Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

What is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?

Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the spine, during the development of which the structure of the connective tissue changes.

The disease is often disguised as a disorder of another type, but timely contact with a specialist allows for timely diagnosis and immediate treatment.

Degenerative changes in the tissues of the cervical spine are most often found in the medical history of people of mature (45-59) and elderly (60-74) age.

Despite this, it is worth noting: in modern society there is a rejuvenation of the disease, which is confirmed by the periodic diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis in children and adolescents.

It is important that osteochondrosis can occur both in isolation and in combination with damage to other parts, in particular the thoracic, lumbar and sacral.

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis

Treatment of cervical and thoracic osteochondrosis always begins with collecting an anamnesis and undergoing a comprehensive examination. The doctor takes into account complaints of pain in the neck or chest, and first of all, excludes any heart pathologies. Against the background of a progressive disease, the patient often develops vegetative-vascular disorders, cerebrovascular accident, and hypertension. To make an accurate diagnosis, the following types of studies are prescribed:

Ultrasound. It is carried out to determine the condition of large blood vessels.
ECG (electrocardiogram). This is required to exclude the presence of heart disease.
EEG (electroencephalography). It is prescribed to study brain activity in order to exclude ailments associated with osteochondrosis.
Dopplerography. It is prescribed to study blood vessels and exclude a number of diseases associated with their damage.
X-ray. The simplest and most informative way to determine the condition of the spine. In the resulting image, the doctor sees a narrowing of the interdisc space, a reduction in the distance between the processes of the vertebrae and the bases, as well as an increase in the volume of bone tissue.

In addition to heart diseases, the specialist’s task is also to exclude oncological formations in the thoracic region, tuberculosis, pleurisy, pneumonia and a number of pathological processes in the gastrointestinal tract. Only in this case, a diagnosis of osteochondrosis is made. But provided that there are changes characteristic of this condition on the x-ray.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

Today it is impossible to name the exact causes of degenerative processes occurring in intervertebral discs. There is no confirmation that cervical osteochondrosis is an aging phenomenon.

Numerous studies conducted by scientists from different countries have found that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has predominantly provoking factors.

Among the predisposing causes of the development of osteochondrosis of the neck are:

low level of activity, inactivity and a predominantly sedentary lifestyle;
types of work that involve a static load on the cervical spine;
excess body weight, insufficient level of physical development;
disruption of connective tissue development processes;
old spinal injuries;
spinal deformity, use of insufficiently comfortable pillows and mattresses for rest;
genetic predisposition.

The vast majority of reasons are in one way or another related to the natural processes of aging of body systems, as well as the likely development of pathologies of bone and cartilage tissue.

Main reasons

The pathological process develops gradually, under the influence of a number of negative factors. The human body in modern conditions is constantly experiencing stress associated with a sedentary lifestyle, excess weight, injuries, and production processes. The first symptoms of osteochondrosis appear in people over 40 years of age, but every year the pathology becomes more and more “younger” and is diagnosed at 30-35 years of age. The main reasons for the development of the degenerative-dystrophic process are:

Constant loads on the spine.
Sedentary lifestyle.
Vibration associated with professional activities.
Back injuries of any location.
Scoliosis or curvature of the spine.
Overweight (any stage of obesity).
Flat feet or congenital anomalies of the spine.
Genetic predisposition.
Disturbance of metabolic processes.
Exposure of the body to toxins or harmful substances.
Smoking, alcohol addiction.

Osteochondrosis develops gradually, most often under the influence of several factors at once. Intervertebral discs gradually lose fluid, become more fragile, thinner, and as a result lose their shock-absorbing properties. With a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae, the appearance of cracks inside the disc and protrusion, the first manifestations of the disease appear. Signs directly depend on the location and stage of development.

What is the danger of cervical osteochondrosis?

A reduction in the level of mobility and limited flexibility of joints, loss of muscle elasticity and other signs of aging of the body are inevitable, natural processes that accompany a person in ontogenesis.

Annoying pain that occurs when moving much earlier than the natural period of aging often leads to loss of quality of life and even disability.

To determine how to treat cervical osteochondrosis, a professional consultation with your doctor is necessary. In the absence of professional, timely diagnosis and necessary treatment, the disease progresses, which can cause not just a deterioration in well-being, but also serious disruptions to the functioning of the nervous and vascular system.

