Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a degenerative-dystrophic process in the area of the cervical vertebrae and surrounding tissues, which is associated with gradual thinning, dehydration of the intervertebral discs, and the formation of vertebral defects.All this affects mobility, causes inflammatory changes in the surrounding tissue, pain and complications.A more recent name for this disease is dorsopathy.The term "osteochondrosis" itself does not fit modern criteria, but is rooted in referring to different processes and causes of pain in different parts of the spine.
Osteochondrosis affects the intervertebral discs, vertebrae and the soft tissues around them.As a result of the degenerative-dystrophic process against the background of aging and excessive stress, changes occur in the composition of material such as disc gel and dense fibrous tissue around it, forming an elastic membrane.Gradually, the height of the disc decreases, its shock-absorbing properties deteriorate.
Metabolism in the nucleus suffers, micro-cracks are formed, discs become deformed, protrusions (protrusions) and hernias are formed.As the process progresses, the surrounding cartilage and bone tissue of the vertebrae suffer, and osteophytes are formed - bony growths, which limit mobility and cause pain.
Changes occur near the spinal cord and its membrane, the root of the spinal cord, which can form irritation, inflammation of the surrounding tissue, reflex muscle spasms, which cause typical manifestations of the disease.Nearby vessels where blood flow is interrupted may suffer.
The reasons
Osteochondrosis in the region of the spine, which is mainly cervical, can occur against the background of some existing health problems.Each worsens the process.Among the prominent provocateurs are:
Obesity, overweight;
Inactivity, lack of physical activity;
Mainly sedentary work or prolonged standing;
Poor posture, stooping;
Problems with the musculoskeletal system (flat feet, scoliosis), which cause the load on the spine to be unevenly distributed;
Back and neck injuries, congenital deformities of the spine;
Excessive pressure on the neck and back;
Tendency to pathology.
Symptoms of cervical spine osteochondrosis
Manifestations of this disease vary, they are not always recognized immediately, they are mistaken for other pathologies.Among the most typical are:
Systemic dizziness attacks occur in the form of attacks.
Pain in the back of the head, collar area, neck.The severity and intensity of the pain depends on the progress of the process.At first mild and periodic, as the pathology develops it becomes constant, spreading throughout the head.
Ringing, noise in the ears when changing position after sitting or lying for a long time, may be accompanied by an attack of dizziness.
Nausea with vomiting due to circulatory disorders in certain areas of the brain, worsens when turning the head.
Visual impairment, fog, blurred vision, flashing spots.
Increased pressure, fainting.
A lump in the throat, dryness, trouble swallowing.
Pain in the shoulder, numbness in the hand.
In addition to these complaints, a typical syndrome may also arise only against the background of damage to the cervical spine.
Vertebral syndrome - impaired movement in the neck, pain when trying to turn the head, throbbing 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, difficulty swallowing, pain in the shoulder, between the shoulder blades, numbness of the little finger.
Possible complications and risks
Long-term osteochondrosis in the cervical area leads to disorders in the area of nerve trunks and arteries.This threatens the development of strokes, thyroid disorders, hand sensitivity problems, difficulty swallowing food, and vision disorders.In addition, neck mobility is very limited.
Diagnostics
To diagnose the pathology, it is necessary to contact an orthopedic specialist and a neurologist.A comprehensive examination helps to make a diagnosis:
X-ray and CT of the cervical spine, MRI for visualization of bone and soft tissue structures.
Duplex scanning of arteries in the neck and head assesses blood circulation in the brain and neck.
Reflexes, neck mobility, and soft tissue condition are assessed.
In addition, ultrasound, ECG, blood pressure monitoring and consultation with an ENT specialist are required to exclude other pathologies.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Basically, doctors treat cervical spine osteochondrosis depending on the underlying cause.If, for example, muscle tension or poor posture is causing the symptoms, the doctor will usually start with conservative treatment.These include, for example, exercises to strengthen the muscles in the neck, physical therapy and manual therapy, and painkillers.
In some cases, doctors recommend surgery.This is necessary, for example, in the case of severe disc herniation or injury to the cervical spine.
Physiotherapy for cervical spine osteochondrosis aims to relieve pain in the long term and restore body flexibility.It includes muscle strengthening exercises, massage and physical measures (eg the use of heat, cold, light or electrical stimulation).The therapist massages the affected muscles, such as by shining a red light on them or using a heat compress.In this way, tension and blockages in the vertebrae are released so that the vertebral joints are no longer limited in their movement.
Physical therapists will also select specific therapeutic exercises to meet individual needs and health conditions.He will tell you exactly how to do this exercise and, if necessary, correct the movements you are doing incorrectly.The main thing here is that you are learning techniques that will help you relax your muscles and increase the mobility of your head and neck.Exercise also helps improve blood circulation in the body, relieve tension and strengthen muscles.
If symptoms occur acutely or if exercise does not help, doctors also treat cervical spine osteochondrosis with medication.If necessary, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.They temporarily relieve pain and allow patients to move their head and neck better.
If your symptoms are severe and/or very painful, your doctor will also prescribe medicines that relax your muscles (called muscle relaxants).
Pharmaceutical ointments or patches that have an analgesic effect also relieve the symptoms of cervical syndrome.
In some cases (for example, with a herniated disc), doctors use the 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 soothes irritated nerves, relieves pain and relaxes muscles.Depending on the severity of the symptoms, your doctor will prescribe one to ten treatments.
If conservative treatment does not work, the doctor will consider surgery.This is the case, for example, with a herniated disc, when a person experiences severe pain, symptoms of paralysis occur.Today the surgery is usually microsurgical, that is through small incisions.Doctors remove intervertebral disc tissue that is pressing on nerves and causing symptoms.The procedure is usually short (about 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 symptoms and prevent your own neck strain.The following steps are possible for this:
Exercise therapy and swimming in many cases improve the symptoms of cervical spine osteochondrosis.
In certain circumstances, stress and psychological tension can contribute to osteochondrosis of the cervical spine or intensify its symptoms.Therefore, try to avoid stressful situations.