Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine: symptoms and treatment

Main causes, symptoms and prevention of cervical osteochondrosis. Bonus: preventive gymnastics.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine. With age and in the absence of treatment and prevention, the disease tends to progress. Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the spine.

If pain appears in this section, you should see a doctor as soon as possible, as progressive osteochondrosis causes serious health deterioration, even vision problems, persistent migraines and can even cause death.

Osteochondrosis is not necessarily an age-related disorder, it usually affects people at a young age.

Eight main causes of osteochondrosis

• heredity,
• injuries,
• excessive physical activity,
• age-related changes,
• metabolic disorders,
• sedentary work (hypodynamics),
• incorrect body position during sleep,
• stress (psychosomatic).

If one or more symptoms occur, you should consult your doctor for treatment or prevention.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

The causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can be varied. Not only age-related changes can cause disease. The disease also affects young people who prefer sedentary work.

Inactivity is the most common cause of osteochondrosis. The lack of moderate exercise leads to muscle weakness and poor circulation. Additional nerve compression and the appearance of an intervertebral hernia is possible.

Factors that contribute to the development of cervical osteochondrosis

1. Violation of the brainstem structure and location in relation to the spine and deformity of the first cervical vertebra.
2. Acquired forms of deformities - kyphosis, lordosis, scoliosis and their combinations.
3. Elderly over 60 years. At this age, there are natural changes in the age-related vertebral discs. Excessive growth of bone growth.
4. Inadequate posture due to stooping or being in an uncomfortable position for a long time.
5. Cervical spine injuries.
6. Incorrect muscle load.
7. Obesity.

If the load on the muscles is not symmetrical, it can cause deformation. These changes are caused by the habit of lifting weights with one hand, carrying a bag on your shoulder and using a very soft pillow while sleeping.

Degrees of osteochondrosis

Modern science knows three main stages of development of cervical osteochondrosis disease. They differ from each other in the degree of damage to the vertebrae and in the methods of treatment.

First-degree osteochondrosis

It begins with the rupture of the intervertebral disc capsule and the appearance of micro-cracks in the fibrous ring. This type is characterized by degenerative changes in the cervical joints and changes in the structures of the tissues.

Signs of first degree of osteochondrosis:

• concerned about pain in the joints of the neck and shoulder girdle, vasoconstriction occurs and blood circulation is impaired;

• the appearance of pain in the neck with a sharp turn of the head, which indicates compression of the nerve endings;
• discomfort in the cervical region, temples, neck and constant headaches;
• blurred vision, the appearance of flies and veils in the eyes.

Second-degree osteochondrosis

Characterized by a decrease in the distance between the vertebral discs. It causes a painful point with any load, it becomes difficult to turn or tilt the head.

Third degree osteochondrosis

It is a chronic disorder of the musculoskeletal function of the spine. Significant changes in the column structure are noticeable.

Lack of treatment at this stage can lead to a stroke. Death is possible.

Signs of third degree osteochondrosis:

• partial or complete paralysis of the neck and shoulder joints;
• decreased sensitivity of the upper limbs;
• herniated disc becomes visually noticeable;
• death of certain parts of the cerebral cortex due to circulatory disorders and lack of adequate oxygen supply.

In the third stage of osteochondrosis, a surgical operation is necessary.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis in various parts of the spine

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis:

• acute pain in the neck, passing to the upper limbs,
• headaches,
• fingers can go numb,
• high blood pressure,
• impaired movement coordination,
• feeling rigid,
• nausea attacks are not excluded,
• when a nerve is compressed, pain is felt when swallowing,
• painful sensations in the teeth are possible.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis:

• chest pain, which can radiate in the heart, lungs, passing to the shoulder blades,
• painful sensations throughout the spine,
• rib pain,
• shoulder pain,
• spots before the eyes,
• tinnitus.

Lumbosacral osteochondrosis:

• menstrual disorder
• low back pain syndromes passing to the lower extremities
• lumbago
• hernia between the vertebrae
• increased fatigue.

Women with suspected osteochondrosis are prescribed radiographs, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound and neuromyography. They may recommend a visit to a mammologist and gynecologist to rule out diseases similar in their symptoms to osteochondrosis.

Osteochondrosis in women

In women, as well as in men, there are three main types of osteochondrosis, namely:

• cervical,
• lumbar,
chest
• .

Women are more likely than men to develop osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic regions. This phenomenon is due to the fact that in men, by nature, the thorax muscles of the neck are more developed. Thus, these departments have the best support. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the back and neck muscles with adequate exercises whenever possible.

