Only 30 years ago, osteochondrosis was associated exclusively with elderly people, whose joints became immobile and injured with every movement.However, times have changed.Today, more and more people replace heavy physical work with sitting at the computer, pay less and less attention to the quality of their diet, and face osteochondrosis of the cervical spine more and more often.It is no coincidence that osteochondrosis is called the "disease of the century" and almost every person who has reached the age of 25 is faced with the symptoms of this disease.
This insidious disease, which begins with an unpleasant neck pain, very quickly leads to serious consequences in the form of weakening of hearing and vision, as well as deterioration and complete loss of memory.Therefore, everyone 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 cervical spine problems begin in early childhood, or rather in elementary school, where the child's posture deteriorates and scoliosis develops.At this moment, the support system of the head is broken by the spine, especially its thinnest and most vulnerable part - the cervical neck.The second key factor in cervical osteochondrosis, which originates from early childhood, is insufficient physical preparation, especially the weakness of the spinal muscles and the so-called muscle brace, which is designed to support the spine.
These are the two most important causes of the disease.All the others put a heavy burden on the weakened spine, provoking the development of the disease in very young and healthy people.Above all, these include a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity, especially work that involves staying in one position for a long time.This is mostly typical for drivers and office workers who spend their shifts in front of the computer.All this is supplemented by excess 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;
- high physical activity;
- constant nervous tension and stress;
- malformations of the cervical spine;
- bad habits (holding the shell with the ear and shoulder).
The process of development of osteochondrosis
The listed unfavorable factors ultimately lead to an increased load on the cervical spine.When they try to compensate for the excessive load on the neck muscles, spasms occur, which leads to a violation of blood circulation and a decrease in metabolic processes in this area.All this results in the development of degenerative processes of the spine.First of all, the vertebrae begin to thin and move closer together, pushing their contents (the annulus fibrosus) outside the spine.In medical terms, such a protrusion is called a protrusion.
In case of protrusion, the fibrous ring still retains its integrity, but the protrusion already compresses the blood vessels and nerves that run along the spinal column and supply the brain.Moreover, the approaching and deforming vertebrae begin to compress the roots of the peripheral nerves, which leads to the development of the so-called "radicular syndrome", which manifests itself as severe back and neck pain.If you do not identify the problem (which is eloquently indicated by the unpleasant symptoms) and do not start treating osteochondrosis, the fibrous ring will crack and a vertebral hernia will appear.In this case, there are serious problems with brain nutrition.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
During 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.The distances between the vertebrae are minimal here, so even small degenerative changes cause unpleasant symptoms and lead to various complications.
Osteochondrosis I degreeThis is the preclinical stage of the development of the disease, in which the patient feels slight pain and discomfort when turning the head, as well as tension and fatigue in the neck and back when staying in one position (usually sitting) for a long time.At this stage, osteochondrosis can be perfectly treated by changing lifestyle, correcting nutrition and regular exercise.
Osteochondrosis II degreeIn this stage, instability appears between the vertebrae of the neck.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 the nerve endings are pinched due to the decrease in the distance between the vertebrae.The patient begins to tire quickly, his ability to perform decreases, he becomes confused, forgetful, and suffers from headaches.
Osteochondrosis III degreeWith the onset of the third stage of the disease, the pain in the back and neck becomes even stronger, the mobility of the neck is noticeably reduced, and the crunching of the vertebrae can be heard when the neck is turned.At night, the patient's fingers (primarily the little finger and the ring finger) become numb, which is why the person wakes up several times during the night.During the day, such patients experience an unpleasant heaviness in their hands.And even a short phone conversation, during which one is forced to hold the mobile phone close to the ear, results in unpleasant tingling and numbness in the fingers.All of this indicates an increase in protrusion and possibly the appearance of a hernia in the cervical spine.
Osteochondrosis IV degreeIn the last stage of the disease, the vertebral discs are destroyed, which do not perform their functions, and begin to be replaced by connective tissue.A patient in this condition may experience loss of movement coordination, noise and maddening ear throbbing, increasing headaches, visual acuity, and hearing loss.Numbness of the tongue may occur in some cases.