Main signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

The structure of the human skeleton, the ability to walk upright and the impressive size of the head have led to the fact that some parts of the spine are the most vulnerable, in particular the cervical one.

Among the striking features of the structure of the cervical spine, it is worth highlighting the presence of predominantly small vertebrae and a relatively small number of muscles, and therefore it is in this area that ailment such as osteochondrosis most often occurs.

Pain is the most characteristic syndrome of spinal column disease. Depending on the affected area, it can concentrate:

in the collarbone and/or shoulder;
along the entire cervical spine;
not the anterior surface of the sternum.

It is quite difficult to independently determine the primary signs of the disease, because in the vast majority of cases they are insignificant and very nonspecific:

pain in
the neck
, mainly in the evening;
heaviness,
pain in the back of the head;
slight numbness,
tingling in the shoulder, hands;
crunch,
clicking sound when turning the head.

The progression of the disease is accompanied by a number of already noticeable leading symptoms.

Vegetative-dystonic symptom

It is characterized by shooting pains in the neck, especially noticeable in the area just below the back of the head.

Pain often occurs when staying in the same position for a long time, for example, in the morning.

The neck muscles are tense, there are difficulties when moving the arm to the side, and stiffness in the movements of the fingers.

Due to compression of the vertebral arteries, neurological manifestations often occur:

recurrent headaches;
nausea;
fainting.

Spinal symptom

Localization of the area is on the left behind the chest.

In the process of gradual disruption of the structure of the intervertebral discs, compression occurs and, as a result, pinching of the nerve roots occurs, which leads to narrowing of the arteries and veins, which in turn leads to the formation of radicular and ischemic syndrome.

Poor circulation causes:

severe, migraine headaches;
dizziness;
visual impairment, tinnitus;
disorders of autonomic functions.

In rare cases, a manifestation of cardinal syndrome can be observed, accompanied by compressive pain in the heart muscle, lack of air, and cardiac arrhythmia.

Stages of the disease

In modern medicine, there are three degrees of cervical osteochondrosis:

Primary degree. At this stage of the development of the disease, pain in the back of the head, dilated pupils, and limited joint mobility appear.
Second degree. The formation of bone processes (osteophytes) begins. The disease can last up to four to five years. Accompanied by the appearance of pronounced inflammatory reactions and falling head syndrome.
Third degree. Pathological changes occur in the structure of the intervertebral discs, as well as tissues and joints. There are signs of hernial protrusions and severe pain in the back, neck, temples, elbows and limbs. In many cases, loss of consciousness and shoulder mobility are noted.

Cervical osteochondrosis of the first degree is most amenable to effective treatment. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications are predominantly prescribed in combination with physiotherapy, massages, and acupuncture. Therapeutic gymnastics and swimming are also considered effective. At the second stage of the pathological lesion, treatment is prescribed with medications, massage and therapeutic exercises in combination with manual and physiotherapeutic procedures. For cervical osteochondrosis of the third stage, treatment with antihistamines, non-steroidal, painkillers, hormonal agents, chondroprotectors, and muscle relaxants is prescribed. To speed up the healing process and to get rid of pain symptoms, blockades are performed. If the inflammatory process does not subside within six months, the patient requires emergency surgery.

Main services of Dr. Zavalishin’s clinic:

consultation with a neurosurgeon
treatment of spinal hernia
brain surgery
spine surgery

Degrees of development of cervical osteochondrosis and their characteristic symptoms

The process of development of the disease proceeds quite slowly, but at the same time it has 4 clearly visible stages:

1st degree cervical osteochondrosis – discomfort and minor pain during prolonged walking or static position. The beginning of the formation of compactions in the intervertebral discs;
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, degree 2 – intense pain. In order to eliminate pain, manual therapy and appropriate medications are used;
3rd degree cervical osteochondrosis – the presence of severe lesions of the connective tissue of the affected area;
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, grade 4, is the final stage of the development of the disease, characterized by damage to almost all parts of the spine.

The last stage of development of the disease requires surgical intervention, which entails a long recovery.

