Cervical osteochondrosis: causes, symptoms and treatment methods

Dizziness, changes in blood pressure, fainting, heart pain: all this often results from spinal problems.80% of the population suffers from osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of varying severity, and, according to statistics, men experience it earlier than women: at 45-50 years old.If treatment is not started at an early stage, the pathology becomes irreversible.

What is osteochondrosis

The pathology is associated with degenerative changes in the cartilage between the vertebrae, in which the soft tissues become hard and depreciation decreases.

Osteochondrosis affects the thoracic, lumbar, but more often the cervical region.The reason is high loads on vertebrae 1-7, weak muscles, poor nutrition and choosing the wrong pillow for sleeping.

Mechanism of injury of the cervical vertebrae

Osteochondrosis develops when the process of nutrition of cartilage tissue and mineral metabolism are disrupted.The strength of bones and joints decreases, ligaments lose elasticity.The shape and structure of the disk changes and under the influence of loads it collapses.The vertebrae are brought together, their surfaces are erased.The pathology causes the following complications:

1. Compression of the vessels passing through the 1st-7th vertebrae causes hypoxia (lack of oxygen) of the brain.
2. Development of problems in the functioning of the respiratory system, blood vessels, heart, loss of vision.
3. Poor blood circulation in the brain leads to neurocirculatory (vegetative-vascular) dystonia.
4. Decreased mobility of the neck – due to the formation of bony formations on the vertebrae.
5. Impaired cerebellar function and spinal cord compression lead to death in advanced stages of the disease.

Stages of cervical osteochondrosis

The pathology develops slowly.In the preclinical stage, the distance between the vertebrae decreases, they put pressure on the soft disc.It also becomes thinner, the fibrous ring is destroyed, its core swells.A protrusion forms, then a hernia.The vertebrae rub against each other, change shape, and growths appear on them.Nerves and blood vessels are pinched.

Initial stage of cervical osteochondrosis

Cracks appear in the annulus fibrosus, the capsule ruptures, and the nucleus pulposus is damaged.Cervical osteochondrosis is felt when turning the head, when nerve endings are pinched, blood vessels narrow and blood flow is impaired.Pain appears in the back of the head, and the back muscles quickly get tired.

Stage 2 pathology

The degenerative process develops in the discs, the capsular ring is completely destroyed.The height between the vertebrae decreases, they become unstable and pinch the nerve roots of the spinal cord.Decreased neck flexibility and mobility.At this stage, the disease can still be cured without surgery.

The last stages of osteochondrosis of the neck

At stage 3 of the pathology, disc protrusion develops, leading to hernia;the pulpy ring protrudes and swells.The cervical vertebrae and their axis are displaced and the nutrition of the brain is affected.Furthermore, in the last (3 and 4) stages of the pathology, the following processes begin:

• intervertebral discs are destroyed, which are replaced by connective tissue;
• mobility of the neck and shoulder joints disappears;
• from friction, growths form on the surface of the vertebrae and nerve fibers are injured;
• The sensitivity of the hands decreases due to problems with their innervation.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

The patient's condition depends on the stage of the disease.First, rare pain appears when turning or lowering the head and tension in the back muscles.Subsequently the person experiences constant tiredness.The pain becomes stronger and more frequent.Then weakness, dizziness, ringing in the ears are added, and visual acuity decreases.All signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are divided into 3 groups:

• Irritant reflex syndromes– neurodystrophic, muscular-tonic and vegeto-vascular manifestations.
• Root compression– are associated with compression of nerve endings;one of the key symptoms is sharp pain when you turn your head.
• Vertebral artery syndrome– occurs when a vessel that supplies brain structures narrows.

Neurotic disorders

The brain is poorly supplied with blood, its functioning and the state of the nervous system are disrupted.I often have headaches and suffer from insomnia, which causes me to feel tired and apathetic.Then the following symptoms occur:

• increased sweating;
• emotional lability (mood instability);
• increased irritability;
• dizziness;
• depression;
• reduced concentration;
• tinnitus;
• “flies” before the eyes;
• anxiety;
• tremor (chills) of the limbs;
• panic attacks;
• vestibular system disorders: nausea, vomiting, gait instability, disorientation in space, loss of coordination.

