The appearance of discomfort and pain in the cervical region may indicate disorders in the cartilage and bone tissues and, as a result, the development of a serious disease. Osteochondrosis of the cervix is a pathology of the spine, in which there is a dystrophic-degenerative change in the vertebral bodies, their processes and intervertebral discs.
In case of severe symptoms, you should definitely consult a doctor and undergo an examination. Clinics have everything you need to diagnose this pathology and get a detailed clinical picture of the affected area of the cervical vertebrae.
Classification of cervical osteochondrosis
Previously, osteochondrosis of the neck usually occurred in people aged 45-55 years, however, due to the appearance of many additional factors characteristic of the modern rhythm of life, this disease has become significantly "younger" and is often detected in adolescents as well. and adolescents and children.
Among other types of cervical osteochondrosis it is the most common. Unlike thoracic, lumbar, and sacral, it is detected in almost 25% of patients.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region develops in stages. The resulting signs and symptoms manifest depending on the degree of cartilage damage and bone structures.
There are four stages of cervical osteochondrosis:
- I - the height of the intervertebral disc in the affected area is slightly reduced and the symptoms are mild or defined only when performing movements;
- II - in addition to a progressive decrease in the height of the disc, pathological growths of cartilage tissue occur, extensions appear, cracks in the fibrous ring, crackling and stiffness when you turn the neck, the pain becomes more pronounced;
- III - fibrous ring breaks, intervertebral hernias appear, these changes cause deformity of the spine and can lead to its dislocations and subluxations, the pain becomes longer and more acute, there are signs of loss of sensation in the neck area. , neck, arms and shoulders;
- IV - lesions of bone and cartilage tissue become irreversible, osteophytes appear on the surface of destroyed cartilage and bone.
The most neglected phase is characterized by considerable compression of nerves and blood vessels, hypoxia of trophic-dependent organs (brain, visual organs, etc. ), immobility of the shoulder girdle and neck. Prolonged pain syndrome significantly reduces the quality of life.
When making a diagnosis, in addition to determining the stage of cervical osteochondrosis, a system is used to determine the number of cervical vertebrae affected - from CI to CVII. It indicates a segment that has undergone dystrophic-degenerative changes.
The stage of cervical osteochondrosis is an important criterion for designing treatment tactics.
Etiology and pathogenesis of cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervix in most cases is provoked by a combination of different factors. The main cause among them can be considered the fact of walking towards a person. In this position, most of the load falls on the neck and waist. With age, the condition of blood vessels worsens in most people, more chronic pathologies appear and age-related changes that impair tissue nutrition.
Other causes of cervical osteochondrosis are associated with the following factors:
- hypodynamics;
- overweight;
- prolonged smoking;
- flat feet;
- frequent pregnancies;
- posture disorders;
- autoimmune diseases;
- violation of metabolic processes;
- hereditary predisposition;
- wrong diet composition;
- frequent injuries and microtraumas of the cervical vertebrae;
- carrying weight on one shoulder or one hand;
- sleeping on the wrong pillow or mattress;
- acquired or congenital instability of the vertebrae;
- improper organization of the workplace.
With a timely visit to the doctor and excluding the predisposing causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, it is possible to achieve its lasting remission.
Clinical manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis are not always noticed by patients in the first stage of this pathology. The nature and degree of their severity are mainly determined by the area of injury, as the nerves extending from the spinal cord to one or another part of the spine perform different functions.
The main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are manifestations of pain syndrome. The pain and discomfort in the neck and shoulders become stronger after sleeping on an uncomfortable pillow, when you turn and other movements of the head and neck and shoulder girdle, hypothermia or strong physical exertion. As osteochondrosis of the neck progresses, some patients begin to be forced to hold their head motionless and they develop the habit of rotating the whole body.
Subluxations and dislocations of the vertebrae, rupture of the intervertebral hernia, or crushed nerves can lead to acute pain (they are often called "back pain"). These complications require urgent care.
In addition to pain, symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- headache;
- pressure increases;
- dizziness;
- memory impairment;
- hearing problems;
- pain in the heart region;
- weakness and drowsiness;
- sensation of a lump in the throat;
- cracking when turning the neck;
- pre-fainting conditions;
- trembling "flies" before the eyes;
- difficulty moving the arm sideways;
- impaired coordination of movements and gait;
- paresthesias in the neck, neck, shoulders, arms and fingers.