Patient reviews

After being diagnosed with osteochondrosis, many patients do not know where to start. Feedback from people who have encountered a similar situation and found a solution can help in this matter.

Alena M., 39 years old “I have been tormented by pain in the cervical spine since I was young, but I attributed everything to constant overexertion, because I often worked at the computer. But over the past few years, turning my neck has become almost impossible. I first turned to a therapist, who referred me for a consultation with a neurologist. After a comprehensive examination, osteochondrosis was determined. A course of medications was prescribed, anti-inflammatory and to relieve tension. The effect was immediate, but when I went back to the doctor, he said that to consolidate the result and lasting remission, I needed exercise therapy and massage. Now I try to practice every day.”

Tatyana R., 48 years old “Osteochondrosis in the neck is my occupational disease, with which I have been suffering for many years. At first I took courses of medications, but they only blocked the pain and helped for a while. Gradually the attacks returned again, and treatment had to be started all over again. I have now started a course of chondroprotectors, plus I constantly do physical therapy in the gym, and a health worker monitors the entire process to make sure everything is done correctly. I hope for a more lasting result."

Valeria K., 49 years old, “Pharmaceutical patches have helped a lot in coping with pain during an exacerbation of osteochondrosis, but they don’t last long. To make the result more lasting, you need to constantly exercise and adjust your lifestyle. The doctor prescribed dietary supplements to restore cartilage tissue and exercise therapy. When I have time, I try to do the complex, it doesn’t seem difficult and doesn’t take much time, but I often forget to do it. And in this matter, the main thing is regularity to get a lasting result.”

Cervicothoracic osteochondrosis is a chronic degenerative process occurring in the intervertebral disc. It negatively affects the condition of the musculoskeletal system as a whole, and provokes a narrowing of the space between the vertebrae, leading to the proliferation of bone tissue and the appearance of osteophytes. The condition is especially dangerous in cervicothoracic localization, therefore, when the first signs of the disease appear, it is recommended to consult a doctor for comprehensive treatment.

Diagnosis of the disease

If there are characteristic symptoms, in order to diagnose and treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, you must consult an orthopedic doctor or neurologist.

As part of the diagnostic measures, the specialist will determine mobility and pain in the neck area, as well as assess the degree of sensitivity, and identify other functional disorders.

Among the most effective diagnostic methods are:

X-ray of the cervical spine, performed in various projections;
CT (computed tomography);
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), if a hernia/protrusion is suspected.

In case of circulatory disorders, rheoencephalography and fundus examination may additionally be used.

Prevention

To prevent the occurrence or progression of cervical osteochondrosis, doctors recommend:

Maintain correct posture;
Lead an active lifestyle, take breaks at work;
Do physical therapy exercises regularly;
Sleep on a hard and flat surface, orthopedic mattress and pillow;
Get rid of bad habits, especially smoking;
Choose shoes taking into account the physiological structure of the foot;
Do not carry bags on one hand, this leads to curvature of the spine;
Lead a healthy lifestyle, eat right, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables;
Do not sit for a long time with your head bowed;
Go swimming.

In order to improve blood circulation, you should regularly undergo therapeutic massage.

Possible complications

Lack of timely treatment can lead to serious complications, including:

bulging intervertebral discs
(formation of hernia/protrusion);
intervertebral disc rupture,
accompanied by pinching of nerves and blood vessels, which can cause death;
radiculopathy
(damage to the nerve roots), the formation of osteophytes (spikes on the vertebral body) with the manifestation of numerous paresis and paralysis.

How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is determined by a specialist and depends on the degree of development of the pathology, the form of its course and the characteristics of the clinical manifestation of the disease.

Today, the most effective methods of treating the disease are:

treatment with conservative methods, including medicinal/non-medicinal;
surgical intervention;
complex combination of techniques.

Physiotherapy

Involves the impact of physical factors on the affected area. With an integrated approach and proper implementation of all procedures, improvements become clearly noticeable already in the second or third month of treatment.

Among the most popular areas of physiotherapy prescribed for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are:

electrotherapy;
shock wave therapy;
magnetic therapy;
ball therapy;
laser therapy;
vibration massage.

Neck massage for osteochondrosis

Massage should be performed carefully, without the use of force. Violation of massage technique can cause negative consequences.

