Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the articular cartilage, which is one of the main causes of pain in the neck with characteristic radiation to the arms. With this disease, there is a change in the structure of the cartilage and muscle-ligamentous structures located nearby.
Since, as cervical osteochondrosis progresses, it can lead to a number of serious complications, including disability of the patient, its timely diagnosis and treatment are among the urgent tasks of modern medicine.
Stages of development of pathology and typical symptoms
The disease goes through 4 successive stages of development with corresponding changes in the body and accompanying symptoms:
The first stage is the initial morphological changes in the intervertebral discs. The nucleus of the intervertebral disc (nucleus pulposus) gradually dries out and cracks appear in the structure of the fibrous ring. This is accompanied by tolerable pain or discomfort in the neck, which intensifies when turning or tilting the head. There is also a slight softening of the cervical lordosis and an almost constant muscle tension.
In the second phase, the destruction of the fibrous ring continues, accompanied by the first signs of pathological mobility of the vertebrae and their instability. The distance between the vertebrae decreases and protrusion occurs. At this moment, the patient notices an increase in pain and its irradiation to the arm or shoulder region. Along with this, severe headaches appear, the person complains of a feeling of weakness and decreased performance.
The third stage is characterized by the complete destruction of the fibrous ring, due to which the unfixed nucleus extends beyond the vertebrae and penetrates into the region of the spinal canal, forming a hernial protrusion. It, in turn, exerts pressure on the nerves and elements of the vascular bed, which causes interruption of blood flow in the cervical region. Patients at this stage complain of intense and continuous pain in the neck, radiating to the arms and shoulders. The muscles become weaker and numbness of the upper extremities is systematically observed. The clinical picture includes episodes of dizziness, difficulty orienting in space and stiffness of movement.
The fourth stage is represented by the replacement of the intervertebral disc cartilage by a connective tissue structure and the involvement of adjacent spinal segments in the pathological changes. Due to the fusion of the joints, their immobility occurs. For the patient, this is the most difficult phase, as they feel severe constant pain in the neck, arms, chest and the area between the shoulder blades. Add to this signs of impaired blood supply to the brain, sensitivity disorders and the likelihood of a stroke increases significantly.
It should be noted that in addition to the main clinical picture accompanying cervical osteochondrosis in various stages, additional symptoms may be observed:
decreased visual acuity;
episodes of anxiety that occur due to insufficient blood supply to the brain;
hearing loss and tinnitus;
the appearance of a crunching sound when moving the head;
sleep disturbances up to insomnia;
the appearance of spots before the eyes;
cases of loss of consciousness;
facial muscle paralysis;
pain in the arms that occurs at night.
If compression of the spinal cord occurs, myelopathy may occur, accompanied by:
difficulties in limb movements;
problems with coordination or balance;
loss of bowel or bladder control;
weakness or numbness in any area of the body below the neck;
sharp pains in the extremities, increasing as you bend forward.
Causes of the disease
The main factor due to which cervical osteochondrosis develops is an unbalanced and excessive load on this part of the spine. In most cases, pathology forms against the background of involutional degenerative changes that accompany the aging process. Osteochondrosis can also occur due to traumatic neck injuries or metabolic disorders.
In addition, there are a number of other factors that contribute to increased load on the neck, muscle spasms and the development of chronic diseases:
spinal anomalies, congenital or acquired;
overweight;
complicated heredity (for example, congenital and genetically determined weakness of connective tissues);
prolonged or frequent overload of the spine (staying in a forced position, physical inactivity);
vitamin deficiencies;
autoimmune pathologies accompanied by damage to connective tissue structures (collagenosis);
deficiency of micro or macro elements;
intense physical activity, sports with an increased risk of spinal injuries (for example, professional wrestling);
smoking, which impedes the flow of nutrients to the intervertebral discs;
metabolic disorders;
unbalanced diet with excess carbohydrates and fats combined with protein deficiency;
frequent stressful situations;
pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, leading to decreased mobility of the cervical spine;
repeated or severe hypothermia of the neck.
What is the danger of osteochondrosis?
The first problem, typical for most patients who have developed cervical osteochondrosis, is intense and frequent pain in the head and neck region. Therefore, people are forced to look for the most comfortable position, where the pain decreases or disappears completely. This, in turn, leads to decreased performance.
As the disease progresses, a protrusion forms (partial release of disc tissue beyond the intervertebral space), the tissue between the vertebrae begins to collapse and the gap narrows. In the last stage of the pathological process, the disc is completely destroyed and replaced by a connective tissue structure. This leads to limited motor activity as the patient loses the ability to turn or tilt their head.
Also, cervical osteochondrosis is dangerous because it can lead to the following complications:
hernia;
cervicocranialgia (painful sensation located in the region of the base of the skull);
osteophyte formation;
compression of the arteries;
radiculopathy (compression of the roots of the spinal cord);
chronic pain syndrome.
In the most severe and advanced cases, cervical osteochondrosis causes compression of the spinal cord, paralysis and disability in the patient.
