Cervical osteochondrosis is a complex of degenerative disorders of the upper part of the spine, causing damage to the intervertebral discs, changes in their texture and functionality. Most often, the discs at the level of the fifth, sixth and seventh vertebrae undergo degenerative changes, since this area of the spine is more mobile, it is most involved in the movements of the head, which means that it undergoeshigh loads. As a result of the disease, there is a thinning of the intervertebral discs, a violation of the blood supply to the spine, pinching of the nerve roots, which causes pain.
People of any age can suffer from osteochondrosis, but most often the disease occurs between the ages of 30 and 50. Before the appearance of the first attacks of pain, the effect of cervical osteochondrosis is barely noticeable - discomfort and some heaviness in the neck, dizziness, flashing stars before the eyes. Often people are unaware of the true cause of these ailments. But the earlier the diagnosis is made and competent treatment is started, the greater the chances of a full recovery. Timely treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck will help restore good health and give 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 poorly developed neck muscles, the vertebrae experience increased stress and are more susceptible to injury.
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, a sedentary lifestyle, poor posture and curvature of the spine, overweight, infectious diseases, hypothermia, stressful situations, improper training and injuries.
Stages of disease development
- With cervical osteochondrosis of the first degree, the pain is still insignificant. 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 physiotherapy exercises, physiotherapeutic procedures, ointments and taking vitamin complexes.
- With osteochondrosis of the second degree, when pinching of nerve endings and the appearance of disc protrusions are possible, the pain becomes severe, especially when a person is standing. Periodically dizzy and dark in the eyes. In addition to physiotherapy, anti-inflammatories and analgesics become necessary.
- The third degree is characterized not by paroxysmal pain, but by constant pain, spreading to the shoulder area and upper limbs. Due to the appearance of hernias, numbness of the muscles of the hands and temporary loss of sensitivity 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.
- With cervical osteochondrosis of the fourth degree, the pain subsides, but this is not at all the beginning of healing. At this time, almost complete destruction of the intervertebral disc occurs, osteophytes develop at the junctions of the vertebrae, which injure the vertebrae and nerve branches. Nutrition of the brain worsens, as a result of which dizziness appears, tinnitus occurs, vision decreases and coordination of movements is disturbed.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Symptoms of osteochondrosis may differ depending on which segment of the spine is damaged and the degree of damage. Most people feel pain in the neck, above (at the chin) and, conversely, below - in the region of the shoulder girdle, arms, chest. Perhaps numbness in the tips of the fingers and tongue, general weakness, increased pressure, decreased visual acuity and hearing, crackles when moving the neck.
With cervical osteochondrosis, characteristic symptoms are:
- Root Syndrome. When a nerve is pinched, the resulting pain moves from the neck to the shoulder, spreads to the forearm, hands, fingers, and swelling appears. The firmness and elasticity of the skin deteriorates, due to poor blood supply it turns pale.
- Vertebral artery syndrome manifests as shooting pain in the back of the head, crown, affects the temporal lobes of the head and the eyebrow regions. The pain may increase if the head is in an awkward position for a long time, for example in truck drivers who have to constantly watch the road while driving. Perhaps the appearance of nausea, dizziness, deterioration of vision and hearing, malfunctions of the vestibular apparatus.
- Cervical migraine syndrome occurs when the branches of sympathetic nodes are irritated. When exposed to the nodes, there is a violation of the work of brain vessels, a deterioration in the blood supply to the tissues. The patient experiences increased pressure, increased heart rate, noises in the head, stuffiness and ringing in the ears.
- Hypertensive syndrome is characterized by increased intracranial pressure. The patient experiences headaches that burst from the 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 have occurred, treatment will only help relieve pain and inflammation. What is dangerous osteochondrosis and the development of what diseases it can cause:
- protrusions and intervertebral hernias;
- vertebrogenic neck pain (limited neck mobility);
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- migraines and severe headaches that do not 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 for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can only be effective if it is comprehensive and includes:
- drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, aimed at reducing pain and inflammation;
- physiotherapy procedures;
- medical gymnastics;
- manual therapy methods;
- in extreme cases, when conservative treatment does not help and the patient's condition worsens, or in case of paralysis of the limbs, 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, intensive treatment can last from 1 to 3 months, 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;
- elimination of inflammation;
- get rid of puffiness;
- improved metabolism;
- suspension of degenerative processes and tissue regeneration.
Currently, no drug has yet been developed to cope with all the tasks at once. The doctor can therefore prescribe the taking of several drugs at the same time.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are among the drugs aimed at relieving pain and inflammation in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae. Antispasmodics help relieve spasms and reduce pain. Nonsteroidal ointments and topical gels also help with pain. Diuretics are prescribed to reduce swelling.
When treating 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, vitamins C and B.
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 hydromassage (especially useful during the recovery period);
- magnetic therapy;
- ultrasound treatment,
- therapy with "soft" laser beams.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy is not used at all stages of osteochondrosis and not for all patients. Therefore, a qualified specialist should prescribe and carry out treatment. For example, its implementation is prohibited in case of infectious diseases, benign and malignant tumors, blood diseases and intervertebral hernias. What are the positive effects of this method of therapy? After the necessary treatment, the signs and symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis such as pain, numbness of the hands, dizziness and tinnitus disappear. The manipulations performed relieve tension in the muscles of the neck, improve blood circulation and strengthen the immune system.
Treatment of the disease at home
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home is quite acceptable and cannot be less effective than in the hospital, but a specialist should prescribe it and monitor its course.
In a relaxed home environment, it is convenient to perform a set of physiotherapy exercises. Gymnastics will help 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 training. If during gymnastics the condition worsens, the pain intensifies, it is necessary to reduce the rhythm of the lesson 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, frictions with oils, ointments and homemade frictions.
- To reduce pain and relieve inflammation in the evening, before going to bed, take a leaf of horseradish, steam it in boiling water for several minutes, cool slightly, then tie it withthe inside to the neck and wrap it with a warm scarf. Leave overnight. Cabbage leaves are also suitable for a therapeutic compress, only they are not steamed before application, but lightly beaten with a kitchen hammer.
- 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 gruel to the affected area for one and a half to two hours, wrap your neck and try to lie down without moving. Then wash the oatmeal with warm water.
- Rubbing for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck and relieving symptoms: take ½ cup of elderberries 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.
- A decoction of elecampane roots is used to prepare anti-inflammatory compresses. 2 tbsproots of elecampane pour 1 cup boiling water, simmer for 10 minutes, then cool and strain. Apply warm decoction compresses to the cervical collar area twice a day (morning and evening) and hold them for about 20 minutes. It is also useful to take baths with a decoction of elecampane (to take a bath, you need to prepare a decoction of 10 tablespoons of the plant).
- No less effective means for reducing inflammation, eliminating the causes and symptoms in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is ointment from hop cones. 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, then cover it with a towel and wrap it 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 drugs prescribed by a doctor and perform a set of exercises, but also continue physiotherapy, for example, a paraffin wrap or laser beam treatment. A unique portable 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 stage of remission. Treatment of osteochondrosis with "soft" laser beams will quickly relieve pain in the neck, reduce inflammation, swelling and improve general well-being. To achieve the effect, it is necessary to act on the lines along the damaged vertebrae 2-4 times a day for 18-24 minutes, then in the direction from the vertebrae to the earlobe.