Just 30 years ago, osteochondrosis was exclusively associated with older people, whose joints became immobile and hurt with every movement.However, times have changed.Today, more and more people are exchanging heavy physical work for sedentary work at the computer, pay less and less attention to the quality of their diet and are increasingly faced with 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 pain in the neck, very quickly leads to serious consequences in the form of weakened hearing and vision, as well as deterioration of memory up to its complete loss.That is why every person should know the causes of osteochondrosis and promptly consult a doctor if unpleasant symptoms of the disease appear.We will talk about it in this article.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Paradoxically, all our problems with the cervical spine begin in early childhood, or rather in primary school, where the child's posture deteriorates and scoliosis develops.It is at this moment that the head support system via the spine is disrupted, particularly at its thinnest and most vulnerable part – the cervical spine.The second key factor in cervical osteochondrosis, which dates back to early childhood, is insufficient physical training, in particular weakness of the spinal muscles and the so-called muscular corset, designed to support the spine.
These are the two most important causes of the disease.Everything else places a heavy burden on the weakened spine, provoking the development of the disease in quite young and healthy people.First of all, this is a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity, especially work that involves staying in the same position for a long time.This is especially common among drivers and office workers who spend their working time sitting in front of the computer.All this is supplemented by excess body weight, which significantly 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;
- developmental abnormalities of the cervical spine;
- bad habits (holding the handset with your ear and shoulder).
The process of development of osteochondrosis
The listed unfavorable factors ultimately lead to increased load on the cervical spine.When trying to compensate for the excessive load on the neck muscles, spasms occur, which leads to impaired blood circulation in this area and a decrease in metabolic processes.All this leads to the development of degenerative processes in the spine.First, the vertebrae begin to thin and move closer together, pressing their contents (the annulus fibrosus) out of the spine.In medical terms, such a protrusion is called a protrusion.
In the event of a protrusion, the annulus fibrosus maintains its integrity, but the protrusion is already compressing the blood vessels and nerves that run through the spine and supply the brain.In addition, approaching and deformed vertebrae begin to compress the roots of peripheral nerves, which leads to the development of the so-called "radicular syndrome", which is manifested by 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 annulus fibrosus will rupture and a spinal hernia will appear.In this case, serious brain nutrition problems will arise.
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.The distances between the vertebrae are minimal here, and therefore even small degenerative changes cause unpleasant symptoms and lead to various complications.
Osteochondrosis I diplomaThis is the preclinical stage of the development of the disease, during which the patient experiences slight pain and discomfort when turning his head, as well as tension and fatigue in the neck and back when staying in one position for a long time (usually sitting).At this stage, osteochondrosis can be perfectly treated by changing your lifestyle, correcting your diet and exercising regularly.
Diploma in Osteochondrosis IIAt this stage, instability appears between the neck 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 a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae, the nerve endings begin to be pinched.The patient begins to get tired quickly, his performance decreases, he becomes distracted, forgetful and suffers from headaches.
Osteochondrosis degree IIIWith the onset of the third stage of the disease, the pain in the back and neck becomes even stronger, the mobility of the neck noticeably decreases, and when you turn your neck, you can hear the crunch of the vertebrae.At night, the patient's fingers begin to go numb (mainly the little and ring fingers), which is why the person wakes up several times a night.Throughout the day, these patients feel unpleasant heaviness in the hands.And even a short telephone conversation, during which a person is forced to hold the cell phone near the ear, leads to unpleasant tingling and numbness in the fingers.All this indicates an increase in protrusion and possibly the appearance of a hernia in the cervical spine.
Degree of osteochondrosis IVAt the last stage of the disease, spinal discs are destroyed, which cease to perform their functions and begin to be replaced by connective tissue.A patient in this condition may experience poor coordination of movements, maddening noise and pulsation in the ears, increased headaches, decreased visual acuity and hearing.In some cases, numbness of the tongue may occur.
