Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease of the spine that is characterized by degeneration of the intervertebral disc., with the presence of a significant decrease in its height, reactive growth of the marginal osteophyte, as well as sclerosis of the spinal discs.
The cervical vertebrae are close enough to each other. The muscular framework in this area is relatively poorly developed, therefore, cervical osteochondrosis, even with a light load, leads to displacement of the spinal disc, followed by compression of nerves and blood vessels.
The affected cartilage tissue of the disc from osteochondrosis gradually turns and degenerates into a bone formation. As a result, the disc hardens and decreases in size, and eventually loses the shock-absorbing properties between the spinal discs, which causes pressure on the nerve endings, with further occurrence of pain.
The intervertebral discs of the cervical region are a fibrocartilaginous plate. In the middle of the disc is the nucleus, which is surrounded by the annulus fibrosus, that is, a tendon-like tissue. The intervertebral disc does not have a vascular system and therefore nutrition is carried out with the help of other tissues.
An important source of the intervertebral discs are the spinal muscles, their dystrophy leads to symptoms of osteochondrosis. In the process of lifting weights, jumping or other physical exertion, the shock absorber functions of the spine maintain the necessary distance between the vertebrae. A disorder is a pathology. Photo below.
I would like to emphasize, because protrusions (the main signs of osteochondrosis) are much more likely to form in the lumbar spine, and therefore complications appear - intervertebral hernias.
Intervertebral disc protrusion is prolapse (protrusion) of the disc without tearing the annulus fibrosus.
Leakage of the nucleus pulposus, i. e. rupture of the fibrous ring, is a disc herniation - the last stage of osteochondrosis.
Reasons for development
- Infections.
- Intoxication.
- Metabolic disease.
- Age changes.
- genetic predisposition.
- Lack of fluids and vitamins in the diet (malnutrition).
- Spinal cord injury.
- Overweight.
- Bad ecology.
- Postural disorder.
- Rachiocampsis.
- Flat steps.
- Sedentary lifestyle of the body.
- Instability of segments in the spine.
- Prolonged stay in uncomfortable positions (pressure on the discs).
- Frequent sudden movement or change in body position.
- Overloading of the spine due to the use of uncomfortable shoes, for example, high heels.
- Physical exercises.
- Unevenly developed musculoskeletal system.
- Pregnancy
- stressful situations.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Smoking.
- Hypothermia.
- Stay in a cold environment for a long time.
- Nervous tension.
Signs and symptoms
Osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae has the following symptoms:
- Dizziness, headache. It should be emphasized that in most cases the signs of cervical osteochondrosis are accompanied by a headache. This circumstance is associated with pressure on the vessels of the cervix and head. Usually, these symptoms and pain syndrome cause serious discomfort to a person, reducing efficiency. In addition, the headache is aggravated by various movements of the body;
- vertigoappear during a sharp turn of the head to the side;
- Chest and arm painsduring the period of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, it is very similar to the signs of angina pectoris, that is, burning or pressing pain in the heart. In most cases, the pain in the hands is accompanied by a feeling of numbness and tingling;
- Lumbago- This is the most common symptom of cervical osteochondrosis. Such an unpleasant sensation as a strong pain extends to the fingers of the hands;
- Numbness of the tongue. The appearance of this symptom of cervical osteochondrosis causes restriction of tongue movements. In this regard, many patients complain of a change in the tone of the vocal cords (they become very rough), as well as of speech.
Diagnosis
So, diagnosis and treatment are carried out by medical specialists - vertebrologist, orthopedists, neurosurgeons, with the help of a visual examination of the patient in connection with complaints of limited mobility or deformity.Examine the patient sitting, lying down, standing, at rest or in motion. The degree of damage to the spinal region is determined according to a special scheme.
Determining the localization, degree and nature of pain, increased tension in the muscles along the spine is carried out by palpation of the spine. Bending, twisting, bending of the body indicate the range of motion in the affected area.
In the future, osteochondrosis is diagnosed using MRI, computed tomography or radiography. Checking the condition of the vessels of the cervical region requires the appointment of a duplex scan or ultrasound tomography.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae and its complications are treated with the help of conservative methods, which are aimed at eliminating pain syndromes, dysfunction of the spinal roots, as well as preventing the progression of dystrophic changes in the structure of the spine. In the event that conservative treatment is ineffective, then, according to certain indications, surgical (operative) treatment is performed, where the volume depends on the clinical manifestation of osteochondrosis and the level of the lesion.
The treatment of osteochondrosis directly depends on the severity of the course of the disease, age-related changes, the method of treatment used, the conscientious implementation of the recommendations and prescriptions of the attending physician.. Usually, at the beginning of the treatment, there is an increase in pain in the cervical spine, but they are soon stopped with the help of drugs, physiotherapy procedures, as well as performing physical procedures and therapeutic massage.
The most effective result in the treatment of osteochondrosis is the complex treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system as a whole.
Exercises
Exercises and gymnastics for osteochondrosis in the cervical spine help reduce pain, strengthen cervical muscles, so osteochondrosis reduces the likelihood of recurrence.
- It is recommended to start withsimple exercise - ten gentle rotations of the cervical spine. Gymnastics is performed as follows: the head is turned in one direction until it freezes at a certain point for a few seconds, then in the other, repeating the procedure. During the exercise, the head should not be lowered, the gaze is directed in front of you.
- Exercises - head tilts. The head is tilted to the left to touch the shoulder joint with the ear, and the shoulders should be relaxed. We repeat on the right side. The above exercises restore shock-absorbing properties. Photo below.
- Exercises for stretching the neck muscles.Bend the neck and tilt the head back and forth. In the process of moving forward, the chin is pressed against the chest and held in this position for several seconds. As a result, we turn the head to its original position and tilt it back. The exercises are repeated ten times.
As you can see, exercises or gymnastics for the neck are very simple, but extremely effective. The main thing is to exercise regularly..
Massage
Osteochondrosis is not a sentence! Drug treatment, massage, therapeutic exercises are completely possible at home.
Massage of the cervical spine in osteochondrosis is performed in the presence of a close person. Massage oil is used to reduce discomfort.
To perform the procedure, the neck is prepared by placing the patient on a wide surface and placing a folded towel under the shoulder blades. These actions will help stretch the neck muscles and lengthen the spine. For a while, the patient's muscles relax. As a result, the patient sits in a chair with a straight back..
After a certain time, the neck is smeared with massage oil. The oil takes into account drugs that have a headache-relieving effect. Such oil usually contains capsaicin, which heats up when used, thus providing a comfortable environment at the time of the massage.
So, the massage begins as follows, the trapezius muscle is felt, which descends from the upper part of the neck to the shoulder. Knead it hard enough to feel the pressure, but gently, without pain. The muscle on the left side is massaged with the right hand. Each muscle is counted for five minutes, then allowed to rest and repeated again.
The massage ends by wrapping the massaged area with a warm towel, after which it is advisable to rest.. The correct exercise of massage causes drowsiness.