Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a degenerative-dystrophic process in the area of the cervical vertebrae and surrounding tissues, accompanied by gradual thinning, dehydration of the intervertebral discs and the formation of vertebral deformities.All this impairs mobility, provokes inflammatory changes in the surrounding tissues, pain and complications.A more current name for the disease is dorsopathy.The term "osteochondrosis" itself does not correspond to modern criteria, but is firmly rooted to refer to various processes and causes of pain in different parts of the spine.
Osteochondrosis affects the intervertebral discs, vertebrae and surrounding soft tissues.As a result of degenerative-dystrophic processes against the background of aging and excessive stress, changes occur in the composition of the gel-like substance of the disc and the dense fibrous tissue that surrounds it, forming an elastic membrane.Gradually, the height of the disc decreases, its shock-absorbing properties deteriorate.
The metabolism inside the core suffers, microcracks are created, the disc is 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 - bone growths, which limit mobility and cause pain.
Changes occur near the spinal cord and its membranes, the roots of the spinal nerves, which can form irritation, inflammation of the surrounding tissues, reflex muscle spasms, which causes typical manifestations of the disease.Nearby vessels in which blood flow is interrupted can suffer.
reason
Osteochondrosis in the area of the spine, mainly cervical, can occur against the background of a number of existing health problems.Each further aggravates the process.Among the main provocateurs are:
Obesity, overweight;
Inactivity, lack of physical activity;
Mainly sitting or standing for a long time;
Poor posture, stooping;
Problems with the musculoskeletal system (flat feet, scoliosis), due to which the load on the back is unevenly distributed;
Back and neck injuries, congenital malformations of the spine;
Excessive stress on the neck and back;
Predisposition to pathology.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The manifestations of the disease are different, they are not always recognized immediately, they are mistaken for other pathologies.Among the most typical are:
Dizziness attacks that are systemic in nature occur in the form of attacks.
Pain in the back of the head, in the collar area, in the neck.The severity and intensity of the pain depends on the development of the process.Initially mild and periodic, with the development of the pathology it becomes constant, spreading throughout the head.
Tinnitus, ringing in the ears when you change position after sitting or lying down for a long time, can be accompanied by an attack of vertigo.
Nausea with vomiting due to blood circulation disorders in certain areas of the brain, worsens when you turn your head.
Visual impairment, fog, blurred vision, macular flicker.
Increased pressure, fainting.
Feeling of a lump in the throat, dryness, trouble swallowing.
Pain in the shoulders, numbness in the hands.
In addition to these complaints, typical syndromes that arise only against the background of damage to the cervical spine are also possible.
Vertebral syndrome - impaired mobility in the neck, pain when trying to turn the head, cracking 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, swallowing problems, pain in the shoulders, between the shoulder blades, numbness of the little finger.
Possible complications and risks
Long-term osteochondrosis in the cervical region leads to disturbances in the area of nerve trunks and arteries.This threatens the development of strokes, thyroid disorders, problems with the sensitivity of the hands, difficulty in swallowing food and vision disorders.In addition, the mobility of the neck is significantly limited.
Diagnosing
To diagnose the pathology, it is necessary to contact an orthopedist and neurologist.A comprehensive examination helps to determine the diagnosis:
X-ray and CT of the cervical spine, MRI for visualization of bone and soft tissue structures.
Duplex scanning of the arteries in the neck and head assesses blood flow 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 necessary to rule out other pathologies.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Basically, the doctor treats osteochondrosis of the cervical spine 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 pain relief with medication.
In some cases, the doctor recommends surgery.This is necessary, for example, in case of a severe disc herniation or damage to the cervical spine.
Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is aimed at relieving pain for a long time and restoring the flexibility of the body.It includes muscle strengthening exercises, massage and physical measures (eg applications of heat, cold, light or electrical stimulation).The therapist massages the affected muscles, such as by irradiating them with red light or applying heat compresses.In this way, tensions and blockages in the vertebrae are released so that the vertebral joints are no longer limited in their mobility.
The physical therapist will also select specific therapeutic exercises to suit individual needs and health conditions.He will show you exactly how to perform these exercises and, if necessary, correct the movements you are performing incorrectly.The main thing here is that you are learning techniques that will help you relax the muscles and improve the mobility of the head and neck.Exercise also helps improve blood circulation in the body, relieve tension and strengthen muscles.
If the symptoms appear acutely or if exercise does not help, the doctor also treats osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with drugs.If necessary, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.They relieve pain for a while and allow patients to move their head and neck better.
If your symptoms are severe and/or particularly painful, your doctor will also prescribe medications that relax your muscles (called muscle relaxants).
Pharmacy ointments or patches that have an analgesic effect also relieve the symptoms of cervical syndrome.
In some cases (for example, with a disc herniation), the doctor uses 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).Soothes irritated nerves, relieves pain and relaxes muscles.Depending on how severe the symptoms are, your doctor will give the treatment one to ten times.
If conservative treatment is not effective, the doctor will consider surgery.This is the case, for example, with a herniated disc, when a person suffers from very strong pain, symptoms of paralysis appear.Today, the operation is usually microsurgical, that is, through a small incision.The doctor removes the intervertebral disc tissue that is pressing on the nerves and causing symptoms.The procedure is usually short (approximately 30 to 60 minutes).The patient is usually under general anesthesia during the operation and stays in the hospital for observation for about three days.
Preventing
You have the power to relieve your symptoms and prevent neck tension yourself.The following measures are possible for this:
Exercise therapy and swimming in many cases improve the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Under certain circumstances, stress and psychological tension can contribute to osteochondrosis of the cervical spine or intensify its symptoms.Therefore, try to avoid stressful situations.