Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine: symptoms and treatment

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

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the intervertebral discs in 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 occurs in this department, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible, as progressive osteochondrosis includes serious health problems, up to vision problems, persistent migraines and can even provoke death.

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

The eight main causes of osteochondrosis

• inheritance,
• damage,
• excessive physical activity,
• age-related changes,
• metabolic disorders,
• sedentary work (hypodynamics),
• incorrect body position during sleep,
• stress (psychosomatics).

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

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

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

Passivity is the most common cause of osteochondrosis. Lack of moderate exercise leads to muscle weakness and poor circulation. Further nerve tightening and the appearance of an intervertebral hernia are possible.

Factors contributing to the development of cervical osteochondrosis

1. Violation of the structure and location of the cerebral cortex in relation to the spine and deformation of the first vertebra of the cervix.
2. Acquired forms of deformities - kyphosis, lordosis, scoliosis and their combinations.
3. Elderly over 60 years. At this age, natural age-related changes occur in the vertebral discs. Excessive bone growth.
4. Poor posture due to bending or standing in an uncomfortable position for a long time.
5. Injuries to the cervical spine.
6. Improper muscle loading.
7. Mbipesha.

If the load on the muscles is not symmetrical, this can lead to deformity. Such changes are caused by the habit of lifting weights with one hand, holding a bag on one shoulder and using a very soft pillow while sleeping.

Degrees of osteochondrosis

Modern science recognizes three main stages in the development of cervical osteochondrosis. They differ from each other in the degree of vertebral damage and in the methods of treatment.

First degree osteochondrosis

It starts with the rupture of the intervertebral disc capsule and the appearance of microcracks in the fibrosus ring. This type is characterized by degenerative transformations in the cervical nodes and changes in tissue structures.

Signs of first degree osteochondrosis:

• worry about joint pain in the neck and shoulder girdle, vasoconstriction occurs and blood circulation is impaired;

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

Second degree osteochondrosis

It is characterized by a decrease in the distance between the vertebral discs. It involves a point pain with each load, it becomes difficult to turn or tilt the head.

Third degree osteochondrosis

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

Lack of treatment at this stage can lead to 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;
• disc herniation becomes visually visible;
• 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 required.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis in different parts of the spine

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis:

• sharp pain in the neck, passing to the upper limbs,
• headache,
• fingers may numb,
• high blood pressure,
• impaired coordination of movements,
• feel stiff,
• mixing periods are not excluded,
• when the nerve is compressed, the pain is felt when swallowed,
• painful sensations in the teeth are possible.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis:

• chest pain, which may radiate to the heart, lung region, pass to the shoulder blades,
• pain throughout the spine,
• rib pain,
• shoulder pain,
• spots in front of the eyes,
• tinnitus.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region:

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

Women with suspected osteochondrosis are prescribed x-rays, CT and MRI, ultrasound and neuromyography. They may recommend visiting a mammologist and gynecologist in order to rule out diseases similar in their symptoms to osteochondrosis.

Osteochondrosis in women

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

• cervix,
• mesit,
• 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 neck chest muscles are more strongly developed. Thus, these departments have the best support. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the back and neck muscles with appropriate exercises whenever possible.

Most often, cervical osteochondrosis occurs in women who lead a sedentary lifestyle or is engaged in sedentary work (office work, salesmen, drivers) and thoracic osteochondrosis most often occurs in women who havehad scoliosis since childhood.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

To make an accurate diagnosis, you should make an appointment with a doctor. Other diseases can also be hidden under the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.

Osteochondrosis of the cervix does not have the ability to pass on its own and, passing into the last, third stage, can be fatal.

Timely treatment will help to avoid serious, irreversible consequences.

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis

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

• General Practitioner (GP). Therapists perform general diagnosis without treatment, prescribe general tests (urine, blood biochemistry). They consider your individual complaints and refer you to the appropriate specialist.
• Neurologist. A neurologist deals with the treatment of the early and middle stages of cervical osteochondrosis. At the stage of visiting a neurologist, as a rule, an X-ray of the back is performed. With confirmed osteochondrosis, appropriate treatment is chosen.
• Trauma surgeon. Consultation with this specialist is prescribed if there are changes in the tissues. Perhaps the appointment of MRI, spondylography, CT. Further treatment is also selected.
• Neurosurgeon. Consultation with a neurosurgeon is prescribed if an intervertebral hernia is suspected, referring to CT and MRI results.
• Physiotherapist. It deals with the elimination of clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis.
• Rehabilitolog. Treatment by a rehabilitation therapist means a recovery period after surgery. During this period, special therapeutic exercises (exercise therapy) are selected.
• Chiropractors. Prescribed to eliminate pain.
• Rheumatologist. Gives advice and describes the diagnosis for people with various forms of arthritis.
• Oncologist. A visit to an oncologist is indicated for individuals with suspicious CT and MRI findings. A specialist consultation helps to confirm or rule out the presence of bone tissue tumor diseases. Biopsy can be described.

Modern methods of treating osteochondrosis:

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

Drug therapy

The goal of drug therapy is to relieve inflammation and pain. Properly selected drugs restore blood circulation and healthy tissue nutrition.

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

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy involves a combination of natural and hardware 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 suitable for home use (massages and various applicators).

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

Reflexology

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

exercise therapy

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

Properly selected exercises can help prevent recurrence and deepening of damage.

Exercises for cervical osteochondrosis

In conclusion, we present to your attention some exercises from the complex of physiotherapy exercises.

Consult a physician before exercising.

Exercise therapy complex exercises can be uncomfortable, so before you do it, try to relax as much as possible and make sure your breathing is calm and restrained.

Muscle overload during exercise is not recommended. Do as much as you can, then, after you rest, return to the exercises.

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

With cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended to avoid sudden head movements. Exercises are performed in a standing position, back straight, legs shoulder width apart (repeat 15 times):

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

Back Exercises:

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

Side Lie Exercises:

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