Osteochondrosis is called a pathological process in the cartilage of the intervertebral discs and nearby tissues. The disease can occur in any part of the spine, but the cervical spine is more susceptible to osteochondrosis. This is due to the anatomical features of the body. The vertebrae of the neck are smaller than those in the thoracic and lumbar region and are very close to each other. In addition, the neck is characterized by increased mobility and is subjected to regular stress while holding the head.
Why the disease occurs
The development of the disease is associated primarily with changes due to age. Other reasons are noted:
- lack of physical activity;
- diseases of the spine;
- excessive overload;
- improper posture;
- unfavorable heredity;
- increased body weight;
- autoimmune disorders in which cartilage is damaged.
The condition of bone and cartilage tissue is severely affected by nutrition. The development of pathology is facilitated by a diet lacking calcium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, vitamins A and E, vitamin D. The high-risk group includes office workers, professional athletes, people who engage in heavy physical labor.
How to recognize cervical osteochondrosis
The symptoms of the disease depend on the clinical case and stage of development. The most common signs are:
- pain that affects not only the neck and head, but also other parts of the body;
- weakness, decreased sensitivity of the hands, numbness of the face;
- crunching in the neck when you need to turn your head;
- dizziness, weakness, darkening of the eyes caused by pinched blood vessels;
- deterioration of vision and hearing.
The pain of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine worries almost all patients. In pathology, the vessels are pinched, the bundles of nerve endings in the neck. As a rule, the pain is felt most in the head, nape, shoulders and radiates to the shoulder blade and chest.
Against the background of the disease, the heart rhythm may be disturbed. There are several arteries in the neck that are responsible for supplying blood to the brain. When blood vessels are constricted, the patient faces problems such as impaired coordination of movements, arrhythmia and ischemic heart disease. In severe cases, obstruction of blood circulation leads to strokes and other life-threatening conditions.
Stages of the disease
The progression of the disease is divided into four stages:
- In the initial stage, bone and cartilage tissue are just beginning to break down. The pathology manifests itself as mild pain and fatigue, which patients associate with stress.
- In the second stage there is a reduction of the disc, the appearance of cracks. The pain increases, there may be numbness of the face and decreased sensitivity of the limbs.
- In the third stage, intervertebral hernias begin to form. The process affects the muscles and blood vessels. The patient experiences not only pain but also dizziness.
- At the last stage, bone growth occurs, the nerve endings are pinched. The disease manifests itself with pronounced symptoms: pain, dizziness, tingling. Many patients have impaired motor activity.
Diagnosis
If cervical osteochondrosis is suspected, the patient should consult a neurologist and undergo a diagnosis. Its task is to assess the condition of bone and cartilage tissue. Previously, X-rays were used to diagnose diseases of the spine. More advanced research methods are now preferred:
- CT scan;
- NMR;
- duplex scanning of the vessels of the cervical vertebrae.
Most often, the doctor prescribes a comprehensive diagnosis. It allows you to determine the presence and location of the hernia, the speed of blood flow, the presence of obstacles to normal blood circulation.
Treatment
A patient diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should reconsider their lifestyle, ensure regular physical activity and eat properly. To improve the condition, it is recommended to sleep on an orthopedic mattress and a comfortable pillow to relieve stress from the spine.
Medicines
In cervical osteochondrosis, the patient is shown medications that relieve inflammation, improve blood flow and reduce pain. The doctor prescribes drugs for vasodilation, muscle relaxants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs to improve cerebral circulation, chondroprotectors - means to restore cartilage. To slow down the breakdown of bone tissue, the body needs B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, niacin.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is the main method of treating osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Specialists use many procedures whose task is to improve metabolic processes in bone and cartilage tissues, reduce pain, relieve spasms and improve blood circulation. Here are the basic techniques:
- Shock wave therapy. . . Low-frequency acoustic waves affect the cartilage tissue of the cervical spine. They contribute to tissue repair, slow down the formation of osteophytes - growths on the bones that compress the nerve endings and blood vessels. The source of low-frequency waves is a special device, therefore the SWT course can be taken only in a medical institution.
- Massage. . . This is the most common method of conservative therapy for cervical osteochondrosis. Massage helps to improve blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms. The technique of therapeutic massage is chosen depending on the stage of the disease and the clinical picture. This is a very important condition, because if the massage is performed unprofessionally, it can harm the patient, cause deterioration of well-being. It is worth giving up massage for vascular diseases, high blood pressure. During the exacerbation, the massage should be as delicate as possible. Stroking, rubbing, ie impact on the upper layers of the tissues is allowed.
- Therapeutic gymnastics (LFK). . . Exercise helps to strengthen muscles and improve blood circulation. There are special sets of exercises for patients with osteochondrosis. Gymnastics can be performed not only in the office of a medical institution, but also at home. As a rule, exercise therapy is most effective during the period of remission, when the patient does not feel severe pain. Wellness exercises should be combined with walks, water treatments.
- Acupuncture. . . This is an auxiliary method for the treatment of osteochondrosis, which is based on the effect of special needles on biologically active points. Thanks to this, the metabolism is activated, the pain syndrome is reduced.
- Kinesitherapy. . . This is a hardware technique that is used to treat diseases of the spine, rehabilitation after injuries. Thanks to the exercises, the load is removed from the spine, its mobility is improved and the blood circulation is restored. Kinesitherapy classes are conducted under the guidance of an instructor. There are many methods and devices for performing exercises, which is why an appropriate set of exercises is chosen for each patient.
- Laser therapy. . . Thanks to the laser radiation a positive effect is achieved, the patient's well-being is improved. The procedure reduces inflammation and pain and has a positive effect on metabolic processes.
- Electrotherapy. . . Specialists use devices that are a source of galvanic, pulsed, alternating current. The purpose of the procedure is to reduce pain, relieve spasms and stimulate.
- Water procedures. . . Water is the best medicine for osteochondrosis. Patients with this disease are shown therapeutic baths, swimming, underwater massage. Very useful for the prevention and treatment of pathology is a regular visit to the pool.
Surgery for osteochondrosis
Spinal surgery for osteochondrosis is indicated for patients with advanced disease in whom remission cannot be achieved by conservative methods. Surgery is used to remove a herniated disc and affected discs. Operations are also performed to expand the diameter of the spinal canal, remove the spinal arch. Their purpose is to remove the compression of the nerves and spinal cord, which allows you to get rid of the discomfort.
All manipulations are performed under anesthesia with the help of X-ray and microsurgical control.
The laser discectomy method is used to protrude the disc. This is a minimally invasive technique that allows you to evaporate the pulpal nucleus of the disc using a laser beam and thus remove the compression.
Nutrition in osteochondrosis
Improper nutrition increases the risk of developing degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which include osteochondrosis. In order to slow down the pathological processes in the bones and cartilage, it is necessary to provide the body with a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals. The diet should include:
- dairy products - a source of calcium;
- fresh vegetables and herbs;
- legumes, nuts, seeds - a source of protein, magnesium, B vitamins;
- cereals, bakery products with the addition of whole grains;
- pure meat;
- Fish and seafood;
- olive oil and other vegetable oils;
- jelly, jelly meat, jelly dishes.
There are no strict dietary restrictions, but there are foods that are undesirable to consume in large quantities. First of all, it is strong tea and coffee that disrupt the absorption of calcium and vitamins. Foods high in salt are also not helpful.