Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine: symptoms and treatment.

The main causes, symptoms and prevention of cervical osteochondrosis. Bonus: preventive gymnastics.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the intervertebral discs in the cervical spine. With age and in the absence of treatment and prevention, the disease tends to progress. Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the spine.

If pain appears in this department, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible, since progressive osteochondrosis leads to serious health problems, up to vision problems, persistent migraines and can even lead to death.

Osteochondrosis is not necessarily an age-related change, it often affects people at a young age.

Eight main causes of osteochondrosis

• inheritance,
• injuries,
• excessive physical activity,
• age-related changes,
• metabolic disorders
• sedentary (hypodynamic) work,
• wrong body position during sleep
• stress (psychosomatic).

If one or more symptoms occur, you should see your doctor for treatment or prevention.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

The causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can vary. It's not just age-related changes that can lead to illness. The disease also affects young people who prefer sedentary work.

Inactivity is the most common cause of osteochondrosis. Lack of moderate exercise causes muscle weakness and poor circulation. Additional pinching of nerves and the appearance of an intervertebral hernia are possible.

Factors that contribute to the development of cervical osteochondrosis

1. Violation of the structure and location of the brainstem in relation to the spine and deformity of the first cervical vertebra.
2. Acquired forms of deformities: kyphosis, lordosis, scoliosis and their combinations.
3. Elderly people over 60 years old. At this age, natural age-related changes occur in the spinal discs. Overgrowth of bone growths.
4. Poor posture due to bending over or being in an awkward position for a long time.
5. Injuries to the cervical spine.
6. Incorrect muscle load.
7. Obesity.

If the load on the muscles is not symmetrical, it can cause deformations. These changes are due to the habit of lifting weights with one hand, carrying a bag on one shoulder, and using a pillow that is too soft to sleep.

Degrees of osteochondrosis

Modern science knows three main degrees of development of cervical osteochondrosis disease. They differ from each other in the degree of damage to the vertebrae and in the methods of treatment.

First degree osteochondrosis

It begins with the rupture of the intervertebral disc capsule and the appearance of microcracks in the annulus fibrosus. This type is characterized by degenerative transformations in the cervical joints and changes in the structures of the tissues.

First degree signs of osteochondrosis:

• concerned about joint pain in the neck and shoulder girdle, vasoconstriction occurs and blood circulation is impaired;

• the appearance of pain in the neck with a sharp turn of the head, indicating compression of the nerve endings;
• discomfort in the cervical region, temples, neck and constant headaches;
• blurred vision, flies and veils in the eyes.

Osteochondrosis of the second degree

Characterized by a decrease in the distance between the vertebral discs. It implies a punctual pain with any load, it becomes difficult to turn or tilt the head.

Third degree osteochondrosis

It is observed as a chronic disorder of the musculoskeletal function of the spine. Significant changes are noted in the structure of the spine.

Lack of treatment at this stage can lead to stroke. Death is possible.

Signs of third degree osteochondrosis:

• partial or complete paralysis of the neck and shoulder joints;
• decreased sensation of the upper extremities;
• herniated disc becomes visually visible;
• death of certain parts of the cerebral cortex due to circulatory disorders and lack of adequate oxygen supply.

In the third stage of osteochondrosis, a surgical operation is required.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis in various parts of the spine

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis:

• sharp pain in the neck, passing to the upper extremities,
• headaches,
• fingers may go numb
• high blood pressure,
• impaired coordination of movements,
• feeling stiff,
• episodes of nausea are not excluded,
• when a nerve is pinched, pain is felt when swallowing,
• Painful sensations in the teeth are possible.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis:

• chest pain, which can radiate in the region of the heart, lungs, passing to the shoulder blades
• pain in the spine,
• rib pain
• shoulder pain
• spots in front of the eyes
• tinnitus.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region:

• menstruation disorder
• lumbar pain syndromes passing to the lower extremities
• lumbago
• hernia between vertebrae
• increased fatigue.

Women with suspected osteochondrosis are prescribed X-rays, CT and MRI, ultrasound, and neuromyography. They may recommend visiting a mammologist and gynecologist to exclude diseases similar in their symptoms to osteochondrosis.

Osteochondrosis in women

In women, as in men, there are three main types of osteochondrosis, these are:

• cervical,
• lumbar,
• chest.

Women are more likely than men to develop osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic regions. This phenomenon is due to the fact that in men, by nature, the chest muscles of the neck are more developed. Therefore, these departments have the best support. Therefore, it is necessary, if possible, to strengthen the muscles of the back and neck with appropriate exercises.