The signs of cervical osteochondrosis, which indicate the progression of the disease, are:
- intensification, increase of pain and their long duration;
- decrease in the amplitude of neck curves;
- greater severity of additional symptoms.
Pre-syncope conditions can cause a drop in blood pressure and increase the risk of various injuries, some of which can be quite dangerous.
Characteristics of the course of cervical osteochondrosis during pregnancy
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region during pregnancy is not dangerous to the health of the unborn baby, if its manifestations do not lead to a dangerous increase in the risk of trauma in the pre-fading state and excessive irritability that appears in response to pain. The possibility of a worsening of this pathology in pregnant women increases due to hormonal changes, which contribute to greater ligament extension and instability of the cervical vertebrae.
For the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervix during pregnancy, safe methods should be used, which are recommended after consultation with a neurologist. In addition to recommendations for exercise therapy, massage of the cervical area and adherence to the rules for organizing a place to sleep, in difficult cases, safe anti-inflammatory and pain medications are prescribed. The volume of exercises for osteochondrosis of the cervix depends on the degree of its severity.
Childbirth is performed naturally, as the pathology, with the correct behavior of a woman during childbirth, can not complicate them in any way.
Characteristics of cervical osteochondrosis in children
Osteochondrosis of the cervix, the signs of which appear in children and adolescents, is rare. The causes of its development are usually several congenital pathologies:
- autoimmune diseases;
- hereditary predisposition;
- spinal or muscular abnormalities.
In cases of an acquired variant, such pathology or factors usually lead to osteochondrosis of the cervical region:
- endocrine disorders and hormonal fluctuations in adolescence;
- obesity;
- posture disorders;
- trauma (including birth);
- poor nutrition leading to hypovitaminosis and micronutrient deficiencies.
Often, before adolescence, cervical osteochondrosis is asymptomatic or unnoticed. This fact often complicates the diagnosis and the disease is already detected in stages II-III.
Serious complications in children and adolescents are rare, so surgery to treat cervical osteochondrosis is rarely performed. In most cases, conservative methods are used to correct the condition of the spine. In severe cases, there is a risk of such consequences of cervical osteochondrosis as growth retardation and increased likelihood of stroke in childhood.
Complications of cervical osteochondrosis
With osteochondrosis of the cervix, complications occur quite often, as the pathology is asymptomatic for a long time, and many patients try to self-medicate even against the background of obvious signs of the disease. This is why the appearance of symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis is always an indication to consult a vertebrologist or neurologist.
The consequences of cervical osteochondrosis can be as follows:
- cervical sciatica;
- extension;
- intervertebral hernia;
- memory impairment;
- vertebral dislocations and subluxations;
- increased risk of stroke;
- dizziness and headache;
- impaired coordination of movements.
First aid for cervical osteochondrosis
Dangerous consequences of cervical osteochondrosis, which require urgent care, include:
- Conditions before fainting or fainting.
These conditions most often occur with a sharp tip or turn of the head. The victim should be seated or lying down to prevent the injury from falling. Remove clothing or accessories that obstruct breathing. Provide optimal temperature conditions and access to fresh air. Check the pressure and if it drops significantly, call an emergency team. - "Cervical back pain" (cervicago) or vertebral injuries.
They start with a sharp pain in the neck, which can radiate to the head. The patient should lie in a horizontal position, to ensure optimal temperature and immobility of the head. For first aid, apply a cold compress or ice to the pain area (wrap the bag with a towel and hold for no more than 15 minutes). In some cases, the best effect is a warm compress, which helps eliminate muscle spasm. With severe pain, you can give an anesthetic and antispasmodic medicine. To remove the headache, you need to ensure silence and eliminate bright light sources. If the condition does not improve after giving help, then it is necessary to call an emergency team. With frequent spasms, it is best not to delay a visit to the doctor. The specialist may recommend wearing a special neck support corset and will determine the amount of treatment needed.
To provide first aid for cervical osteochondrosis, in some complex cases, it is necessary to involve an emergency team, otherwise this can lead to more dangerous complications.
Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis
The question of how to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis will be answered by a neurologist or vertebrologist after an examination and study of the complaints.
To identify the underlying causes, signs, and complications of cervical osteochondrosis, the following studies may be prescribed:
- neurological tests;
- CT;
- neck radiograph in the flexion and extension position;
- MRI.
