Causes, symptoms and treatment methods of cervical osteochondrosis.

Among all the pathological processes that affect the spine in its different parts, cervical osteochondrosis is considered one of the most common. This disease entails many complications, mainly because it affects the spinal cord and also negatively affects the functioning of the brain.

According to 2017 statistics, the disease has become much younger. If earlier osteochondrosis mainly affected people over 40 years of age, today various stages of cervical osteochondrosis are diagnosed in 90% of people over 25 years of age. For this reason, it is important to know everything possible about the pathology, from what it is to treatment methods.

What is cervical osteochondrosis?

In medical practice, the word cervical osteochondrosis means an acquired progressive disease that affects a specific part of the spine. This pathological process is characterized by degenerative-dystrophic processes in the tissues of the intervertebral discs, which are shock absorbers of the cervical vertebrae.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs are due to them being worn and deformed. As a result, the distance between the vertebrae is reduced and the following consequences occur as a result:

• Narrowing of the spinal canal in certain areas of the spine.
• Compression of the vertebral arteries, large blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. Due to this, the supply to the brain deteriorates and blood circulation in the cervical spinal cord is disturbed.
• The intervertebral discs can become deformed and flattened. This leads to compression of certain areas of the spinal cord and nerves; most often compression of the nerve roots occurs.

All these problems threaten not only with blood circulation problems in the brain, pain in the neck, headaches, etc. The development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is dangerous with neurological problems, deterioration of the central nervous system and damage to brain tissue.

According to the international classification of diseases, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is assigned several separate codes. The disease code according to ICD 10 depends on the age at which the disease was diagnosed:

• M02 – dystrophy of the intervertebral discs in adolescence.
• M42. 12 – degenerative process in the neck area in adults.

Many factors depend on the age of the patient and the degree of development of the pathological process, for example, the consequences, complications, symptoms and, of course, the principles of treatment.

Causes

Knowledge of the causes of the development of cervical osteochondrosis can play a decisive role in the diagnostic process, as well as in determining the principles of combating the disease.

However, before listing the reasons, it should be said that doctors identify two factors that lead to the development of this pathological process:

1. Pathological - the destruction of intervertebral discs and other vertebral structures with the participation of nearby tissues, vessels and nerve bundles in the pathological process occurs under the influence of unfavorable external factors. The more serious these factors and other pathologies are, the faster the disease develops.
2. Physiological: the development of pathology is mainly based on age-related changes. We are talking about the natural aging of the cartilaginous tissue of the spine, salt deposits, etc.

If we list more specific causes of cervical osteochondrosis, they are as follows:

• Disorders of metabolic processes in the body, as well as certain stages of obesity.
• Physical inactivity is a phenomenon characterized by limited mobility. We are not just talking about injuries or illnesses, this also includes a sedentary lifestyle and sedentary work.
• Pathologies of the cardiovascular system that contribute to impaired blood circulation in the brain, pressure changes, etc.
• Improper posture includes various forms of scoliosis, rheumatism and even flat feet.
• Cervical spine injury. In this case we are talking about sprains, bumps, bruises. Injuries to other parts of the spine can affect the development of cervical osteochondrosis.
• Excessive physical stress on the cervical spine, caused by intense sports or severe physical difficulties, depending on the person's type of activity.

• A sedentary lifestyle is also dangerous due to the constant stress on the cervical spine and the entire spine if you sit incorrectly or on uncomfortable furniture.
• Hernia of the cervical spine, as well as various concomitant diseases.
• Keeping your head forced for a long time in an uncomfortable or unnatural position. In this case, not only muscle tension occurs, but also the spine bends in the cervical region.
• Doctors consider constant stress and nervous tension to be a very common cause.
• One of the reasons is also considered to be congenital anomalies in the structure of the spine.

What health risks does it pose?

As mentioned above, the cervical spine region contains not only the spinal cord and various nerve branches, but also the vertebral arteries that supply blood to the occipital part of the brain, the cerebellum and the medulla oblongata.

With the development of cervical osteochondrosis, nearby tissues become inflamed. In addition, the development of pathology threatens to compress the nerve roots and squeeze the blood vessels, the consequences of which are as follows:

• Osteochondrosis is accompanied by spinal deformities, which causes a narrowing of the spinal canal in certain areas. This can cause compression of the spinal cord and nerve branches, which promises serious neurological problems. In severe cases, the person feels pain and there is even the possibility of losing control over certain parts of the body (mainly the arms or face).
• Compression of the vessels of the neck, as already mentioned, is accompanied by impaired circulation in the occipital region of the brain. In this case, the brain stops receiving oxygen and nutrients in the necessary quantities and oxygen starvation begins. If blood circulation is impaired, there is a real risk of suffering from an ischemic stroke and various neurological pathologies.