Diagnostic methods
The diagnosis of a patient with suspected cervical osteochondrosis begins with a consultation with the doctor, who carries out a thorough interview, clarifies the symptoms and history of the disease's evolution, in addition to carrying out a physical examination. During the examination, the doctor focuses on identifying areas of pain, assessing the mobility of the spine and the quality of reflexes.
After receiving the initial data, the specialist draws up a plan for further diagnostics, which may include:
multislice computed tomography;
positron emission and magnetic resonance;
radiography;
duplex scanning of vessels in the area of the pathological process.
Imaging techniques allow the doctor to determine the genesis of the clinical condition, identify signs of degenerative processes or other conditions that could cause the appearance of symptoms that bother the patient. Duplex scanning allows you to assess the quality of blood flow and detect vasoconstriction.
As a complement to the main diagnostic program, consultations with related specialists (vertebrologist, endocrinologist, orthopedic traumatologist, neurosurgeon, oncologist) can be carried out and prescribed:
ultrasound scanning of nearby organs;
electrocardiography;
standard and advanced studies of biomaterials (blood, urine).
Only after the diagnosis is confirmed and the causes and severity of the disease are clarified does the doctor begin to work on the optimal and most effective treatment program.
Treatment options
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is selected based on the stage at which the disease was detected, as well as taking into account the patient's age, his current condition and existing complications or concomitant pathologies.
Conservative approach
When cervical osteochondrosis is identified in the early stages, conservative therapeutic methods are chosen. They are aimed at preventing the progression of the disease, relieving unpleasant symptoms and restoring mobility to the spine.
As part of conservative therapy, the doctor combines drug treatment with physiotherapeutic procedures and gymnastics. He can prescribe medicines from the following categories:
chondroprotectors;
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
analgesics;
angioprotectors;
B vitamins;
hormones;
muscle relaxants;
vasodilators;
nootropics.
Physiotherapeutic procedures are used as a complement to medications and, taking into account the patient's condition, the doctor may prescribe:
acupuncture;
kinesio tape;
massage sessions;
Photodynamic therapy;
the use of ultrasound or diadynamic currents;
electrophoresis;
magnetotherapy.
At the same time, in case of cervical osteochondrosis in the acute period, the use of an orthopedic collar may be recommended. This medical accessory is necessary to fix bones and joints, reduce the load on the affected area of the spine and relieve pain. The cervical collar for osteochondrosis, the price of which varies depending on the manufacturer, type and material, is selected exclusively by the doctor individually for each patient.
The last, but not least, part of conservative therapy is gymnastics. The doctor prepares a set of special exercises for the patient that are aimed at strengthening the muscular structure, correcting posture and improving blood flow in the upper part of the spine.
Surgical approach
If conservative methods are unsuccessful or cervical osteochondrosis is detected in later stages, treatment is carried out through surgical intervention. The doctor may prescribe one of the following operations to the patient:
laminectomy;
endoscopic or percutaneous decompression;
radiofrequency removal;
endoscopic removal of a hernia, tumor process or area of degenerative dystrophic changes;
epidural lysis of adhesions;
spinal stabilization;
endoscopic foraminotomy;
laser nucleoplasty with puncture.
Preventive measures
Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology for which no specific prevention measures have been developed. To significantly reduce the likelihood of the disease occurring, its recurrence or the development of complications, doctors give a number of recommendations. According to them, patients need:
adhere to the principles of a healthy lifestyle;
eliminate the lifting and transport of heavy objects;
use orthopedic mattresses and pillows to sleep;
regularly receive dosed physical activity and swimming;
eat a balanced diet;
exclude situations in which hypothermia of the cervical spine is possible;
continuously monitor your posture;
systematically take breaks for short therapeutic exercise sessions in case of sedentary work;
be careful when turning and tilting your head;
undergo regular examinations by a specialized specialist for preventive purposes.
How is the rehabilitation going?
The supervising doctor draws up a plan for the rehabilitation period, taking into account several aspects:
at what stage cervical osteochondrosis was detected;
general health and well-being of the patient;
age category and body weight of the patient;
existing concomitant pathologies or complications of the disease.
Depending on the situation, the doctor may include massage, gymnastics and physiotherapy procedures in the rehabilitation program. Such comprehensive measures will not only speed up the recovery process and eliminate complications or relapses, but also help improve the patient's overall health.
Cervical osteochondrosis is a serious problem in which the patient needs timely and correct medical care. If signs of this disease appear, you can make a diagnosis and receive further treatment at a medical center. All specialists select an individual approach for each patient, are guided by modern methods of treating osteochondrosis and offer a wide range of services, the price of which is comfortable for patients.
Question answer
Cervical osteochondrosis has been identified, how long does it take to treat this pathology?
The duration of treatment directly depends on the stage at which the patient with cervical osteochondrosis sought help. Only a doctor who has assessed the severity of the pathological process and monitored the dynamics of progress during treatment can determine the most likely period.
Which doctor should I contact if I suspect I have cervical osteochondrosis?
Cervical osteochondrosis is identified and subsequently treated by a neurologist, but in some cases a traumatologist-orthopedist can supervise the patient.