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 of it.
Intervertebral discs are located between two vertebrae and act as shock absorbers.In other words, they prevent the surfaces of the vertebrae from touching and evenly distribute the load on the cartilage tissue during bending, stretching and turning the head.
In addition to the discs, the vertebrae are connected by joints and ligaments;the absence of pathological changes in these organs ensures the normal mobility of the vertebrae and thus of the entire neck.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
The main cause of cervical spondylosis is a violation of nutrition and metabolic processes in the intervertebral discs and ligaments.The disc is similar in structure and function to a sponge, which must be constantly compressed to remove excess material and squeezed out for nutrition.
To ensure the stability of the process, the spine must be mobile during the day;the lack of this condition leads to a change in the properties of the disc tissue, as a result of which its volume decreases and it no longer provides sufficient shock absorption.
The vertebrae begin to come into contact with each other, their bone tissue increases, and the lumen narrows, through which the spinal column, arteries and nerve endings pass.The narrowing of the lumen causes compression of the nerve endings, and all the symptoms of chondrosis appear.
Therefore, the main provoking factors for the occurrence of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are currently the following:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- genetic predisposition;
- overweight, monotonous diet;
- poisoning, infection;
- age-related changes;
- spine overload;
- prolonged uncomfortable posture;
- bad posture, flat feet;
- hypothermia, adverse environment;
- injuries.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is also an occupational disease.The prolonged uncomfortable posture of drivers and computer operators leads to stagnation and inflammation of the vertebrae.Osteochondrosis can occur due to hormonal and vascular disorders.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis, depending on whether the arteries or nerves were involved in the pathological process, can be divided according to clinical symptoms.
Compression of the vertebral artery causes the following changes in well-being:
- Migraine.The pain gradually intensifies, often starts from the back of the head, is localized in one half of the head, and may radiate to the eye or ear.The patient complains of dizziness, tinnitus, possibly nausea and vomiting.Cervical migraines are poorly controlled by traditional pain relievers.
- Fainting at the height of the headache or on sudden turns of the neck.
- Swallowing disorder.
- Pressure jumps from low to high and vice versa.The attack is accompanied by a feeling of fear and panic.
Compression of nerve endings in the spinal cord is called radicular syndrome;symptoms are characterized by:
- Pain in the cervical vertebrae, constant, aching.It gets worse 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, sensation of a lump in the throat;
- Dull pain in the clavicle, in the region of the heart;
- Limitation of the movement of the arms - it is impossible to raise them or move them to the side.
- Sharp pain in the neck, which spreads to the shoulder blades, arm and fingers;
- Numbness in the hands, goosebumps, weakness when squeezing.
The pain in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is initially dull, then increases and spreads throughout the body.Pain in the hand can be observed simultaneously on the left and right side, along with numbness of the fingers.In the case of cervical osteochondrosis, blurred vision, hearing loss, and snoring at night can occur due to blood supply disturbances, 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 function of the vertebrae.Basically, the disease is treated by a neurologist;in the first stage, drugs are prescribed.If the treatment has no effect, surgery is 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 also relieve pain, so their use is mandatory for diseases such as spondyloarthrosis of the cervical spine.Nonsteroidal drugs prevent further destruction of the intervertebral discs and participate in tissue recovery.
Anticonvulsants are prescribed along with NSAIDs;they help relieve muscle tension, which has a beneficial effect on the treatment.In case of severe pain that does not go away, the doctor may prescribe blockades - injections of novocaine or lidocaine in the area of the cervical vertebrae.
Patients are also prescribed ointments to rub on the painful area.They relieve muscle tension, reduce pain, anti-inflammatory ingredients, penetrate the skin, reduce inflammation.In case of chronic diseases, chondroprotectors and B vitamins are prescribed.
Drug therapy for the disease of cervical osteochondrosis can only be prescribed by a doctor;you will be able to choose the right dose of the drug and calculate the course of administration.Some drugs are contraindicated in chronic diseases, so their analogues are used in treatment.Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in the active phase can take up to 3 months, and in addition to drugs, physiotherapy and non-drug treatment 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 the microcirculation of the tissues and the spine, thanks to which the healing process proceeds faster.
Deep heating of the inflammatory zone relaxes the muscles, relieves pain and helps to remove decomposition products.Physiotherapy is a safe procedure for patients of any age.
The tape is also used to treat cervical osteochondrosis.This method uses special elastic cotton or synthetic adhesive tape, which has high strength and elasticity.Taping helps to relax muscles, relieves tension and pain.
The effect of the kinesiotaping treatment of the disease cannot be achieved immediately.The first relief occurs a quarter of an hour after the procedure, the full effect is achieved after a few days.You can wear kinesio tape for osteochondrosis for up to 5 days, during which time you don't have to be afraid of water treatments for your safety, because the tape is tight, dries quickly and has a "breathable" effect.
Kinesiotype is not the main method of treating osteochondrosis;its most effective use in combination with other types of therapy.
Non-drug methods
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 by hand.Massage improves tissue circulation and relaxes tense muscles.Thai massage is also good for treating the spine.The most important thing is to trust the high professional standards of the massage therapist.
Reflexology is an effect on the active points of the human body using needles.This procedure activates vitality and, if done correctly, can immediately relieve pain.
Treating the disease with folk remedies can also be useful - of course, in consultation with the attending physician.
Traction is used to restore the normal anatomical position of the spine.
People suffering from cervical osteochondrosis should remember that the best treatment will not help if the patient himself does not make an effort.A necessary lifestyle change - exercise more, do the physical exercises recommended by the doctor in the morning, eat a healthy and varied diet.Fresh air, giving up bad habits, eliminating nervous stress - all this contributes to a quick recovery.