More often, cervical osteochondrosis manifests itself in women who lead a sedentary lifestyle or who perform sedentary jobs (office work, salespeople, drivers), and osteochondrosis of the thoracic region manifests more often in women with scoliosis sincethe childhood.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

To make the correct diagnosis, you need to make an appointment with a doctor. Other diseases may also be hidden under the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.

Cervical osteochondrosis does not have the ability to pass by itself and, passing to the last, third stage, can be fatal.

Treatment initiated in a timely manner will help to avoid serious and irreversible consequences.

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis

Here is an example of a list of specialist doctors who will help you understand the problem.

• General practitioner (general practitioner). Therapists perform general diagnoses without treatment, prescribe general tests (urine, blood biochemistry). They take your individual complaints into consideration and provide additional referral to the right specialist.
• Neurologist. A neurologist deals with the treatment of the early and middle stages of cervical osteochondrosis. During the visit to the neurologist, as a rule, a radiography of the spine is performed. With osteochondrosis confirmed, the appropriate treatment is selected.
• Trauma surgeon. Consultation with this specialist is prescribed if there are changes in the tissues. Perhaps the MRI consultation, spondylography, computed tomography. Additional treatment is also selected.
• Neurosurgeon. Consultation with a neurosurgeon is prescribed if an intervertebral hernia is suspected, referring to the results of CT and MRI.
• Physiotherapist. It deals with the elimination of the clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis.
• Reabilitologist. Treatment by a rehabilitation therapist involves a recovery period after surgery. During this period, special therapeutic exercises (exercise therapy) are selected.
• Chiropractor. Prescribed to eliminate pain.
• Rheumatologist. Advises and prescribes diagnoses to people with various forms of arthritis.
• Oncologist. A visit to an oncologist is indicated for individuals with suspected findings of tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. A consultation with a specialist helps to confirm or exclude the presence of tumor diseases of bone tissue. Biopsy can be prescribed.

Modern methods of treating osteochondrosis:

• surgical intervention (in the presence of irreversible changes,
• osteopathy,
• manual therapy,
• physiotherapy,
• massage,
• working with psychosomatics,
• reflexology,
• drug therapy.

Medical therapy

The purpose of drug therapy is to relieve inflammation and pain. Properly selected medications restore blood circulation and nourishment to healthy tissues.

In the acute stage, drug therapy stabilizes the patient's condition and prepares him for the next stage of treatment. Ointments, muscle relaxants, corticosteroids and vitamin complexes are used.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy includes a combination of natural and physical effects on the body. Effectively relieves pain and restores physical activity.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy is effective when supervised by a good specialist.

Massage stimulates blood circulation and improves tissue nutrition. Manual therapy is convenient for home use (massagers and various applicators).

Before using manual therapy products at home, you need to consult a specialist.

Reflexology

Reflexotherapy has an effect due to the effect on biologically active points in the body. It can be performed in the form of acupuncture, acupressure, sometimes moxibustion. If you choose this specific treatment method, make sure you have a qualified specialist in front of you, as exposure to inappropriate biological points can have negative consequences.

exercise therapy

Physiotherapy exercises (LFK) for osteochondrosis are prescribed without failure in the recovery phase. The purpose of exercise therapy is to strengthen the ligaments and muscles, exercises help to restore blood flow.

Properly selected exercises can help prevent recurrence and further damage.

Exercises for cervical osteochondrosis

In conclusion, we present to your attention some exercises of the physiotherapeutic exercise complex.

Consult a doctor before exercising.

Exercises in the exercise therapy complex can be uncomfortable, so before practicing them, try to relax as much as possible and make sure your breathing is calm and moderate.

It is not recommended to overload the muscles during exercise. Do as much as you can and, after resting, return to exercise.

To achieve the final recovery effect, it is necessary to perform up to 300 movements on the diseased spine and 100 repetitions for the adjacent cuts.

In cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended to avoid sudden head movements. The exercises are performed standing up, with your back straight and your feet shoulder-width apart (repeat 15 times):

1. Tilt your head to the left and hold for 10 seconds. With pressure on the shoulders, contract the neck muscles and resist the pressure. Repeat the same movements to the right. Repeat the first exercise, bending forward and backward.
2. Turn your head to the right, trying to reach the shoulder with your chin, hold the movement for a few seconds. Repeat the exercise by turning to the left.
3. Use your chin to draw numbers from 0 to 9 in the air.

Back exercises:

1. Lift your head and hold for 10 seconds. Lower your head and take a five-second break.
2. Pull your chin towards the ceiling and hold for 10 seconds, then gently lower your head.

Lie exercises:

1. Lift your head and hold it parallel to the floor for 10 seconds. Then, gently lowering your head, stop for a few seconds.
2. Repeat this exercise lying on the other side.