Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of articular cartilage, which is one of the main causes of neck pain with characteristic radiation to the arms. With this disease, there is a change in the structure of the cartilage and musculo-ligamentous structures located nearby.
Since cervical osteochondrosis progresses, it can lead to a number of serious complications, including disability of the patient, its timely diagnosis and treatment are among the urgent tasks of modern medicine.
Stages of development of pathology and typical symptoms
The disease goes through 4 successive stages of development with corresponding changes in the body and accompanying symptoms:
The first stage concerns the first morphological changes of the intervertebral discs. The core of the intervertebral disc (nucleus pulposus) gradually dries up and cracks appear in the structure of the annulus fibrosus. This is accompanied by tolerable pain or discomfort in the neck, which intensifies when turning or tilting the head. There is also a slight smoothing of the cervical lordosis and almost constant muscular tension.
At the second stage, the destruction of the fibrous ring continues, which is accompanied by the first signs of pathological mobility of the vertebrae and their instability. The distance between the vertebrae decreases and protrusion occurs. At this time, the patient notices an increase in pain and its irradiation to the arm or shoulder. Along with this, severe headaches appear, the person complains of a feeling of weakness and a decrease in performance.
The third stage is characterized by the complete destruction of the annulus fibrosus, due to which the unfixed core extends beyond the vertebrae and enters the spinal canal area, forming a hernial protrusion. In turn, this puts pressure on the nerves and elements of the vascular bed, causing disruption of blood flow in the cervical region. At this stage, patients complain of intense and continuous pain in the neck, radiating to the arms and shoulders. The muscles weaken and numbness of the upper limbs is systematically observed. Episodes of dizziness, difficulties in spatial orientation and stiffness in movements add to the clinical picture.
The fourth stage is represented by the replacement of the cartilage of the intervertebral disc with a connective tissue structure and the involvement of adjacent spinal segments in pathological changes. Due to the fusion of the joints, their immobility occurs. For the patient, this is the most difficult stage, because he feels constant and severe pain in the neck, arms, chest and in the area between the shoulder blades. Added to this are signs of impaired blood supply to the brain, sensitivity disorders, and the risk of stroke increases significantly.
It should be noted that in addition to the main clinical picture that accompanies cervical osteochondrosis at different stages, additional symptoms can be noted:
decreased visual acuity;
episodes of anxiety due to insufficient blood supply to the brain;
hearing loss and tinnitus;
the appearance of a crunch when moving the head;
sleep problems which can lead to insomnia;
the appearance of spots in front of the eyes;
cases of loss of consciousness;
paralysis of facial muscles;
pain in the arms that occurs at night.
If the spinal cord is compressed, myelopathy may develop, accompanied by:
difficulties in limb movements;
coordination or balance problems;
loss of bowel or bladder control;
weakness or numbness in any areas of the body below the neck;
shooting pains in extremities, increasing on bending forward.
Causes of disease
The key factor due to which cervical osteochondrosis develops is unbalanced and excessive load on this part of the spine. In most cases, pathology is formed against the background of involutional degenerative changes that accompany the aging process. Osteochondrosis can also occur due to traumatic neck injury or metabolic disorders.
In addition, there are a number of other factors that contribute to increased load on the neck, muscle spasms and the development of chronic diseases:
spinal abnormalities, congenital or acquired;
Overweight;
complicated heredity (e. g. , congenital and genetically determined weakness of connective tissues);
prolonged or frequent overload of the spine (forced positioning, physical inactivity);
vitamin deficiencies;
autoimmune pathologies accompanied by damage to connective tissue structures (collagenosis);
deficiency of micro- or macroelements;
strenuous physical activity, sports with increased risk of spinal injury (e. g. , professional wrestling);
smoking, which prevents the supply of nutrients to the intervertebral discs;
Metabolic disorders;
unbalanced diet with an excess of carbohydrates and fats combined with a protein deficiency;
frequent stressful situations;
pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, leading to a decrease in mobility of the cervical spine;
repeated or severe hypothermia of the neck.
What is the danger of osteochondrosis?
The first problem, typical of most patients who have developed cervical osteochondrosis, is severe and frequent pain in the head and neck area. For this reason, people are forced to look for the most comfortable position in which the pain weakens or completely disappears. This in turn leads to a decrease in performance.
As the disease progresses, a protrusion forms (partial release of disc tissue beyond the intervertebral space), the tissue between the vertebrae begins to collapse, and the space narrows. In the final stage of the pathological process, the disc is completely destroyed and replaced by a connective tissue structure. This leads to a limitation of motor activity, as the patient loses the ability to turn or tilt the head.
In addition, cervical osteochondrosis is dangerous because it can lead to the following complications:
hernia;
cervicocranialgia (painful sensation localized at the base of the skull);
formation of osteophytes;
compression of the arteries;
radiculopathy (compression of the roots of the spinal cord);
chronic pain syndrome.
In the most severe and advanced cases, cervical osteochondrosis causes compression of the spinal cord, paralysis and disability of the patient.
