Just 30 years ago, osteochondrosis was associated exclusively with older people, whose joints became immobile and painful with every movement.However, times have changed.Today, more and more people are replacing heavy physical work with sedentary work at the computer, paying less and less attention to the quality of their diet, and are increasingly facing osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.It is not for nothing that osteochondrosis is called the "disease of the century", and almost every person who has reached the age of 25 faces the symptoms of this disease.
This insidious disease, starting with unpleasant pains in the neck, very quickly leads to serious consequences in the form of impaired hearing and vision, as well as deterioration of memory to complete loss.Therefore, every person should know the causes of osteochondrosis and immediately consult a doctor if unpleasant symptoms of the disease appear.We will talk about them in this article.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Paradoxically, all our problems with the cervical spine begin in early childhood, that is, in elementary school, where the child's posture deteriorates and scoliosis develops.It is at this moment that the system of supporting the head with the spine is disturbed, especially its thinnest and most vulnerable part - the cervical.Another key factor in cervical osteochondrosis, which dates back to early childhood, is insufficient physical training, especially weakness of the spinal muscles and the so-called muscle corset, designed to support the spine.
These are the two most important causes of disease.Everything else puts a heavy burden on the weakened spine, causing the development of diseases in very young and healthy people.First of all, it includes a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity, especially work that involves staying in one position for a long time.This is most typical for drivers and office workers who spend their shifts sitting at a computer.All this adds up to excess body weight, which seriously increases the load on the spine.
Other causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine include:
- previous spinal injuries;
- metabolic disorders;
- hereditary predisposition;
- great physical activity;
- constant nervous tension and stress;
- developmental anomalies of the cervical spine;
- bad habits (holding the handset with the ear and shoulder).
The process of development of osteochondrosis
The aforementioned unfavorable factors ultimately lead to an increased load on the cervical spine.When trying to compensate for the excess load on the neck muscles, they spasm, which leads to disruption of blood circulation in this area and reduction of metabolic processes.All this results in the development of degenerative processes in the spine.First of all, the vertebrae begin to thin and move closer together, pushing their contents (the annulus fibrosus) out of the spine.In medical terms, such a protrusion is called a protrusion.
In the case of a protrusion, the annulus fibrosus still retains its integrity, but the bulge already compresses the blood vessels and nerves that run along the spinal column and supply the brain.Moreover, the vertebrae that converge and deform begin to squeeze the roots of peripheral nerves, which leads to the development of the so-called "radicular syndrome", which manifests itself as severe pain in the back and neck.If you do not identify the problem (which will be eloquently signaled by unpleasant symptoms) and do not start treating osteochondrosis, the fibrous ring will burst and a spinal hernia will appear.In this case, serious problems with brain nutrition will appear.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
In its development, the disease goes through several stages, each of which has characteristic signs and symptoms.It should be noted here that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine differs from degenerative changes in other parts of the spine.Here, the spaces between the vertebrae are minimal, and therefore even small degenerative changes cause unpleasant symptoms and lead to various complications.
Osteochondrosis of the first degreeThis is the pre-clinical stage of the development of the disease, in which the patient feels mild pain and discomfort when turning the head, as well as tension and fatigue in the neck and back when staying in one position for a long time (most often sitting).At this stage, osteochondrosis can be perfectly treated by changing lifestyle, correcting diet and regular exercise.
Osteochondrosis II degreeIn this phase, instability occurs between the cervical vertebrae.In this case, the person faces intense pain that radiates to the shoulder, neck or arm.When bending or turning the head, the pain intensifies significantly, because due to the reduction of the distance between the vertebrae, the nerve endings begin to be compressed.The patient begins to tire quickly, his working capacity decreases, he becomes distracted, forgetful and suffers from headaches.
Osteochondrosis III degreeWith the onset of the third stage of the disease, pain in the back and neck becomes even stronger, the mobility of the neck is noticeably reduced, and when you turn your neck, you can hear the crunching of the vertebrae.At night, the patient's fingers begin to tingle (primarily the little finger and ring finger), which causes the person to wake up several times during the night.During the day, such patients feel an unpleasant heaviness in their hands.And even a short conversation on the phone, during which the person is forced to hold the mobile phone to the ear, results in unpleasant tingling and numbness of the fingers.All this indicates an increase in protrusion, and possibly the appearance of a hernia in the cervical spine.
IV degree osteochondrosisIn the last stage of the disease, the vertebral discs are destroyed, which cease to perform their functions and begin to be replaced by connective tissue.The patient in this condition may experience poor movement coordination, noise and maddening pulsation in the ears, increased headaches, reduced visual acuity and hearing.Numbness of the tongue may occur in some cases.
It should be said here that the blood flow to the brain is disturbed due to the squeezing of the blood vessels.Because of this, the patient develops neurotic disorders such as insomnia, nervousness, irritability and resentment, frequent mood swings and inability to concentrate.Outbursts of anger or fear, melancholy and depression may occasionally occur.
