cervical osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis in the usual sense for us is a disease of the spine, which is manifested by a decrease in the height of the discs. But this is a natural process in the body, associated with its aging and retribution for bipedalism. Changes of this type can be found in most people in the age group of 25 to 40 years and above.

The structure of the cervical spine includes seven vertebrae C1-C7, connected by an elastic tissue of the intervertebral discs. In the arch there are seven interconnected processes, and blood vessels and nerve endings pass through its small openings. With disease, the disc loses strength and elasticity.

The primary goal of a cervical spine x-ray is to rule out spondylitis, osteoporosis, or tumors.

If osteochondrosis is described on the radiograph, this does not have important clinical significance.

In general, the prognosis of the pathology is favorable, in the vast majority there is recovery, but it can be delayed for several weeks or months.

Incidence Statistics

Most people prone to osteochondrosis are adults. On average, only 15% of cases are in patients under 30 years of age. For people aged 30-49 years, the problem with the cervical vertebrae occurs in 65% of cases. Over the years, there have been more and more complaints about the disease due to the sedentary lifestyle of many workers.

How's it going	women's age	men's age
not progressing	58	Sixty-five
progressing slowly	46	46
progress quickly	49	fifty

The ratio of severity and dynamics of the disease is approximately the same in men and women (~ 50/50). The ages are also almost identical. The difference is only for the group in which the disease does not progress: it is noted that the average age of the men in this case is 7 years older.

	people of the city	Villager	Brain work	Physical work
not progressing	41	56	55	55
progressing slowly	31	31	29	28
progress quickly	28	fourteen	fifteen	17

It is also notable that fast-acting osteochondrosis occurs more often in urban residents than in rural ones.

Causes of the disease

Many factors, individually or in combination, affect the condition of the cervical spine.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical region - degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs in the cervical region.

It is manifested by pain, general weakness, numbness in the arms and neck, sometimes tinnitus.

To determine the degree of damage to cartilage tissue and the involvement of vessels and nerves in the process, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and other studies are performed.

Medical and physiotherapeutic treatment, lifestyle correction.

The list of causes that contribute to malnutrition of the intervertebral disc:

• physical inactivity or sedentary lifestyle;
• inadequate metabolism;
• salt deposits;
• unbalanced diet;
• sedentary job, including driving a car or working on a computer;
• obesity;
• posture violation;
• depression, stress, overexertion;
• viral diseases in chronic form;
• abrupt cessation of training in athletes or incorrect movements during physical exertion;
• injury;
• genetic predisposition;
• Birth;
• violations in the formation of bone tissues of the spine;
• hypothermia;
• Weightlifting;
• flatfoot.

This list can be supplemented, it all depends on the individual characteristics of development, lifestyle and the presence of concomitant diseases.

The degree of development of the pathology of the intervertebral disc.

Pathology develops gradually and there are 4 degrees in total:

1 degree

Signs of manifestation of the disease are minimal, pain in the cervical region is insignificant. When you turn your head, they can intensify and create discomfort. On being examined by a doctor, there is slight muscle tension in the neck area.

2nd grade

The pain in this case is stronger than in the previous description. And they can give way in the arm or shoulder area. This manifestation is provoked by a decrease in the height of the spinal disc and the infringement of the nerve endings in it.

Pain is noted when turning or tilting the head. At the same time, the patient's working capacity decreases, attacks of headaches and general weakness of the body occur.

3rd grade

The pain becomes stronger, numbness of the limbs and weakness in the muscles of the hands appear, which means the formation of intervertebral hernias. This degree of the disease is accompanied by frequent dizziness and general weakness of the body.

4th grade

This is the most dangerous condition in the body, since there is a complete destruction of the disc and the replacement of bone tissue with elastic. At the same time, dizziness becomes frequent, noises appear in the back of the head and ears, the coordination of movements is disturbed.

This is due to the infringement of the artery that feeds the cerebellum and the back of the head. In the fourth stage of the disease, the pain in the neck decreases significantly due to the regeneration of cartilage tissue, but pinched nerve endings remain.

Pain syndrome is not always associated with the presence of protrusions, hernias in the spine, more often it is nonspecific back pain.

Symptoms

The pain can manifest itself in various parts of the body, for which special tests must be carried out. For example, the pain can occur in the area of the eyeballs, in the dental nerves or in the ears. In some cases, they can spread to the shoulders, arms, shoulder blades, and lower back.

Pain in the heart muscle is not excluded, they can easily be confused with heart disease. If you use drugs that help to eliminate the pain of heart failure, then they will not be beneficial.