The starting position for the massage is the “lying on your stomach” or “sitting with a straight back” position.

All existing massage techniques are based on techniques such as:

stroking - influencing the surface layers of the skin. It is performed with the palms of the hands and fingertips downwards from the back of the head, to the level of the upper third of the back;
squeezing - influencing the deep layers of skin in the upper third of the back. Performed with two fingers (thumb and index), carried across the neck;
rubbing – the main goal is to warm up the skin and increase blood flow in the desired area;
kneading – affects deep-lying tissues; it must be used with caution, as improper use can aggravate the situation.

Therapeutic exercises for cervical osteochondrosis

There are certain exercises for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. The most effective of them include:

Self-extension

Starting position: sitting/standing with a straight back.

Execution order: while maintaining the starting position, try to lower your shoulders as low as possible, while stretching your head up.

Intensity of execution: at least 10 times (2-5 seconds each), at least 3 times a day.

Self-massage

Equipment: terry towel.

Starting position: sitting/standing, wrap a towel around your neck, and grab its ends with your hands.

Procedure: pull the ends of the towel one by one, gently kneading the neck muscles.

Important! During the exercise, you must ensure that the towel does not slip and rub your neck.

Gymnastics (flexion/extension, turns, bends)

Starting position: sitting/standing with a straight back.

Execution order: from the starting position, perform smooth flexion/extension, rotation or tilt of the head, first in one direction, then in the other.

Intensity of execution: 5-7 movements in one direction.

Non-drug therapies

Complex non-drug therapy for cervical osteochondrosis of the spine includes:

Protective mode - if the roots are pinched, patients lie on a hard surface,
Massage;
Physical therapy;
Spinal traction;
Physiotherapeutic procedures.

Massage for cervical osteochondrosis is used to reduce pain and swelling, improve peripheral blood supply, and eliminate muscle spasms. A contraindication to performing this procedure is the presence of acute pain. Massage the neck and back in the direction of lymph outflow. Particular attention is paid to the interscapular and paravertebral zones.

Therapeutic exercises for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are aimed at eliminating muscle spasms and strengthening the muscular frame. Since instability of the vertebrae often occurs in the cervical spine, the exercise therapy instructor conducts individual classes, during which he teaches the patient how to safely perform exercises. Some authors recommend conducting physical therapy classes in a Shants collar.

To improve the mobility of the cervical vertebrae, rehabilitation experts recommend performing the following exercises:

Flexion and extension of the neck. Bend your head forward toward your sternum without pulling your shoulders forward and then back. Hold the incline for 3 seconds, repeat each exercise 8-10 times;
Neck turns. Turn your neck first to the left until it stops, then to the right, without changing the position of your shoulders and the level of your chin;
Lower your head all the way down. Then tilt your head back without changing the level of your shoulders. Hold the position for 5 seconds.

The following exercises have been developed to strengthen the neck muscles:

Place your hand on the back of your head. Tilt your head back, resting on your hand;
Place your hand in the temporal region. While tilting your head, resist with your hand;
Place your hand on your forehead, resisting it, tilt your head forward;
With your right hand, tilt your head to the side, your left hand should be behind your back. Repeat the exercise on the other hand.

Autogravity therapy is the exact name for the spinal traction procedure. It is carried out using special devices. The goal of therapy is to reduce muscle spasm and restore the correct position of the vertebrae. To avoid complications, spinal traction is performed by a doctor.

To improve blood supply to the pathological focus, relieve swelling and eliminate pain, the following physiotherapeutic procedures are used in the Yusupov Hospital:

Diadynamic currents. During this procedure, low-frequency currents are applied using a special device, which stimulate the muscles, relieve spasm and pain. They have a positive effect by improving tissue trophism;
Ultraviolet irradiation. Under the influence of UV radiation, vitamin D metabolism improves, calcium content increases, bone tissue becomes stronger;
Exposure to ultrasound - used to accelerate blood flow, antispasmodic and reparative effects. Ultrasound is capable of penetrating deep into tissues; sometimes it is used for better absorption of medicinal substances;
Amplipulse therapy - allows you to relieve pain by blocking nerve impulses from the source of pain.

