Just 30 years ago, osteochondrosis was associated exclusively with elderly people, whose joints remained immobile and hurt with every movement.However, times have changed.Today, more and more people exchange heavy physical work for sedentary work at the computer, paying less and less attention to the quality of their diet and are increasingly faced with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.It is not for nothing that osteochondrosis is called the “disease of the century”, and almost every person who has reached the age of 25 faces the symptoms of this disease.
This insidious disease, starting with unpleasant pain in the neck, very quickly leads to serious consequences in the form of weakening of hearing and vision, as well as deterioration of memory up to its complete loss.That is why every person should know the causes of osteochondrosis and immediately consult a doctor if unpleasant symptoms of the disease appear.We will talk about them in this article.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Paradoxically, all our problems with the cervical spine begin in early childhood, or rather, in elementary school, where the child's posture deteriorates and scoliosis develops.It is at this moment that the system supporting the head by the spine is disturbed, in particular by its thinnest and most vulnerable part - the cervical part.The second key factor in cervical osteochondrosis, which dates back to early childhood, is insufficient physical training, in particular, weakness of the spinal muscles and the so-called muscular corset, designed to support the spine.
These are the two most important causes of the disease.Everything else represents a great burden on the weakened spine, provoking the development of the disease in quite young and healthy people.Firstly, they include a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity, especially work that involves remaining in the same position for a long time.This is most common for drivers and office workers who spend their shifts sitting in front of a computer.All this is complemented by excess body weight, which seriously increases the load on the spine.
Other causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine include:
- previous spinal injuries;
- metabolic disorders;
- hereditary predisposition;
- great physical activity;
- constant nervous tension and stress;
- developmental anomalies of the cervical spine;
- bad habits (holding the device with your ear and shoulder).
The process of development of osteochondrosis
The listed unfavorable factors ultimately lead to increased load on the cervical spine.When trying to compensate for the excess load on the neck muscles, their spasm occurs, which leads to a violation of blood circulation in this area and a slowdown in metabolic processes.All this results in the development of degenerative processes in the spine.Firstly, the vertebrae begin to thin and move closer together, compressing their contents (the fibrous ring) out of the spine.In medical terms, such a protrusion is called a protrusion.
In the case of protrusion, the fibrous ring still maintains its integrity, but the protrusion already compresses the blood vessels and nerves that run along the spine and irrigate the brain.In addition, the approaching and deformed vertebrae begin to compress the roots of peripheral nerves, which leads to the development of the so-called “radicular syndrome”, which manifests itself as severe pain in the back and neck.If you do not identify the problem (which will be eloquently signaled by unpleasant symptoms) and do not begin to treat osteochondrosis, the fibrous ring will rupture and a vertebral hernia will appear.In this case, serious problems with brain nutrition will arise.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
In its development, the disease goes through several phases, each of which presents characteristic signs and symptoms.It should be noted here that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine differs from degenerative changes in other parts of the spine.The distances between the vertebrae here are minimal, and therefore even minor degenerative changes cause unpleasant symptoms and lead to various complications.
Grade I osteochondrosisThis is the pre-clinical phase of the development of the disease, in which the patient feels mild pain and discomfort when turning the head, as well as tension and fatigue in the neck and back when remaining in the same position for a long time (usually sitting).At this stage, osteochondrosis can be perfectly treated with lifestyle changes, correct diet and regular exercise.
Grade II osteochondrosisAt this stage, instability appears between the neck vertebrae.In this case, the person faces intense pain that radiates to the shoulder, neck or arm.When bending or turning the head, the pain intensifies significantly, as with a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae, the nerve endings begin to be pinched.The patient begins to get tired quickly, his performance decreases, he becomes distracted, forgetful and suffers from headaches.
Grade III osteochondrosisWith the onset of the third stage of the disease, pain in the back and neck becomes even more severe, the mobility of the neck decreases significantly and, when turning the neck, it is possible to hear the crushing of the vertebrae.At night, the patient's fingers begin to go numb (especially the little finger and ring finger), which is why the person wakes up several times during the night.Throughout the day, these patients feel an unpleasant heaviness in their hands.And even a brief conversation on the phone, during which a person is forced to hold the cell phone close to their ear, results in unpleasant tingling and numbness in the fingers.All this indicates an increase in protrusion and possibly the appearance of a hernia in the cervical spine.
Grade IV osteochondrosisIn the last stage of the disease, the vertebral discs are destroyed, which no longer perform their functions and are replaced by connective tissue.A patient in this condition may experience poor coordination of movements, maddening noises and pulsations in the ears, increased headaches, decreased visual and auditory acuity.In some cases, numbness of the tongue may occur.
It must be said here that due to compression of blood vessels, the flow of blood to the brain is disrupted.Because of this, the patient develops neurotic disorders such as insomnia, nervousness, irritability and resentment, frequent mood swings and inability to concentrate.Periodically, outbursts of anger or fear may occur, melancholy and depression may occur.