General clinical signs

Osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae causes headaches and visual disturbances.At stage 2 of the pathology, patients complain of ringing in the ears, a lump in the throat, weakness of the arm muscles and numbness of the tongue.When you turn your neck and tilt your head, you hear a crunching sound and black dots appear before your eyes.With vertebral artery syndrome other symptoms appear:

• migraine that goes from the back of the neck to the forehead;
• darkening before the eyes;
• sore scalp;
• hearing loss;
• increased blood pressure;
• tingling in the fingers.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women

The clinical picture does not depend on gender, but women between the ages of 45 and 65 are more likely to experience numbness in the limbs during sleep, tingling and pain in the arms.The attacks repeat several times during the night.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

The pathology develops under the influence of a high load on the vertebrae, which causes muscle spasms.Sedentary work often leads to this: at the computer, in a vehicle.

People with poor posture are at risk.Other causes of cervical osteochondrosis:

• nervous tension, frequent stressful situations;
• physical inactivity – lack of physical activity, low activity;
• neck muscle weakness;
• hereditary predisposition;
• spinal injuries;
• rheumatism;
• excessive physical activity, heavy lifting;
• poor nutrition;
• metabolic disorders;
• frequent neck hypothermia;
• age-related changes in the musculoskeletal system, cartilaginous tissue;
• congenital anomalies of the cervical spine;
• autoimmune diseases that affect cartilaginous tissue;
• overweight;
• vertebral instability.

Diagnostics

The doctor examines the patient's complaints, evaluates posture and muscle tension.The diagnosis is clarified using an X-ray of the neck in 4 projections: the image shows the position of the vertebrae and the displacements.The stage of the disease and hidden pathologies are revealed by the following methods:

• Magnetic resonance imaging– the most effective method, shows in detail degenerative alterations of the bones, hernias, protrusions, ruptures of the fibrous ring.It can be prescribed instead of x-rays, but the test is expensive.
• Duplex ultrasound scanning– to evaluate blood flow disorders in the arteries.
• Computed tomography– does not reveal the sizes and areas of hernias, is prescribed in the initial stages to determine the narrowing of the vertebral space, the displacement of the cervical segments and the marginal growths of the bone tissue.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

The goals of therapy are to restore blood flow and tissue nutrition, remove symptoms of hypoxia, and stop the destruction of the vertebrae and discs.It is important to strengthen the muscular corset that supports the neck and restore mobility to the joints.Treatment tactics are chosen depending on the stage of the disease:

• Initial: massage, gymnastics, physiotherapy, taking chondroprotectors and drugs that improve blood circulation.
• Osteochondrosis stages 2-3 – drug treatment, therapeutic exercises, massage.
• Irreversible degenerative changes with destruction and deformation of the vertebrae - surgical intervention and symptomatic drug therapy.
• Exacerbation of the chronic form of cervical osteochondrosis: injections or tablets of drugs that relieve pain and spasms.

Helps with severe pain

Topically apply a pepper patch or warming ointments to the neck.Active warming of a separate area distracts from pain and increases blood flow in the tissues.Ointments are applied in a very thin layer using an applicator.Other ways to relieve pain caused by osteochondrosis:

• Analgesics in tablets: they have medium effectiveness, they are contraindicated in case of blood clotting problems.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: tablets are taken if there is no result from analgesics, since this group of drugs negatively affects the stomach and liver.
• Injections: administered for severe acute pain, the effect appears after 15 minutes.For intramuscular injections, NSAIDs and myotropic antispasmodics are used.In severe cases, a blockade is performed.

Conservative methods of therapy for osteochondrosis of the neck

In stages 1-2 of the disease without symptoms of cerebral hypoxia, treatment is carried out at home.The basis of therapy is gymnastics and massage.They improve blood flow and strengthen muscles.Other methods:

• Drug therapy: oral medications and injections during flare-ups, ointments and creams at other times.
• Physiotherapy – courses of 7-10 procedures during remission.
• Folk remedies - as an additional method of treating osteochondrosis.
• Dietary therapy: foods rich in fatty acids, magnesium and calcium are introduced into the diet.Avoid salt, smoked foods, pickled and spicy foods, and fast foods.

Drug

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis during an exacerbation is aimed at relieving unpleasant symptoms, stimulating blood flow and tissue nutrition.

During the remission period, drugs are used that improve the quality of the cartilage and prevent the collapse of the vertebrae.Medicines are used internally and topically.The main fund groups are:

• Muscle relaxants– relieve muscle spasms, reduce pain, use for a month.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)– applied topically and internally, relieves pain and swelling.Tablets are used for no more than 10 days.
• Analgesics– they relieve pain, but do not relieve inflammation and have a weaker effect than NSAIDs.
• Chondroprotectors– protect and restore cartilaginous tissue.
• Sedatives– often prescribed to women in whom osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is complicated by severe neurotic disorders.
• Nootropics– influence cerebral circulation, help fight dizziness.
• Vitamin and mineral complexes– improve metabolism in nervous tissue.

