Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease of the spine characterized by degeneration of the intervertebral disc, with the presence of a significant reduction in its height, reactive growth of the marginal osteophyte, as well as hardening of the spinal discs.
The cervical vertebrae are quite close to each other. The muscular framework in this area has relatively weak development, therefore, cervical osteochondrosis, even in the case of 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 transforms and degenerates into bone formation. As a result, the disc hardens and decreases in size and eventually loses the shock-absorbing properties between the vertebral discs, which causes pressure on the nerve endings, with the further occurrence of pain.
The intervertebral discs of the cervical region are a fibrochondral plate. In the middle of the disc is the nucleus, which is surrounded by an annulus fibrosus, i. e. tendon-like tissue. The intervertebral disc does not have a vascular system and therefore nutrition is done with the help of other tissues.
An important source of intervertebral discs is the spinal muscles, it is their dystrophy that leads to symptoms of osteochondrosis. In the process of lifting weights, jumping or other physical exercise, the shock-absorbing functions of the spine maintain the necessary distance between the vertebrae. Disorder is pathology. Photo below.
I would like to emphasize, since protrusions (the main signs of osteochondrosis) are much more likely to form in the lumbar spine, and as a result complications appear - intervertebral hernias.
A disc herniation is a prolapse (protrusion) of the disc without rupture of the annulus fibrosus.
The outflow of the nucleus pulposus, that is, the rupture of the annulus fibrosus, is a disc herniation - the final stage of osteochondrosis.
Development reasons
- 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.
- Flatfeet.
- A sedentary lifestyle of the body.
- Instability of segments in the spine.
- Prolonged stay in uncomfortable positions (pressure on the discs).
- Frequent jerky movements or change in body position.
- Spinal overload due to wearing uncomfortable shoes such as high heels.
- Physical exercise.
- Abnormally developed musculoskeletal system.
- Pregnancy.
- stressful situations.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Smoking.
- Hypothermia.
- Staying in a cold environment for a long time.
- Nervous tension.
Signs and symptoms
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has the following symptoms:
- Dizziness, headache. It should be emphasized that in most cases the signs of cervical osteochondrosis are accompanied by headaches. This circumstance is associated with pressure on the vessels of the neck and head. Usually, these symptoms and the pain syndrome cause severe discomfort to a person, reducing performance. In addition, the headache intensifies with various body movements.
- dizzinessappear during a sharp turn of the head to the side.
- Chest and arm painduring 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 tingling and numbness.
- Lumbago- This is the most common symptom of cervical osteochondrosis. A similar unpleasant sensation as a strong pain extends to the fingers.
- 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.
Diagnostics
Thus, diagnosis and treatment is carried out by specialist doctors - spondylologists, orthopedists, neurosurgeons, with the help of a visual examination of the patient in relation to complaints of limited mobility or deformity.Examine the patient sitting, lying down, standing, at rest or in motion. The level of damage in the spine area is determined according to a special scheme.
Determination of localization, degree and nature of pain, increased tension in the muscles along the spine is carried out by feeling the spine. Bending, twisting, bending of the body shows the range of motion in the affected area.
In the future, osteochondrosis is diagnosed using MRI, CT or X-ray. Checking the condition of the vessels of the cervical region requires the appointment of a double-sided tomography or ultrasound.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and its complications are treated with conservative methods aimed at eliminating pain syndromes, dysfunction of the spinal roots, as well as preventing the development 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 damage.
The treatment of osteochondrosis directly depends on the severity of the course of the disease, age-related changes, the method of treatment used, the conscious 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 use of drugs, physical therapy procedures, as well as by 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.
High schools
Exercises and gymnastics for osteochondrosis in the cervical spine help reduce pain, strengthen the neck muscles, so that osteochondrosis reduces the likelihood of recurrence.
- It is recommended to start witha simple exercise - ten non-sharp turns of the cervical spine. Gymnastics is performed as follows: the head turns in one direction, while freezing in a certain place for several seconds, then in the other, repeating the process. During the exercise, the head should not be lowered, the gaze is directed in front of you.
- Exercises - head tilts. The head tilts to the left to touch the shoulder joint with the ear and the shoulders should remain relaxed. We repeat on the right side. The above exercises restore the shock absorption properties. Photo below.
- Stretching exercises for the neck muscles.Bend the neck and tilt the head back and forth. In the process of moving forward, the chin is pressed to the chest and held in a similar position for several seconds. As a result, we screw the head back 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 suggestion! Drug therapy, massage, therapeutic exercises are quite possible at home.
Massage of the cervical spine with osteochondrosis is carried out in the presence of a person near you. 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 some time, 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 lubricated with massage oil. The oil takes into account medications that result in relief from headaches. Such an oil usually contains capsaicin, which heats up when used, thus providing a comfortable environment at the time the massage is performed.
Thus, the massage begins as follows, the trapezius muscle is grasped, 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 left side muscle is massaged with the right hand. Each muscle is measured for five minutes, then allowed to rest and repeated again.
The massage is completed by wrapping the massaged part with a warm towel and then bed rest is desired.. The correct exercise of the massage causes drowsiness.