If neck pain occurs periodically, then the question of how to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis is resolved using techniques to detect muscle lesions. To get the desired results, set:
- myelography;
- electromyography;
- electroneurography;
- studies of bioelectrical activity of nerve tissue.
If necessary, the patient should undergo clinical and biochemical blood tests, tests to detect neuroinfection. Differential diagnosis with rheumatological pathologies is performed using tests to determine the level of antinuclear antibodies in the blood and rheumatoid factor.
If you have any questions about how osteochondrosis of the cervix will be diagnosed in your case, then contact a specialist.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
The question of how to treat cervical osteochondrosis is posed by many patients. The answer to it can not be vague. With mild forms and a slight deterioration in well-being, treatment is performed on an outpatient basis. If the pain syndrome is severe and requires surgical care, then hospitalization is indicated for a patient with cervical osteochondrosis.
In the first days of pronounced clinical manifestations, it is necessary to maintain maximum rest of the cervical spine. Turns to the sides are particularly contraindicated. After a long static stay, you should take a break. With osteochondrosis of the cervix, particularly intense pain is relieved by wearing a special corset that supports the vertebrae in the most physiological position.
Your doctor will tell you how to treat cervical osteochondrosis with medication. Different groups of drugs can be used to relieve inflammation and reduce the manifestations of other symptoms:
- antispasmodics;
- venotonics;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants;
- anticonvulsants;
- vitamin B;
- sedatives (for psychogenic pain);
- local anesthetics (in the form of therapeutic blockades);
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Drug therapy of cervical osteochondrosis is supplemented with physiotherapy:
- traction;
- exercise therapy;
- phonophoresis;
- magnetotherapy;
- reflexology;
- manual therapy;
- therapeutic massage;
- electrophoresis etc.
A set of exercises for cervical osteochondrosis and physiotherapy is determined by a specialist individually. It depends on the stage of the disease and general health.
Upon completion of treatment, medical observations and preventive courses of therapy are recommended for exacerbations of cervical osteochondrosis.
Operations for cervical osteochondrosis
If the diagnostic data show a complex clinical case or conservative therapy does not bring the desired result for a long time, then the question of how to treat cervical osteochondrosis is decided in consultation with the surgeon.
To eliminate the manifestations and consequences of neglected cervical osteochondrosis, the following types of surgeries are performed:
- laminectomy;
- microdiscectomy;
- endoscopic discectomy;
- removal of tumors etc. ;
- removal of transfacetal hernia;
- front or rear joint;
- stabilization methods with bone osteosynthesis methods.
The volume of treatment after surgery and extremely important rehabilitation is determined individually. Before discharge, the doctor explains how to treat cervical osteochondrosis.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
The development and worsening of cervical osteochondrosis will help prevent:
- injury prevention;
- to quit smoking;
- Balanced diet;
- wearing comfortable shoes;
- the fight against hypodynamics;
- maintaining a normal weight;
- treatment of chronic diseases;
- proper workplace organization;
- the right choice of pillow and mattress, chair for the workplace.
Exercises for cervical osteochondrosis should always be performed. It is a targeted effect on the affected structures that helps prevent disease recurrence.
Questions and answers
What will happen if osteochondrosis is not treated?
With a long course of cervical osteochondrosis, normal innervation becomes difficult and blood vessels are congested, blood circulation is disturbed. As a result, tissue hypoxia develops, leading to the development of complications. In advanced cases, an intervertebral hernia develops.
How many massage sessions should be done with cervical osteochondrosis?
Therapeutic massage can be done only after the acute phase subsides and contraindications are ruled out. How many massage sessions are needed to get the desired result in the treatment and rehabilitation process depends on the severity of the lesions and is described individually.
How to relieve tension from the neck and shoulder muscles with osteochondrosis of the cervix?
In mild cases, tension in the neck and shoulder muscles can be eliminated with the help of morning exercises and massage of the cervical area. If this does not help you, you can use a set of exercises for exercise therapy, manual therapy. In extreme cases, the doctor prescribes drug therapy.
What to do if the head hurts from osteochondrosis of the cervix?
Mainly, the headache that accompanies the development of osteochondrosis appears due to the violation of the stable process of blood circulation in the brain. To eliminate the pain that has arisen in this case, the doctor prescribes sedatives, massage, reflexological sessions (acupuncture, cup massage, etc. ), exercise therapy, ozone therapy, balneotherapy, etc. At the same time, self-medication is strictly. forbidden not to worsen the clinical appearance and not to spoil the treatment.