Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a degenerative-dystrophic process in the cervical vertebrae and surrounding tissues, associated with progressive thinning, dehydration of the intervertebral discs and the formation of spinal deformities.All this impairs mobility, causes inflammatory changes in surrounding tissues, pain and complications.A more common name for the disease is dorsopathy.The term "osteochondrosis" itself does not correspond to modern criteria, but is strongly rooted to denote different processes and causes of pain in different parts of the spine.
Osteochondrosis affects the intervertebral discs, vertebrae and surrounding soft tissues.As a result of degenerative-dystrophic processes against the background of aging and excessive stress, changes occur in the composition of the gelatinous substance of the disc and the dense fibrous tissue surrounding it, forming an elastic membrane.Little by little, the height of the disc decreases, its damping properties deteriorate.
The metabolism inside the core suffers, microcracks are formed, the disc is deformed, protrusions (protrusions) and hernias are formed.As the process progresses, the surrounding part of the cartilage and bone tissue of the vertebrae suffers and osteophytes are formed - bony growths that limit mobility and cause pain.
Changes occur near the spinal cord and its membranes, spinal nerve roots, which can form irritation, inflammation of surrounding tissues, reflex muscle spasms, causing typical manifestations of the disease.Neighboring vessels in which blood flow is disrupted may suffer.
Reasons
Osteochondrosis in the predominantly cervical region of the cervical spine can occur against the background of a number of existing health problems.Each one makes the process even worse.Among the main provocateurs are:
Obesity, overweight;
Inactivity, lack of physical activity;
Primarily sedentary work or prolonged standing;
Bad posture, bend over;
Problems with the musculoskeletal system (flat feet, scoliosis), due to which the load on the spine is unevenly distributed;
Back and neck injuries, birth defects of the spine;
Excessive stress on the neck and back;
Predisposition to pathology.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The manifestations of the disease are varied, they are not always immediately recognized, they are confused with other pathologies.Among the most typical are:
Attacks of dizziness of a systemic nature manifest themselves in the form of attacks.
Pain in the back of the head, collar, neck.The severity and intensity of the pain depends on the development of the process.Initially benign and periodic, as the pathology develops, it becomes constant and extends to the entire head.
Ringing, noises in the ears when changing position after prolonged sitting or lying down, may be accompanied by an attack of dizziness.
Nausea accompanied by vomiting due to circulatory disorders in certain areas of the brain worsens when turning the head.
Visual impairment, fog, blurred vision, flickering spots.
Pressure surges, fainting spells.
Feeling of a lump in the throat, dryness, problems swallowing.
Pain in the shoulders, numbness in the hands.
In addition to these complaints, typical syndromes are also possible, which arise only against the background of cervical spine injuries.
Spinal syndrome - reduced mobility of the neck, pain when trying to turn the head, cracking of the vertebrae.
Vertebral artery syndrome with tinnitus, dizziness, pressure changes and drowsiness.
Radicular syndrome with numbness and pain in the back of the head, impaired sensitivity of the tongue, hiccups, swallowing problems, pain in the shoulders, between the shoulder blades, numbness of the little finger.
Possible complications and risks
Long-term osteochondrosis in the cervical region leads to disruptions in the nerve trunks and arteries.This threatens the development of strokes, thyroid disorders, problems with hand sensitivity, difficulty swallowing food, and vision disorders.Additionally, neck mobility is significantly limited.
Diagnosis
To diagnose the pathology, it is necessary to contact an orthopedist and a neurologist.A complete examination allows a diagnosis to be made:
X-ray and CT scan of the cervical spine, MRI for visualization of bony structures and soft tissues.
The double-sided analysis of the arteries of the neck and head assesses blood flow in the brain and neck.
Reflexes, neck mobility and soft tissue condition are assessed.
Additionally, ultrasound, ECG, blood pressure monitoring and consultation with an ENT specialist are necessary to exclude other pathologies.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Basically, the doctor treats osteochondrosis of the cervical spine depending on the underlying cause.If, for example, muscle tension or poor posture are the cause of the symptoms, the doctor will usually start with conservative treatment.These include, for example, exercises to strengthen the neck muscles, physiotherapy and manual therapy, as well as medicinal pain relief.
In some cases, the doctor recommends surgery.This is necessary, for example, in cases of severe disc herniation or cervical spine injury.
Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is aimed at long-term pain relief and restoration of flexibility to the body.It includes muscle strengthening exercises, massages and physical measures (e.g. applications of heat, cold, light or electrical stimuli).The therapist massages the affected muscles, for example by irradiating them with red light or applying heat compresses.In this way, tensions and blockages in the vertebrae are released, so that the spinal joints are no longer limited in their mobility.
The physiotherapist will also select specific therapeutic exercises based on individual needs and health conditions.He will tell you exactly how to perform these exercises and, if necessary, correct any movements you are performing incorrectly.The main thing here is that you learn techniques that will help you relax your muscles and improve the mobility of your head and neck.Exercise also helps improve blood circulation in the body, relieve tension and strengthen muscles.
If symptoms appear acutely or exercise does not help, the doctor also treats osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with medication.If necessary, anti-inflammatories are prescribed.They temporarily relieve pain and allow patients to move their head and neck better.
If your symptoms are severe and/or particularly painful, your doctor will also prescribe medications that relax your muscles (called muscle relaxants).
Pharmaceutical ointments or patches with an analgesic effect also relieve the symptoms of cervical syndrome.
In some cases (for example, in cases of a herniated disc), the doctor uses what is called minimally invasive injection therapy.This method is most often used for pinched nerves.To do this, the doctor injects a local anesthetic with a needle directly into the affected area of the spine (infiltration).It soothes irritated nerves, relieves pain and relaxes muscles.Depending on the severity of the symptoms, your doctor will prescribe the treatment one to ten times.
If conservative treatment is not effective, the doctor will consider surgery.This is the case, for example, with a herniated disc, when a person suffers from very intense pain, symptoms of paralysis appear.Today, the operation is generally microsurgical, that is to say through a small incision.The doctor removes tissue from the intervertebral disc that puts pressure on the nerves and causes symptoms.The procedure is usually short (around 30 to 60 minutes).The patient is usually under general anesthesia during the operation and remains in the hospital for observation for about three days.
Prevention
You have the power to relieve your symptoms yourself and prevent neck tension.The following measures are possible for this purpose:
Exercise therapy and swimming in many cases improve the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
In certain circumstances, stress and psychological tension can contribute to osteochondrosis of the cervical spine or intensify its symptoms.Therefore, try to avoid stressful situations.