Cervical spine osteochondrosis: symptoms and treatment

Main causes, symptoms and prevention of cervical osteochondrosis. Bonus: preventive tournament.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes of the intervertebral discs in the cervical spine can be considered osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. As we age, in the absence of treatment and prevention, the disease progresses. Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the spine.

If you experience pain in this ward, see a doctor as soon as possible, as progressive osteochondrosis is associated with serious health problems, whether it can cause vision problems, permanent migraines, or even 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 work (hypodynamics),
• incorrect posture during sleep,
• stress (psychosomatics).

If you get one or more symptoms, talk to your doctor for treatment or prevention.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

The causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can be varied. It is not just age-related changes that can provoke disease. The disease also affects young people who like sedentary work.

The most common cause of osteochondrosis is inactivity. Lack of moderate exercise leads to muscle weakness and poor circulation. Further nerve stings and the appearance of an intervertebral hernia are possible.

Factors contributing to the development of cervical osteochondrosis

1. Violation of the structure and location of the brainstem relative to the spine and deformity of the first cervical vertebra.
2. Acquired forms of deformities - kyphosis, lordosis, scoliosis and combinations thereof.
3. Elderly over 60 years of age. At this age, changes in the vertebral discs occur related to natural age. Overgrowth of bone growths.
4. Poor posture due to crouching or prolonged uncomfortable posture.
5. Injuries to the cervical spine.
6. Improper muscle load.
7. Obesity.

If the load on the muscles is not symmetrical, it can lead to deformation. Such changes are caused by the habit of lifting weights with one hand, carrying a bag on one shoulder, and using a pillow that is too soft during sleep.

Degree of osteochondrosis

Modern science knows the three main stages of development of cervical osteochondrosis. They differ 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 and the appearance of microcracks in the annulus fibrosus. This type is characterized by degenerative transformation of the neck joints and changes in tissue structures.

First signs of osteochondrosis:

• worries about neck and shoulder joint pain, narrows blood vessels, and impaired blood circulation;

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

Secondary osteochondrosis

Characterized by a decrease in the distance between the vertebral discs. Whatever load is associated with point pain, it becomes difficult to turn or tilt the head.

Third degree osteochondrosis

It is referred to as a chronic disorder of the musculoskeletal function of the spine. There are significant changes 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 sensitivity of the upper limbs;
The
• herniated disc becomes visually noticeable;
• Death of parts of the cerebral cortex due to circulatory disorders and lack of adequate oxygen supply.

Surgery is required in the third stage of osteochondrosis.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis in different parts of the spine

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis:

• sharp pain in the neck, passing through the upper limbs,
• headache,
• fingers may become numb,
• high blood pressure,
• Disorder of movement coordination,
• Sense of rigidity in motion,
Nausea
• is ​​not excluded
• when a nerve gets stuck, you feel pain when swallowing,
• painful sensations are possible in the teeth.

Symptoms of chest osteochondrosis:

• Chest pain that can radiate to the shoulder blades in the region of the heart, lungs,
• pain all over the spine,
• rib pain,
• shoulder pain,
• spots in the eye,
• tinnitus.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region:

• menstrual disorder
• Lumbar pain syndromes that pass through the lower extremities
• lumbago
• hernia between vertebrae
• increased fatigue.

Women suspected of osteochondrosis are prescribed x-rays, CT and MRI, ultrasound, and neuromyography. They may recommend a visit to a mammologist and gynecologist in order to rule out diseases similar to the symptoms of osteochondrosis.

Osteochondrosis in women

There are three main types of osteochondrosis in women, as well as in men, these are:

• neck,
• lumbar,
• chest.

Women are more likely than men to develop osteochondrosis in the neck and chest region. This phenomenon is due to the fact that men by their nature have more developed neck chest muscles. So these departments have the best support. Therefore, back and neck muscles should be strengthened with appropriate exercises whenever possible.

