Cervical osteochondrosis (spondylosis, spondyloarthrosis) is a progressive disease caused by degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, cartilaginous 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 very young people.
The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae, ligaments, intervertebral discs, joints and is its most mobile, i.e. mobile, part.
Intervertebral discs are located between two vertebrae and act as shock absorbers.That is, they prevent contact of the surfaces of the vertebrae and evenly distribute the load on the cartilaginous 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 alterations in these organs guarantees the normal mobility of the vertebrae and, therefore, of the entire neck.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the neck
The main cause of neck spondylosis is a violation of nutrition and metabolic processes in the intervertebral discs and ligaments.In its structure and functioning, the disk resembles a sponge, which must be constantly compressed to remove unnecessary substances and opened for nutrition.
To ensure the consistency of this process, the spine must be mobile during the day;the absence of this condition leads to a change in the properties of the disc tissue, whereby 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 spine, arteries and nerve endings pass narrows.The narrowing of the lumen causes compression of the nerve endings and all the symptoms of chondrosis appear.
Therefore, the main provoking factors of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are currently:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- genetic predisposition;
- overweight and monotonous diet;
- intoxication, infection;
- age-related changes;
- spinal overload;
- uncomfortable and prolonged body position;
- bad posture, flat feet;
- hypothermia, unfavorable environment;
- injuries.
The disease of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is also an occupational disease.The uncomfortable and prolonged posture of drivers and IT workers 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 inclusion 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 at the back of the head, is localized in the middle of the head and can radiate to the eye or ear.The patient complains of dizziness, tinnitus, and possibly nausea and vomiting.Cervical migraine is poorly controlled by conventional analgesics.
- Fainting at the height of the headache or with sudden rotations of the neck.
- Swallowing disorder.
- The pressure increases from low numbers 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;is 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 neck;
- Sensation of swelling of the tongue, difficulty eating, sensation of lump in the throat;
- Dull pain in the collarbone, in the heart region;
- Limitation of movement of the arms: it is impossible to lift them or move them to the side.
- Sharp pain in the neck, extending to the shoulder blade, arm and fingers;
- Numbness of hands, goosebumps, weakness when squeezing.
Pain in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is initially noted as dull, then increases and spreads throughout the body.Hand pain can be observed simultaneously on the left and right, accompanied by numbness in the fingers.With cervical osteochondrosis, due to reduced blood supply, blurred vision, decreased hearing and night snoring may occur, the appearance of which causes tension in the neck muscles.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is complex, including pain relief and restoration of normal functioning of the vertebrae.Basically the disease is treated by a neurologist;in the first phase, drugs are prescribed.If treatment has no effect, surgery may be recommended.
Pharmacological treatment
The main group of drugs used to treat cervical osteochondrosis are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Drugs not only treat inflammation, but at the same time also relieve pain, so their use is mandatory for disorders 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 tissue.
Antispasmodics are prescribed together with NSAIDs;they help relieve muscle tension, which has a beneficial effect on the treatment.In case of severe pain that does not go away, the doctor may prescribe blocks: injection of novocaine or lidocaine into the area of \u200b\u200bthe cervical vertebrae.
Patients are also prescribed ointments to apply to the painful area.Relieves muscle tension, reduces pain, anti-inflammatory components, penetrating through the skin, reduce inflammation.For chronic diseases, chondroprotectors and B vitamins are prescribed.
Drug therapy for cervical osteochondrosis disease should be prescribed only by a doctor;will be able to select 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.Treatment of active neck osteochondrosis can last up to 3 months and, in addition to medications, physiotherapy and non-pharmacological treatments are also used.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a treatment method that uses external physical factors: low currents, ultrasound, laser, magnetic fields.Their effect on the affected area improves microcirculation in the tissues and spine, thanks to which the recovery process moves faster.
Deep warming of the inflammatory 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 elastic cotton or synthetic adhesive tape that has a high level of strength and elasticity.Taping helps relax muscles, relieve tension and pain.
The effect of treating an illness 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 you can perform water procedures without fear for its safety, since the tape adheres firmly, dries quickly and has a "breathable" effect.
Kinesio taping is not the primary method of treating osteochondrosis;its most effective use is in combination with other types of therapies.
Non-pharmacological methods
Non-traditional methods are also widely used to treat the disease “osteochondrosis of the cervical spine”.Basically it is a massage: a mechanical effect of varying intensity with the hands on a painful area of the body.Massage improves tissue circulation and relaxes tense muscles.Thai massage is also excellent for treating the spine.The main thing is to have confidence in the high professionalism of the masseur.
Reflexology is an effect on the active points of the human body using needles.This procedure activates vitality and, if done correctly, can instantly 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 the therapeutic exercises recommended by your doctor in the morning, eat healthy and varied foods.Fresh air, abandonment of bad habits, elimination of nervous stress - all this contributes to a quick recovery.