Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative dystrophic process of the cervical spine and surrounding tissue areas that is associated with progressive disc thinning, dehydration, and the development of vertebral deformities.All of these can impair mobility, trigger inflammatory changes in surrounding tissue, pain, and complications.A more modern name for this disease is back disease.The term "osteochondrosis" itself does not meet modern standards, but it is deeply rooted in referring to different processes and causes of pain in different parts of the spine.
Osteochondrosis affects the discs, vertebrae, and surrounding soft tissue.As a result of degenerative dystrophic processes in the context of aging and excessive stress, the composition of the gel-like substance of the intervertebral disc and its surrounding dense fibrous tissue changes, forming an elastic membrane.Gradually, the height of the disc decreases and its shock-absorbing properties become worse.
Metabolism in the nucleus is affected, microcracks form, the intervertebral disc deforms, and herniations (bulges) and hernias form.As this process proceeds, the cartilage and bone tissue surrounding the vertebrae become damaged and osteophytes — bone growths — form that limit mobility and cause pain.
Changes in the spinal cord, its membranes, and spinal nerve roots can cause irritation, inflammation of surrounding tissues, and reflex muscle spasm, thereby causing the typical manifestations of the disease.Nearby blood vessels with disrupted blood flow may be affected.
reason
Osteochondrosis can occur in the main cervical spine area in the context of many existing health problems.Each further worsens the process.The main provocateurs include:
Obesity, overweight;
Inactivity, lack of physical activity;
Mainly sedentary work or standing for long periods of time;
Poor posture, stooping;
Problems with the musculoskeletal system (flat feet, scoliosis) resulting in uneven load distribution on the spine;
Back and neck injuries, congenital deformities of the spine;
Excessive pressure on the neck and back;
Pathological tendencies.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Manifestations of the disease are varied and not always immediately recognized, and they can be mistaken for other conditions.The most typical ones are:
Generalized dizziness attacks occur in episodic forms.
Pain in the back of the head, collar, and neck.The severity and intensity of pain depend on the progression of the process.Initially mild and periodic, as the pathology progresses it becomes constant and spreads throughout the head.
Tinnitus or noise when you change positions after sitting or lying down for a long time may be accompanied by attacks of dizziness.
Nausea and vomiting are caused by circulatory disorders in certain areas of the brain, which are aggravated when turning the head.
Visual impairment, fog, blurred vision, flashing spots.
The pressure suddenly increased and I fainted.
There is a foreign body sensation in the throat, dryness, and difficulty swallowing.
Shoulder pain, hands numb.
In addition to these symptoms, the typical syndrome may occur only in cases of damage to the cervical spine.
Spinal Syndrome - Impaired mobility in the neck, pain when trying to turn the head, creaking in the spine.
Vertebral artery syndrome is associated with tinnitus, dizziness, pressure changes, and drowsiness.
Radicul syndrome is associated with numbness and pain in the back of the head, impaired tongue sensitivity, hiccups, difficulty swallowing, pain in the shoulders, between the shoulder blades, and numbness in the little finger.
Possible complications and risks
Long-term osteochondrosis of the neck can lead to disorders of the nerve trunks and arterial areas.This can lead to strokes, thyroid disease, hand sensitivity problems, difficulty swallowing food, and vision impairment.In addition, neck mobility is also greatly limited.
diagnosis
To diagnose the pathology, it is necessary to contact an orthopedic surgeon and a neurologist.A thorough examination can help make the diagnosis:
Cervical spine X-rays and CT, MRI to show bone and soft tissue structures.
A dual scan of the arteries in the neck and head evaluates blood circulation in the brain and neck.
Assess reflexes, neck mobility, and soft tissue condition.
Additionally, ultrasound, electrocardiogram, blood pressure monitoring, and consultation with an otolaryngologist are required to rule out other conditions.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis
Basically, doctors treat cervical osteochondrosis based on the underlying cause.For example, if tight muscles or poor posture are causing symptoms, doctors will often start conservative treatment.These include, for example, exercises to strengthen the neck muscles, physical and manual therapy, and medications for pain relief.
In some cases, doctors recommend surgery.This is necessary, for example, in the case of severe disc herniation or cervical spine injury.
Physical therapy for cervical osteochondrosis is aimed at long-term pain relief and restoration of body flexibility.It includes muscle-strengthening exercises, massage, and physical measures (such as the application of heat, cold, light, or electrical stimulation).The therapist massages the affected muscles, such as using red light or applying heat.In this way, tension and blockages in the vertebrae are released so that movement of the vertebral joints is no longer restricted.
The physical therapist will also choose specific therapeutic exercises based on individual needs and health conditions.He will tell you exactly how to perform these exercises and, if necessary, correct you if you perform the movements incorrectly.The most important thing here is that the techniques you are learning will help you relax your muscles and improve your head and neck mobility.Exercise also helps improve blood circulation in the body, relieves tension and strengthens muscles.
Doctors may also treat cervical osteochondrosis with medications if symptoms are severe or exercise doesn't help.If necessary, take anti-inflammatory medications.They provide temporary pain relief and allow patients to move their head and neck better.
If your symptoms are severe and/or particularly painful, your doctor may also prescribe medications that relax the muscles (called muscle relaxants).
Pain-relieving ointments or patches can also relieve the symptoms of cervical syndrome.
In some cases (for example, a herniated disc), doctors use what's called minimally invasive injection therapy.This method is most commonly used to treat pinched nerves.To do this, the doctor uses a needle to inject local anesthetic directly into the affected area of the spine (infiltration).It soothes irritated nerves, relieves pain and relaxes muscles.Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor will administer one to ten treatments.
If conservative treatments don't work, doctors may consider surgery.This is the case with a herniated disc, for example, where symptoms of paralysis can occur when a person suffers from very severe pain.Today, surgery is usually microsurgery, which is performed through small incisions.Doctors remove the disc tissue that is pressing on the nerves and causing symptoms.The procedure is usually short (approximately 30 to 60 minutes).During the operation, the patient is usually under general anesthesia and needs to stay in the hospital for observation for about three days.
prevention
You have the ability to relieve symptoms and prevent neck tension on your own.To do this, the following measures can be taken:
In many cases, exercise therapy and swimming can improve symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.
In some cases, stress and psychological stress can cause cervical osteochondrosis or worsen its symptoms.Therefore, try to avoid stressful situations.