Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative dystrophic disease of articular cartilage tissue that can occur in any joint as well as the intervertebral disc.The cervical spine is subjected to high loads, which over time can cause the discs to lose elasticity and flatten.The distance between the vertebrae shortens, blood circulation in the affected area becomes poor, and pain occurs in the cervical spine.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The main cause of osteochondrosis is imbalance and excessive load on the cervical spine.Loading may be caused by excess weight, prolonged periods of uncomfortable postures, or during sedentary work.Osteochondrosis is not always the result of direct pressure on the vertebrae.The disease may be caused by metabolic disorders, deficiencies in vitamins B, C, D, as well as hormonal and autoimmune diseases, chronic poisoning, injury and age-related changes.
Currently, there are no firm data on the causes of spinal degenerative diseases.Osteochondrosis can be caused by a variety of causes:
- Genetic factors - congenital weakness of connective tissue;
- age-related spinal changes;
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system (scoliosis, flat feet, torticollis, rheumatism, developmental abnormalities);
- Vertebral instability (increased mobility in parts of the spine);
- low physical activity;
- Cervical spine injury;
- Heavy physical activity, carrying heavy objects.
stages of osteochondrosis
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis depends on the stage of disease development and clinical symptoms.Each stage has certain characteristics:
- first stage– Destruction of osteochondral tissue.During this stage, patients do not notice symptoms of the disease.This may be discomfort, pain in the cervical spine, pain during movement.
- second stage– MRI shows disc herniation and spinal root compression (radiculopathy syndrome).The changes that occur can cause pain in the cervical spine that radiates to the shoulders and upper limbs.Related symptoms include increased fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
- The third stage– Painful sensations increase and become permanent, radiating to the upper part of the body.Numbness in the hands and muscle weakness in the upper limbs, often on one side of the body.
- Stage 4– Bone tissue is replaced, osteophytes form, and adjacent joints are damaged.
clinical manifestations
General symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis:
- cervical pain;
- Radiculopathy – compression of nerve roots, manifested by pain, sensory disturbance, and muscle weakness;
- Numbness of upper limbs occurs;
- Neck pain radiating to the occiput area of the head, dizziness.
diagnosis
The examination includes collection of patient history data, chief complaint, cervical spine examination and palpation, and assessment of neurological status.To determine the current changes and stage of the disease, digital radiography, MRI and CT are performed as well as Doppler ultrasound (USGD) of the cerebral aorta.Diagnosis enables experts to develop effective treatment plans.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
To achieve the most positive results and slow the progression of the disease, a comprehensive treatment is required.Treatment combines medication with physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, manual therapy, cervical spine hardware traction and therapeutic exercises.
saint collar
During the progression of cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to wear a special orthopedic device - a Shants collar.The main purpose of this product is to hold the cervical spine in the correct position.
surgical treatment
In cases where pharmacological and physical intervention is unavoidable, surgical intervention is required.People turn to him if a patient has severe spinal stenosis.
Surgical intervention is performed to eliminate hernias, replace damaged discs with implants, and expand the spinal canal.
Massage treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Massage relaxes muscles, improves blood circulation in the affected area, and relieves load on the vertebrae.Massage combined with exercise and other treatments can help relieve pain.
Massage is performed during the stabilization phase when the pain lessens or subsides.
The procedure is performed by qualified experts to relieve muscle tension, pain and improve blood circulation.Classical massage techniques such as stroking, massaging, and kneading are used during massage.
During exacerbations, doctors perform electrophoresis, magnet therapy, ultrasound therapy with corticosteroids, magnetic laser, and SMT with anesthetics.
Basic exercises for treating cervical osteochondrosis
Basic exercises for treating cervical osteochondrosis:
- and.Noun – Lie prone with your palms on the floor, arms straight, upper body must be raised, back arched, stay for a few minutes;
- and.Noun – Lying on your stomach with your arms straight along your body, you should turn your head from side to side, trying to get your ears to touch the floor;
- and.p.– Sit on the floor, inhale – bend forward towards your chest, exhale – bend back and tilt your head back.
manual therapy
The impact of the chiropractor's hands on the spine can increase the distance between the vertebrae, thereby reducing the load.Prescribed by the attending physician after radiography, MRI, or CT.
drug treatment
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is aimed at eliminating pain, inflammatory processes during exacerbations, and preventing the progression of dystrophic changes in spinal structures.
For this purpose, topical treatment is performed with gels with anti-inflammatory properties.
drug:
- NSAIDs.
- Muscle relaxants.
- Diuretics.
- Opioid analgesics.
- Treatment uses anesthetic or corticosteroid drugs to block the disease, as well as drugs to correct blood microcirculation.
- Metabolic therapy (B vitamins, lipoic acid preparations).
- Drugs that improve the conduction of nerve impulses.
Additionally, chondroprotective agents can be used to improve the regeneration process.
disease prevention
Prevention should include lifestyle correction - exercise (swimming, yoga, fitness) to form muscle bundles, warm the cervical spine, create comfortable sleeping conditions (comfortable mattress and pillows).
In order to prevent the condition from getting worse, preventive treatments such as cervical collar area and back massage, acupuncture, and cervical spine hardware traction are required twice a year.
All these procedures are performed on an inpatient and outpatient basis.