Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Cervical osteochondrosis is a complex of degenerative disorders in the upper part of the spine, causing damage to the intervertebral discs, changes in their texture and functionality. More often, the discs at the level of the fifth, sixth and seventh vertebrae undergo degenerative changes, as this area of the spine is more mobile, it is more involved in the movement of the head, which means that it undergoes high loads. As a result of the disease, there is a thinning of the intervertebral discs, a violation of the blood supply to the spine, compression of the nerve roots, which causes pain.

People at any age can suffer from osteochondrosis, but most often the disease occurs in the 30s to 50s. Before the appearance of the first attacks of pain, the effect of cervical osteochondrosis is almost imperceptible - discomfort and some heaviness in the neck, dizziness, stars flashing before the eyes. People are often unaware of the true cause of these diseases. But the sooner the diagnosis is made and competent treatment started, the greater the chances of a full recovery. Timely treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck will help restore good health and give you health in the future.

Signs, symptoms and treatment of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis has its own characteristics due to the structure of the vertebrae and their size - they are much smaller than the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae and also less durable. Due to the weak development of the neck muscles, the vertebrae experience greater stress and are more likely to be injured.

Regardless of the level of development of modern medicine, the pathogenesis of this disease is not fully understood. Changes in the structure of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs are facilitated by metabolic disorders in the body, physical inactivity, poor posture and curvature of the spine, excess weight, infectious diseases, hypothermia, stressful situations, inadequate training and injuries.

Stages of disease development

1. With first-degree cervical osteochondrosis, pain is still negligible. During this period, there is discomfort in the neck after prolonged exertion and tension in the muscle ligaments. All this can be corrected with the help of physical therapy exercises, physical therapy procedures, ointments and vitamin complexes.
2. With second-degree osteochondrosis, when pinching of the nerve endings and the appearance of disc bulges is possible, the pain becomes intense, especially when the person is standing. Periodically dizzy and dark in the eyes. In addition to physiotherapy, anti-inflammatories and analgesics are necessary.
3. The third degree is characterized not by paroxysmal, but by constant pain, extending to the shoulder region and upper limbs. Due to the appearance of hernias, numbness of the muscles of the hands and temporary loss of sensation of the fingers are possible, the mobility of the joints worsens. In some cases, during the third degree of the disease, surgical intervention is necessary.
4. With fourth-degree cervical osteochondrosis, the pain subsides, but this is not the start of recovery. At this time, almost complete destruction of the intervertebral disc occurs, osteophytes grow at the junctions of the vertebrae, which injure the vertebrae and nerve branches. Brain nutrition worsens, as a result of dizziness, tinnitus occurs, vision is reduced, and coordination of movements is disturbed.

Symptoms of Cervical Osteochondrosis

The symptoms of osteochondrosis can differ depending on which segment of the spine is damaged and the degree of damage. Most people feel pain in the neck, above (in the chin) and, on the contrary, below - in the area of the shoulder girdle, arms, chest. Perhaps numbness of fingertips and tongue, general weakness, increased pressure, decreased visual acuity and hearing, crunching when moving the neck.

With cervical osteochondrosis, the characteristic symptoms are:

1. Root Syndrome. When a nerve is compressed, the resulting pain travels from the neck to the shoulder, spreading to the forearm, hands, fingers and swelling appears. Skin firmness and elasticity deteriorate, due to insufficient blood supply, it becomes pale.
2. Vertebral artery syndrome is manifested by throbbing pain in the back of the head, crown, affects the temporal head lobes and superciliary regions. The pain can increase if the head is in an uncomfortable position for a long time, for example in truck drivers who need to constantly monitor the road while driving. Perhaps the appearance of nausea, dizziness, deterioration of vision and hearing, malfunction of the vestibular apparatus.
3. Cervical migraine syndrome occurs when the branches of the sympathetic lymph nodes are irritated. When exposed to the nodes, there is a violation of the work of the vessels of the brain, a deterioration in the blood supply to the tissues. The patient experiences increased pressure, increased heart rate, head noise, congestion, and ringing in the ears.
4. Hypertensive syndrome is characterized by increased intracranial pressure. The patient feels headaches that explode inside, nausea, vomiting may occur, body temperature rises, ESR rises.

Why is osteochondrosis dangerous?

The earlier the treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck is started, the more likely it is to stop its development and get rid of the disease. In advanced cases, when irreversible processes occur, treatment will only help to relieve pain and inflammation. What is dangerous osteochondrosis and the development of what diseases it can provoke:

• intervertebral protrusions and hernias;
• vertebrogenic neck pain (restricted cervical mobility);
• vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• migraines and severe headaches that don't go away even after taking modern painkillers;
• deterioration of vision and hearing;
• paresis;
• the formation of osteophytes;
• deterioration of blood supply to the brain and much more.

disease treatment

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can only be effective if it is comprehensive and includes:

• drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae to reduce pain and inflammation;
• physical therapy procedures;
• medical gymnastics;
• manual therapy methods;
• in extreme cases, when conservative treatment does not help and the patient's condition worsens, or if paralysis of the limb occurs, surgery is performed.

