Cervical osteochondrosis (spondylosis, spondyloarthropathy) is a progressive disease caused by degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, cartilage tissue, ligaments, and apophyses themselves.
Headaches, dizziness, dark eyes - all of these can be the cause of cervical osteochondrosis, which often occurs in very young people.
The cervical spine is composed of seven vertebrae, ligaments, intervertebral discs, and joints. It is the most mobile, that is, the movable part.
The intervertebral disc is located between two vertebrae and acts as a shock absorber.That is, they prevent vertebral surfaces from contacting and evenly distribute the load on the cartilage tissue during flexion, extension, and head rotation.
In addition to the intervertebral discs, the vertebrae are connected by joints and ligaments; the absence of pathological changes in these organs ensures normal movement of the vertebrae, as well as the entire neck.
Causes of Osteochondrosis of the Neck
The main cause of cervical spondylosis is the destruction of the nutritional and metabolic processes of the intervertebral discs and ligaments.In terms of its structure and function, the intervertebral disc is similar to a sponge, which must be constantly compressed to remove unnecessary material and loosened to obtain nutrients.
To ensure the continuation of this process, the spine must move during the day; if this does not exist, it leads to changes in the properties of the intervertebral disc tissue, resulting in a reduction in the volume of the disc tissue and no longer providing adequate shock absorption.
The vertebrae begin to contact each other, bone tissue grows, and the lumen through which the spine, arteries, and nerve endings pass narrows.Narrowing of the lumen can lead to compression of nerve endings, causing all the symptoms of rickets.
Therefore, the main predisposing factors for cervical osteochondrosis are:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- genetic predisposition;
- Being overweight and eating a monotonous diet;
- poisoning, infection;
- age-related changes;
- spinal overload;
- Uncomfortable body positions for long periods of time;
- Poor posture, flat feet;
- Hypothermia, unfavorable environment;
- Injuried.
Cervical osteochondrosis is also an occupational disease.Chronically uncomfortable postures for drivers and computer operators can lead to vertebral stagnation and inflammation.Osteochondrosis may occur due to hormonal and vascular disorders.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis can be classified based on clinical signs according to whether arteries or nerves are involved in the pathological process.
Pressure on the vertebral arteries can cause the following health changes:
- Migraine.The pain gradually gets worse, often starting in the back of the head, localized to one side of the head, and may radiate to the eyes or ears.Patients complain of dizziness, tinnitus, and possibly nausea and vomiting.Cervical migraines are difficult to control with conventional analgesics.
- Fainting at the worst of the headache or sudden movement of the neck.
- Swallowing disorders.
- Pressure surges from low numbers to high numbers and vice versa.The attack is accompanied by feelings of fear and panic.
Compression of nerve endings in the spinal cord is called radicular syndrome; it is characterized by symptoms:
- Cervical pain, constant, soreness.Over time, the condition can get worse and lead to migraines;
- Pain in the back of the head and numbness in the upper neck;
- Feeling that your tongue is swollen, you have difficulty eating, and you have a foreign body sensation in your throat;
- Dull pain in collarbone and heart area;
- Limited arm movement - unable to lift or move to one side.
- Severe pain in the neck that spreads to the shoulder blades, arms, and fingers;
- Numbness, goosebumps, and weakness in hands when squeezed.
The pain of cervical osteochondrosis initially appears as a dull ache, then intensifies and spreads throughout the body.Pain on both sides of both hands, accompanied by numbness in the fingers.Suffering from cervical osteochondrosis, due to impaired blood supply, symptoms such as blurred vision, hearing loss, and nighttime snoring may occur, which can cause tension in the neck muscles.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is complex and includes pain relief and restoration of normal function of the vertebrae.Basically, this disease is treated by a neurologist; in the first stage, the doctor prescribes medications.If treatment doesn't work, surgery may be recommended.
drug treatment
The main drugs used to treat cervical osteochondrosis are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
These drugs not only treat inflammation but also relieve pain, making their use necessary for conditions such as cervical spondylosis.Non-steroidal medications also prevent further destruction of the disc and participate in the recovery of its tissue.
Antispasmodics are used along with NSAIDs; they help relieve muscle tension, which has a beneficial effect in treatment.If severe pain persists, your doctor may prescribe a blockade - an injection of novocaine or lidocaine into the cervical area.
The doctor will also prescribe ointment to the patient and apply it to the painful area.They relieve muscle tension and reduce pain, and their anti-inflammatory ingredients penetrate the skin and reduce inflammation.For chronic conditions, doctors prescribe chondroprotectants and B vitamins.
Medication for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can only be prescribed by a doctor; he will be able to choose the correct dose of the drug and calculate the course of administration.Some drugs may have contraindications for chronic diseases, so their analogues are used in treatment.Treatment of the active phase of cervical osteochondrosis can last up to 3 months, and in addition to medication, physical therapy and non-drug treatments can also be used.
physical therapy
Physiotherapy is a treatment method that uses external physical factors: low current, ultrasound, laser, magnetic fields.Their action on the affected area improves microcirculation in the tissues and spine, thus speeding up the recovery process.
Deep heating of the inflamed area relaxes the muscles, relieves pain, and helps remove the products of decay.Physical therapy is a safe treatment method for patients of any age.
Taping is also used to treat cervical osteochondrosis.This method uses special elastic cotton or synthetic tape with high strength and elasticity.Taping helps relax muscles and relieve tension and pain.
The benefits of using Kinesio Taping to treat disease are not immediate.The first relief occurred a quarter of an hour after the operation, and the full effect was achieved a few days later.You can wear Kinesio Tape to treat osteochondrosis for up to 5 days, during which time you can perform water treatments without worrying about its safety because the tape holds tightly, dries quickly, and is "breathable".
Kinesio taping is not a primary method of treating osteochondrosis; its most effective use is in conjunction with other types of therapy.
non-pharmacological methods
Non-traditional methods are also widely used to treat cervical osteochondrosis.Basically, it's a type of massage - using your hands to apply mechanical action of varying intensity to sore parts of the body.Massage can improve tissue circulation and relax tense muscles.Thai massage is also good for treating the spine.The main thing is to have confidence in the high professionalism of the massage therapist.
Reflexology uses needles to act on active points on the human body.This process is energizing and, if done correctly, can provide immediate pain relief.
It is also useful to treat this disease with folk remedies - of course, in consultation with the attending doctor.
Traction is used to restore the normal anatomical position of the spine.
People suffering from cervical osteochondrosis should remember that no matter how good the treatment is, it will not help if the patient does not work hard.It is necessary to change your lifestyle - exercise more, do the therapeutic exercises recommended by your doctor in the morning, eat healthy and varied food.Fresh air, giving up bad habits, removing stress from the nerves - all these contribute to a quick recovery.