Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Osteochondrosis occurs due to uneven load on the spine. Provocative factors:

• heavy physical activity;
• wearing the wrong shoes;
• malnutrition;
• problems with metabolic processes;
• nervous and emotional exhaustion.

The disease can occur during pregnancy. Greater risk in multiple pregnancies. The pathological process can be determined genetically.

Development stages and photos

The development of osteochondrosis occurs slowly.There are 4 main stages of the disease:

1. First stage. The patient feels discomfort when walking for a long time and staying in the same position. Seals begin to form in the spinal discs.
2. Second phase. Painful sensations occur. The doctor prescribes manual therapy and painkillers.
3. Third phase. There are pronounced degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs.
4. Fourth phase. The final stage of the development of the disease, in which almost all parts of the spine are affected.

In the last stage, conservative therapy will be ineffective. The doctor prescribes surgery, which will require a long recovery.

In the photo you can see how the disease manifests itself in different stages of the disease.

General symptoms

Osteochondrosis can affect one or more parts of the spine. The vertebrae of the cervical spine are most often affected. The clinical symptoms of such a deviation are directly related to the functioning of the brain. Let's consider all the main symptoms of this disease.

We invite you to watch a video about the symptoms of osteochondrosis:

Pain in the back of the head, neck and collar area

Patients often experience pain in the neck, occipital and collar areas. This occurs due to insufficient blood supply to parts of the brain.Deformation of the vertebrae leads to compression of the vertebral artery. Against the background of such degenerative processes, a hernia can occur.

Along with pain comes the risk of serious complications. For example, blood pressure abnormalities or persistent hearing and vision disorders. Sometimes patients experience panic attacks and anxiety. They can last 30 minutes. This condition is called diencephalic syndrome.

Another cause of pain is muscle spasm, which leads to decreased blood flow.The patient may temporarily lose the ability to move his neck. Excessive strain leads to the fact that pain from the neck begins to flow to the back of the head and can further spread throughout the head. As a result of such processes, the patient suffers from severe migraines.

Noise, ringing, sensation of fullness in the ears

Decreased hearing, noise, ringing and a feeling of fullness in the ears occur against the background of a decrease in the intensity of blood flow from the vertebral arteries to the vestibular apparatus.

This complex of symptoms is called cochlear or cochlear. Doctors can not always associate such deviations with the development of cervical osteochondrosis.

Noise and ringing in the ears occur when you change position or stay in the same position for a long time.

Dizziness

The vertebrae of the cervical spine are quite thin, so when holding the head they are subjected to strong stress. They are more susceptible to deformation than the thoracic vertebrae.As a result of the deviation, dizziness occurs, which can be:

1. Systemic. There is a sensation of circular movement of the body and surrounding objects. It occurs due to a malfunction of the vestibular apparatus, muscles and joint receptors.
2. It doesn't system. The patient has a feeling of dizziness, stupor and uncertainty when standing. There is no sensation of circular rotation.

If such a symptom occurs, you should immediately consult a doctor. Reasons for the patient's emergency hospitalization:

• numbness in part of the shoulder;
• paralysis of the facial muscles;
• loss of consciousness;
• Bad headache.

Displaced vertebrae and muscle spasms lead to compression of the nerves that supply the brain. Due to lack of oxygen, dizziness occurs. InitiallyOxygen deficiency occurs in the back of the head, since this is the center of the vestibular apparatus.

Lack of air

Lack of air during osteochondrosis can be of several types: breathing problems and lack of oxygen. Breathing becomes difficult due to compression of the nerves that transmit signals from the pharynx to the esophagus.

When the vertebrae are displaced, patients experience shortness of breath. This condition often occurs during stressful situations. After their completion, normal breathing is restored. Sometimes there is a lump in the throat that cannot be washed away or swallowed.

The lack of air occurs due to a pinched nerve. As a result, a spasm of the diaphragm occurs, which is fraught with changes in the depth and rhythm of breathing. The patient becomes suffocating and has difficulty breathing. This is a serious symptom, since shortness of breath in osteochondrosis is dangerous for the development of a number of other complications. In this case, the doctor prescribes medications.

Nausea

An insufficient amount of arterial blood flows to the posterior structures of the brain. This triggers a compensatory reaction mechanism.Narrowing of the arteries leads to increased blood pressure. The patient feels a feeling of nausea.

If blood flow to the posterior structures of the brain is not restored, the patient will experience vomiting and loss of consciousness. Long-term impairment of cerebral circulation is fraught with the development of stroke and further disability.

