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Cervical osteochondrosis - causes, signs and treatment

Osteochondrosis of the cervical region

Osteochondrosis of the cervical region is a disease of the intervertebral disc, consisting in the occurrence of pathological metabolic disorders.When the pulp, which performs the shock-absorbing role, begins to harden due to the active processes of ossification, there is discomfort associated with the pinching of nerve roots.

Without timely treatment, osteochondrosis of the cervical region, serious consequences arise that impede normal life.You need to know in what symptoms to begin to sound the alarm.

Osteochondrosis of the neck - classification

The problem of the disease is untimely detection.The patient has classic neurological manifestations - headache, dizziness, flies in the eyes, shortness of breath, pain in the neck, chest.The patient can go numb of the limbs, because of which he will visit a cardiologist, neurologist, therapist or orthopedist, without realizing the real causes of malaise.

The disease has a physiological nature, since the human spine, in a vertical position, is forced to withstand long static loads.With age, bone tissue weakens, which negatively affects the state of health of the spine.Destructive and depth processes are developing, which leads to the appearance of osteochondrosis.Cervical osteochondrosis occurs more often, since the neck has good mobility, which makes this department a prone to traumatic damage.

The disease is one of the most common among the diseases of the spine.Osteochondrosis also tends to reduce age.If 20 years ago, people from 40 to 60 years of age addressed with complaints about pain in their backs, now people aged 30 to 40 are more likely to complain.Such an unfavorable change is associated with the deterioration of health indicators, which is due to a sedentary lifestyle, obesity and reduced quality of nutrition.

Pathology is associated not only with physiological adverse changes, but also with the pathological state of the body.Physiological processes are due to the occurrence of destructive processes against the background of aging of the body and cartilage.Over time, natural unfavorable changes appear that cannot be prevented - metabolic processes are disturbed, calcium reserves are depleted.Pathological factors - the destruction of the cartilage and wear of the intervertebral discs associated with the leading of an unhealthy lifestyle.

Also, the pathological course of the wear of the intervertebral discs and the ossification of the elastic contents can be complicated by the ligamentous apparatus, the pathological wear of the vertebrae (spondylosis), pressing (development of the type of hernia) and the formation of calcium salts deposits.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

In the early stages, it is difficult to identify clear signs of the disease, since the symptoms are paroxysmal, sometimes passing completely.Diagnosis is more often difficult in those patients who use periodically painkillers.With a decrease in sensitivity to pain, the disease is disguised and it becomes more difficult to diagnose it by external signs.Usually the patient does not believe that he has problems until the disease reaches the terminal stage.In addition to the pain in the neck and head, dizziness and jumps in blood pressure occur.

Dizziness for osteochondrosis occurs periodically, but does not always indicate specifically for this ailment.Usually this condition is observed with the development of inflammatory processes in the ears, with spasms of the vessels of the brain, as well as against the background of innervation.Sometimes such a state is associated with diseases of the cardiovascular system, impaired coordination of movements or anemia.If the patient periodically has dizziness, accompanied by a sense of foulness, lack of air and weakness, you must rather seek medical help.

What signs that occur against the background of dizziness are the reason for the patient's emergency hospitalization:

  1. Numbness of the upper shoulder girdle on one side, accompanied by parallel paralysis of the muscles of the face.
  2. Migraine attacks, a very severe headache against the background of general malaise.
  3. Problems with coordination of movements.
  4. Violation of consciousness, its loss.

Headache is one of the most common and nonspecific signs that occur against the background of cervical osteochondrosis.Most often, a headache of tension occurs in women.This condition is associated with a feature of the hormonal background (excess of estradiol in the body compared to men) and vascular weakness, which is also associated with hormonal status (increased progesterone relaxes the vessels, making them less durable).

With osteochondrosis, headache occurs due to frequent cramps of the vessels of the brain, against the background of pinching of the nerve roots and with increasing indicators of intracranial pressure.Atechondrous pain attacks often resemble hypertension, an IBS or a stroke attack (it is important to consider that the older a person, the higher the risk of pathologies).

If the patient has other diseases associated with impaired function of the heart muscle, then with attacks of osteochondrosis, pain in the heart will also be observed.Typically, in people with cardiovascular diseases an attack of angina pectoris occurs, blood pressure increases, extrasystole, arrhythmia and pain in the chest area begin.If, when using first aid medications, the patient does not become better, and the attack lasts a long time, it is urgent to call an ambulance so that the patient is taken to the hospital to the cardiologist.

