Cervical osteochondrosis is a complex of degenerative disorders in the upper part of the spine, which cause damage to the intervertebral discs, changes in their consistency and functionality. More 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 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, pinching of the nerve roots, which causes pain.
People at any age can suffer from osteochondrosis, but more often the disease occurs in 30-50 years. Before the appearance of the first attacks of pain, the effect of cervical osteochondrosis is barely noticeable: discomfort and a little heaviness in the neck, dizziness, flashing stars in front of the eyes. Often people are not aware of the true cause of these ailments. But the earlier the diagnosis is made and competent treatment is initiated, the better the chances of a complete 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 resistant. Due to the weak development of the neck muscles, the vertebrae experience increased 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, a sedentary lifestyle, poor posture and curvature of the spine, overweight, infectious diseases, hypothermia, stressful situations, improper training and injuries.
Stages of development of the disease
- With first degree cervical osteochondrosis, 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 second-degree osteochondrosis, when pinching of nerve endings and the appearance of disc protrusions is possible, the pain becomes severe, especially when a person is standing. Periodically dizziness and dark eyes. In addition to physiotherapy, anti-inflammatories and pain relievers become necessary.
- The third degree is characterized not by paroxysms, but by constant pain, which spreads to the shoulder region and upper limbs. Due to the appearance of hernias, numbness of the muscles of the hands and a temporary loss of sensation in the fingers are possible, the mobility of the joints worsens. In some cases, surgery is required during the third degree of the disease.
- With fourth-degree cervical osteochondrosis, the pain subsides, but this is by no means the beginning of recovery. At this time, almost complete destruction of the intervertebral disc occurs, osteophytes grow at the junctions of the vertebrae, which damage the vertebrae and nerve branches. Nutrition of the brain worsens, as a result of which dizziness, tinnitus appear, vision decreases and coordination of movements is disturbed.
Cervical osteochondrosis symptoms
Symptoms of osteochondrosis can differ depending on which of the spinal segments is damaged and the degree of damage. Most people experience pain in the neck, above (up to the chin) and, conversely, below - in the area of the shoulder girdle, arms, chest. Perhaps numbness of the fingertips and tongue, general weakness, increased pressure, decreased visual and hearing acuity, creaking when moving the neck.
With cervical osteochondrosis, the characteristic symptoms are:
- Root syndrome. When a nerve is pinched, the resulting pain passes from the neck to the shoulder, spreading to the forearm, hands, fingers, and swelling appears. The firmness and elasticity of the skin deteriorate, due to poor blood supply, it becomes pale.
- Vertebral artery syndrome is manifested by excruciating pain in the back of the head, in the crown, affecting the temporal lobes of the head and superciliary regions. The pain can increase if the head is in an uncomfortable position for a long time, for example in truckers who have to constantly monitor 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 the sympathetic nodes are irritated. When exposed to the nodes, there is a violation of the work of the cerebral vessels, a deterioration in the blood supply to the tissues. The patient experiences increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, noise in the head, congestion and ringing in the ears.
- Hypertensive syndrome is characterized by an increase in intracranial pressure. The patient experiences headaches that burst from the inside, nausea, vomiting, increased body temperature, increased ESR may occur.
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 provoke:
- intervertebral protrusions and hernias;
- vertebrogenic neck pain (reduced mobility of the neck);
- 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.
Treatment of the disease
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, aimed at reducing pain and inflammation;
- physiotherapy procedures;
- medical gymnastics;
- methods of manual therapy;
- in extreme cases, when conservative treatment does not help and the patient's condition worsens, or if paralysis of the limbs 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, 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.
At the moment, drugs have not yet been developed that can cope with all tasks at once, so the doctor can prescribe the intake of several drugs at the same time.
Non-steroidal 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 spasm and reduce pain. Non-steroidal ointments and topical gels also help cope with pain. 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 hydromassage (especially useful during the recovery period);
- magnetotherapy;
- ultrasound treatment,
- "soft" laser beam therapy.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy is not used in all stages of osteochondrosis and not for all patients, therefore, a qualified specialist should prescribe and carry out the 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 therapeutic method? After the necessary course of treatment, such signs and symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis as 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.
Treatment of the disease at home
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home is quite acceptable and can be no less effective than in a hospital, but a specialist should prescribe it and monitor the course.
In a relaxed family environment, it is convenient to perform a series of physiotherapy exercises. Gymnastics will help strengthen the neck muscles, improve blood circulation and thus 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 pace 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 in oils, ointments and homemade frictions.
- To reduce pain and relieve inflammation in the evening, before going to bed, take a horseradish leaf, steam it in boiling water for a few minutes, allow to cool slightly, then attach it with the inside around 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 wrap once a week. Grate 2 potatoes on a fine grater, add ½ tsp. honey, mix well. Apply the resulting suspension to the affected area for an hour and a half or two, wrap the neck and try to lie down without moving. Then wash off the gruel with warm water.
- Rub for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck and to relieve 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 neck area.
- A decoction of elecampane roots is used to prepare anti-inflammatory compresses. 2 teaspoons of biennial elecampane pour 1 cup of boiling water, simmer for 10 minutes, then cool and strain. Apply hot packs of decoction on the cervical neck 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).
- No less effective means of 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 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 medications prescribed by a doctor and perform a variety of exercises, but also continue physiotherapy, for example, paraffin compresses 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 phase of remission. Treatment of osteochondrosis with "soft" laser beams quickly relieves neck pain, reduces inflammation, swelling and improves 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.