Osteochondrosis in the usual sense for us is a disease of the spine, manifested by a decrease in the height of the discs. But this is a natural process of the body, associated with its aging and retribution to bipedalism. Changes of this type can be found in most people in the age group of 25 to 40 years or older.
The structure of the cervical spine includes seven C1-C7 vertebrae, connected by the elastic tissue of the intervertebral discs. In the arch there are seven processes connected to each other, and blood vessels and nerve endings pass through its small openings. With a disease, the disc loses strength and elasticity.
The main purpose of a cervical spine radiograph is to rule out spondylitis, osteoporosis, or tumors.
If osteochondrosis is described on radiography, it is not of important clinical significance.
In general, the prognosis of the pathology is favorable, in the vast majority there is a recovery, but it can take 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 to 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 is it going | age of women | age of men |
|---|---|---|
| not progressing | 58 | 65 |
| advancing slowly | 46 | 46 |
| progress quickly | 49 | fifty |
The proportion of severity and disease dynamics 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 noticeable that the average age of men in this case is 7 years older.
| city residents | Villager | brain work | Physical work | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| not progressing | 41 | 56 | 55 | 55 |
| advancing slowly | 31 | 31 | 29 | 28 |
| progress quickly | 28 | fourteen | fifteen | 17 |
It is also noticeable that fast-acting osteochondrosis occurs more frequently in urban residents than in rural ones.
Causes of 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, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and other studies are performed.
Medical and physiotherapeutic treatment, lifestyle correction.
The list of causes that contribute to intervertebral disc malnutrition:
- sedentary or sedentary lifestyle;
- improper metabolism;
- salt deposits;
- unbalanced diet;
- sedentary work, including driving a vehicle or working on a computer;
- obesity;
- violation of posture;
- depression, stress, overexertion;
- chronic viral diseases;
- abrupt interruption of training in athletes or incorrect movements during physical exertion;
- loss;
- genetic predisposition;
- childbirth;
- violations in the formation of bone tissues of the spine;
- hypothermia;
- weightlifting;
- flat foot.
This list can be supplemented, it all depends on individual developmental characteristics, lifestyle and the presence of concomitant diseases.
The degree of development of intervertebral disc pathology
The 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. When examined by a doctor, there is slight muscle tension in the collar area.
2 degrees
The pain in this case is stronger than in the description above. And they can sag in the arm or shoulder area. This manifestation is provoked by a decrease in the height of the spinal disc and violation of the nerve endings in it.
Pain is noticed when turning or tilting the head. At the same time, the patient's ability to work decreases, attacks of headaches, general weakness of the body occur.
3 degrees
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.
4 degrees
This is the most dangerous condition in the body, as there is a complete destruction of the disc and the replacement of bone tissue with elastic. At the same time, dizziness becomes frequent, noise appears in the back of the head and in the ears, coordination of movements is disturbed.
This is due to the violation of the artery that feeds the cerebellum and the back of the head. In the fourth stage of the disease, neck pain significantly decreases due to 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
Pain can manifest in various parts of the body, so special tests must be performed. For example, 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 medications that help eliminate heart failure pain, they won't be of benefit.
Due to cervical osteochondrosis, the arteries can be pinched (which is extremely rare and only with massive osteophytes or large hernias) which feed the brain with blood, so dizziness, head noises, nausea, headaches, loss of orientation, decreased of vision function can appear and hear.
| place of demonstration | characteristic sensations |
|---|---|
| Cervical | It hurts and becomes dizzy, it is difficult to breathe, hearing and vision deteriorate, hoarseness appears in the voice, the hands become numb. |
| Low back | Low back pain - sharp or dull, sweating problems, leg cramps, cold feet, menstrual irregularities, erectile dysfunction. |
| thoracic | It is difficult to breathe, tightness in the chest or back, pain radiates to the heart region and occurs when bending over and breathing. |
After a long time in an upright position of the body and a sharp ascent, severe dizziness can 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.
heart
The symptoms are similar to the image that manifests itself in a violation of the heart, as well as a condition prior to a heart attack. This category includes:
- burning and pain in the chest;
- increased fatigue;
- dyspnea;
- general weakness;
- frequent heartbeats.
To differentiate cervical osteochondrosis from heart disease, functional tests and electrocardiogram are used.
Vertebral
Such a syndrome indicates the relationship of the pathological condition with cartilage and bone tissue body. It includes three main symptoms:
- painduring neck turns;
- changes inspacebetween the vertebrae and your body;
- violationmobilityin the neck region.
