Cervical osteochondrosis (spondylosis, spondyloarthrosis) is a progressive disease caused by degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, cartilage tissue, ligaments and bone processes themselves.
Headache, dizziness, darkening of the eyes - all this can be the cause of cervical osteochondrosis, which often occurs in very young people.
The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae, ligaments, intervertebral discs, joints and is the most mobile part.
Intervertebral discs are located between two vertebrae and act as shock absorbers.That is, they prevent the surfaces of the vertebrae from touching and evenly distribute the load on the cartilage tissue during flexion, extension and rotation of the head.
In addition to the discs, the vertebrae are connected by joints and ligaments;the absence of pathological changes in these organs ensures normal mobility of the vertebrae, and thus of the entire neck.
Causes of neck osteochondrosis
The main cause of spondylosis of the neck is a violation of nutrition and metabolic processes in the intervertebral discs and ligaments.In its structure and functioning, the disc resembles a sponge, which must be constantly compressed in order to remove unnecessary substances, and released for nutrition.
To ensure the stability of this process, the spine must be mobile during the day;the absence of this condition leads to a change in the properties of the disc tissue, due to which it decreases in volume and no longer provides sufficient shock absorption.
The vertebrae begin to come into contact with each other, their bone tissue grows, and the lumen through which the spinal column, arteries and nerve endings pass narrows.The narrowing of the lumen causes compression of the nerve endings and all the symptoms of chondrosis appear.
Therefore, currently the main provoking factors for the occurrence of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- genetic predisposition;
- overweight, monotonous diet;
- intoxication, infection;
- age changes;
- spine overload;
- prolonged uncomfortable body position;
- bad posture, flat feet;
- hypothermia, unfavorable environment;
- injuries.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is also an occupational disease.Long-term uncomfortable posture of drivers and computer operators leads to stagnation of the vertebrae and their inflammation.Osteochondrosis can occur due to hormonal and vascular disorders.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis, depending on the involvement of arteries or nerves in the pathological process, can be divided according to clinical signs.
Compression of the vertebral artery causes the following changes in well-being:
- migraine.The pain gradually increases, often starts from the back of the head, is localized in one half of the head and can radiate to the eye or ear.The patient complains of dizziness, ringing in the ears and possible nausea and vomiting.Cervical migraine is poorly controlled with conventional analgesics.
- Fainting at the height of headache or sudden turns of the neck.
- Swallowing disorder.
- Pressure voltages from low to high and vice versa.The attack is accompanied by a feeling of fear and panic.
Compression of the nerve endings of the spinal cord is called radicular syndrome;it is characterized by symptoms:
- Pain in cervical vertebrae, constant, painful.It worsens over time and causes migraines;
- Pain in the back of the head and numbness in the upper part of the neck;
- Sensation of tongue enlargement, difficulty eating, feeling of a lump in the throat;
- Dull pain in the clavicle, in the region of the heart;
- Limitation of movement in the arms - it is impossible to lift or move to the side.
- Sharp pain in the neck, spreading to the shoulder blade, arm and fingers;
- Numbness in hands, goosebumps, weakness when squeezing.
Pain in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is initially dull, then increases and spreads throughout the body.Pain in the hands can be observed simultaneously in the left and right side, accompanied by numbness of the fingers.In cervical osteochondrosis, due to blood supply disorders, blurred vision, reduced hearing and night snoring can occur, the appearance of which causes tension in the neck muscles.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is complex, including pain relief and restoration of normal functioning of the vertebrae.Basically, the disease is treated by a neurologist;in the first phase, drugs are prescribed.If there is no effect of treatment, surgery may be recommended.
Drug treatment
The main group of drugs used to treat cervical osteochondrosis are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Medicines not only treat inflammation, but at the same time relieve pain, so their use is mandatory in diseases such as spondyloarthrosis of the cervical spine.Nonsteroidal drugs also prevent further destruction of the intervertebral discs and participate in the restoration of their tissue.
Antispasmodics are prescribed together with NSAIDs;they help relieve muscle tension, which has a beneficial effect on treatment.In case of severe pain that does not go away, the doctor can prescribe blockades - an injection of novocaine or lidocaine in the area of the cervical vertebrae.
Patients are also prescribed ointments to rub into the painful area.They relieve muscle tension, reduce pain, anti-inflammatory components, penetrate the skin, reduce inflammation.Chondroprotectors and B vitamins are prescribed for chronic diseases.
Drug therapy for cervical osteochondrosis should only be prescribed by a doctor;they will be able to choose the correct dose of the drug and calculate the course of administration.Some drugs may be contraindicated in chronic diseases, so their analogues are used in treatment.Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in the active phase can last up to 3 months, and in addition to drugs, physiotherapy and non-drug therapy are also used.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a treatment method that uses external physical factors: low currents, ultrasound, laser, magnetic fields.Their effect on the affected area improves microcirculation in the tissues and the spine, due to which the recovery process takes place faster.
Deep heating of the inflammation zone relaxes the muscles, relieves pain and helps to remove decomposition products.Physiotherapy is a safe procedure for patients of any age.
Taping is also used to treat cervical osteochondrosis.This method uses a special elastic cotton or synthetic adhesive tape that has a high level of strength and elasticity.Taping helps relax muscles, relieve tension and pain.
The effect of treating the disease with kinesio taping is not achieved immediately.The first relief comes a quarter of an hour after the procedure, the full effect is achieved after a few days.Kinesio tapes for osteochondrosis can be worn for up to 5 days, and during that time you can take water procedures without fear for its safety, because the tape holds tightly, dries quickly and has the effect of "breathability".
Kinesi taping is not the main method of treatment of osteochondrosis;its most effective application is in combination with other types of therapy.
Methods without drugs
Non-traditional methods are also widely used to treat the disease "osteochondrosis of the cervical spine".Basically, this is a massage - a mechanical effect of varying intensity on the painful area of the body with hands.Massage improves tissue circulation and relaxes tense muscles.Thai massage is also good for healing the spine.The main thing is to be convinced of the high professionalism of the massage therapist.
Reflexology is acting on the active points of the human body using needles.This procedure activates vitality and, if done correctly, can provide immediate pain relief.
Treatment of diseases with folk remedies can also be useful - of course, in consultation with a doctor.
Traction is used to restore the normal anatomical position of the spine.
Those suffering from cervical osteochondrosis should remember that the best treatment will not help if the patient himself does not make an effort.It is necessary to change your lifestyle - move more, do the therapeutic exercises recommended by your doctor in the morning, eat healthy and varied food.Fresh air, giving up bad habits, removing nervous stress - all this contributes to a quick recovery.