Due to cervical osteochondrosis, the arteries can be pinched (which is extremely rare and only with massive osteophytes or large hernias) that feed the brain with blood, which is why dizziness, noise in the head, nausea, headaches, loss of orientation, decreased visual function. appear and hear.

place of demonstration	characteristic sensations
Cervical	It hurts and dizziness, it is difficult to breathe, hearing and vision deteriorate, hoarseness appears in the voice, hands go numb.
Lumbar	Low back pain: sharp or dull, sweating problems, leg cramps, cold feet, menstrual irregularities, erectile dysfunction.
thoracic	Difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest or back, pain radiating to the region of the heart and occurs when bending over and breathing.

After a long time in an upright position of the body and a sharp climb, severe dizziness may occur. Fingers, toes, and the tip of the nose are often cold.

Each case is individual, and before prescribing drugs, an examination must be carried out.

Syndromes with cervical osteochondrosis

A syndrome is a group that combines several clinical features. The following varieties are distinguished.

Cardiac

The symptoms are similar to the picture that manifests itself in the violation of the heart, as well as a condition that precedes a heart attack. This category includes:

• burning and pain in the chest;
• increased fatigue;
• dyspnoea;
• General weakness;
• frequent heartbeat.

Functional tests and electrocardiography are used to differentiate cervical osteochondrosis from heart disease.

vertebral

Such a syndrome indicates the relationship of the pathological condition with the cartilage and the body of bone tissue. It includes three main symptoms:

• painduring neck turns;
• changes inspacebetween the vertebrae and your body;
• violationmobilityin the neck area.

These features are directly related to each other. If any of the symptoms are absent, then we are not talking about spinal syndrome.

vertebral artery

Indicates the relationship between pathological processes and the arteries that feed the brain tissue. The syndrome includes the following symptoms that are directly related to the dysfunction of blood flow in the brain:

• nerve irritationendings, which is manifested by migraines, severe headaches, tinnitus, numbness of the extremities;
• dysfunctionblood flowon the trunk, which will be indicated by attacks of nausea and vomiting, dizziness, changes in blood pressure;
• failureoxygen, manifested by drowsiness, depression, fainting, decreased performance.

The development of the syndrome is facilitated not only by cervical osteochondrosis, but also by other pathological processes.

Root

The manifestation is based on the connection of 1 of the 8 pairs of roots that innervate the cervical spine. Usually only one side of the body is affected.

The following symptoms will indicate a conductivity violation:

• 1-2 pairs- pain in the back of the head;
• third- difficulty chewing food, numbness of the tongue;
• four- hiccups, pain in the clavicle;
• fifth- Difficulties in moving the shoulder joint;
• sixth- discomfort in the forearm and shoulder blades;
• seventh- numbness of the middle and index fingers in the upper extremities;
• eighth- violation of the mobility of the little and ring fingers on the hands.

Since in most cases several partners are involved in the pathological process at once, mixed symptoms are observed.

Diagnostics

To diagnose the presence of the disease, an analysis of the patient's lifestyle is initially carried out, including his professional activity. Summarize the information about the symptoms. In addition, a survey is carried out on the presence of a similar pathology among family members in order to determine hereditary predisposing factors.

Next, a direct examination of the neck and back is performed in different positions in order to determine changes in posture and visible locations of the disc. Painful areas and places of muscle tension are felt. But these are only external examinations, and a more detailed picture can only be drawn with the help of instrumental methods.

x-ray of the cervical spine

The information content of this method for hernia diagnosis is small.

computed tomography

This is a more advanced way of detecting changes in the vertebrae, but it is difficult to determine the size and presence of hernias, as well as the places of compression of the spinal cord.

magnetic resonance

This method is the most progressive, in relation to the previous two. With it, you can make a detailed conclusion about the size, location and structure of intervertebral changes.

Ultrasound duplex scanning

It is used for suspected changes in blood flow in the vertebral arteries, including its velocity and the presence of blockages.

Rheoencephalography or REG

This test aims to study the normal blood supply and blood outflow from the brain. Currently, it is rarely prescribed due to low information content.

The above diagnostic methods can be used individually or in combination to determine the cause of the disease.

Treatment

It is completely impossible to cure cervical osteochondrosis, but with the help of some methods this process can be slowed down.

With an exacerbation of this disease, as a rule, pain-relieving drugs are prescribed, and along with them, vitamins and muscle relaxants, the latter of which are aimed at increasing the elasticity of soft bone tissues. Specialists prescribe massage procedures, using a collar Shants. Electrophoresis and ultrasonic procedures are also effective.