In the later stages of the development of osteochondrosis, severe vascular spasms can lead to the appearance of “floaters” before the eyes, a feeling of instability on a hard, flat surface, severe dizziness, migraines, nausea, vomiting and frequent fainting.
Diagnosis of the disease
To identify the cause of the pathology, the patient describes the unpleasant symptoms of his condition to the doctor.After listening to the patient, the specialist directs him to one of the following research methods.
Radiography.Currently, this diagnostic method is considered uninformative, especially in the last stages of the disease.Ultrasound duplex scanning.This method is used in cases where a specialist suspects a disruption in blood flow in the arteries supplying food to the brain.The study shows the speed of blood flow and determines whether there are obstacles in its path.CT (computed tomography).This method is more informative compared to radiography, as in addition to identifying the problem, it allows you to determine the presence and size of hernias, albeit with difficulty.MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).The most informative method for diagnosing osteochondrosis today, which allows you to discern bone structures, the presence of hernias and even the direction of their development.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Let's say right away that to combat such a serious problem as osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, you should contact a neurologist.True, if the clinic has a vertebrologist, it is better to contact him first.
Osteochondrosis can only be treated comprehensively.The complex of methods used includes drug therapy, massage in the cervical collar area, exercise therapy, physiotherapeutic methods, as well as proper nutrition.Only a combination of all these methods will help to cope with the disease and normalize the patient's well-being.
Helps with severe pain
In case of severe pain, doctors recommend taking medications such as Analgin, Baralgin or Tempalgin.When these medications stop bringing relief, you can switch to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ketanov gels, Ketorolac, Nise and Diclofenac).
Generally speaking, drug therapy includes the following:
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).These remedies eliminate pain, relieve swelling and combat inflammation of the nerve roots.
- Chondroprotectors.These medicines perfectly restore damaged cartilaginous tissue.
- B vitamins. They are necessary to improve metabolic processes in nervous tissues.
- Muscle relaxants.The action of these medications is aimed at reducing muscle spasms.
- Medicines that improve the rheological properties of blood.Thanks to these means, the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain and nerve endings improves.
It should be noted here that it is possible to achieve a noticeable effect in the fight against osteochondrosis with the help of ointments and tablets only if drug treatment is combined with other methods of therapy.Otherwise, the medicines will only have a temporary effect.
Many experts tend to treat osteochondrosis with injections to quickly act on the nerve endings and save the patient from possible side effects when taking pills.However, it is best to take vitamins orally, because... Vitamins are well absorbed by the body regardless of how they are taken, but injections with them can be painful.
Physiotherapy treatments
Drug treatment must be combined with physiotherapeutic therapy methods.The most effective for this disease are:
- Electrophoresis (in combination with medications).In this case, the medicines penetrate the damaged vertebrae under the influence of electric current.As a rule, electrophoresis is performed with Eufillin to improve blood flow or with Novocaine to reduce pain.
- Ultrasound.This method of exposure allows you to alleviate the inflammatory process, relieve pain and improve metabolic processes in tissues.
- Magnetotherapy.This type of physical therapy relieves swelling and eliminates pain.
- Laser therapy.It is an excellent method of combating inflammatory processes, which also improves blood circulation.
Diet for osteochondrosis
Restoration of affected vertebrae also includes a special diet that normalizes metabolic processes in the body, prevents salt deposition, nourishes and restores cartilaginous tissue, and also strengthens the ligaments between the vertebral discs.
To achieve this, first of all, the following must be excluded from the patient's diet:
- alcoholic beverages;
- fatty and fried foods;
- spicy and very salty dishes;
- strong broths;
- weaknesses and breading;
- strong tea and coffee;
- pickles and marinades;
- canned products.
The diet of a patient with osteochondrosis should consist of the following foods:
- lean meat and fish;
- low-fat milk, cottage cheese and kefir;
- butter (small amount);
- whole grain porridge and soups;
- jellied meat, fish or jellied meat;
- vegetables, fruits and berries;
- juices, fruit juices, jellies and compotes.
When osteochondrosis is localized in the cervical region, it is important to adhere to the drinking regime, drinking at least 1.5 liters of water per day.If you are overweight, you should think about how to get rid of extra pounds, which put additional pressure on the spine.It is advisable to start eating 5 times a day in small portions.
At the same time, as can be seen from the list of foods permitted for consumption, the basis of the diet should be low-fat vegetarian soups, lean boiled meats, fish, seafood, unsweetened vegetables and fruits.
An example menu for the day would look like this:
- breakfast: cottage cheese, a few apples, unsweetened tea;
- lunch: roasted pear, some oatmeal cookies;
- lunch: vegetarian borscht, boiled chicken with vegetable salad;
- afternoon snack: dry biscuits and fruit juice;
- dinner: baked fish with vegetables and unsweetened tea.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis
Physical education gives amazing results in the treatment of osteochondrosis, although it is only possible to do gymnastics for the cervical spine during the recovery period.It is important here that during the massage or gymnastics the patient does not feel discomfort or pain.
Good health to you!