In the acute period of the disease, which lasts 4-7 days, painkillers, antispasmodics, and irritants are used to reduce pain. The patient is provided with rest. Immobilization of the cervical spine is carried out using a Shants collar. Exercise therapy and massage are contraindicated. Ultraviolet radiation is used.

The duration of the subacute period is 29 days. After complete recovery, the patient should rest for several days. Then you can begin a course of rehabilitation therapy. In the chronic course of the disease, the patient is prescribed muscle relaxants, chondroprotectors, B vitamins, and for pain - analgesics, NSAIDs. Physical therapy classes and massages are provided. The patient is given physiotherapeutic procedures (amplipulse, alternating current exposure), and spinal traction is performed.

At the Yusupov Clinic, doctors have extensive experience in successfully treating cervical osteochondrosis. Patients are given the opportunity to undergo a full course of rehabilitation: physiotherapeutic procedures, massage, spinal traction. The neurology clinic employs specialists of the highest medical category, professors, who use proprietary methods for the treatment of osteochondrosis.

Drug treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

It is especially important during an exacerbation, since it is through the cervical spine that important blood vessels pass through, providing nutrition to the brain.

Tablets, injections, ointments, as well as other topical agents prescribed by the attending physician can be used as treatment.

Important! Self-medication with drugs of various groups is unacceptable and can lead to disability and death.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

One of the most effective drugs, often used for osteochondrosis in the form of injections, but also available in the form of tablets, patches and ointments.

The key direction of action is to reduce pain, eliminate swelling and inflammatory processes.

Among the most effective drugs in this group it is worth noting Ortofen, Meloxicam, Artradol and Airtal.

Muscle relaxants

Provide effective reduction of muscle tension, which significantly reduces pain.

The recommended treatment period is from 2 to 4 weeks.

Among the most effective remedies, it is customary to highlight Sirdalud and Mydocalm.

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and warming ointments for cervical osteochondrosis

In order to increase efficiency, anti-inflammatory and painkillers contain steroid substances.

Among the frequently prescribed ones are Fastum gel, Nise and Voltaren.

The effect of warming ointments is aimed at pain relief, as well as warming, which activates blood flow at the site of application of the drug. The most effective are considered to be: Nicoflex, Capsicam.

Chondroprotectors

They are used to slow down degenerative processes and accelerate the regeneration of connective tissue. Has a cumulative effect.

Recommended dosage: from 2 to 6 months.

Among the most popular drugs in this group are Chondroxyz, Artracam and Alflutop.

Features of nutrition in the treatment and prevention of cervical osteochondrosis

Proper nutrition is undoubtedly an important component of maintaining a healthy body.

In the context of the prevention or treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, diet is an auxiliary, but at the same time a very significant component.

The main goals of proper nutrition in the treatment or prevention of osteochondrosis are:

eliminating the possibility of a deficiency of nutrients necessary for metabolic processes in the tissues of the intervertebral discs;
maintaining optimal body weight;
reducing the risk of developing vascular changes, preventing circulatory disorders.

Principles of diet

Nutrition for cervical osteochondrosis is based on the principles of rationality and functionality:

Minimizing inhibitions - a healthy diet is varied, balanced and at the same time rich in all necessary substances.
Compliance with the drinking regime is an important component in preventing tissue degradation of the intervertebral discs.
Reducing salt consumption eliminates the possibility of increasing the load on blood vessels and ensures support of water and electrolyte balance.
Limiting the consumption of starches and sugars in order to eliminate the possibility of metabolic disorders.

Prohibited and recommended foods

Nutrition in the treatment and prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine requires the exclusion of products that clog the body, such as:

alcohol, which disrupts the water-electrolyte balance and causes tissue dehydration;
fatty meats and smoked meats that are difficult to digest;
acidic, spicy dishes that increase inflammatory processes;
semi-finished products that negatively affect digestion processes;
sweets, sugar, which disrupt blood circulation.

The list of products recommended for consumption includes mainly easily digestible products of plant and animal origin, rich in protein, complex carbohydrates and fiber, including:

chicken, rabbit, lean beef and pork;
Fish and seafood;
dairy products, eggs;
cereals of various types;
whole wheat bread;
fruits, vegetables, berries and herbs.