Poor eyesight

With osteochondrosis of the neck, the patient may experience double vision, floaters and flickering. They indicate the onset of serious diseases that appear against the background of osteochondrosis. These include the following diseases:

• glaucoma;
• cataract;
• Claude Bernard-Horner's disease.

Glaucomaaccompanied by increased intraocular pressure and damage to the optic nerve. Treatment will only help achieve remission, but not completely eliminate the pathology.

Cataractsuggests destruction of the lens. This occurs due to a malfunction in the metabolic processes of the brain. The first symptom of such a disease is spots before the eyes. If treatment is not started promptly, the patient may lose his vision completely.

Claude Bernard-Horner's disease. The cause of the development of the disease is hypoxia of the occipital region and damage to the optic nerve. Symptoms of the disease are worsening of the reaction of the pupils and a difference in their size. Sometimes the patient cannot close the eyelids completely. Serious problems with twilight vision are observed.

Increases in blood pressure

Jumps are observed during the day. This disease is not characterized by long-term hypertension. The daily spasmodic dynamics of arterial hypertension occurs due to reflex irritations of the nerve endings and short-term spasms of blood vessels.

Symptoms of increased blood pressure with cervical osteochondrosis:

• heachache;
• blood pressure spikes after stress or muscle tension;
• pain in the limbs;
• low sensitivity in the collar area.

If you experience sudden changes in blood pressure and a significant deterioration in your general condition, you should seek emergency help.

Sudden fainting or syncope

Sudden fainting may occur due to short-term cessation of blood flow through the vertebral arteries. If the patient has lost consciousness, he should be positioned so that his legs are higher than his head. This activates blood flow to the brain. Problems with speech and movement may occur after fainting.

Pharyngeal problems

Sometimes only pharyngeal symptoms can indicate the presence of degenerative processes in the cervical vertebrae. They manifest themselves through:

Such signs are associated with lesions to the neurovascular trunks that originate from the spinal cord. However, these symptoms are observed not only in osteochondrosis, but also in inflammation and tumors.

Increased body temperature

With cervical osteochondrosis, body temperature rises. This symptom occurs with the following injuries:

• vertebral artery syndrome;
• disc protrusion;
• spinal canal stenosis.

Elevated body temperature can be triggered by neurosis, neurological vomiting, and fibromyalgia syndrome. Sometimes several pathological conditions are observed at once, which aggravate the symptoms of osteochondrosis.

Manifestations depending on the stage of the disease

1. In the early stage of the disease, symptoms may not be observed. The first signs of the onset of degenerative processes: headache; slight limitation of neck movement;
discomfort in the neck and arms.
2. In the second stage of development, the protrusion of the vertebral discs begins and the brain fissures begin to narrow. The pain becomes more pronounced, ringing in the ears appears and sleep disturbances appear.
3. The third phase is characterized by the destruction of the fibrous ring of the disc. Dislocations and displacements of the vertebrae, hernias in the cervical spine occur.
4. In the fourth stage, most degenerative changes are irreversible.

Which ones are born in the brain?

Symptoms in the brain can be severe or minimal. Cerebral deviations occur only when the vertebral artery is strongly compressed by bony growths. As a result, problems arise with blood access to the brain, and this causes spasms of small vessels and disruption of the hypothalamus.

With cervical osteochondrosis the following syndromes may occur::

1. Hypothalamic. It can be neurological and physical.
2. Syncope and fall syndrome. They appear in the fact that the patient feels weakness in the legs and loses consciousness for several minutes.
3. Buccal stem. Dizziness occurs when you turn your head.

As a result of such degenerative processes, the patient tries to avoid public places. At the same time, he develops unreasonable fears and depression.

Differences between women and men

Symptoms of cervical chondrosis in men and women are practically no different. Degenerative changes in the cervical vertebrae are more common in women, this is explained by the anatomical structure of the cervical spine. In men, the neck muscles are better developed.

Pregnancy has a negative impact on the condition of the spine. In most cases, standard symptoms are observed. In men it may be more pronounced.

Spinal chondrosis in children and adolescents

Spinal chondrosis in children and adolescents occurs due to a general delay in the development of connective tissue. This could be the result of a genetic abnormality or a disorder of mineral metabolism. Underdeveloped intervertebral discs are vulnerable to various pathological processes.

The disease occurs due to a sedentary lifestyle, prolonged sitting at the computer and excess weight. The symptoms of this disease are similar to the manifestations of osteochondrosis in adults. When the cervical spine is affected, the patient experiences neck pain, attacks of dizziness and migraines.

Diagnostics

Before making a diagnosis and prescribing treatment, the doctor carries out a series of diagnostic tests.An external examination is carried out, posture is assessed and muscle condition is studied..

