Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a degenerative-dystrophic process in the area of the cervical vertebrae and surrounding tissues, associated with gradual thinning, dehydration of intervertebral discs and the formation of vertebral deformities.All of this impairs mobility, causes inflammatory changes in the surrounding tissues, pain and complications.A more current name for the disease is dorsopathy.The term "osteochondrosis" itself does not correspond to modern criteria, but is strongly rooted in referring to different processes and causes of pain in different parts of the spine.
Osteochondrosis affects the intervertebral discs, vertebrae and surrounding soft tissues.As a result of degenerative-dystrophic processes against the background of aging and excessive stress, changes occur in the composition of the gelatinous substance of the disc and the dense fibrous tissue surrounding it, forming an elastic membrane.Gradually, the height of the disc decreases and its shock absorption properties deteriorate.
The metabolism inside the core suffers, microcracks form, the disc is deformed, bulges (bulges) and hernias form.As the process progresses, the surrounding part of the cartilage and bone tissue of the vertebrae suffers and osteophytes form, bony outgrowths that limit mobility and cause pain.
Changes occur near the spinal cord and its membranes, the roots of the spinal nerves, which can form irritation, inflammation of the surrounding tissues, reflex muscle spasms, causing typical manifestations of the disease.Nearby vessels in which blood flow is disturbed may suffer.
Reasons
Osteochondrosis in the predominantly cervical spine area can occur against the background of a number of existing health problems.Each one makes the process even worse.Among the main provocateurs are:
Obesity, overweight;
Inactivity, lack of physical activity;
Mainly sedentary work or standing for a long time;
Bad posture, bending over;
Problems with the musculoskeletal system (flat feet, scoliosis), due to which the load on the spine is distributed unevenly;
Back and neck injuries, congenital spinal malformations;
Excessive stress on the neck and back;
Predisposition to pathology.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
The manifestations of the disease are varied, are not always recognized immediately and are confused with other pathologies.Among the most typical are:
Dizziness attacks that are systemic in nature occur in the form of attacks.
Pain in the nape of the neck, neck area, neck.The severity and intensity of the pain depends on the development of the process.Initially mild and periodic, as the pathology develops it becomes constant, spreading to the entire head.
Ringing, noise in the ears when changing position after sitting or lying down for a long time, may be accompanied by an attack of dizziness.
Nausea with vomiting due to circulatory disorders in certain areas of the brain, worsens when turning the head.
Visual impairment, fog, blurred vision, flickering spots.
Sudden increases in pressure, fainting.
Feeling of a lump in the throat, dryness, problems swallowing.
Pain in the shoulders, numbness in the hands.
In addition to these discomforts, typical syndromes that arise only against the background of damage to the cervical spine are also possible.
Vertebral syndrome: reduced mobility in the neck, pain when trying to turn the head, cracking in the vertebrae.
Vertebral artery syndrome with tinnitus, dizziness, pressure changes and drowsiness.
Radicular syndrome with numbness and pain in the back of the neck, altered sensitivity of the tongue, hiccups, swallowing problems, pain in the shoulders, between the shoulder blades, numbness of the little finger.
Possible complications and risks.
Chronic osteochondrosis in the cervical region causes alterations in the area of the nerve trunks and arteries.This threatens the development of strokes, thyroid disorders, sensitivity problems in the hands, difficulty swallowing food, and vision disorders.In addition, neck mobility is significantly limited.
Diagnosis
To diagnose pathology, it is necessary to contact an orthopedist and neurologist.A complete examination helps make a diagnosis:
X-ray and CT scan of the cervical spine, MRI for visualization of bone and soft tissue structures.
Duplex scanning of the arteries of the neck and head evaluates blood circulation in the brain and neck.
Reflexes, neck mobility and the condition of soft tissues are evaluated.
Additionally, ultrasound, ECG, blood pressure monitoring and consultation with an otorhinolaryngologist are required to exclude other pathologies.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Basically, the doctor treats osteochondrosis of the cervical spine depending on the underlying cause.If, for example, muscle tension or poor posture is the cause of the symptoms, the doctor usually begins with conservative treatment.These include, for example, exercises to strengthen the neck muscles, physiotherapy and manual therapy, as well as pharmacological pain relievers.
In some cases, the doctor recommends surgery.This is necessary, for example, in case of a severe herniated disc or an injury to the cervical spine.
Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is aimed at long-term pain relief and restoration of body flexibility.It includes muscle strengthening exercises, massages and physical measures (e.g. applications of heat, cold, light or electrical stimuli).The therapist massages the affected muscles, for example by irradiating them with red light or applying heat compresses.In this way, tensions and blockages in the vertebrae are released, so that the vertebral joints are no longer limited in their mobility.
The physical therapist will also select specific therapeutic exercises that suit individual needs and health conditions.He will tell you exactly how to perform these exercises and, if necessary, correct any movements you are doing incorrectly.The main thing here is that you are learning techniques that will help you relax your muscles and improve the mobility of your head and neck.Exercise also helps improve blood circulation in the body, relieve tension and strengthen muscles.
If symptoms appear acutely or exercise does not help, the doctor also treats osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with medications.If necessary, anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed.They relieve pain for a time and allow patients to move their head and neck better.
If your symptoms are severe and/or particularly painful, your doctor will also prescribe medications that relax your muscles (called muscle relaxants).
Pharmacy ointments or patches that have an analgesic effect also relieve the symptoms of cervical syndrome.
In some cases (for example, with a herniated disc), the doctor uses the so-called minimally invasive injection therapy.This method is most often used for pinched nerves.To do this, the doctor injects a local anesthetic with a needle directly into the affected area of the spine (infiltration).Soothes irritated nerves, relieves pain and relaxes muscles.Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor will administer the treatment one to ten times.
If conservative treatment is not effective, the doctor will consider surgery.This is the case, for example, of a herniated disc, when a person suffers very intense pain, symptoms of paralysis appear.Nowadays the operation is usually microsurgical, that is, through a small incision.The doctor removes intervertebral disc tissue that is pressing on the nerves and causing symptoms.The procedure is usually brief (approximately 30 to 60 minutes).The patient is usually under general anesthesia during the operation and remains in the hospital for observation for about three days.
Prevention
You have the power to relieve your symptoms and prevent neck tension on your own.For this the following measures are possible:
Exercise therapy and swimming in many cases improve the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Under certain circumstances, stress and psychological tension can contribute to osteochondrosis of the cervical spine or intensify its symptoms.Therefore, try to avoid stressful situations.