Do you experience unpleasant pain in your neck, accompanied by dizziness, general weakness and fatigue?All this should be a wake-up call for every person, because any of the listed symptoms may indicate the development of cervical osteochondrosis.
Such alarming symptoms should be treated with full responsibility, since in the absence of timely treatment, the pathology can cause more serious consequences, including intervertebral hernia.
What is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?
Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the spine, during the development of which the structure of the connective tissue changes.
The disease is often disguised as a disorder of another type, but timely contact with a specialist allows for timely diagnosis and immediate treatment.
Degenerative changes in the tissues of the cervical spine are most often found in the anamnesis of people of mature age (45-59) and elderly people (60-74).
Despite this, it is worth noting: in modern society there is a rejuvenation of the disease, which is confirmed by the periodic diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis in children and adolescents.
It is important that osteochondrosis can occur both in isolation and in combination with damage to other parts, in particular thoracic, lumbar and sacral.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Today it is impossible to name the exact causes of degenerative processes occurring in the intervertebral discs.There is no confirmation that cervical osteochondrosis is a phenomenon of aging.
Numerous studies conducted by scientists from different countries have found that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has predominantly provoking factors.
Among the causes predisposing to the development of osteochondrosis of the neck are:
- low level of activity, inactivity and predominantly sedentary lifestyle;
- types of work that involve a static load on the cervical spine;
- excess body weight, insufficient level of physical development;
- interruption of the development processes of connective tissue;
- old spinal injuries;
- deformity of the spine, use of pillows and mattresses that are insufficiently comfortable for rest;
- genetic predisposition.
The vast majority of reasons are one way or another related to the natural processes of aging of body systems, as well as the probable development of pathologies of bone and cartilage tissue.
What is the danger of cervical osteochondrosis?
A reduction in the level of mobility and limited flexibility of the joints, loss of muscle elasticity and other signs of aging of the body are inevitable natural processes that accompany a person in ontogeny.
Nagging pain that occurs when moving well before the natural period of aging often leads to loss of quality of life and even disability.
To determine how to treat cervical osteochondrosis, a professional consultation with your doctor is necessary.In the absence of professional, timely diagnosis and necessary treatment, the disease progresses, which can cause not only a deterioration in well-being, but also serious disruptions in the functioning of the nervous and vascular systems.
Main signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The structure of the human skeleton, the ability to walk upright and the impressive size of the head have meant that some parts of the spinal column are the most vulnerable, in particular the cervical one.
Among the striking features of the structure of the cervical spine, it is worth highlighting the presence of predominantly small vertebrae and a relatively small number of muscles, and therefore it is in this area that disorders such as osteochondrosis most often occur.
Pain is the most characteristic syndrome of spinal diseases.Depending on the affected area, it can focus on:
- in the clavicle and/or shoulder;
- along the entire cervical spine;
- not the anterior surface of the sternum.
It is quite difficult to independently determine the primary signs of the disease, because in the vast majority of cases they are insignificant and very nonspecific:
- pain in the areaneckmainly in the evening;
- heaviness,pain in the back of the head;
- slight numbness,tingling in the shoulder, hands;
- crunch,clicking sound when you turn your head.
The progression of the disease is accompanied by a series of main symptoms that are already evident.
Vegetative-dystonic symptom
It is characterized by excruciating pain in the neck, particularly evident in the area just below the back of the head.
Pain often occurs when you stay in the same position for a long time, for example in the morning.
The neck muscles are tense, difficulty moving the arm to the side and stiffness in finger movements are noted.
Due to compression of the vertebral arteries, neurological manifestations often occur:
- recurrent headaches;
- nausea;
- fainting.
Spinal symptom
The location of the area is on the left behind the chest.
In the process of gradual disruption of the structure of the intervertebral discs, compression occurs and, as a result, pinching of the nerve roots occurs, which leads to narrowing of the arteries and veins, which in turn leads to the formation of radicular and ischemic syndrome.
Poor circulation causes:
- strong, migraine;
- dizziness;
- vision problems, tinnitus;
- disorders of autonomic functions.
In rare cases, a manifestation of cardinal syndrome can be observed, accompanied by compressive pain in the heart muscle, lack of air and cardiac arrhythmia.
Degrees of development of cervical osteochondrosis and their characteristic symptoms
The process of development of the disease proceeds rather slowly, but at the same time it has 4 clearly visible stages:
- 1st degree cervical osteochondrosis: discomfort and mild pain during prolonged walking or static position.The beginning of the formation of compactions in the intervertebral discs;
- Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, grade 2 – severe pain.Manual therapy and appropriate medications are used to eliminate pain;
- 3rd degree cervical osteochondrosis – presence of serious lesions of the connective tissue of the affected area;
- Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, grade 4, is the final stage of the development of the disease, characterized by damage to almost all parts of the spine.
The last stage of development of the disease requires surgical intervention, which entails a long recovery.
Diagnosis of the disease
If there are characteristic symptoms, to diagnose and treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, it is necessary to consult an orthopedic doctor or neurologist.
As part of diagnostic measures, the specialist will determine mobility and pain in the neck area, also evaluate the degree of sensitivity and identify other functional disorders.
Among the most effective diagnostic methods are:
- X-ray of the cervical spine, performed in various projections;
- CT (computed tomography);
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) if a hernia/protrusion is suspected.
In case of circulatory disorders, rheoencephalography and ocular fundus examination can also be used.