Syndromes

Speaking of the danger posed by cervical osteochondrosis, as it progresses and lacks proper treatment, the disease can cause a number of complications and syndromes.

The main syndromes are:

• Vertebral.
• Vertebral artery.
• Koreshkovy.
• Cardiac.

It is important to know that each of these symptoms is accompanied by painful sensations of a different nature, as well as a host of unfavorable clinical signs. A person may feel dizzy, have tinnitus, and much more.

vertebral syndrome

It speaks of a direct connection between cervical osteochondrosis and bone and cartilage tissues. The symptoms of this type of pathology are also associated with damage to the aforementioned tissues:

• Neck movements are partially or completely limited.
• Head movements are accompanied by painful sensations in the neck area.
• The x-ray shows morphological changes in the tissues (intervertebral and vertebral bodies).

It is worth noting that vertebral syndrome is always accompanied by these three clinical signs. If at least 1 of them is missing, the diagnosis will be completely different.

Vertebral artery syndrome

This syndrome is caused by a narrowing of the vertebral artery, which leads to vestibular, vascular and autonomic problems. In this case, the main symptoms are extensive:

• Headaches and migraines.
• Visual disability.
• Noises in the ears.
• Frequent dizziness and much more.

The most dangerous symptom is fainting, which indicates a severe lack of oxygen.

radicular syndrome

It occurs when the roots of the spinal cord are damaged. In this case, nerve conduction is altered, the person may feel pain or lose sensitivity in certain parts of the body, or even suffer paralysis.

Depending on which of the 8 root pairs the conduction alteration occurs, the following symptoms are identified:

• 1 pair – numbness or pain in the back of the head;
• 3rd pair: disturbance of the chewing reflex, numbness of the tongue and unpleasant sensations behind the ears;
• 4 pairs: pain in the clavicle, impaired swallowing reflex;
• 5 pairs – shoulder girdle disorders, accompanied by problems with arm movement;
• Sixth pair: the patient begins to feel pain and numbness in the forearm and shoulder blades;
• Seventh pair: hands and fingers (usually index and middle) become numb;
• 8th pair: similar problems to the previous point, but numbness is felt in the ring finger and little finger.

Based on the described characteristics, it is sometimes possible to determine which pair of roots is affected by root syndrome.

cardiac syndrome

Despite the fact that the pathological process is still localized in the cervical spine, the syndrome has all the signs of cardiac pathology. The clinical picture is as follows:

• Rapid pulse.
• Pain in the sternum.
• Shortness of breath, weakness, lethargy, decreased performance.

Degree of development of the disease.

When we talk about the degree of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, we mean the stages of progression of the pathological process, which differ in clinical signs. In total, four degrees of development of the disease are distinguished:

1. The first stage is characterized by vague symptoms. Patients complain of mild headaches; During the initial examination, the doctor notices a slight degree of muscle stiffness.
2. Pain in the cervical spine and head is more common, more intense, and radiates to the shoulder and arms. The pathology is caused by damage to the intervertebral discs and impingement of the nerve roots. The pain intensifies when turning the head, throwing it back, and leaning forward.
3. In the third stage, the pain is constant, muscle weakness is noted in the arms, and hernias form in the intervertebral discs. Movements in the neck area are limited and frequent dizziness occurs.
4. The fourth stage is accompanied by the complete destruction of the intervertebral disc, cartilaginous tissue is replaced by connective tissue. In addition to pain and dizziness, coordination problems are observed and often pinched vertebral arteries.

Signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.

In order to consult a doctor in a timely manner, it is necessary to clearly understand the signs of cervical osteochondrosis. In some cases, this knowledge makes it possible to seek help in the initial stages of the disease, when it is easier to treat.

In general, the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are as follows:

• Pain in osteochondrosis is always present, only the intensity and frequency differ. Pain is the first clinical sign. Their intensity depends on the stage of disease progression, they are dull or compressive in nature. Painful sensations are present mainly in the neck and occipital region, but can also radiate to the temporal region, shoulder girdle and arms.
• In most cases, there are manifestations of damage to the vestibular apparatus. We are talking about frequent unexplained dizziness, nausea, poor coordination of movements, uneven gait, loss of space.
• One of the most common clinical signs is stiffness of the neck muscles and stiffness of movement. It is difficult for a person to turn, lower and throw his head back, movements are accompanied by attacks of pain.
• Many patients report a "goosebumps" sensation on the scalp or a characteristic tingling sensation.
• Muscle weakness and numbness occur in the arm area.
• There are often psychological manifestations, expressed in depression, drowsiness, sudden mood swings, bad temper or irritability.
• Due to poor circulation and damage to brain tissue, dizziness intensifies and noises appear in the ears, similar to crackling, pulsating and ringing.
• Most patients notice a deterioration in vision, as well as pain in the eyeballs, especially when they try to squint too much to the left, right, up or down.

