Osteochondrosis is a pathological process that leads to dystrophic and structural abnormalities, first in the intervertebral discs, then in the vertebrae themselves, spinal nerves, nearby muscles, ligaments, blood vessels and internal organs.
It can affect all parts of the spine - cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral.Cervical osteochondrosis is a very common phenomenon and is the second most common after lumbar osteochondrosis.
Osteochondrosis in the cervical spine occurs intermittently.Like any other pathology, it progresses without timely treatment.Functional and structural changes in the bone and cartilage tissue become more and more pronounced, which leads to complicated forms of the disease, with loss of sensitivity and limited movement.
Degrees and Degrees
In total, there are 4 stages (degrees) of cervical osteochondrosis.At the same time, the concepts of "degree" and "stage" are very often confused.Although they mean roughly the same thing, they are not exactly the same.The stage reflects the structural abnormalities of the cervical spine, nearby organs and tissues.And by measure we mean the symptoms of osteochondrosis and the patient's complaints.In the case of cervical osteochondrosis of the 1st degree, clinical symptoms are minimal and may be completely absent.The patient complains of mild neck pain (cervicalgia), which intensifies when turning the head.During the examination, the local tension of the neck muscles is detected.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the 2nd degree is accompanied by discogenic radiculitis.As a result of further degenerative-dystrophic changes in the core and fibrous capsule of the intervertebral disc, the height of the gap between the cervical vertebrae decreases.As a result, the roots of the cervical spinal nerves are pinched.Patients are bothered by point pain, which increases when turning and tilting the head.The pain syndrome may extend beyond the neck region and may be accompanied by general weakness and reduced performance.
As a result of further pathological processes leading to the displacement and destruction of the intervertebral discs, a disc herniation is formed in the neck region.The feeling of pain and general weakness intensifies and is accompanied by sensory and motor disturbances in the area of the affected segment.Grade 3 cervical osteochondrosis develops.
After that, with grade 4 cervical osteochondrosis, the destroyed intervertebral disc is replaced by fibrous connective tissue.Due to the involvement of the vertebral artery in the pathological process, the pain syndrome with sensory and motor disorders is accompanied by brain disorders - dizziness, lack of coordination, tinnitus.
Etiology
Before talking about the causes or etiological factors of cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to clarify some anatomical and physiological features of this part of the spine.
These features include:
- The neck is a mobile structure, yet it borders the relatively static thoracic spine.
- It has 7 cervical vertebrae and 8 segments.The "extra" segment appears due to the atlanto-occipital joint.
- The cervical vertebrae have an anatomically different structure, which is particularly clear in the example of the first two cervical vertebrae, the atlas and the axis.
- Vital communications pass through the neck - through the trachea, esophagus and large vessels, including the vertebral artery, which supplies blood to the brain.
The etiological factors that lead to pathological changes of the cervical spine, and then after the transition to cervical osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree, are the following:
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Poor nutrition with a lack of microelements and vitamins;
- Persistent bad posture among schoolchildren, students and office workers;
- Frequent hypothermia, unfavorable microclimate at home and at work;
- Endocrine disorders;
- Weak immunity;
- Heredity.
Symptoms
Symptoms of grade 2 cervical osteochondrosis include pain and tension in the muscles of the neck and back.Neck pain (cervicalgia) in this degree of osteochondrosis can be point-like or diffuse, spreading beyond the neck to other anatomical areas - the back and shoulder girdle.Due to the shortening of the intervertebral spaces, the muscles and ligaments sag.The function of the musculoskeletal system weakens and subluxation of the cervical spine develops, as a result of which the disc moves to one side or the other.The pain may be sharp and severe, like cervicago after turning the head or straightening the neck.
In addition to the pain, as already mentioned, there is tension in the neck and back muscles.Due to the fact that the cervical vertebrae do not move from the back, but to the side, such tension is most often asymmetrical and leads to poor posture.Bad posture, on the other hand, leads to further deterioration of metabolic processes in the neck region.All conditions are given for the transition of osteochondrosis to the 3rd stage.
In the 2nd stage of cervical osteochondrosis, the vertebral artery is not yet affected.However, already at this stage, in addition to pain and muscle tension, patients complain of weakness, fatigue and weakness.Possible sleep disturbances due to pain.
Types of treatment
Treatment of grade 2 cervical osteochondrosis includes:
- drug therapy,
- Physiotherapy procedures,
- medical gymnastics,
- Massage,
- Manual therapy.
Drug treatmentIts purpose is to eliminate cervicalgia, inflammation of the roots of the cervical segments, and to normalize metabolic processes in the cervical intervertebral discs.Pain relief can be achieved by taking pain relievers orally.But this is the most effective way to eliminate pain.In this regard, intramuscular injections are more effective.In case of severe pain, you can put a special Shants collar on your neck.
Pain reliefit can be achieved by eliminating the inflammatory process of the cervical roots.In this regard, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used in various dosage forms - tablets, ointments, injections and compresses.In this regard, injections and ointments are very effective.Steroid hormones have a good anti-inflammatory effect.
Oral use of chondroprotectors is recommended for the restoration of damaged cartilage.For the same purpose, it is recommended to take vitamin-mineral complexes containing vitamins B, C, E, zinc, iron and calcium.Although there were no brain abnormalities in the 2nd stage of cervical osteochondrosis, the use of neuroprotectors would not be bad.
Physiotherapy proceduresin any degree of cervical osteochondrosis, they are used to reduce pain and inflammation and improve local blood flow.Phonophoresis, laser and magnetic resonance therapy, and ultrasound treatment are used for this purpose.Physiotherapy procedures are contraindicated in the period of exacerbation of osteochondrosis.
Massagein the case of osteochondrosis, it is also performed in the interictal period.The massage is performed with the patient sitting or lying on his side.At the same time, the masseuse kneads, caresses and rubs the tense muscles from the back of the head to the neck with smooth movements.Afterwards, the muscles of the back, neck and chest are massaged.In this case, self-massage is possible using the Kuznetsov applicator.This is a needle roller with plastic spikes.It is enough to apply this roller every day up to the neck for half an hour and the result will not take long.
Therapeutic practiceaims to consolidate the effect of the above methods in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.This creates an optimal load on different muscle groups, which leads to muscle strengthening and spinal traction.Manual therapy for osteochondrosis of the neck should be carried out very carefully.Due to the high risk of cervical spine injuries, it poses a great risk not only to the patient's health, but also to his life.
Preventive measures
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis is aimed at eliminating the causes of the disease and preventing the transition from the 2nd stage to the 3rd stage.
In this regard, the following requirements must be met:
- active lifestyle;
- Good nutrition;
- Normal home and work conditions, except for drafts and hypothermia;
- Correct posture during "sitting" work and study;
- Exercise, sports;
- Treatment of simultaneous chronic diseases;
- At the first signs of osteochondrosis, consult a doctor in time.