Pain syndrome for osteochondrosis

Separately, the features of the pain syndrome of the disease should be described.Unpleasant sensations do not always arise in the occipital area or in the head.There are attacks, pain in which are more often localized in completely different places.Cervical pain often radiates into the hands or shoulders.Distinctive signs of unpleasant sensations are the appearance of discomfort immediately after waking up or performing sudden movements.An example is sneezing or laughter.Even with such mild physiological reactions, an attack of pain syndrome may occur.

If the pathology is not too neglected, unpleasant sensations will soon disappear, and discomfort is often accompanied by enhanced crunch in the cervical vertebrae.Often the disease occurs in people with cervical lordosis - a pathophysiological condition associated with increased flexibility in the neck.If a person often lifts his head back, this condition may occur.The more advanced the pathological condition, the worse the patient feels, because the pain returns over time, intensifying, delivering more and more powerful torment.

What sensations and signs in pain are described by patients most often:

  1. Pain proceeds from the "depth" of the neck.
  2. When turning the head to the side, a crunch or a strong sense of crackling is observed.
  3. When unpleasant sensations are observed, the patient has stiffness in the cervical region, accompanied by muscle weakness.

According to statistics, the disease most often affects 6 and 7 cervical vertebrae.The disease also occurs in any of the vertebral parts of cervical localization.

Development of arterial hypertension with cervical osteochondrosis

There is a clear connection between a specific disease and increasing pressure.The cervical vertebrae are also penetrated by nerve endings and vascular channel.If calcinates on the surface of the vertebrae increase, then pathological squeezing of the nerve endings and blood vessels occurs.As a result, microspasus occurs and the patient has characteristic deteriorations in well -being.

Hypertension, which occurs against the background, has specific differences:

  1. Persistent, acute headache is the most characteristic feature of shokh.
  2. Pain in the chest on inhalation, discomfort in the limbs.
  3. Reducing sensitivity in the collar zone.
  4. The appearance of sharp pressure leaps after nervous tension, muscle overvoltage, or after a long stay in the antalgic pose.

Causes of osteochondrosis of the neck

For the most part, this disease is associated with natural aging processes and the occurrence of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.It is worth noting that not all people in old age suffer from osteochondrosis.Usually this disease overtakes faces with obesity leading a sedentary lifestyle.

The provoking factors causing pathology include:

  1. A sedentary lifestyle, including hypodynamia.
  2. The occupation of an uncomfortable posture associated with a long, static stress.An example is a long sitting at the desktop, without maintaining proper posture.
  3. Obesity or excess body weight.Large weight is not always associated with fat deposits.In bodybuilders or massive athletes, an increased body weight index is often observed.Exceeding the recommended weight is fraught not only with premature wear of the spine, but also to overload the cardiovascular system.
  4. Chronic stress associated with nervous overstrain.
  5. Previously suffered injuries of the head or dislocation of the neck.
  6. Local hypothermia - blowing the neck.
  7. The presence of a pathological autoimmune process in the body, which negatively affects the state of cartilage, bone tissue.Examples are rheumatoid arthritis, leading to the development of such diseases, such as shokh.
  8. The presence of congenital anomalies in the structure of the cartilage spine.

The presence of dosed physical exertion, proper nutrition and rejection of bad habits is the best way to minimize the risks of exacerbations associated with osteochondrosis.

Stages of development of the disease

There are several stages of development of the pathological state associated with the force of manifestation of symptoms of osteochondrosis:

  1. The preclinical stage is the first.At the initial stages, it is difficult to notice signs of the disease, because there are still no specific symptoms.The only thing that an experienced specialist may notice is the smoothness of the cervical lordosis.As a result of such a slight change, the appearance of minimal discomfort with sharp turns of the neck to the side is possible.Over time, tension, pain in the lumbar region and muscles of the back may occur, since the cervical zone often pulls the lumbar one.If the patient was lucky and osteochondrosis was found at an early stage, then you can do with a change in the diet and the correction of lifestyle so that the pathology does not continue to progress.Patients often ignore this stage, since discomfort rarely causes significant changes in the body.
  2. The second stage occurs if the preclinical degree has been successfully ignored.Usually at this stage there are signs of instability of the cervical region.At this stage, the patient is already concerned about pain syndrome.Unpleasant sensations are often given to the hands of the upper shoulder belt.The pain with sharp inclinations and turns of the head is felt more strongly.Since pathological subsidence of the distance between the intervertebral discs is already taking place, the nerve endings are pinched, which leads to the development of a neurological syndrome in the patient.As a result, the patient has concomitant symptoms, including increased fatigue, decreased performance, distraction and headache.
  3. The third degree.At this stage, the pain syndrome becomes even more pronounced than before.It becomes impossible to ignore such pain, so even the most persistent patients are already forced to consult a doctor for making an appropriate diagnosis.The pain often radiates in the limbs and shoulders, and in the morning there is weakness in the muscles of the hands.At this stage, a concomitant disease may occur - a hernia of the intervertebral disc.In the morning, the patient feels a strong stiffness, which also indicates a deterioration in the mobility of the cervical region.In patients, dizziness and severe weakness are observed.
  4. Terminal osteochondrosis, fourth stage.At this stage, the destruction of the intervertebral discs is observed.The discs themselves are replaced by the time of the connective tissue.An enhanced pathological process can already affect other segments of the spine, including the thoracic and lumbar region.In such patients, the quality of life suffers greatly - coordination of movements worsens, headache and dizziness become unbearable, noise in the ears also appears, other serious disorders - vascular disorders, problems with the respiratory system.