Non-pharmacological

During remission, treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck is based on local procedures that improve blood flow, metabolism, relieve pain and inflammation.The patient does gymnastics every day, the plan of which is drawn up by the doctor.The main methods of treatment are:

• Manual therapy– straighten the position of the vertebrae and strengthen them with massage.A course of 5-10 sessions is held 2-4 times a year.At home, light massage with stroking and rubbing of the neck and collar area from top to bottom for 7-10 minutes is allowed to relieve muscle spasm.
• Electrophoresis with drugs– To relieve pain and improve blood circulation, drugs are used which quickly reach the desired point with the current.
• Magnetotherapy– aimed at relieving swelling.
• Acupuncture– improves blood flow, relieves inflammation.Conducted in courses of 8-10 sessions every 1-2 days.
• Shants collar- a controversial method of eliminating the symptoms of osteochondrosis, since the load is removed from the muscles, but they are not strengthened.The product fixes the neck and lengthens the spine, increasing the distance between its segments.They wear the collar 3 hours a day for a month.

Physical therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae

Outside of periods of exacerbation, the patient is advised to perform therapeutic exercises.The strong head tilts forward and backward, and rotations are prohibited.Each exercise is performed for no more than one minute, without sudden movements or jerks.If you experience discomfort or pain, stop the activity.Proven exercises for the cervical spine:

• Slowly turn your head left and right, constantly looking at a point in front of you: this way you control the small amplitude of the movement.Perform 10-15 times in each direction, gradually increasing to 30.
• Place the palm of your hand on your forehead and press it, while trying to tilt your head forward.Count to 5 and relax.Repeat 10 times.
• Place your right palm on your left temple and press down to tilt your head toward your shoulder.Count to 5, release.Do 10 times on each side.
• Lying on your stomach, extend your arms along your body.Raising your head slightly, slowly turn it so that your ear touches the floor.Perform 10 movements on each side.

Surgical methods for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

If the nerve roots are affected, there is a hernia with a broken ring, the vertebrae are destroyed and there is no result from the main therapy, surgery is performed.

Symptoms of a serious condition: paralysis of the arms, muscle atrophy, stroke.

Main treatment methods:

• Facetectomy– endoscopic removal of the joints with subsequent fixation of the vertebrae, which will remain immobile.
• Disectomy with spinal fusion– prescribed for serious deforming alterations.During the operation, the soft disc is removed and the vertebrae are fused to prevent their destruction.Cons: the mobility of the cervical spine is limited, rehabilitation is long.
• Spinal fusion– removal of fragments of the destroyed disc, bone processes, introduction of an artificial graft and fixation of the vertebrae with screws.The recovery period is one year, the patient is recommended to wear a corset.
• Corpectomy– Removal of a destroyed vertebra and nearby discs is performed if other methods have no effect.

Folk remedies for cervical osteochondrosis

For severe pain, take 1 tsp.alcohol and camphor, add 2 drops of iodine and rub the areas to the left and right of the spine (do not touch the spine itself) for 3-5 minutes.This is done 1-2 times a day.Other popular recipes in addition to basic therapy:

1. Pour 500 g of knotweed with water (2 l), boil and leave.Pour the cooled broth through gauze into the prepared bath, take it for 15-20 minutes.The procedure is performed at night, relaxes and soothes.Course – 7-10 sessions.
2. Mix 1 tbsp.the.birch buds, St. John's wort, mint leaves.Grind, add a glass of water, boil for 5 minutes.Strain, mix with butter and vegetable oil (75 g each).Apply a thin layer of ointment on the neck, cover with polyethylene and a scarf.Keep for one hour.The procedures are performed every day for 2 weeks.
3. Pour 100 g of elderberries with vodka (600 ml).Leave for a week in a cold place.Rub your neck with this remedy 2 times a day for 10-15 days.

Prevention

Patients over the age of 40 should follow courses of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D and magnesium supplements every six months: they improve the condition of bones, ligaments and cartilage.The diet includes fatty fish, shrimp, mussels, nuts, legumes, spinach, cheese and milk.Other preventive measures:

• when working sedentary, change the position of the neck more often, stretch it every hour;
• choose a comfortable pillow;
• swimming, yoga;
• avoid weight lifting, jumping sports, running;
• Avoid neck hypothermia.