Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a degenerative-dystrophic process in the area of the cervical vertebrae and surrounding tissues, associated with gradual thinning, dehydration of the intervertebral discs, and the formation of vertebral deformities.All this impairs mobility, provokes inflammatory changes in surrounding tissues, pain and complications.A more current name for the disease is dorsopathy.The term “osteochondrosis” itself does not correspond to modern criteria, but is strongly rooted to refer to 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 gel-like substance of the disc and the dense fibrous tissue surrounding it, forming an elastic membrane.Gradually, the height of the disc decreases, its shock-absorbing properties deteriorate.
Metabolism inside the nucleus suffers, microcracks form, the disc becomes deformed, protrusions (protrusions) and hernias form.As the process progresses, the surrounding part of the cartilage and bone tissue of the vertebrae suffers, and osteophytes are formed - bone outgrowths, which limit mobility and cause pain.
Changes occur near the spinal cord and its membranes, the roots of the spinal nerves, which can form irritation, inflammation of surrounding tissues, reflex muscle spasms, which causes typical manifestations of the disease.Nearby vessels in which blood flow is disrupted may suffer.
Reasons
Osteochondrosis in the area of the predominantly cervical spine can occur against the background of a number of existing health problems.Each further worsens the process.Among the leading provocateurs are:
Obesity, overweight;
Inactivity, lack of physical activity;
Mainly sedentary work or prolonged standing;
Poor posture, stoop;
Problems with the musculoskeletal system (flat feet, scoliosis), due to which the load on the spine is distributed unevenly;
Back and neck injuries, congenital malformations of the spine;
Excessive stress on the neck and back;
Predisposition to pathology.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Manifestations of the disease are varied, they are not always immediately recognized, they are mistaken for other pathologies.Among the most typical are:
Attacks of dizziness that are systemic in nature occur in the form of attacks.
Pain in the back of the head, collar area, neck.The severity and intensity of pain depends on the development of the process.Initially mild and periodic, as the pathology develops it becomes constant, spreading to the entire head.
Ringing, noise in the ears when changing position after prolonged sitting or lying down, may be accompanied by an attack of dizziness.
Nausea with vomiting due to circulatory disorders in certain areas of the brain, worsens when turning the head.
Visual impairment, fog, blurred vision, flickering of spots.
Pressure surges, fainting.
Feeling of a lump in the throat, dryness, problems with swallowing.
Pain in the shoulders, numbness in the hands.
In addition to these complaints, typical syndromes are also possible that arise only against the background of damage to the cervical spine.
Vertebral syndrome - impaired mobility in the neck, pain when trying to turn the head, crunching in 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, problems swallowing, 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 disturbances in the area of nerve trunks and arteries.This threatens the development of strokes, thyroid disorders, hand sensitivity problems, difficulty swallowing food, and vision disorders.In addition, neck mobility is significantly limited.
Diagnostics
To diagnose the pathology, it is necessary to contact an orthopedist and neurologist.A comprehensive examination helps make a diagnosis:
X-ray and CT of the cervical spine, MRI for visualization of bone and soft tissue structures.
Duplex scanning of the arteries in the neck and head evaluates blood circulation in the brain and neck.
Reflexes, neck mobility, and the condition of soft tissues are assessed.
Additionally, ultrasound, ECG, blood pressure monitoring and consultation with an ENT specialist are required 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 is causing the symptoms, the doctor will usually start with conservative treatment.These include, for example, exercises to strengthen the muscles in the neck, physical therapy and manual therapy, and drug pain relief.
In some cases, the doctor recommends surgery.This is necessary, for example, in case of a severe disc herniation or injury to the cervical spine.
Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is aimed at relieving pain in the long term and restoring flexibility of the body.It includes muscle strengthening exercises, massages and physical measures (eg applications of heat, cold, light or electrical stimuli).The therapist massages the affected muscles, such as by irradiating them with red light or applying heat compresses.In this way, tension and blockages in the vertebrae are released so that the vertebral joints are no longer limited in their mobility.
The physical therapist will also select specific therapeutic exercises to suit individual needs and health conditions.He will tell you exactly how to perform these exercises and, if necessary, correct movements that you are performing incorrectly.The main thing here is that you are learning techniques that will help you relax your muscles and improve your head and neck mobility.Exercise also helps improve blood circulation in the body, relieve tension and strengthen muscles.
If symptoms occur acutely or if exercise does not help, the doctor also treats osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with medication.If necessary, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.They relieve pain for a while 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).
Pharmacy ointments or patches that have an analgesic effect also relieve the symptoms of cervical syndrome.
In some cases (for example, with a herniated disc), the doctor uses so-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 how severe the symptoms are, your doctor will give 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 severe pain, symptoms of paralysis occur.Today the operation is usually microsurgical, i.e.through a small incision.The doctor removes the intervertebral disc tissue that is pressing on the nerves and causing symptoms.The procedure is usually short (approximately 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 and prevent neck tension on your own.The following measures are possible for this:
Exercise therapy and swimming in many cases improve the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Under certain circumstances, stress and psychological tension can contribute to osteochondrosis of the cervical spine or intensify its symptoms.Therefore, try to avoid stressful situations.