Here it must be said that due to compression of blood vessels, blood flow to the brain is disrupted.Because of this, the patient develops neurotic disorders such as insomnia, nervousness, irritability and resentment, frequent mood swings and inability to concentrate.Periodically, outbursts of anger or fear may occur, melancholy and depression may occur.
In 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
To identify the cause of the pathology, the patient describes to the doctor the unpleasant symptoms of his condition.After listening to the patient, the specialist sends him to one of the following research methods.
X-ray.Currently, this diagnostic method is considered uninformative, especially in the later stages of the disease.Duplex ultrasound scanning.This method is used in cases where a specialist suspects a disturbance in blood flow in the arteries that supply the brain.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 than x-ray, because it not only identifies the problem, but also allows you to determine the presence and size of hernias, although with difficulty.MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).The most informative method for diagnosing osteochondrosis today, which allows you to discern 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 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 set of methods used includes drug therapy, massage of the cervical collar area, 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 medications like Analgin, Baralgin or Tempalgin.When these medications no longer provide relief, you can switch to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ketanov, Ketorolac, Nise and Diclofenac gels).
Generally speaking, drug treatment includes the following:
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).These remedies eliminate pain, relieve swelling and treat inflammation of the nerve roots.
- Chondroprotectors.Such drugs perfectly restore damaged cartilage tissue.
- B vitamins. They are necessary to improve metabolic processes in nervous tissues.
- Muscle relaxers.The action of these drugs is aimed at reducing muscle spasms.
- Drugs that improve the rheological properties of blood.Thanks to these 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 therapeutic methods.Otherwise, the medications will only have a temporary effect.
Many specialists 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, regardless of how they are taken, but injections with them can be painful.
Physiotherapeutic treatments
Drug treatment should be combined with physiotherapeutic treatment methods.The most effective against this disease are:
- Electrophoresis (in combination with medications).In this case, drugs penetrate the damaged vertebrae under the influence of electric current.Typically, electrophoresis is performed with Eufillin to improve blood circulation, 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 tissues.
- Magnetotherapy.This type of physiotherapy relieves swelling and eliminates pain.
- Laser therapy.This is an excellent method of combating inflammatory processes, which also improves blood circulation.
Diet for osteochondrosis
Restoration of affected vertebrae also includes a special diet that normalizes metabolic processes in the body, prevents salt deposits, nourishes and restores cartilaginous tissue, and also strengthens the ligaments between the spinal discs.
To achieve this, it is first necessary to exclude from the patient's diet:
- alcoholic beverages;
- fatty and fried foods;
- spicy and overly salty dishes;
- strong broths;
- weaknesses and cooking;
- 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;
- skimmed milk, cottage cheese and kefir;
- butter (small amount);
- whole grain porridges and soups;
- jellied meat, fish or jellied meat;
- vegetables, fruits and berries;
- fruit juices, fruit drinks, jellies and compotes.
When osteochondrosis is localized in the cervical region, it is important to adhere to the drinking regime, drinking at least 1.5 liters of water per day.If you are overweight, you should think about how to get rid of extra pounds, which put additional pressure on the spine.It is advisable to eat 5 times a day in small portions.
At the same time, as the list of foods allowed for consumption shows, the basis of nutrition should be low-fat vegetarian soups, boiled lean meat, fish, seafood, unsweetened vegetables and fruits.
A sample menu for the day would look like this:
- breakfast: cottage cheese, a few apples, tea without sugar;
- lunch: baked pear, some oatmeal cookies;
- lunch: vegetarian borscht, boiled chicken with vegetable salad;
- afternoon snack: biscuits and fruit juice;
- dinner: baked fish with vegetables and sugar-free tea.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis
Physical education gives amazing results in the treatment of osteochondrosis, although gymnastics for the cervical spine can be done only during the recovery period.It is important here that during massage or gymnastics the patient does not feel any discomfort or pain.
Good health to you!