Diagnostic methods
Diagnosis of a patient with suspected cervical osteochondrosis begins with an appointment with a doctor, who conducts a thorough interview, clarifies symptoms and history of development of the disease, and also conducts a physical examination. During the examination, the doctor focuses on identifying painful areas, assessing the mobility of the spine and the quality of reflexes.
After receiving the initial data, the specialist creates a plan for further diagnostics, which may include:
multi-slice computed tomography;
positron emission and magnetic resonance imaging;
x-ray;
Double-sided scanning of vessels in the area of the pathological process.
Imaging techniques allow the doctor to determine the genesis of the clinical picture, identify signs of degenerative processes or other conditions that can provoke the appearance of symptoms bothering the patient. Double-sided scanning allows you to assess the quality of blood flow and detect vasoconstriction.
In addition to the main diagnostic program, consultations with relevant specialists (vertebrologist, endocrinologist, orthopedic traumatologist, neurosurgeon, oncologist) can be carried out and may be prescribed:
ultrasound of neighboring organs;
electrocardiography;
standard and advanced studies of biomaterials (blood, urine).
Only after the diagnosis is confirmed and the causes and severity of the disease are clarified, the doctor begins to work on the optimal and most effective treatment program.
Treatment options
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is selected depending on the stage at which the disease was detected, as well as taking into account the patient's age, current condition and existing complications or concomitant pathologies.
Conservative approach
When cervical osteochondrosis has been identified in the early stages, conservative therapeutic methods are chosen. They are aimed at preventing the progression of the disease, relieving unpleasant symptoms and restoring mobility of the spine.
As part of conservative therapy, the doctor combines drug treatment with physiotherapeutic procedures and gymnastics. He can prescribe medications from the following categories:
chondroprotectors;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
painkillers;
angioprotectors;
B vitamins;
hormones;
muscle relaxers;
vasodilators;
nootropics.
Physiotherapeutic procedures are used in addition to medications, and taking into account the patient's condition, the doctor may prescribe:
acupuncture;
kinesio recording;
massage sessions;
photodynamic therapy;
the use of ultrasound or diadynamic currents;
electrophoresis;
magnetotherapy.
At the same time, in cases of cervical osteochondrosis in the acute period, wearing an orthopedic collar may be recommended. This medical accessory is necessary for repairing bones and joints, reducing the load on the affected area of the spine and relieving pain. A cervical collar for osteochondrosis, the price of which varies depending on the manufacturer, type and material, is selected exclusively by the doctor individually for each patient.
The last, but not least, part of conservative therapy is gymnastics. The doctor prepares a set of special exercises for the patient aimed at strengthening the muscle structure, correcting posture and improving blood circulation in the upper part of the spine.
Surgical approach
If conservative methods have failed or cervical osteochondrosis has been detected in later stages, treatment is carried out by surgical intervention. The doctor may prescribe one of the following operations to the patient:
laminectomy;
endoscopic or percutaneous decompression;
radiofrequency ablation;
endoscopic removal of a hernia, tumor process or area of degenerative-dystrophic changes;
epidural lysis of adhesions;
spinal stabilization;
endoscopic foraminotomy;
laser nucleoplasty with puncture puncture.
Preventive measures
Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology for which no specific prevention measures have been developed. To significantly reduce the risk of the onset of the disease, its recurrence or the development of complications, doctors give a number of recommendations. According to them, patients must:
adhere to the principles of a healthy lifestyle;
eliminate lifting and carrying heavy objects;
use orthopedic mattresses and pillows for sleeping;
regularly practice dosed physical activity and go swimming;
eat a balanced diet;
exclude situations in which hypothermia of the cervical spine is possible;
constantly monitor your posture;
systematically take breaks for short sessions of therapeutic exercises in case of sedentary work;
be careful when turning and tilting your head;
undergo regular examination by a specialized specialist for preventive purposes.
How is the rehabilitation going?
The supervising doctor establishes a plan for the rehabilitation period taking into account several aspects:
at what stage was cervical osteochondrosis detected;
general health and well-being of the patient;
age category and body weight of the patient;
existing concomitant pathologies or complications of the disease.
Depending on the situation, the doctor may include massage procedures, gymnastics and physiotherapy sessions in the rehabilitation program. Such comprehensive measures will not only speed up the healing process and eliminate complications or relapses, but also help improve the overall health of the patient.
Cervical osteochondrosis is a serious problem in which the patient needs timely and correct medical care. If signs of this disease appear, you can undergo diagnosis and receive further treatment in a medical center. All specialists select an individual approach for each patient, are guided by modern methods of treating osteochondrosis and offer a wide range of services, the price of which is within a comfortable range for patients.
Question Answer
Cervical osteochondrosis has been identified, how long does it take to treat this pathology?
The duration of treatment directly depends on the stage at which the patient with cervical osteochondrosis sought help. Only a doctor who has assessed the severity of the pathological process and monitors the dynamics of progression during treatment can determine the most likely period.
Which doctor should I contact if I suspect cervical osteochondrosis?
Cervical osteochondrosis is identified and then treated by a neurologist, but in some cases a traumatologist-orthopedist can supervise the patient.