You can give yourself a massage, but only after consulting a specialist. The main methods are:

• kneadingmuscles: deep external impact, fold grip, relatively strong compression and pressure;
• lightvibration- hitting and shaking;
• trituration- a small application of effort to apply friction to the muscle warm-up state;
• caressing- movements are smooth without the use of effort;
• squeezing- Light pressure and release.

With the help of manual therapy, you can get rid of pain of a chronic nature, as well as correct your posture. Its direction is to warm up the muscles, relieve tension, restore the normal functions of the joints, and with a sharp effect on the pathogenic zones, the restoration of the cervical vertebrae occurs.

Acupuncture: This method promotes the release of the hormone cortisol, which has anti-inflammatory properties, into the bloodstream.

home exercise therapy

Correctly performed therapeutic exercises have the most positive effect. The main principle of the exercise is based on normalizing blood flow in the damaged area.

During exercise therapy, strong tilts and rotations of the head should not be used. Movements in which the joints are in their original position are allowed.

There are a number of effective exercises for osteochondrosis of the cervical region.

First

Lie on your stomach, put your hands on the floor. Raise your head and torso. The back forms a straight line. In this position, you need to stand for about two minutes. Then slowly take the starting position. The number of repetitions is not more than 3.

Second

Sit down and lean forward as you inhale. In this case, the head should touch the chest. On exhalation, the head tilts and tilts back. You need to repeat up to 15 times.

Third

In a sitting position, turn your head alternately in each direction. In this case, the movements should be smooth and superficial. If dizziness occurs, exercise should be stopped.

Exercise therapy is allowed only in the absence of an exacerbation of the pathology. The best effect is achieved at the time of recovery.

The absence of pain and discomfort will indicate the correct use of the complex.

orthopedic pillows

As a general rule, most of the time a person is in a sedentary state. As a result, pain in the back begins to appear. Rest of the spinal section is only possible at night during sleep. Therefore, it is important to choose the right pillow.

Orthopedic sleep aids help reduce stress and normalize the physiological position of the spine at night.

Before choosing a pillow, you should consult with your doctor. An experienced specialist will select the most suitable options, taking into account the rigidity, the presence of rollers along the edges, intended for laying under the neck.

If a person is overweight, a pillow with an indentation for the shoulders may be recommended.

For maximum effect, it is also important to consider the following criteria:

1. The size. If a person is used to sleeping on his back, the optimal height will be 9 cm, if on his stomach - less.
2. Degreerigidity. Here you should also take into account your favorite sleeping position. If you sleep on your stomach most of the time, a softer product will do; face up, it is better to opt for a hard pillow.
3. The shape. To rest at night, doctors advise taking a rectangular model. For a short break, the half-moon option is suitable.

The main disadvantage of orthopedic pillows is that with the wrong choice, a person will constantly experience discomfort.

needle applicator

This is a device consisting of a fabric base and an elastic material on which plastic plates with spikes are fixed. Additionally, the kit may include inserts with magnetic stripes.

The work of the device is based on the effect of acupuncture on the human body. The use of the applicator for cervical osteochondrosis contributes to:

• eliminationspasmsand muscle relaxation
• cuppingpainfulback syndrome;
• standardizationblood circulation;
• gets bettermobilityjoints;
• revitalizationmetabolic processes in tissues.

The main contraindications for use:

• chronicdiseases;
• the pregnancy;
• oncologicalpathology;
• epilepticseizures;
• tendency tobleeding;
• cardiaclung diseases and injuries.

The therapeutic course lasts from 14 to 21 days in accordance with all the prescriptions of the attending physician. Use the device only in a well-ventilated area.

Diet

Compliance with proper nutrition is an important component in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.

General recommendations

A properly formulated diet has its own characteristics. First of all, there are no strict restrictions on food. The menu provides for the use of a variety of healthy foods. In each case, the energy value per day is calculated individually. It is important that proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fiber are constantly present in the diet.

To avoid tissue dehydration, it is recommended to drink at least 1. 5 liters of pure water a day. In the summer, the daily rate increases significantly.

In addition, salt intake should be reduced. Its excessive amount in the body contributes to the appearance of edema and places an additional load on the vascular system. No more than 5 grams of this product per day is allowed.

It is also recommended to reduce the consumption of starch and sugar.

All dishes are steamed, in the oven, by boiling.

Prohibited Products

Patients with cervical osteochondrosis will have to give up a large amount of coffee, pastries and sweet products.

From the diet should completely exclude:

• dry fish;
• carbonated drinks;
• pickles;
• preserves and sausages;
• cakes;
• fatty broths;
• nutritional supplements.

