Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Cervical osteochondrosis is a chronic degenerative disorder in articular cartilage tissues, most often appearing in the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine, because they are more often exposed to high loads, which lead to a decrease in elasticity, flattening and thinning ofdiscs located between the vertebrae, and then replacing them with bone tissue. As the degenerative process progresses, surrounding structures become involved. This causes the development of a whole complex of symptoms that deprive the patient of a comfortable life.

Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?

Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathological change in the tissues of the intervertebral discs and the vertebrae themselves. Due to the thinning of the soft tissues, the cushioning effect of the vertebrae is reduced, nerve fibers and blood vessels are compressed, the mobility of the cervical spine is reduced and the rotation of the head is limited. As a result of this disease, blood circulation and blood supply to the brain deteriorates, migraines, headaches, tension, cluster headaches, heart rhythm disturbances, breathing rhythm disturbances, deterioration of memory, vision, coordination and attention, intervertebral hernias, entry into the brain occur. disorders and develop strokes.

Causes of osteochondrosis

What leads to cervical osteochondrosis?

A number of factors lead to cervical osteochondrosis, each of which worsens the course of the disease:

• Sedentary lifestyle (sedentary work);
• Excess body weight;
• Wrong posture;
• Chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system (scoliosis, flat feet, x- and o-shaped deformations of the lower extremities), contributing to the uneven distribution of the load on the back;
• Congenital pathologies of the development of the spine;
• Excessive and repeated stress on the spine;
• Hereditary predisposition;
• Injuries.

signs and symptoms

• Systemic dizziness;
• Pain in the back of the head, neck, collar area;
• Ringing or ringing in the ears;
• A feeling of lack of air develops, the inability to breathe deeply, heavy shortness of breath;
• Nausea and vomiting, worse when trying to turn the head;
• Decreased visual acuity, bright spots or fog in front of the eyes;
• Fluctuations in blood pressure that are difficult to correct with medication;
• Fainting caused by vasospasm;
• Feeling of a lump in the throat, pain, dryness, problems swallowing, pain in the shoulder joint;
• Numbness of the fingers.

The rate of development of osteochondrosis

In the process of development of cervical osteochondrosis, four consecutive stages are distinguished, which determine the severity of the symptoms and the general condition of the patient.

• Phase 1. The thickness of the intervertebral discs decreases slightly. There are practically no symptoms; sometimes there is slight discomfort in the neck, for example, when standing in an uncomfortable position for a long time.
• Phase 2.The height of the disc becomes even smaller, the pathological growth of cartilage tissue begins and protrusions (protrusion) occur. The patient experiences constant pain, weakness, facial numbness and stiffness in the cervical spine.
• Phase 3.The annulus fibrosus surrounding the nucleus of the disc is torn and an intervertebral hernia is created. The spine is significantly deformed, increasing the risk of vertebral dislocations and subluxations. The pain becomes permanent and is accompanied by other symptoms of osteochondrosis.
• Phase 4.Irreversible changes occur in the spine: bone growth appears, the intervertebral disc is replaced by scar tissue and loses its ability to absorb the load. Symptoms become severe and have a significant impact on the patient's lifestyle and well-being. Quality of life declines.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis requires an integrated approach; There are types of non-drug, medicinal and surgical treatment.

Depending on the clinical situation, the following are used:

• Massage (specialized, neurological for eliminating spasms and blocks);
• Therapeutic exercises (to improve blood circulation);
• Osteopathy (thanks to this procedure blocks and spasms are removed, blood circulation is restored and metabolic processes of the brain are improved);
• Manual therapy;
• Computer hacking;
• Physiotherapy.

Non-drug treatmenthelps reduce the severity of symptoms and reduces the frequency and severity of irritations, improves blood supply to the affected area, improves metabolism and regeneration processes.

• Strengthens the effect of medications;
• It helps to strengthen the muscle frame and stabilize the spine;
• Eliminates muscle spasms and blockages

Non-drug treatment also includes wearing a Shants splint.

Shantsa tires

Shants splint or Shants collar is a soft bandage of a certain degree of fixation of the cervical spine, used for the prevention and treatment of injuries and diseases of the cervical spine. Field of application: urgent and emergency medical care in case of road traffic accidents, injuries at home and at work, treatment of patients after surgical interventions on the cervical spine.

By design, Shants splints can be rigid, semi-rigid, ring-shaped, with or without fasteners, but they are all removable and easily replaceable, easy to use and care for, affordable and havea modern design that plays an important role. role in carrying around the neck during the period of rehabilitation or outpatient treatment.

Drug treatmenthelps to relieve pain, remove dizziness, restore the normal functioning of nerve roots and, if possible, stop or slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(aimed at relieving pain and inflammation) are used in the form of tablets, injections, ointments, patches;
• Muscle relaxants:drugs that eliminate reflex muscle spasms, thus reducing pain and improving blood circulation;
• B vitaminsin the form of tablets, they help improve the conduction of nerve impulses;
• Chondroprotectors:drugs that promote the restoration of cartilage tissue.

Depending on the symptoms, drugs can also be prescribed to improve microcirculation in the vessels of the brain, drugs that block nausea and dizziness, etc.

Surgery

The help of surgeons is necessary in advanced cases of the disease, when medical methods are no longer effective.

• Surgical removal of a herniated disc(microdiscectomy, endoscopic surgery or transfacet);
• Laminectomy:removal of spinous processes or vertebral arch, thereby reducing the load on the root of the spinal cord;
• Nucleoplasty:elimination of a hernia by removing part of the core of the intervertebral disc.

Prevention of osteochondrosis

• Avoid physical inactivity and lead an active lifestyle;
• Diversify your diet with foods rich in potassium and magnesium;
• Minimize heavy lifting;
• Sleep on an anatomical pillow and anatomical mattress;
• Warm up regularly.

FAQ

1. How to understand that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is starting?

   • Headache
   • Restriction of head rotation
   • Impaired concentration
   • Ringing in the ears
   • Dizziness

2. How to make a diagnosis?

   • Only a doctor can make a diagnosis
   • MRI, MSCT

3. How to relieve pain with cervical osteochondrosis?

   If you have pain in the cervical spine, you should consult a doctor. The doctor can prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, antispasmodics and other drugs with an analgesic effect.

4. How to avoid osteochondrosis?

   • Start an active lifestyle
   • Do preventive exercise every day (at least 10 minutes a day)
   • Develop a daily routine
   • Massage of the collar area (2 times a year)

5. Which doctor treats osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?

   First of all, you should visit a general practitioner, who will recommend the necessary examinations and make a preliminary diagnosis. As a rule, patients with a confirmed diagnosis of osteochondrosis should consult a neurologist.