Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is more common than any other - it does not protect older or young people over 20 years of age. The people around him complain about his manifestations every day, copying their feelings either magnetic storms or energy vampires, or more prosaic but still far from the truth explanations.
The localization of the disease in the cervical spine, which includes 7 vertebrae, is explained by the fact that the intervertebral discs are the thinnest in this area. Their faster drying and destruction therefore leads to pinching of the nerves and abrasion of the vertebral bones - after all, the distance between the bones is already small. It is also influenced by poor neck muscle development, which a modern person uses minimally.
Unfortunately, the non-inflammatory process in the spine remains unnoticed for a long time until the degeneration of the intervertebral discs passes into the second phase and the pain becomes a constant companion. But even this alarming sign is often ignored by people, attributing it to fatigue or even getting used to it in an everyday "background". Let's find out why you can't ignore the headache, whether your mother was right when she said, "Don't turn your head, " and how to treat cervical osteochondrosis to get the chronic disease into permanent remissionbring.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Symptoms from cervical osteochondrosis extend to the head, neck and limbs of the shoulder girdle. In the initial phase, no particular complaints are observed - usually patients simply feel numb in the neck more often, which is not at all surprising in office work. Gradually, the gap between the vertebrae decreases, the load on the ligamentous apparatus, muscles of the neck, shoulders and back increases, and the blood supply to the brain and spinal cord deteriorates. This leads to a whole chain of unspecific symptoms; A combination of several of these is a good reason to see a doctor.
1st degree osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis in the initial stage are:
- local muscle tension;
- stiffness of movements and a decrease in their amplitude (when turning the head, turning the shoulders) after a long stay in one position;
- the need to constantly support the head with one hand while sitting in order to avoid fatigue and discomfort;
- tiredness and frequent headaches;
- increased irritability and chronic fatigue;
- inability to fall asleep quickly while trying to make yourself comfortable, cushion the pillow in a comfortable way;
- Darkening in the eyes, the appearance of "flies" after loading the cervical spine or during the morning / sharp increase;
- crunching and other background noises when tilting the head;
- the appearance of the so-called "lumbago" in the area from the back of the head to the shoulder blades;
- decreased the sensitivity in the fingertips, tingling in the hands;
- unusual feeling of weakness in the arms, decreased endurance and muscle strength;
- increased blood pressure - arterial hypertension;
- Change in voice, hoarseness for no apparent reason, snoring, heaviness, "swelling" in the head.
2nd degree osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
- chronic pain syndrome - head, neck or shoulder can be in continuous pain for 2-3 days or more;
- Difficulty sleeping - difficult to fall asleep or wake up, often in the middle of the night due to lack of oxygen nightmares;
- high meteo sensitivity;
- the appearance of pain and spasms in the muscles and internal organs, especially when it is necessary to maintain or change the same position for a long time;
- Inability to press the chin to the chest and tilt the head back without pain;
- drooping head syndrome - clearly noticeable pain when trying to sit without supporting the head;
- numbness of the hands ("hands disobey"), the appearance of pain in the neck with minimal load on the upper limbs;
- Tinnitus and blackheads in front of the eyes, dizziness and even fainting;
- terminals appear;
- heart disease;
- migraine;
- constant nausea;
- Overgrowth of the connective tissue ("thick skin") in the neck-collar zone.
Ignoring the signs of cervical osteochondrosis is fraught with nerves and large vessels adjacent to the spine that become pinched when the vertebrae are displaced. Complications of the disease are:
- Paresis (restriction, lack of movement) and even paralysis of the arms - one or both sides;
- intervertebral hernia - a common cause of disability and handicap, including the need for a wheelchair;
- vertebral artery syndrome, which causes dizziness and noise in the head, 25% leads to ischemic stroke;
- rapid impairment of memory, cognition, vision and hearing;
- impaired the coordination of movements, which leads to difficulties even during transport.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
To combat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, pharmacotherapy and physiotherapy as well as massage and hydromassage of the neck collar zone, therapeutic gymnastics, swimming, balneological treatments and mud treatments, electrophoresis, phonophoresis, acupuncture, ultrasound, shock waves, lasers are used. UFO, magnetic and other types of device therapy. Symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine differ significantly in the stages of remission and exacerbation. For example, massage for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is strictly contraindicated during the inflammatory process - topical ointments and creams are used first. In an acute phase, it is important to restore blood circulation and nutrition to the tissues, relieve cramps and improve the patient's quality of life. The therapy for the regeneration of cartilage tissue and osteophytes takes place exclusively in remission.
Surgical interventions are used extremely rarely - mainly to remove concomitant diseases such as hernias and vertebral dislocations.
Grade 1 cervical osteochondrosis responds well to treatment and can even lead to permanent remission in minor acute episodes. Treatment usually involves lifestyle changes and the maintenance of muscles and ligaments with the help of therapeutic exercises. The 2nd degree of disease has a less optimistic prognosis: in this case, treatment is aimed at alleviating pronounced negative symptoms and preventing further destruction of the spine.