In the later stages of the development of osteochondrosis, strong vascular spasms can lead to the appearance of "floating" before the eyes, a feeling of instability on a hard, flat surface, severe dizziness, migraine, nausea, vomiting and frequent fainting.
Disease diagnosis
In order to identify the cause of the pathology, the patient describes the unpleasant symptoms of his condition to the doctor.After listening to the patient, the specialist sends him to one of the following research methods.
Radiography.Currently, this diagnostic method is considered uninformative, especially in the last stages of the disease.Ultrasound duplex scan.This method is used in cases where the specialist suspects a blood flow disorder in the arteries that supply the brain with food.The study shows the speed of blood flow and determines if there are any obstacles in its path.CT (computed tomography).This method is more informative compared to radiography, because it not only identifies the problem, but also allows you to determine the presence and size of the hernia, albeit with difficulty.MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).Today, it is the most informative method for diagnosing osteochondrosis, which allows you to observe bone structures, the presence of hernias, and even the direction of their development.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Let's say right away that to combat such a serious problem as osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, you should contact a neurologist.True, if the clinic has a vertebrologist, it is better to contact him first.
Osteochondrosis can only be treated comprehensively.The complex of methods used includes drug therapy, cervical massage, exercise therapy, physiotherapeutic methods, as well as proper nutrition.Only a combination of all these methods will help to cope with the disease and normalize the patient's well-being.
Help with severe pain
In case of severe pain, doctors recommend taking drugs such as Analgin, Baralgin or Tempalgin.When these drugs stop bringing relief, you can switch to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ketanov, ketorolac, nise and diclofenac gels).
In general, drug therapy includes the following:
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).These drugs relieve pain, relieve swelling and deal with inflammation of the nerve roots.
- Chondroprotectors.Such drugs perfectly restore damaged cartilage tissue.
- B vitamins.They are necessary for improving metabolic processes in nervous tissues.
- Muscle relaxants.The action of these drugs is aimed at reducing muscle spasms.
- Medicines that improve the rheological properties of blood.Thanks to such means, the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain and nerve endings improves.
It should be noted here that it is possible to achieve a noticeable effect in the fight against osteochondrosis with the help of ointments and tablets only if drug treatment is combined with other methods of therapy.Otherwise, the drugs will only give a temporary effect.
Many experts tend to treat osteochondrosis with injections in order to quickly act on the nerve endings and save the patient from possible side effects when taking pills.However, it is better to take vitamins orally, because... Vitamins are well absorbed by the body no matter how they are taken, but injections with them can be painful.
Physiotherapy treatments
Drug treatment must be combined with physiotherapeutic methods of therapy.The most effective for this disease are:
- Electrophoresis (in combination with drugs).In this case, the drugs penetrate the damaged vertebrae under the influence of electric current.As a rule, electrophoresis is performed with Eufillin to improve blood flow or with Novocaine to reduce pain.
- Ultrasound.This method of exposure allows you to relieve the inflammatory process, relieve pain and improve metabolic processes in the tissues.
- Magnetotherapy.This type of physiotherapy relieves swelling and pain.
- Laser therapy.This is an excellent method for suppressing inflammatory processes, which also improves blood circulation.
Diet for osteochondrosis
Restoration of the affected vertebrae includes a special diet that normalizes metabolic processes in the body, prevents salt deposition, nourishes and restores cartilage tissue, and also strengthens the ligaments between the vertebrae.
In order to achieve this, first of all, the following should be excluded from the patient's diet:
- alcoholic beverages;
- fatty and fried food;
- spicy and oversalted dishes;
- strong soups;
- weakness and burning;
- strong tea and coffee;
- pickles and marinades;
- canned products.
The diet of a patient with osteochondrosis should consist of the following foods:
- lean meat and fish;
- low-fat milk, fresh cheese and kefir;
- butter (a small amount);
- whole grain porridges and soups;
- meat jelly, fish or meat jelly;
- vegetables, fruits and berries;
- juices, fruit drinks, jellies and compotes.
When osteochondrosis is localized in the cervical region, it is important to adhere to the drinking regimen, drinking at least 1.5 liters of water per day.If you are overweight, then you should think about how to get rid of excess weight, which puts additional strain on the spine.It is recommended to switch to eating 5 times a day in small portions.
At the same time, as can be seen from the list of foods allowed for consumption, the basis of the diet should be lean vegetarian soups, cooked lean meat, fish, seafood, unsweetened vegetables and fruits.
A sample menu for the day would look like this:
- breakfast: cottage cheese, a couple of apples, tea without sugar;
- lunch: baked pear, some oatmeal cookies;
- lunch: vegetarian borscht, boiled chicken with vegetable salad;
- afternoon snack: dry cookies and fruit juice;
- dinner: baked fish with vegetables and tea without sugar.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis
Physical education gives incredible results in the treatment of osteochondrosis, although you can do gymnastics for the cervical spine only during the recovery period.It is important here that the patient does not feel discomfort or pain during the massage or gymnastics.
Good health!