Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Every second inhabitant of the Earth faces problems with the spine.Osteochondrosis of the neck is one of the most common diseases that requires special attention.Lack of timely treatment can lead to serious consequences.In particularly advanced cases, complications can cause a fatal outcome.

Phases

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in women and men develops gradually and has periods of increased symptoms and remissions.Signs of the disease appear when the process of destruction of the vertebrae reaches a serious stage.

There are four degrees of cervical osteochondrosis:

1. Initial phase.It is characterized by disturbances in the structure of the intervertebral discs.They become thinner due to loss of moisture.Cracks appear on the fibrous rings.Often at this stage there are practically no signs of cervical osteochondrosis.However, if the pathology can be identified, it is possible to completely restore the damaged intervertebral discs.The first stage of development of cervical osteochondrosis is considered very favorable for starting treatment.
2. The second stageThe disease is associated with the deterioration of the tissue of the intervertebral discs.They are significantly reduced in size.This causes the muscle corset and ligaments of the spine to relax.Instability of the cervical spine occurs, the mobility of the vertebrae increases.Often, the first symptoms of osteochondrosis appear at this stage.
3. In the third phasespinal deformity becomes apparent.Protrusions and hernias appear.Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis become pronounced.
4. The fourth stageaccompanied by the formation of osteophytes, ossification (ossification) of ligaments and other deformations.These signs of osteochondrosis are evidence that the body is trying to stabilize the damaged segments of the spinal column in any way possible.

The peculiarity of the cervical spine is the small distance between the vertebrae.When structural disorders of these segments occur, the spinal cord, nerve endings and blood vessels of the circulatory system are pinched.

Manifestations

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis may depend on the part of the spine where the affected object is located.The following mechanisms of the negative impact of the pathology, as well as the accompanying symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, differ:

1. Radicular syndrome.The pain is transmitted from the cervical spine to the fingers.Tingling is felt in different parts of the upper limbs and a goosebump effect.
2. Vertebral artery syndromecauses circulation disorders in the brain.It is accompanied by weakness, nausea, impaired hearing and vision, and disorders of the vestibular apparatus.It can cause sharp or throbbing headaches in the occipital, parietal, temporal and superciliary regions.
3. For cardiac syndromeSymptoms of osteochondrosis can be confused with angina pectoris.Pain attacks can last several hours and are accompanied by extrasystoles or tachycardia.
4. Irritative reflex syndrome.This phenomenon causes acute attacks of pain in the back of the head or neck.Unpleasant sensations are transferred to the shoulder or thoracic region.They appear when moving after a long period of rest.

It is unacceptable to ignore these signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in men and women.

If such symptoms appear, it is necessary to contact a neurologist as soon as possible.

Types of diagnostics

Cervical osteochondrosis has symptoms similar to many other pathologies.Therefore, before making a specific diagnosis, the doctor must determine exactly which symptoms caused the patient's concern, and then conduct an examination.

Based on his observations, the specialist can make a preliminary diagnosis.But in order to more precisely determine the causes of the pathology, additional research is needed.The main methods for diagnosing cervical osteochondrosis are:

1. Radiography.The most accessible instrumental method.Almost every clinic has a minimal technical base for conducting such a study.X-ray provides information about the location and severity of the pathological process.It allows you to determine what consequences caused osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.In order to get a complete picture of the disease, X-rays are taken in different projections.
2. Computed tomography.It allows you to see all the changes in the structure of the spinal tissue, thanks to the possibility of examination layer by layer.Using this method, you can determine the stage of cervical osteochondrosis, the presence of protrusions and hernias.Computed tomography perfectly visualizes the condition of all components of the spinal region with the exception of the intervertebral discs.
3. MRI.The most accurate and informative method for diagnosing cervical osteochondrosis.The obtained images allow you to assess the condition of the segments of the spinal column, nerves and blood vessels.This becomes possible due to the absence of images of other organs on the projection.Magnetic resonance helps to identify the locations of damaged segments, determine changes in tissues, narrowing of the spinal canal, as well as degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc such as protrusions and hernias.

Treatment

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is associated with a degenerative disorder of the structure of the intervertebral discs, as well as the tissues and ligaments of the spinal column located next to them.Both men and women of all age groups can suffer from this disease.This is due to a large number of unfavorable factors, among which are a sedentary lifestyle, poor posture and poor nutrition.