CT scan

Computed tomography allows you to see bone tissue in a 3D projection. In principle, this procedure is similar to an x-ray. However, such diagnostics allow you to see an image layer by layer.

This procedure is not performed on children and pregnant women, since there is a high dose of X-ray radiation. Contraindications include the inability of the patient to remain still for several minutes.

X-ray

X-ray is a classic procedure prescribed to diagnose osteochondrosis.. It is practically harmless and allows you to evaluate the degree of degenerative changes. Using this technique, it is possible to identify the disease in the early stages.

An examination is prescribed if damage to the cervical spine is suspected. The clear advantage of this method is its low cost. This procedure will take 15-20 minutes.

X-ray does not allow layer-by-layer images of the affected tissues to be obtained. There are a number of more modern and informative examination methods. X-ray is only suitable for initial diagnosis.

Osteochondrosis is a dangerous disease that, without timely treatment, can lead to irreversible degenerative changes and disability. In the initial phase, only mild discomfort may be present. As the disease process develops, the symptoms become more intense. When the first signs of spinal damage appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine - symptoms and treatment

Neck problems are quite difficult for people to tolerate. After all, these are difficulties in turning the head, the inability to bend over and other problems that seriously reduce the quality of a person's life.

When a person begins to have difficulties in the cervical spine, it speaks of the onset of osteochondrosis. Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease that affects the intervertebral discs in the neck. The most commonly affected vertebrae are C5, C6, C7.

Today, osteochondrosis of the neck has become seriously younger and can be observed more and more often in people aged 30-50 years, that is, the most able-bodied population. Moreover, many do not even suspect that they have such a pathology.

After all, painful sensations appear rarely and little. Here it is worth understanding that timely treatment will allow you to deal with the problem and quickly return the person's joy of life and performance.

How to recognize this disease

A person should definitely listen to himself in order to recognize in time the initial processes of destruction in his body. This will allow you to start therapy faster.

In total, with osteochondrosis the following symptoms and signs will be observed:

1. According to the pain: the pain is localized in the neck, neck, shoulders, arms and even legs; if the nerve endings are connected with the pathological process, the person will feel discomfort in the shoulder area, pain will appear in the occipital part and the restructuring of the arms will be noticed
2. On the part of the hands: their restructuring occurs against the background of a decrease in the sensitivity of the hands, damage to the root with the nerves responsible for sensitivity; the root that includes the motor nerves is compressed
3. From the sides of the head: crunching when turning and bending, pain, etc.
4. From the general condition: feeling of persistent tiredness, frequent dizziness, coordination problems, vision problems, loss of sensitivity of the tongue

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women are exactly the same as in men. Additionally, women between the ages of 45 and 60 may experience numbness in the hands during sleep, as well as a tingling sensation.

• Examination by a doctor and medical history
• Take an x-ray: this method will allow you to determine changes in the mobility and position of the vertebrae, will provide a study of the reduction of intervertebral spaces and will make it possible to see salt deposits
• Performing a CT scan: this research method is considered one of the most accurate; with its help you can see breaks, various changes that the disc has undergone, evaluate the instability of the vertebrae, what is the compression of the nerve fibers and the brain of the back
• MRI - this diagnostic method helps to see all pathological changes, allows you to determine blood flow and the condition of the nerve roots

It is believed that the examination and radiographic data are sufficient to make an accurate diagnosis. The remaining options are used only in cases where the situation is unclear and there is room for doubt..

What should be the treatment?

Therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should be comprehensive and comprehensive. This is the only way to achieve an ideal result and stop the destruction process. Here it is worth understanding that both the doctor and the patient will have to work.

First aid for exacerbations

The acute phase of the disease occurs, as always, accidentally and unexpectedly. And it is worth learning first aid methods so that you can at least go to the doctor. Typically, the main recommendation is to apply a chili pepper patch to the affected area. This measure will relieve the pain. But the effect will be short-lived.

If swelling has developed, you can try herbal decoctions - they should be consumed for at least 3-4 days, then the effect will be noticeable.

After relief from acute pain, you should immediately go to the doctor. He will study the patient's condition, draw conclusions about the destructiveness of the situation and select the appropriate therapy.