More often, cervical osteochondrosis manifests itself in women who lead a sedentary lifestyle or who perform sedentary jobs (office work, salespeople, drivers), and osteochondrosis of the thoracic region manifests itself more frequently in womenwho have had scoliosis since childhood.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

To make a correct diagnosis, you must make an appointment with a doctor. Other diseases can also be hidden under the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.

Cervical osteochondrosis does not have the ability to pass on its own and, by moving to the last, third stage, it can be fatal.

Treatment started on time will help avoid serious and irreversible consequences.

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis

Here is a sample list of specialist doctors to help you understand the problem.

• General practitioner (general practitioner). Therapists conduct general diagnostics without treatment, prescribe general tests (urine, blood biochemistry). They take your individual complaints into account and refer you to the appropriate specialist.
• Neurologist. A neurologist deals with the treatment of the initial and middle stages of cervical osteochondrosis. At the stage of visiting a neurologist, as a rule, an X-ray of the spine is performed. With confirmed osteochondrosis, the appropriate treatment is selected.
• Trauma surgeon. The consultation of this specialist is prescribed if there are changes in the tissues. Perhaps the appointment of MRI, spondylography, computed tomography. An additional treatment is also selected.
• Neurosurgeon. Consultation with a neurosurgeon is prescribed if an intervertebral hernia is suspected, referring to the results of CT and MRI.
• Physiotherapist. It deals with the elimination of clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis.
• Rehabilitologist. Treatment by a rehabilitation therapist involves a recovery period after surgery. During this period, special therapeutic exercises (exercise therapy) are selected.
• Chiropractor. Prescribed to eliminate pain.
• Rheumatologist. He gives advice and prescribes diagnoses to people with various forms of arthritis.
• Oncologist. Visiting an oncologist is indicated for people with suspicious findings on CT and MRI. A specialized consultation helps to confirm or exclude the presence of tumor diseases of the bone tissue. A biopsy may be prescribed.

Modern methods of treating osteochondrosis:

• surgical intervention (in the presence of irreversible changes,
• osteopathy,
• manual therapy,
• physiotherapy,
• massage,
• working with psychosomatics,
• reflexology,
• drug therapy.

Drug therapy

The goal of drug therapy is to relieve inflammation and pain. Correctly selected drugs restore blood circulation and nutrition of healthy tissues.

In the acute stage, drug therapy stabilizes the patient's condition and prepares him for the next stage of treatment. Ointments, muscle relaxants, corticosteroids, and vitamin complexes are used.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy includes a combination of natural and physical effects on the body. Effectively relieve pain and restore physical activity.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy is effective when supervised by a good specialist.

Massage stimulates blood circulation and improves tissue nutrition. Manual therapy is convenient for home use (massagers and various applicators).

Before using manual therapy products at home, you should consult a specialist.

Reflexology

Reflexotherapy produces an effect due to the effect on the biologically active points of the body. It can be performed in the form of acupuncture, acupressure, sometimes moxibustion. If you choose this particular treatment method, be sure to have a qualified specialist in front of you, as exposure to inappropriate biological sites can have negative consequences.

exercise therapy

Physiotherapy exercises (LFK) for osteochondrosis are prescribed without fail in the recovery stage. The purpose of exercise therapy is to strengthen ligaments and muscles, exercises help restore blood flow.

Properly selected exercises can help prevent recurrence and deepening of damage.

Exercises for cervical osteochondrosis

In conclusion, we present to your attention some exercises from the physiotherapy exercise complex.

Consult a doctor before exercising.

Exercises in the exercise therapy complex can be uncomfortable, so before doing so, try to relax as much as possible and make sure your breathing is calm and measured.

It is not recommended to overload your muscles during exercise. Do as much as you can, then after resting, return to the exercises.

To achieve the final recovery effect, it is necessary to perform up to 300 movements on the diseased spine and 100 repetitions for the adjacent sections.

With cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended to avoid sudden movements of the head. The exercises are performed standing up, with a straight back and feet shoulder-width apart (repeated 15 times):

1. Tilt your head to the left and hold for 10 seconds. Putting pressure on your shoulders, tighten your neck muscles and resist the pressure. Repeat the same movements to the right. Repeat the first exercise, leaning forward and back.
2. Turn your head to the right, trying to reach your shoulder with your chin, hold the movement for a few seconds. Repeat the exercise with a turn to the left.
3. Use your chin to draw numbers from 0 to 9 in the air.

Back exercises:

1. Raise your head and hold for 10 seconds. Lower your head and take a five-second break.
2. Pull your chin towards the ceiling and hold it for 10 seconds, then gently lower your head.

Exercises for lying on your side:

1. Raise your head and hold it parallel to the ground for 10 seconds. Then, gently lowering your head, pause for a few seconds.
2. Repeat this exercise while lying on the other side.