It should be said here that the blood flow to the brain is interrupted due to the constriction 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.Sometimes there may be outbursts of anger or fear, melancholy and depression.
In the later stages of the development of osteochondrosis, severe vascular spasms can lead to the appearance of "floaters" in front of the eyes, a feeling of instability on a hard, flat surface, severe dizziness, migraines, nausea, vomiting and frequent fainting.
Diagnosis of the disease
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 not informative, especially in the last stages of the disease.Ultrasonic duplex scanning.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 whether there are any obstacles in its path.CT (computed tomography).This method is more informative compared to radiography, as it not only identifies the problem, but also makes it possible to determine the presence and size of hernias, albeit with difficulty.MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).Today's most informative method for diagnosing osteochondrosis, which enables the recognition of bone structures, the presence of hernias and even the direction of their development.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Let's say right away that to overcome such a serious problem as osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, you need to 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 applied methods includes drug therapy, massage of the neck and collar area, gymnastics therapy, physiotherapy methods, and proper nutrition.Only a combination of 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 no longer bring relief, you can switch to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ketanov, Ketorolac, Nise and Diclofenac gels).
In a general sense, drug therapy includes:
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).These remedies eliminate pain, relieve swelling and cope with inflammation of the nerve roots.
- Chondroprotectors.Such drugs perfectly restore the damaged cartilage tissue.
- B vitamins.They are necessary for the improvement of metabolic processes in nerve tissues.
- Muscle relaxants.The effect of these drugs is aimed at reducing muscle spasms.
- Medicines that improve the rheological properties of blood.Thanks to such devices, the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain and nerve endings improves.
It should be noted here that a noticeable effect in the fight against osteochondrosis with the help of ointments and tablets can be achieved only if drug treatment is combined with other therapeutic methods.Otherwise, the drugs will only have a temporary effect.
Many specialists tend to treat osteochondrosis with injections in order to act quickly on the nerve endings and save the patient from the possible side effects of taking pills.However, it is better to take vitamins orally because... Vitamins are well absorbed by the body no matter how you take them, but the injection can be painful.
Physiotherapy treatments
Drug treatment should be combined with physiotherapy methods.The most effective in this disease:
- Electrophoresis (combined with drugs).In this case, the drugs penetrate the damaged vertebrae under the influence of electric current.Usually electrophoresis is performed with Eufillin to improve blood flow or Novocaine to reduce pain.
- Ultrasound.This method of exposure makes it possible to relieve the inflammatory process, relieve pain and improve metabolic processes in the tissues.
- Magnetotherapy.This type of physiotherapy reduces swelling and eliminates pain.
- Laser therapy.This is an excellent way to combat inflammatory processes, which also improves blood circulation.
Diet for osteochondrosis
The restoration of the affected vertebrae also includes a special diet that normalizes the body's metabolic processes, prevents salt deposition, nourishes and restores the cartilage tissue, and strengthens the ligaments between the intervertebral discs.
To achieve this, above all, the following must be excluded from the patient's diet:
- alcoholic beverages;
- fatty and fried foods;
- spicy and overly salty foods;
- strong broths;
- weakness and baking;
- strong coffee and tea;
- pickles and marinades;
- canned goods.
The diet of patients with osteochondrosis should consist of the following foods:
- lean meat and fish;
- low-fat milk, cottage cheese and kefir;
- butter (in small quantities);
- whole grain porridge and soups;
- jellied meat, jellied fish or meat;
- vegetables, fruits and berries;
- fruit juices, fruit drinks, jellies and compotes.
When osteochondrosis is localized in the neck region, it is important to follow the drinking regime, drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day.If you are overweight, you need to think about how to get rid of extra pounds that cause additional stress on the spine.It is advisable 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 nutrition should be low-fat vegetarian soups, boiled lean meat, fish, seafood, unsweetened vegetables and fruits.
The daily sample menu looks 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 cake and fruit juice;
- dinner: fried fish with vegetables and tea without sugar.
Practical therapy for osteochondrosis
Physical education gives amazing results in the treatment of osteochondrosis, although during the recovery period you can only do exercises for the cervical spine.Here, it is important that the patient does not feel discomfort or pain during the massage or exercise.
Good health to you!