Syndromes that occur with cervical osteochondrosis

The danger of untreated symptoms lies in the further progression.If the patient continues to ignore the pathology, various types of syndromes occur - symptom complexes.There are such types:

  1. Vertebral or vertebral.
  2. Vertebral artery.
  3. Cardial or cordial.
  4. Rook syndrome.

The combination of these signs often develops into the overall picture of the manifestation of osteochondrosis.

Vertebral syndrome develops often.In the patient, over time, the mobility of the cervical spine is disrupted.First, stiffness occurs after awakening.In the future, pathology will be present constantly.Also, when trying to turn the neck to the side, pain appears.In the X -ray, some deteriorations are also fixed.A characteristic feature of the vertebral syndrome is the presence of all the above signs.If there is no sign, then this is an exception or axiom.The complexity of the diagnosis is that the vertebral syndrome is often confused with other inflammatory diseases of the cervical region - myositis, injury, and stretching.

The vertebral artery syndrome is associated with the pathological arterial process that occurs when compressed.If there is a lack of blood flow due to partial overlap of the vertebral arteries in the cervical region, the following signs complications occur:

  1. The insufficiency of venous blood flow is manifested by such signs - the appearance of noise in the ears, dizziness, pressure jumps, vomiting or nausea.
  2. The occurrence of irritation of the nerve endings, which is manifested by migraine or severe headache.Often in a patient can record a sensation of numbness or temporary vision of vision by one eye.
  3. Oxygen starvation due to squeezed arteries.The patient has signs of hypoxia - shortness of breath, heart pain, fainting, dizziness and weakness at the slightest physical stress.

A similar condition is also characteristic of atherosclerosis and oncology.

Also, symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are characterized by the development of syndrome by cardiac type.The patient has signs resembling a disorder of the heart muscle.Many signs can resemble a heart attack or coronary heart disease.During the aggravation period, the patient feels a burning and squeezing in the heart muscle, weakness, shortness of breath, as well as an increase in tachycardia attack.To exclude cardiac syndrome against the background of osteochondrosis, you need to conduct an echo of the heart, ECG.If there are no signs of disorders from the heart, then this is a cardiac syndrome that arose due to the fact that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine continues to progress.

The rooser syndrome is associated with the main ailments - bastards in the area of the spinal column and limbs.The reason is the transfer of the nerve endings.During the aggravation period, the patient must observe bed rest and use painkillers.Pathology is treated using neurotropic drugs.Prevention of seizures is aimed at improving blood circulation, conducting physiotherapy and physiotherapy.Rotor syndrome is dangerous of complications.If even a small nerve is completely clamped, this is fraught with immobilization of the limbs and impaired innervation in the fingers, hands.

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the neck

To determine the pathology, you need to contact the therapist.The doctor conducts an initial examination, fills out the patient’s hospital card and sends the patient to a narrow specialist - a traumatologist or a neurologist.Then the doctor examines the patient, makes a primary diagnosis when examined, which must be confirmed using laboratory tests.

What methods of diagnosis are recommended for suspicion of cervical osteochondrosis:

  1. X -ray.This is a quick and general option for the initial examination necessary to assess the condition of the patient’s bone system in the distant spine.If the patient has osteochondrosis, then the distance in the bothering area of the spine will be reduced.
  2. To find out for certain diagnosis, you can conduct magnetic resonance tomography.MRI is the most accurate diagnostic method.The device will consider both bone structures and cartilage, soft tissues.You can notice any disorders - pinched nerves, the stage of intervertebral hernia and the degree of development of osteochondrosis.
  3. Computed tomography.The research method is suitable if there is no suspicion of the presence of intervertebral hernia.
  4. Ultrasound duplex scanning.If the patient is suspected of impaired venous blood, then this type of study is carried out.If there are physical obstacles, this type of diagnosis will help to identify them.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine is aimed at eliminating symptoms.There is no radical way that will turn the development of pathology back.It must be understood that the nature of the disease lies not only in pathological development, but also in the natural physiological degenerative destruction.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with medicines

