Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a degenerative-dystrophic process in the region of the cervical vertebrae and surrounding tissues, associated with gradual thinning, dehydration of the intervertebral discs and the creation of deformities of the vertebrae.All this makes mobility difficult, causes inflammatory changes in the surrounding tissues, pain and complications.The more current name for the disease is dorsopathy.The term "osteochondrosis" itself does not correspond to modern criteria, but it is strongly rooted in the designation of different processes and causes of pain in different parts of the spine.
Osteochondrosis affects intervertebral discs, vertebrae and surrounding soft tissues.As a result of degenerative-dystrophic processes in the background of aging and excessive stress, there are changes in the composition of the gel substance of the disc and the dense fibrous tissue that surrounds it, forming an elastic membrane.Gradually, the height of the disk decreases, its cushioning properties deteriorate.
Metabolism inside the core suffers, microcracks are formed, the disc is deformed, protrusions and hernias are formed.As the process progresses, the surrounding part of the cartilage and bone tissue of the vertebrae is damaged, and osteophytes are formed - bone growths, which limit mobility and cause pain.
Changes occur near the spinal cord and its membranes, the roots of the spinal nerves, which can create irritation, inflammation of the surrounding tissues, reflex muscle spasms, which cause typical manifestations of the disease.Nearby vessels with impaired blood flow may suffer.
Reasons
Osteochondrosis in the region of the cervical spine can appear against the background of a number of existing health problems.Each further aggravates the process.Among the leading provocateurs are:
Obesity, overweight;
Inactivity, lack of physical activity;
Mainly sitting work or standing for long periods of time;
Poor posture, stooping;
Problems with the musculoskeletal system (flat feet, scoliosis), due to which the load on the spine is unevenly distributed;
Back and neck injuries, congenital malformations of the spine;
Excessive stress on the neck and back;
Predisposition to pathology.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Manifestations of the disease are diverse, they are not always recognized immediately, they are mistaken for other pathologies.Among the most typical are:
Vertigo attacks that are systemic in nature occur in the form of seizures.
Pain in the back of the head, neck, neck.The severity and intensity of the pain depend on the development of the process.At first, it is 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, can be accompanied by an attack of vertigo.
Nausea with vomiting due to circulatory disorders in certain parts of the brain, worsens when turning the head.
Visual impairment, fog, blurred vision, flickering dots.
Pressure spikes, fainting.
Feeling of a lump in the throat, dryness, problems with swallowing.
Pain in the shoulders, numbness in the hands.
In addition to these complaints, typical syndromes that arise only against the background of damage to the cervical spine are also possible.
Vertebral syndrome - impaired mobility in the neck, pain when trying to turn the head, grinding in the vertebrae.
Vertebral artery syndrome with tinnitus, dizziness, pressure changes and drowsiness.
Radicular syndrome with numbness and pain in the back of the head, impaired sensitivity of the tongue, hiccups, swallowing problems, pain in the shoulders, between the shoulder blades, numbness of the little finger.
Possible complications and risks
Long-term osteochondrosis in the cervical region leads to disorders in the area of nerve trees and arteries.This threatens the development of stroke, thyroid disorders, problems with hand sensitivity, difficulty swallowing food and vision disorders.In addition, the mobility of the neck is significantly limited.
Diagnostics
To diagnose the pathology, it is necessary to contact an orthopedist and a neurologist.A comprehensive examination helps to establish a diagnosis:
X-ray and CT of the cervical spine, MRI for visualization of bone and soft tissue structures.
A duplex scan of the arteries in the neck and head assesses blood circulation in the brain and neck.
Reflexes, neck mobility and soft tissue condition are assessed.
Additionally, ultrasound, EKG, blood pressure monitoring and consultation with an ENT specialist are required to rule out 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 are causing the symptoms, the doctor will usually start conservative treatment.These include, for example, exercises to strengthen the muscles in the neck, physical therapy and manual therapy, and medications to relieve pain.
In some cases, the doctor recommends surgery.This is necessary, for example, in case of severe disc herniation or cervical spine injury.
Physiotherapy of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is aimed at long-term pain relief and restoration of body flexibility.It includes muscle-strengthening exercises, massage, and physical measures (eg, application of heat, cold, light, or electrical stimulation).The therapist massages the affected muscles, for example, by irradiating them with red light or applying heat packs.In this way, tension and blockages in the vertebrae are released so that the joints of the vertebrae are no longer restricted 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 the movements that you perform incorrectly.The most important thing here is to learn 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 the symptoms appear acutely or if exercise does not help, the doctor also treats osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with drugs.If necessary, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.They relieve pain for a while and allow patients to move their head and neck better.
If your symptoms are severe and/or particularly painful, your doctor will also prescribe medicines that relax your muscles (called muscle relaxants).
Pharmacy ointments or plasters that have an analgesic effect also relieve the symptoms of cervical syndrome.
In some cases (for example, with a herniated disc), the doctor uses 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).It calms irritated nerves, relieves pain and relaxes muscles.Depending on how severe the symptoms are, your doctor will give the treatment one to ten times.
If conservative treatment is not effective, the doctor will consider surgery.This is the case, for example, with a herniated disc, when a person suffers from very strong pain, symptoms of paralysis appear.Today, the operation is usually microsurgical, that is, through a small incision.The doctor removes the intervertebral disc tissue that is pressing on the nerves and causing the symptoms.The procedure is usually short (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 own symptoms and prevent neck tension.The following measures are possible for this:
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 increase its symptoms.So try to avoid stressful situations.