patient must rest completely to reduce pain. In some cases, the pain is so severe that the person cannot perform the simplest actions (turn his head, take a deep breath, straighten his back). In all cases, the patient should be examined by a physician and the diagnosis of osteochondrosis confirmed.
Changes in hormonal levels also play a significant role in the development of cervical spine disease. Therefore, well-chosen physical activity will reduce the general clinical symptoms and alleviate the patient’s condition. Due to the fact that the pain in the neck is constantly bothering you, secondary sleep disorders occur. It is difficult for a person to take a comfortable position in bed, he worries, which leads to psycho-emotional stress.
In addition, the patient pays attention to the violation of sensitivity. They are described as a “goose” that is felt on the fingertips. In some cases, the discomfort may be localized throughout the arm and muscle strength decreases.
Diagnosis of the disease
It is quite difficult to make a diagnosis based on a single examination. Basically, to clarify the diagnosis, the following activities are performed:
- thorough collection of complaints;
- consultations of specialized specialists (cardiologist, endocrinologist, neurologist);
- X-ray examination of the cervical spine;
- magnetic resonance imaging.
Examinations by specialized doctors are necessary to rule out acute conditions of the cardiac profile and others. With the exception of acute somatic pathology, one can speak of a diagnosis of osteochondrosis. In addition to general clinical manifestations, the diagnosis can be confirmed by X-ray examination of the spine.
X-rays are the most affordable and simplest test to aid in diagnosis. The figure shows a narrowing of the space between the vertebrae, indicating dystrophy of the intervertebral disc. Bone protrusions can be distinguished by the edges of the vertebrae. If osteochondrosis is complicated by instability of the cervical spine, then on X-ray the displacement of the vertebrae towards each other can be noticed.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease that can radiographically show which area is most damaged. Even when examining a single cervical segment, you can see that the process is not evenly distributed.
In particularly severe cases, magnetic resonance imaging is performed to help diagnose complications of osteochondrosis - intervertebral hernia. Thanks to MRI imaging layer by layer, it is possible to determine even the smallest minimal hernial changes and immediately indicate the level of the lesion.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Only a doctor knows how to treat cervical osteochondrosis in the acute and interictal period. The therapy prescribed for this condition should be comprehensive. In addition to exacerbation of the disease, it includes:
- medicines;
- complex rehabilitation therapy (physiotherapy exercises, gymnastics, massage, acupuncture, manual therapy);
- physiotherapy (electrophoresis, UHF, magnetotherapy, laser therapy);
To prevent worsening osteochondrosis, resort to:
- spa treatment;
- traditional medicine;
- wearing special bandages and corsets;
- lifestyle changes (weight loss, balanced physical activity).
Medications for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are as follows:
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- drugs that improve blood circulation;
- vitamin complexes;
- in acute situations, analgesics;
- means they reduce muscle tension.
In addition to tablets and injections, creams, ointments and gels are actively prescribed and applied to the affected area. By their effect, they contribute to skin irritation in a certain area, which improves blood circulation in small vessels, thus ensuring the delivery of nutrients to damaged segments and reducing muscle tension.
After the acute period, physical therapies, massages and physiotherapy exercises are scheduled. Rehabilitation therapy is an adjunct to conventional medical treatment. As the condition improves, nutrition and trophism of the intervertebral disc will also pass better.
During treatment, the patient will notice an improvement in well-being, increased efficiency and mood. If treatment is stopped without completion, exacerbations of osteochondrosis will pass quite often.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis in the recovery period, the rehabilitator will tell.Before discussing the complex of rehabilitation therapy, it should be noted that each treatment should be accompanied by correction of bedding. These include orthopedic mattresses and pillows.
Experts also recommend wearing a Shants necklace permanently or for a limited time. This method is especially used in pediatric practice, when patients wear it during homework. The Shants necklace is selected individually in orthopedic salons.
An orthopedic pillow for cervical osteochondrosis was selected for each patient. It should fit the size of the bed and choose depending on the constitution of the patient. It should not be very small or very large, the main guideline is the width of the person’s shoulders.