Possible complications
Lack of timely treatment can lead to serious complications, including:
- protruding intervertebral discs(hernia/protrusion formation);
- rupture of the intervertebral disc,accompanied by pinching of nerves and blood vessels, which can cause death;
- radiculopathy(damage to nerve roots), formation of osteophytes (tips on the vertebral body) with manifestation of numerous paresis and paralysis.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is determined by a specialist and depends on the degree of development of the pathology, the form of its course and the characteristics of the clinical manifestation of the disease.
Today, the most effective methods of treating the disease are:
- treatment with conservative methods, including medicinal/non-medicinal ones;
- surgery;
- complex combination of techniques.
Physiotherapy
It involves the impact of physical factors on the affected area.With an integrated approach and correct implementation of all procedures, improvements become clearly noticeable already in the second or third month of treatment.
Among the most popular areas of physiotherapy prescribed for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- electrotherapy;
- shock wave therapy;
- magnetotherapy;
- ball therapy;
- laser therapy;
- vibrating massage.
Neck massage for osteochondrosis
The massage should be performed carefully, without the use of force.Violation of the massage technique can cause negative consequences.
The starting position for the massage is "lying on your stomach" or "sitting with your back straight".
All existing massage techniques are based on techniques such as:
- stroking - affecting the surface layers of the skin.It is performed with the palms of the hands and the tips of the fingers downwards, from the nape of the neck, up to the upper third of the back;
- squeezing: affects the deep layers of skin in the upper third of the back.Performed with two fingers (thumb and index finger), placed across the neck;
- rubbing – the main goal is to warm the skin and increase blood flow to the desired area;
- kneading – affects deep tissues;it should be used with caution, as improper use can aggravate the situation.
Therapeutic gymnasticswith cervical osteochondrosis
There are some exercises for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.The most effective include:
Self-extension
Starting position: sitting/standing with your back straight.
Order of execution: maintaining the starting position, try to lower your shoulders as low as possible, stretching your head upwards.
Running intensity: at least 10 times (2-5 seconds each), at least 3 times a day.
Self-massage
Equipment: terry towel.
Starting position: sitting/standing, wrap a towel around your neck and grab the ends with your hands.
Procedure: pull the ends of the towel one by one, gently massaging the neck muscles.
Important!During the exercise, you need to ensure that the towel does not slip and rub your neck.
Gymnastics (flexion/extension, turns, push-ups)
Starting position: sitting/standing with your back straight.
Order of execution: From the starting position, gently flex/extend, rotate or tilt the head, first in one direction, then in the other.
Execution intensity: 5-7 movements in one direction.
Pharmacological treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
It is especially important during a flare-up, since it is through the cervical spine that important blood vessels pass that supply nutrition to the brain.
Tablets, injections, ointments and other topical agents prescribed by the attending physician can be used as treatment.
Important!Self-medication with drugs from various groups is unacceptable and can lead to disability and death.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
One of the most effective drugs, often used for osteochondrosis in the form of injections, but also available in the form of tablets, patches and ointments.
The key direction of action is to reduce pain, eliminate swelling and inflammatory processes.
Muscle relaxants
Provide effective reduction of muscle tension, which significantly reduces pain.
The recommended treatment period is 2 to 4 weeks.
Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and warming ointments for cervical osteochondrosis
To increase efficiency, anti-inflammatories and painkillers contain steroid substances.
The effect of warming ointments is aimed at pain relief, as well as warming, which activates blood flow at the site of application of the drug.
Chondroprotectors
They serve to slow down degenerative processes and accelerate the regeneration of connective tissue.It has a cumulative effect.
Recommended dosage: 2 to 6 months.
Features of nutrition in the treatment and prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
Proper nutrition is undoubtedly an important component of maintaining a healthy body.
In the context of prevention or treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, diet is an auxiliary, but at the same time very significant component.
The main goals of proper nutrition in the treatment or prevention of osteochondrosis are:
- eliminating the possibility of a deficiency of nutrients necessary for metabolic processes in the tissues of the intervertebral discs;
- maintaining optimal body weight;
- reducing the risk of developing vascular alterations, preventing circulatory disorders.
Diet principles
Nutrition for cervical osteochondrosis is based on the principles of rationality and functionality:
- Minimize inhibitions: a healthy diet is varied, balanced and at the same time rich in all the necessary substances.
- Compliance with the alcohol consumption regime is an important component in preventing tissue degradation of the intervertebral discs.
- Reducing salt consumption eliminates the possibility of increasing the load on blood vessels and ensures the maintenance of water and electrolyte balance.
- Limit the consumption of starches and sugars to eliminate the possibility of metabolic disorders.
Forbidden and recommended foods
Nutrition in the treatment and prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine requires the exclusion of products that clog the body, such as:
- alcohol, which upsets the water-electrolyte balance and causes dehydration of the tissues;
- fatty meats and smoked meats that are difficult to digest;
- acidic and spicy dishes that increase inflammatory processes;
- semi-finished products that negatively affect digestion processes;
- sweets, sugar, which interrupt blood circulation.
The list of products recommended for consumption mainly includes easily digestible products of plant and animal origin, rich in proteins, complex carbohydrates and fibre, including:
- chicken, rabbit, lean beef and pork;
- fish and seafood;
- dairy products, eggs;
- various types of cereals;
- wholemeal bread;
- fruits, vegetables, berries and herbs.
Preventive measures
The basis for the health of the human cervical spine is a strong back, the health of which is determined by:
- sufficient level of physical activity;
- maintaining optimal body weight;
- comfortable bed with anatomical pillows and high quality mattress;
- maintain correct posture;
- a combination of prolonged periods of sitting with periods of rest and exercise;
- maintain proper nutrition.
Furthermore, it is advisable to avoid neck injuries and, of course, to lift excessive weights.