The issue of proper treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is very relevant.Therapy can be conservative (in non-advanced cases) or surgical (sequestered hernias).

If the patient has signs of osteochondrosis, the treatment regimen must be selected individually for each patient.The therapeutic program may depend on the following factors:

• disease stages;
• period of exacerbation or remission;
• individual characteristics of the patient.

Treatment of osteochondrosis should be prescribed by a doctor after a complete examination of the patient and an accurate diagnosis.

Conservative methods

The primary goal of the treatment of degenerative changes in the spine is to prevent the development of pathology and complications.In order to achieve a favorable result in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, it is not enough to use any method;it is important to use an integrated approach.

In the first stages of therapy, the doctor's recommendations are aimed at eliminating pain and restoring circulatory function.In the next phase, you can move on to physiotherapeutic procedures, manual therapy and exercise therapy.

Types of conservative therapy include:

1. Drug treatment.This method is characterized by the use of drugs with different effects: analgesics, antispasmodics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilators, chondroprotectors, sedatives, vitamins, minerals.Drug treatment can be prescribed during an exacerbation of the disease with significant pain and increased muscle tone.Cervical osteochondrosis can be treated with ointments or gels only in case of mild inflammation.In other cases, these measures are not effective.
2. Physiotherapy.Treatment with physical factors (magnetic fields, ultrasound, low-frequency currents) can be applied at any stage of pathology development.Physiotherapy procedures help reduce pain, stimulate blood circulation, metabolism, and also allow you to reduce medication doses.For the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, electrophoresis with medication, darsonval, ultrasound, laser therapy and magnetotherapy can be prescribed.Each of these types of physiotherapeutic procedures has its own contraindications.For this reason, the method of treatment should be chosen by the doctor.
3. Manual therapy.The goals of this method are normalization of muscle tone, improvement of blood circulation and removal of deformations in the cervical spine.The therapeutic effect is achieved by applying physical influence in the form of pressure, vibration and friction.In order to achieve a noticeable long-term effect, manual therapy must be combined with drugs, physiotherapy and exercise therapy.
4. Physical therapy.The course of cervical osteochondrosis can be alleviated by performing a course of special exercises.This allows you to develop muscles and significantly reduce the load on the damaged segments of the spine.A set of gymnastic exercises can be selected only by a doctor, taking into account the characteristics of the patient.It is recommended to start classes under the supervision of a specialist.It is not advisable to engage in physical therapy when pain occurs.

Surgical method

If cervical osteochondrosis does not respond to conservative treatment, there may be a need for surgical intervention.Most often this happens with compression of the spinal cord or herniated discs.

The purpose of the surgical operation is to remove the compression of the nerve roots and blood vessels, as well as to stabilize the cervical spine.In this case, the following methods are used:

• Discectomy- complete or partial elimination of the intervertebral disc.The procedure is performed with microsurgical instruments.This reduces damage to the surrounding tissue.
• Laser disc reconstruction.During the operation, a needle is inserted into the affected area and a special cable is passed through it.Under the influence of laser energy, the intervertebral disc is heated.This stimulates the growth of cells, which within 3-6 months fill all the gaps created as a result of the disease.The operation is performed under local anesthesia.
• Arthrodesis.All manipulations are performed through a small incision on the front or back of the neck.As a result of the operation, compression of the spinal cord and nerve endings is removed, and artificial implants or special metal structures are installed.They correct the bending line of physiological lordosis.

Cervical osteochondrosis can be treated surgically only in the most severe cases of the disease.It is associated with a high risk of complications.Possible consequences of the operation are damage to nerve endings or the spinal cord, narrowing of the spinal canal as a result of scars, the development of infections and many other unpleasant consequences.

Prevention methods

Osteochondrosis of the neck can develop in both women and men at any age.Many factors contribute to this.The occurrence of the disease can be prevented by simple preventive measures.To do this, just follow some basic rules:

1. Do not expose the spine to heavy loads.Avoid sudden movements and injuries, periodically change the position of the body, evenly distribute the load when moving heavy objects and choose comfortable shoes.
2. Do regular gymnastic exercises to strengthen your neck muscles.
3. Brace yourself.
4. Maintain a balance in your food intake.
5. Get rid of bad habits.

It is important to remember that preventing the development of pathology is much easier than dealing with its long-term and expensive treatment later.Following simple measures to prevent the disease will allow you to never find out what cervical osteochondrosis is.