Drug therapy is the best way to reduce pain during an attack of pain.Typically, medicines are prescribed to treat osteochondrosis based on symptoms:

  1. NSAIDs or analgesics.Non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs are suitable for stopping an attack of headaches of stress, which is more often observed in women.The appointment of a particular drug depends on the causes of pain.An example-if a woman has a headache due to vascular spasm, then analgesics or antispasmodics are written out.If the pain occurs in the neck, and is accompanied by inflammation, NSAIDs with a pronounced anti -inflammatory effect are needed.It is better to clarify the specific trade name for the attending physician.
  2. Musorelaxants.These medicines are effective in the treatment of similar diseases associated with the destruction or damage of bone-cherry tissue.Such diseases include hernias, protrusion and rheumatoid pathologies.Recent studies indicate that muscle relaxants show not only a relaxing effect, but also effectively anesthetize.A group of drugs is prescribed for excessive muscle spasticity associated with their overload, which arose against the background of osteochondrosis.These drugs practically do not affect the activity of the central nervous system, so they can be taken in the daytime.The course of therapy lasts about 4 weeks.
  3. B vitamins B combined injection agents of vitamins B1, B6 and B12 in large dosages show an analgesic effect if the pain syndrome is caused by a pinching of nerve roots.A long course is required in combination with analgesics.In case of exacerbation attacks, it is advisable to observe bed rest in order to unload the pain zone as much as possible.Within 2-3 weeks, according to the instructions, injection medicines are used, and then for 1-2 months they drink tablets. 
  4. Chondroprotectors.Such drugs are necessary in the presence of degenerative processes in cartilage.If enhanced destructive effects have already begun, chondroprotectors will not eliminate them.Long -term use of injection forms of medication can slow down the regression of cartilage destruction, no more.The minimum period of use is 3-4 months.
  5. Hypotentine agents.If the patient periodically has pressure surges towards the increase, use medicines that reduce systolic and diastolic pressure.Medicines are used carefully and only as prescribed by a doctor.Tyta blockers or calcium channel blockers are usually prescribed.
  6. Sedatives.Sedding agents are needed if, against the background of autonomic disorders, neurological disorders occur.Examples are bouts of anxiety, insomnia or sleep disturbance.At the initial stages, plant sedatives are suitable.With more serious disorders, prescription drugs are prescribed.
  7. Antihyxants.It is necessary if the patient suffers from a slight cardiac disorder associated with lack of air.
  8. Calcium and vitamin D3 preparations.To support the bone fortress in the presence of active degenerative processes, it is necessary to take mineral complexes.Calcium is the necessary building material, without it the bones become porous and break.D3 is a vitamin without which normal assimilation of calcium is impossible.In combination, these substances strengthen bone tissue well.It is also useful to periodically drink other minerals to support the health of the musculoskeletal system-silicon, sulfur, zinc, magnesium and boron.
  9. Vitamin-mineral complexes.In addition to specialized additives, it is necessary to take polyvitamins seasonally to maintain the general health of the patient.Take complexes 2-3 times a year for 1-2 months with breaks.
  10. External funds.To put the condition of the neck in order when you feel stiffness, you can use warm -up or therapeutic ointments, gels that contribute to improving blood supply.It is precisely in some ointments to cure a sense of constant stiffness, but applying a small amount of external remedy before going to bedtime will relieve the condition in the morning.

Conservative methods of therapy

In the recovery period, when acute pain subsided, a person with osteochondrosis should support the body using conservative methods of treatment:

  1. Therapeutic gymnastics.Special exercises with regular execution improve joint mobility, temporarily accelerate blood circulation.The patient feels improved over time.The main rule of exercise therapy is the regularity and sequence of actions.If you carry out physical education every day, the neck muscles come in tone, which relieves the load from the spine significantly.
  2. Massage.The procedure is carried out after an acute period to improve blood flow and relax muscle.The contact effect is well combined with the course of muscle relaxants, potentiating the effect of drugs.With the physical exposure of the fingers, the local temperature in the warm -up muscles rises, which improves blood flow.Massage leads to relaxing the clamped sections of the back.
  3. Physiotherapy methods.Hardware treatment is aimed at improving blood flow in the damaged area.Using devices and exposure to current or magnetic field of a low frequency, medications are administered through the skin.These funds are well absorbed without creating a systemic effect.Examples of procedures-magnetotherapy, electrophoresis, laser effect, shock wave therapy.

In a neglected case, when conservative therapy is ineffective, the patient is offered to conduct surgical intervention.In particular, the radical method of therapy is effective in the presence of hernias or protrusions, when there are concomitant diseases of the spine that exacerbate the situation.Indications for the operation are loss of limb sensitivity, unbearable pain.