Identifying the causes of cervical osteochondrosis by certain symptoms and treatment is not a quick process. Depending on the patient's immunity, the state of the body and the stage of the disease, the course of intensive care can last from 1 to 3 months, and then maintenance procedures are carried out for about a year.

medical therapy

Drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine is aimed at:

• pain reduction;
• removal of inflammation;
• get rid of swelling;
• improved metabolism;
• suspension of degenerative processes and tissue regeneration.

Currently, drugs that handle all tasks at the same time have not yet been developed, so the doctor may prescribe the intake of several drugs at the same time.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are among the drugs intended to relieve pain and inflammation in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae. Antispasmodics help relieve spasm and reduce pain. Non-steroidal ointments and topical gels also help with pain management. Diuretics are prescribed to reduce swelling.

During the treatment of cervical and brachial osteochondrosis, it is necessary to use drugs that improve the functioning of the musculoskeletal system, stimulate metabolism and tissue regeneration, drugs that prevent irreversible changes in the joints. These agents include chondroprotectors, vitamin C, and B vitamins.

Physiotherapy in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine

Physiotherapeutic procedures have a local effect on the damaged area, improving blood microcirculation, relieving swelling, inflammation and relieving pain. Depending on the course of the disease, the doctor may prescribe:

• exposure to low frequency currents and electrophoresis;
• massage, including whirlpool (especially useful during the recovery period);
• magnetotherapy;
• ultrasound treatment,
• "gentle" laser beam therapy.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy is not used for all stages of osteochondrosis and not for all patients, so a qualified specialist must prescribe and carry out treatment. For example, its implementation is prohibited in case of infectious diseases, benign and malignant tumors, blood disorders and intervertebral hernias. What are the positive effects of this therapy method? After the required course of treatment, the signs and symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis like pain, numbness of the hands, dizziness and tinnitus disappear. The manipulations performed relieve tension in the neck muscles, improve blood circulation and strengthen the immune system.

Illness treatment at home

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home is quite acceptable and cannot be less effective than in a hospital, but a specialist should prescribe it and monitor the course.

In a relaxed home environment, it is convenient to carry out a set of physiotherapeutic exercises. Gymnastics will help to strengthen the muscles of the neck, improve blood circulation and therefore the nutrition of the vertebrae and reduce pain. The main thing in home treatment is systematic procedures. All exercises should be performed smoothly, avoiding sudden movements, gradually increasing the load and intensity of the training. If during gymnastics the condition worsens, the pain intensifies, it is necessary to reduce the pace of the class and the range of motion.

Folk remedies for osteochondrosis

Traditional medicine also offers its solutions in the treatment of cervical and brachial osteochondrosis: the use of infusions and decoctions, therapeutic baths, rubbing in oils, ointments and homemade rubs.

1. To reduce pain and relieve inflammation at night, before going to bed, take a horseradish leaf, cook it in boiling water for several minutes, cool it a little, secure it with the inside on your neck and roll it up. with a warm scarf. Leave overnight. Cabbage leaves are also suitable for a therapeutic compress, only they are not steamed before application, but lightly tapped with a kitchen mallet.
2. To relieve unpleasant symptoms and treat osteochondrosis of the neck, make a honey potato compress once a week. Grate 2 potatoes on a fine grater, add ½ tsp. honey, mix well. Apply the resulting paste to the affected area for an hour and a half to two hours, wrap your neck and try to lie down without moving. Then wash the porridge with warm water.
3. Rubbing for treating osteochondrosis of the neck and relieving symptoms: take ½ cup of elderberry and 2 cups of alcohol, leave for a week in a tightly closed container in a dark place. Rub the resulting product into the cervical collar area.
4. A decoction of elecampane roots is used to prepare anti-inflammatory compresses. 2 tablespoons of biennial elecampane pour 1 cup of boiling water, cook for 10 minutes, then cool and strain. Apply warm decoction compresses to the neck collar area twice a day (morning and evening) and keep for about 20 minutes. It is also useful to bathe with a decoction of elecampane (for bathing, you need to prepare a decoction of 10 tablespoons of the plant).
5. No less effective means to reduce inflammation, eliminating the causes and symptoms in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is a hop cone ointment. To prepare it, take 1 tbsp. ground hop cones, rub well with 1 tbsp. butter or lard. Lubricate the affected area with the resulting product, cover with a napkin and wrap with a warm scarf. Daily use of the ointment will quickly bring the desired result.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with a laser device

At home, you can not only take medication prescribed by a doctor and perform a series of exercises, but also continue physical therapy, for example, paraffin wrap or laser treatment. A unique handheld laser device has been developed for the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Its action is effective both in the acute period of the disease and in the remission stage. Treating osteochondrosis with "gentle" laser beams will quickly relieve neck pain, reduce inflammation, swelling, and improve overall well-being. To obtain the effect, it is necessary to act on the lines along the damaged vertebrae 2-4 times a day for 18-24 minutes, and then in the direction of the vertebrae towards the earlobe.