Osteochondrosis of the neck is most common in women who lead a sedentary lifestyle or work (office work, salespeople, drivers), and osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is most common in women who have had a scoliosis since childhood.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

You must make an appointment with your doctor to make a correct diagnosis. Other diseases can be hidden under the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.

Cervical osteochondrosis cannot pass on its own and can be fatal by entering the final, third stage.

Starting treatment on time will help you avoid serious, irreversible consequences.

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis

Here is a list of specialists who can help you understand the problem.

• General practitioner (GP). Therapists perform general diagnostics without treatment, prescribing general tests (urine, blood biochemistry). Your individual complaints will be taken into account and an additional referral will be provided to the appropriate specialist.
• Neurologist. The neurologist deals with the treatment of the initial and middle stages of cervical osteochondrosis. At the stage of the neurologist's visit, a spinal x-ray is usually taken. In case of confirmed osteochondrosis, appropriate treatment is chosen.
• Traumatology surgeon. Consultation with this specialist is required if there are changes in the tissues. Maybe an appointment for MRI, spondylography, CT. They also choose additional treatment.
• Neurosurgeon. A nervous system consultation 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.
• Rehabilitation specialist. Treatment by a rehabilitation therapist is a period of recovery after surgery. During this period, special therapeutic exercises (exercise therapy) are selected.
• Chiropractic. It was prescribed to relieve pain.
• Rheumatologist. It advises and prescribes diagnostics for people with various forms of arthritis.
• Oncologist. Visiting an oncologist is indicated for individuals with suspected CT and MRI findings. A specialist consultation will help confirm or rule out the presence of tumors in the bone tissue. A biopsy may be prescribed.

Modern methods of treating osteochondrosis:

• surgery (in the presence of irreversible changes,
• osteopathy,
• manual therapy,
• physiotherapy,
• massage,
• work with psychosomatics,
• reflexology,
• drug therapy.

Drug therapy

The goal of drug therapy is to relieve inflammation and pain. Properly selected medications restore blood circulation and healthy tissue nutrition.

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

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy involves a combination of natural and hardware effects on the body. Effectively relieves pain and restores physical activity.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy is effective when supervised by a good professional.

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

You should consult a professional before using home therapy products at home.

Reflexology

Reflexotherapy has an effect due to its effect on the biologically active points of the body. It can be performed in the form of acupuncture, acupressure, and sometimes moxibustion. If you choose this treatment, make sure you have a trained professional in front of you, as exposure to inappropriate biological points can have negative consequences.

gym therapy

Physiotherapy exercises (LFK) for osteochondrosis are prescribed without failure in the recovery phase. The goal of gym therapy is to strengthen the ligaments and muscles, and the exercises help restore blood flow.

Properly chosen exercises can prevent the recurrence and deepening of the damage.

Exercises for cervical osteochondrosis

In summary, we present to your attention some exercises from the complex of physiotherapy exercises.

See a doctor before exercising.

Exercising the exercise complex can be uncomfortable, so before you do this, try to relax as much as possible and make sure your breathing is calm and measured.

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

To achieve the effect of the final recovery, a maximum of 300 movements should be performed on the patient's spine and 100 repetitions at adjacent sections.

In case of osteochondrosis of the neck, it is recommended to avoid sudden head movements. Exercises in a standing position with your back straight, legs set to shoulder width (repeat 15 times):

1. Tilt your head to the left, hold it down for 10 seconds. Applying pressure to your shoulders, tighten your neck muscles and resist the pressure. Repeat the same movements to the right. Repeat the first exercise bending back and forth.
2. Turn your head to the right, trying to reach your shoulder with your chin, holding back the movement for a few seconds. Repeat the exercise by turning left.
3. Use your animal 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 for 10 seconds, then lower your head gently.

Side exercises:

1. Raise your head and hold it parallel to the floor for 10 seconds. Then gently lower your head and stop for a few seconds.
2. Repeat this exercise while lying on the other side.