The pillow for extended sleep and rest should be medium firm and in a shape resembling a square or rectangle. Other forms are suitable for short breaks. Depending on the activity of the degenerative process, the orthopedic pillow for cervical osteochondrosis should be changed.
Exercise and gymnastics (lfk)
Rehabilitation therapy should include gymnastics. The main task of the exercises is to strengthen the muscles of the neck and back, the upper shoulder girdle, improve the mobility of the spine and remove muscle contractions. In addition, exercises for cervical osteochondrosis affect deep-seated muscles.
As a result of gymnastics in cervical osteochondrosis, physiological curves are gradually restored and the load on the intervertebral discs is reduced. We must not forget that exercises for cervical osteochondrosis should also cover the thoracic segments.
Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis is performed with an instructor. It helps patients understand which areas need more emphasis. The workload and scope of tasks are selected individually, depending on:
- from the patient's age;
- on the prevalence of the process;
- due to the presence of additional comorbidities;
- on the effectiveness of drug therapy.
Initially, they perform simple and not difficult tasks, as the body begins to adapt to new conditions, and muscles do their job to a sufficient extent, exercises become more difficult, and the duration of sessions increases.
Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis involves simple actions. These are tilting the head back and forth, gradually adding circular movements to the head. It should be borne in mind that even for physiotherapy exercises there may be contraindications. As a rule, the complex of one lesson includes tasks that aim to develop and influence all segments of the spine.
After exercises on the cervical spine, tasks to gradually improve the work of the thoracic and lumbar spine are gradually added. Physiotherapy exercises for cervical osteochondrosis can be performed in a standing or sitting position. The tasks are performed gradually, at a slow pace, which will enable additional breathing exercises.
Contraindications for physiotherapy exercises:
- acute pain syndrome;
- high blood pressure and the presence of cardiac pathology in the acute phase;
- coordination disorders and diseases of the vestibular apparatus;
- temperature rise;
- exacerbation of another chronic pathology;
- condition after surgical treatment.
Special technique exercises
This technique is based on the phased restoration of normal activity of the musculoskeletal system. Gymnastic exercises, which are performed on a specialized simulator, allow you to gradually restore the work of the structures of the cervical spine.
First the pain is relieved, then the circulation is restored, the muscle tension is removed and classes are performed to expand the motor activity on the cervical spine. The method is additionally supported by massage courses, lessons in the pool.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
In addition to general strengthening exercises, massage gives a very good effect. Massage for cervical osteochondrosis can be used in different ways (classical, segmental, pointed). In some cases, a combination of different techniques in one session is allowed.
We must not forget that the massage of cervical osteochondrosis is performed on a hard surface, face down, and its duration can vary from ten sessions or more. The frequency of repeating the course is also determined by the attending physician. The effectiveness of the massage will last longer if the patient sleeps on the correct pillow.
Physiotherapy treatments such as magnets or electrophoresis are locally irritating. Magnetotherapy is a painless procedure that is well tolerated by both adults and children. The manipulation lasts a few minutes, the patient must lie still, so it is usually recommended for older patients.
Electrophoresis is a manipulation performed using a special device. During the procedure, the patient feels a slight tingling that is created with the help of currents. The frequency and impulsivity of the signal are different for each age.
This technique injects a drug that has a positive effect. This manipulation is more aggressive compared to magnetotherapy, so there must be strict indications for its implementation.
A balanced diet is essential for this disease. Patients are advised to eat fruits, vegetables, meat, herbs, fish. You should limit the consumption of salt and all kinds of spices, condiments, smoked or fried foods, sugar. It is better to drink herbal decoctions and teas, it is desirable to avoid drinking coffee and alcohol.
Traditional medicine is used to reduce pain. The most commonly used compresses and mixtures are applied to the affected area. Success in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine largely depends on the consciousness of the patient. You should not leave the started classes and therapy as soon as you feel better. It is irrational to constantly use painkillers that bring temporary relief, and the disease itself does not cure.