Also, strong tea, sweet grapes, spicy dishes, marinades, and smoked meats are prohibited.

Complications and consequences

Pain arising from cervical osteochondrosis is not yet a serious symptom of the disease. But if you do not respond to them in a timely manner and do not take any action, then there may be irreversible processes. The most dangerous disease resulting from the displacement or herniation of the vertebral discs can be cardiovascular pathologies.

By squeezing the arteries passing through the spinal column, cerebral circulation is disturbed, and, consequently, the brain experiences starvation. As a result, the function of the cerebellum and the upper parts of the spinal cord is disturbed, noises appear in the back of the head.

Due to poor blood supply, vision is affected and hearing is lost. Comorbidities begin, such as thyroid disease, migraines, and spinal curvature. Cervical osteochondrosis can provoke a violation of the normal function of the digestive system and genital organs.

Studying the pathogenesis of the disease, experts found that its origin is often provoked by an unhealthy lifestyle, malnutrition, as well as stress and increased stress on the body. Therefore, it is recommended that if minor signs appear, you consult your doctor to prevent them from becoming a more serious pathology.

Prevention

Preventive measures to prevent such a disease should be different. Experts recommend:

• sleepon a medium firm mattress and a low pillow;
• visit periodicallybathtubor a sauna. This helps relieve tension in the muscles;
• take dailyshowerwith hot water;
• walk morewalking, swim or do yoga exercises;
• Noturnon the sides of the head sharply;
• after work forcomputerat the end of each hour, rest for five minutes, while working with your hands, making small bends of the torso, not forgetting the posture;
• asedentarywork to keep your back straight;
• select speciallyarmchairsor comfortable chairs for work.

In addition to the physical impact on the proper functioning of the cervical vertebrae, it is necessary to adjust the nutritional diet. To do this, you need to eat a little, but often - at least 5 times a day.

Steam dishes will ensure good digestion and will not have a negative effect on soft bone tissue. It is necessary to drink at least one and a half liters of clean water per day and completely exclude alcoholic beverages and smoking. It is recommended to dress salads with olive oil.

The following foods should be included in the nutritious diet:

• Rabbit meat, Chickenor lean meat
• Tomatoesand cucumbers, cabbage, beets, avocado, celery, spinach, lettuce, bell pepper, carrot, and onion;
• Bend downcheeses, cottage cheese and milk;
• fish, squid, crabs and oysters;
• lavenderand jelly;
• seedsunflower, almonds and hazelnuts;
• cereals, eggs and mushrooms.

It is recommended to exclude from the diet or limit the amount of consumption:

• fatty soups;
• Beans;
• Beans;
• grape;
• smoked meats;
• flour products and spicy dishes.

For preventive purposes, you can perform simple physical exercises:

1. lie down onstomachand put your hands on the ground. Then slowly and carefully raise your head and hold this position for a minute. After returning to the starting position. So repeat 3 or 4 times.
2. Lying face down, handsarrangealong the body, then gently turn your head to the right. Return to the starting position and also turn your head to the left. Repeat on both sides 5 times.
3. sitting in a chairlet downhead until the chin touches the body. Do this exercise while exhaling. Then take the starting position. After inhaling the air from the lungs, tilt your head back. Repeat the exercise 10 times.
4. To turnhead 4 times clockwise and counterclockwise, but if the state of health allows.

Complexes of exercises can be different, a medical worker will help you choose them.

In any case, before performing gymnastics, it is necessary to consult a specialist, and if during the exercises you feel dizzy or feel pain, you should stop them and consult your doctor.

Answers to common questions

What doctor treats?

At the first signs of the development of pathology, you need to contact a therapist who, after an initial examination, will refer you to a neurologist (he is the one who treats problems with the nervous system), a radiologist and a tomography specialist. The vertebrologist makes further diagnoses and prescribes treatment. An osteopath will help determine the location of the injury.

On which pillow to sleep with cervical osteochondrosis?

Experts recommend using only orthopedic pillows for sleeping. They must meet the following requirements: elastic, moderately dense, rectangular in shape, small in size.

How long does an exacerbation last?

The duration of an attack averages 2-5 days. However, after this period, for another 2-3 weeks, the patient will experience discomfort in the affected area of the spinal region. Therefore, the exacerbation phase can last from several days to several months.

How long to stay on the needle applicator?

With cervical osteochondrosis, one session lasts no more than 7 minutes. At the same time, every 60 seconds you need to slightly change the position of the head and back. It is necessary to carry out 2-3 procedures per day.