These features are directly related to each other. If any of the symptoms are absent, we are not talking about spinal syndrome.
vertebral artery
Indicates the relationship between pathological processes and arteries that supply brain tissue. The syndrome includes the following symptoms that are directly related to blood flow dysfunction in the brain:
- nervous irritationendings, which is manifested by migraines, severe headaches, tinnitus, numbness of the limbs;
- dysfunctionblood flowin 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.
Source
The manifestation is based on the connection of 1 of 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 neck;
- third- difficulty chewing food, numbness of the tongue;
- bedroom- hiccups, pain in the collarbone;
- 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 limbs;
- eighth- violation of the mobility of the little and ring fingers on the hands.
Since in most cases several couples are involved in the pathological process at the same time, mixed symptoms are observed.
Diagnosis
To diagnose the presence of the disease, an analysis of the patient's lifestyle is initially carried out, including their professional activity. Summarizes information about symptoms. In addition, a survey is carried out on the presence of a similar pathology among family members in order to determine the factors of hereditary predisposition.
A direct examination of the neck and back is then performed in different positions to determine changes in posture and visible disc locations. Painful areas and places of muscle tension are felt. But these are just external examinations, and a more detailed picture can only be drawn with the help of instrumental methods.
Cervical spine x-ray
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 locations of spinal cord compression.
MRI
This method is the most progressive, compared to the previous two. With it, you can draw a detailed conclusion about the size, location and structure of intervertebral changes.
Ultrasonic duplex scanning
It is used for suspected changes in blood flow in the vertebral arteries, including their speed and the presence of obstructions.
Rheoencephalography or REG
This test is designed to study the normal blood supply and blood output of 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, drugs for pain relief are prescribed, and along with them vitamins and muscle relaxants, the latter aimed at increasing the elasticity of soft bone tissues. Specialists prescribe massage procedures, using a collar of Shants. Electrophoresis and ultrasonic procedures are also effective.
You can do the massage yourself, but only after consulting a specialist. The main methods are:
- crumplemuscles - deep external impact, gripping the fold, squeezing and pressing relatively hard;
- Lightvibration- beat and shake;
- grinding- 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 the muscles, relieve tension, restore normal joint functions, and with an acute effect on pathogenic zones, the restoration of the cervical vertebrae takes place.
Acupuncture - This method promotes the release of the hormone cortisol, which has anti-inflammatory properties, into the bloodstream.
home exercise therapy
Therapeutic exercises performed properly have the most positive effect. The main principle of the exercise is based on the normalization of blood flow in the damaged area.
During exercise therapy, strong head tilts and rotation should not be used. Movements are allowed where the joints are in their original position.
There are several effective exercises for osteochondrosis of the cervical region.
First
Lie on your stomach, rest 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 breathe in. In this case, the head should touch the chest. On exhalation, the head is tilted and tilted back. You need to repeat up to 15 times.
Third
In a sitting position, rotate your head alternately in each direction. In this case, the movements must be smooth and superficial. If dizziness occurs, the 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 rule, most often a person is in a sedentary state. As a result, back pain begins to appear. Rest of the spinal section is possible only at night during sleep. Therefore, it is important to choose the right pillow.
Orthopedic sleeping aids help to reduce stress and normalize the physiological position of the spine during the night.
Before choosing a pillow, you should consult your doctor. An experienced specialist will select the most suitable options, taking into account rigidity, the presence of rollers along the edges, provided for placement under the neck.
If a person is overweight, a pillow with a notch for the shoulders may be recommended.
For maximum effect, it is also important to consider the following criteria:
- The size. If a person is used to sleeping on their back, the ideal height will be 9 cm. If you're on your stomach, less so.
- Gradestiffness. Here you also need to take into account your favorite sleeping position. If most of the time you sleep on your stomach, a softer product will do; on your back, it is best to opt for a hard pillow.
- The shape. To rest at night, doctors advise taking a rectangular model. For a short rest, the half-moon option is suitable.
The main disadvantage of orthopedic pillows is that with the wrong choice, a person will constantly feel discomfort.
needle applicator
This is a device composed of a fabric base and an elastic material to which plastic plates with spikes are fixed. In addition, the kit may include inserts with magnetic stripes.
The device's work is based on the effect of acupuncture on the human body. The use of the applicator for cervical osteochondrosis contributes to:
- eliminationspasmsand muscle relaxation
- cupping therapypainfulback syndrome;
- normalizationblood circulation;
- improvementmobilityjoints;
- revitalizationmetabolic processes in tissues.