Sometimes it is possible to determine the degree of development of the pathological process by symptoms. However, for a complete diagnosis this is still not enough and a series of diagnostic measures are required.

Diagnostic methods

Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis is necessary to determine the location and stage of progression of the disease. For a complete diagnosis, the following diagnostic methods are needed:

• Radiography is the primary method for determining the degree and location of spinal deformity.
• Computed tomography can be used to more accurately diagnose pathological changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) - allows you to examine the discs and vertebrae in detail, determine the presence of hernias, protrusions, the extent of injuries, etc.
• Dopplerography: with this examination it is possible to find the place of compression of the artery and evaluate the degree of circulatory disorders.

Treatment methods

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck always involves an integrated approach. The principles of treatment depend on many factors, such as the age of the patient, the stage of development of the disease, the severity of the clinical picture, etc.

However, in this situation you cannot do without a doctor and, first of all, you can contact a general practitioner, who will then refer you to a vertebrologist.

As for the integrated approach: osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is treated with the help of drug therapy, physiotherapy, massage, physiotherapy and other methods, which are worth talking about in more detail.

Pharmacotherapy

The basis for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is drug therapy, which involves the use of tablets, drugs and medications from the following groups:

• Analgesics: analgesics and antispasmodics. The first directly dull the nervous centers, thus relieving painful sensations. The latter allow you to relieve neck muscle spasms, improving blood flow and suppressing pain.
• NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are necessary to reduce inflammation and most of them also eliminate pain. Often these medications are used in the form of gels or ointments that are rubbed into the affected area.
• Muscle relaxants are another way to relieve muscle spasms in the cervical region.
• Chondroprotectors are mandatory at certain stages of osteochondrosis of the spine because they contribute to the restoration of bone tissue.
• B vitamins: normalize metabolic processes of nervous tissue, improve the conductivity of nerve impulses and promote the functioning of the central nervous system.

Remember, treatment should only be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, who is responsible for prescribing each medication, as well as determining the duration of its use and dosage.

Physiotherapy

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck will be many times more effective using certain physiotherapy techniques:

• Electrophoresis.
• Laser therapy.
• Ultrasound.
• Massage.

Massage therapy should be performed by an experienced medical professional, the treatment is carried out over a course of at least 10 sessions. Cervical massages help to normalize blood circulation, recover elasticity, muscle tone, relieve pain, etc.

Physiotherapy

Therapeutic exercises also help speed recovery, but are performed only during the recovery stages. It is important that the exercises do not cause discomfort or pain to the patient. Exercise therapy aims to strengthen muscles and relieve discomfort during movements by increasing the elasticity of muscle fibers.

The exercise technique is initially developed by a physiotherapist, then the patient can independently perform gymnastics at home.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy is based on the principle of restoring motor functions and mobility between the vertebrae. Initially, the manipulations consist of a light relaxing massage, then the doctor applies more and more force, applying pressure and rotating the neck towards the vertebrae.

Kuznetsov applicator

The use of Kuznetsov applicators is one of the methods of treating spinal diseases, including osteochondrosis. The effect of the device on the cervical spine normalizes metabolic processes, relieves pain, increases muscle tone, improves blood circulation, increases the conductivity of nervous tissue, etc.

Home treatment

The entire range of therapeutic measures is carried out at home, with the exception of physiotherapy, massages (in some cases) and the first phases of physiotherapy. However, now we are talking about traditional medicine and we will consider some of the most effective recipes:

• To use horseradish, take a leaf of this plant, pour boiling water over it, and apply the inside to your neck, securing it with a bandage. It can be left while you sleep to enhance the effect.
• If there are no contraindications from the doctor, a good remedy would be to warm the cervical spine. The easiest method is to use pepper poultice, but you can warm the wax cake by applying it 1 or 2 times until it cools completely.

Disease prevention

To prevent the development of the disease or its recurrence after treatment, it is necessary to prevent osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. It consists of following some simple recommendations:

• Sleep on a flat, hard surface, it is better to purchase a special orthopedic mattress and a pillow that adapts to the shape of your head.
• To prevent the disease, monitor your physical activity and do not put too much strain on your spine. If you must lift weights, do so gently and keep your back straight.
• If your job requires you to sit for a long time, take breaks. Every hour you need to walk or stretch stiff muscles with simple gymnastic movements.

To prevent osteochondrosis, it is useful to go swimming and hang on the horizontal bar for 2-3 minutes every day.