In some cases therapy is required for diseases that have become a kind of catalyst for degenerative changes in the cartilage. These include the curvature of the spine, problems with the endocrine system, including hormonal disorders, metabolic disorders, insomnia, depression, alcohol and nicotine addiction, obesity, hereditary diseases.
The timely treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine improves motor functions and prevents macrotraumatisation of the vertebrae, adjacent tissues, nerves, large vessels and organic systems. If medical recommendations are followed and daily maintenance therapy is followed, the development of osteochondrosis can be slowed down and the mobility of the spine is maintained into old age.
Medicines against osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
At the onset of the disease, it is shown that patients receive chondroprotectors, rehydration and nutrient saturation of the cartilage tissue. Vitamin-mineral and antioxidant complexes are actively used, including natural origin. Drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are used mainly externally or orally - in the form of warming, locally irritating, anti-inflammatory ointments, tablets, capsules. In the case of stage 2 osteochondrosis, in addition to the above analgesics, antispasmodics (muscle relaxants) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used. Treatment is lifelong, but some drugs (pain relievers, glucocorticosteroids, etc. ) are prescribed in courses because of their safety.
Chondroprotectors
Chondroprotectors in medicine are drugs that contain glycosaminoglycans and chondroitin sulfates. The names "glucosamine" and "chondroitin" are more common in household use. As the structural backbone of the cartilage, they function as “building blocks” with which the body repairs intervertebral discs. The inclusion of chondroprotectors is complex - they have a beneficial effect on all articular surfaces in the body and inhibit not only the development of cervical, but also other types of osteochondrosis, as well as osteoarthritis and other degenerative cartilage diseases. These drugs must be taken continuously and for life - since the cartilage does not contain blood vessels, they are nourished by a diffuse method. This means that the growth of new cells is very slow - the first results are only seen after 3-6 months of taking chondroitin-containing drugs.
Ointments against osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
For the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, ointments with vasodilating, anti-inflammatory and decongestant effects are used. To improve blood circulation, bee or snake venom is often introduced into their composition, and propolis and natural essential oils are used to strengthen the walls of blood vessels. With mild pain syndrome, local analgesic creams or irritating ointments can be prescribed to distract the patient from discomfort. Warming ointments activate trophic and metabolic processes in tissue, prevent their destruction and inhibit the degenerative process.
Tablets for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, tablets play an additional role. In tablet form, analgesics with a complex action that have an anti-inflammatory effect are usually prescribed. Antispasmodics can be prescribed to relieve acute pain.
With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, it is particularly important to take drugs that strengthen blood vessels and improve blood microcirculation. This helps curb the negative effects of this disease on the brain that lead to hypoxia and malnutrition.
injections
Injections for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are performed locally to remove a local inflammatory process that is insensitive to other methods of exposure. In severe pain syndrome, lidocaine and novocaine blocks are also shown. They represent the introduction of an anesthetic cocktail (it can contain over a dozen components - NSAIDs, glucocorticosteroids, decongestants, hyaluronic acid, and other ingredients to care for and rehydrate the cartilage). Spinal blocks should only be performed by specialists because of the high risk of damage to the spinal cord and nerve endings during the injection, as well as the possible presence of contraindications.
A diet rich in protein and carbohydrates prolongs the effectiveness of drugs. Inclusion of sea fish, shellfish and other foods rich in gelling agents, calcium and vitamin D3 in the menu has a positive effect on remission resistance.
Exercises for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The first physiotherapy sessions (exercise therapy) are carried out under the supervision of a doctor. He also selects a mini-set of daily exercises.
For the prevention and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, perform a simple warm-up:
- When you are sitting in a chair, turn your head left and right and try to describe it in a 180-degree semicircle. If the disease has not yet made itself felt or is in its first stage, you can throw your head back and slowly turn it clockwise and counterclockwise.
- Raise your shoulders as high as you can and lock them in this position for a few seconds. Then return to the starting position and repeat the process.
- Put your palm on your forehead and try to slowly lower your head by resisting slightly. After 10 repetitions, place your palm on your temple and repeat with side bends.
- With your shoulders up, try to form a circle around your lower neck.
- Conclude the exercises with a strong self-massage, feel the vertebrae and muscles well and warm up the skin. Avoid pain while doing this.
You can add exercises for the general tone to this list.
In addition to exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, it is important to observe the orthopedic regimen. It was developed to relieve the spine during household chores and during sleep. For patients with already 1st degree osteochondrosis, special orthopedic pillows and mattresses, car and other headrests, and travel pillows are extremely desirable. The workplace must also be renovated according to the physiological requirements. For example, buy a chair with a high backrest and armrests that follows the anatomical curves of the backrest, adjust the table and seat height, make the monitor comfortable, etc.
If you have osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, sit on the back of the furniture with your back straight. Leg position is just as important - your shins should be straight perpendicular to the floor and your feet should be completely flat on the floor. Curved arms (approx. 75 degrees) should lie relaxed and without constant tension on the table top. It is unacceptable to spend free time with a laptop. Use a stand when using the computer in bed.