The main contraindications for use:
- chronicillnesses;
- pregnancy;
- oncologicalpathology;
- epilepticattacks;
- tendency tobleeding;
- cardiaclung disease and injury.
The therapeutic course lasts 14-21 days in accordance with all prescriptions of the attending physician. Use the device only in a well-ventilated area.
Diet
Adherence to adequate nutrition is an important component in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
general recommendations
A properly formulated diet has its own characteristics. First, 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 prevent tissue dehydration, it is recommended to drink at least 1. 5 liters of pure water a day. In summer, the daily rate is significantly increased.
In addition, salt intake should be reduced. Its excessive amount in the body contributes to the appearance of edema and overloads 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, boiling.
prohibited products
Patients with cervical osteochondrosis will have to give up a lot of coffee, cakes and sweet products.
From the diet you need to completely exclude:
- dried fish;
- carbonated drinks;
- pickles;
- preserves and sausages;
- cakes;
- fatty broths;
- nutritional supplements.
In addition, strong tea, sweet grapes, spicy dishes, marinades and smoked meats are prohibited.
Complications and consequences
Pain resulting from cervical osteochondrosis is not yet a serious symptom of the disease. But if you don't respond to them in a timely manner and don't take any action, then later there can be irreversible processes. The most dangerous disease resulting from the displacement or hernia of vertebral discs can be cardiovascular pathologies.
By squeezing the arteries that pass in the spine, the cerebral circulation is disturbed and, consequently, the brain starves. As a result, the function of the cerebellum and the upper parts of the spinal cord are disturbed, noises appear in the back of the head.
Due to poor blood supply, vision is impaired and hearing is lost. Comorbidities such as thyroid disease, migraines and spinal curvature begin. Cervical osteochondrosis can provoke a violation of the normal function of the digestive system and genitals.
Studying the pathogenesis of the disease, experts have found that its origin is often brought on by an unhealthy lifestyle, malnutrition, as well as stress and increased stress on the body. Therefore, it is recommended that if minor signs appear, contact your doctor to avoid the development of a more serious pathology.
Prevention
Preventive measures to prevent such a disease must be different. Experts recommend:
- sleepson medium firmness mattress and low pillow;
- visit periodicallybathor a sauna. This helps to relieve tension in the muscles;
- take dailybathwith hot water;
- walk moreon foot, swimming or doing yoga exercises;
- noto turnon the sides of the head sharply;
- after work tocomputerat the end of each hour, rest for five minutes, while working with your hands, making small trunk curves, not forgetting to maintain the posture;
- at thesedentarywork to keep your back straight;
- specially selectarmchairsor comfortable chairs for work.
In addition to the physical impact on the correct function 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 a day and completely exclude alcoholic beverages and smoking. It is recommended to season the salads with olive oil.
The following foods should be included in the nutritious diet:
- rabbit meat,Chickenor lean meat
- tomatoesand cucumbers, cabbage, beets, avocados, celery, spinach, lettuce, peppers, carrots and onions;
- leancheeses, curd and milk;
- fish, squid, crabs and oysters;
- aspicand 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:
- lie downstomachand rest your hands on the floor. Then slowly and carefully lift your head and hold this position for a minute. After returning to the starting position. Then repeat 3 or 4 times.
- Lying on your stomach, handsarrangementalong the body, then gently turn the head to the right. Return to the starting position and also turn your head to the left. Repeat on both sides 5 times.
- sitting on a chairto disappointhead until the chin touches the body. Do this exercise while exhaling. Then take the starting position. After inhaling the air from your lungs, tilt your head back. Repeat the exercise - 10 times.
- To spinhead 4 times clockwise and counterclockwise, but if the state of health allows this to be done.
Exercise complexes can be different, a doctor 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 painful, they should be stopped and consult your doctor.
Answers to common questions
What doctor treats?
At the first signs of the development of the pathology, you need to contact a therapist who, after an initial examination, will refer a neurologist (he is the one who treats problems of the nervous system), a radiologist and a specialist in tomography. The vertebrologist performs subsequent diagnoses and prescribes treatment. An osteopath will help determine the location of the injury.
What 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 is on average 2 to 5 days. However, after this period, for another 2-3 weeks, the patient will feel discomfort in the affected area of the spinal region. Thus, the exacerbation phase can last from several days to several months.
How long to lie on the needle applicator?
With cervical osteochondrosis, a session lasts no more than 7 minutes. At the same time, every 60 seconds, you need to slightly change the position of your head and back. It is necessary to carry out 2-3 procedures a day.