When diagnosing osteochondrosis of the neck, they immediately offer a whole list of drugs with different spectrum of action. All of them allow you to generally normalize a person's condition and restore his joy of life. The list includes:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: it is recommended to use such drugs for 1-2 weeks, 2-3 times a day. Typically, to reduce their destructive effects on the body, it is recommended to use such products after meals.
• Muscle relaxants: Such drugs provide better muscle tone and relieve spasms
• Diuretics - with the help of these options you can eliminate swelling in the damaged area
• Corticosteroids: pain-reducing drugs, are especially effective for severe pain, ideally should be prescribed with analgesics
• Blockades are carried out on the basis of novocaine and lidocaine - usually this is professional therapy, i. e. performed by doctors; During the procedure, the drug is injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly at several points near the affected vertebrae
• Chondroprotectors: drugs that ensure the restoration of cartilaginous tissue
• B vitamins: such drugs are responsible for improving metabolic processes in nervous tissue, providing increased neuromuscular conductivity

It happens that local therapy is prescribed in combination with medications. Usually we talk about warming ointments, such as Fastum gel, Finalgon, etc.

Physiotherapy and physical therapy

• Treatment with special currents called modulated
• Reflexology
• Orthopedic gymnastics
• Use of special gymnastic equipment for physical activity
• Massages
• Electrophoresis: in this case, active medicinal substances are introduced into the skin using electrodes
• Magnetotherapy
• Ultrasound
• Laser

All these techniques help to relieve muscle spasms, improve a person's condition and have a beneficial effect on his nervous system..

As for physical therapy, it should not be neglected. After all, moderate and thoughtful physical activity will tone muscles and ensure normal well-being of a person. Immediately after the period of exacerbation, you can start the exercises, especially since they are quite simple and accessible to everyone.

List of exercise optionswill be suggested to the patient by his doctor. He will work it out based on the complexity of the situation and the need for certain loads. Among the standard options they offer:

• Lie on your stomach, support yourself with your hands. Raise your head and body slightly, but keep your back straight and don't fall. You need to hold this position for a couple of minutes, then return to the starting position. There should be 2-3 repetitions
• Lie on the floor, stretch your arms along your body, try to touch the floor with your ear, then turn your head for the same purpose. Repeat 6-7 times
• Sitting on the floor, inhale and tilt your head towards your chest, reaching your chin, exhale and send your head back completely. There should be 10-15 repetitions of this exercise.

It should be remembered that there should be no pain during the exercises. If they appear, you should stop exercising and consult your doctor.

Home therapy methods

Folk remedies are often used for medicinal purposes. Recommendations like this have been tested over the years. So, for example, you can usehop ointment. It is not difficult to prepare: you need to grind a spoonful of pine cone powder with 1 tbsp. butterThe sore spot should be rubbed with this product and wrapped well. If the ointment is used regularly, both inflammation and pain will disappear.

Rubbing is a great way. To make them it is enough to prepare a special infusion. Half a glass of elderberry and a couple of glasses of alcohol should be left to infuse for 7 days, placing everything in a dark place. Then all that remains is to rub the infusion on the affected area.

You can make a compress literally from what you have on hand. An excellent solution would bea mixture of honey and grated potatoes.

Fresh, peeled potatoes should be grated and mixed with honey. The entire mass should be wrapped in gauze and placed on the neck area for 20 minutes.

The body position should be kept immobile. It is enough to carry out this procedure once a week.

Traditional medicine should be practiced only with the permission of the attending physician. After all, there is a real risk of making things worse for yourself, and this cannot be allowed.Therefore it is important to discuss all methods with the treating specialist so that you can react in time if something goes wrong.

Surgery

It is worth preparing for the possibility that surgery is possible.

Surgery is used if the inflammation of the vertebrae has reached stages 3-4 of its development, conservative methods do not work, and the person's condition is rapidly deteriorating.

The operation is one of the least traumatic. A small incision is made in the neck and then, using a special microscope and microneurosurgical tools, the destroyed disc is removed, replacing it with an implant. Titanium plates are sometimes used to strengthen the spine in the affected area.

The duration of the operation is usually not too long: a couple of hours. The patient may feel better the next day and is usually discharged on the 5th day. After this surgery the pain disappears almost immediately.

Preventive measures against cervical osteochondrosis

To avoid unpleasant consequences and painful sensations, you should follow simple rules. Between them:

• Playing sports: swimming can have a particularly positive effect, it gives a uniform load, unloading the body itself, so you don't even feel pain when moving
• Review your diet and include more products containing magnesium and calcium (fish and other seafood), beans, peas, seeds, milk and other magnesium products, cheeses, spinach, etc. You will want to exclude hot peppers, pickles, grapes, flour products, sugar, smoked meats and other potentially harmful products.
• Perform exercises directly in the office while working in a sedentary manner
• For sleeping, you should choose a comfortable mattress and pillows

Such recommendations are affordable for everyone, but at the same time they can easily protect against the development of osteochondrosis at any age. Furthermore, they are accessible to all and do not pose a problem for their implementation.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine always surprises you. But you shouldn't get upset right away, you need to take all available measures to normalize the situation and regain health.