Osteochondrosis of the cervix is a complex of degenerative disorders in the upper part of the spine, causing damage to the intervertebral discs, changes in their structure and functionality. Most often, the discs at the level of the fifth, sixth and seventh vertebrae undergo degenerative changes, as this area of the spine is more mobile, is more involved in the movement of the head, which means that it experiences high loads. As a result of the disease, there is a thinning of the intervertebral discs, a violation of the blood supply to the spine, the constriction of the nerve roots, which causes pain.
People of any age can suffer from osteochondrosis, but most often the disease appears in 30-50 years. Before the onset of the first attacks of pain, the effect of cervical osteochondrosis is hardly noticeable - discomfort and slight aggravation in the neck, dizziness, burning of the stars in front of the eyes. Often people are not aware of the real cause of these diseases. But the sooner the diagnosis is made and competent treatment is started, the greater the chances for a full recovery. Timely treatment of neck osteochondrosis will help restore good health and deliver health in the future.
Signs, symptoms and treatment of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervix has its own characteristics due to the structure of the vertebrae and their size - they are much smaller than the vertebrae of the chest and lumbar, and also less stable. Due to the poor development of the neck muscles, the vertebrae experience increased stress and are more likely to be injured.
Despite the level of development of modern medicine, the pathogenesis of this disease is not fully understood. Changes in the structure of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs are alleviated by metabolic disorders in the body, a sedentary lifestyle, poor posture and curvature of the spine, overweight, infectious diseases, hypothermia, stressful situations, improper training and injuries.
Stages of disease development
- With first-degree cervical osteochondrosis, the pain is still insignificant. During this period, there is discomfort in the neck after prolonged strain and tension in the muscle ligaments. All this can be corrected with the help of physiotherapy exercises, physiotherapy procedures, ointments and taking vitamin complexes.
- With second-degree osteochondrosis, when tightening of nerve endings and the appearance of disc extensions is possible, the pain becomes strong, especially when a person is standing. Periodically dizziness and darkening of the eyes. In addition to physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory and sedative drugs also become necessary.
- The third degree is characterized not by paroxysms, but by persistent pain, spreading to the region of the shoulders and upper limbs. Due to the appearance of hernias, numbness of the muscles of the hands and a temporary loss of sensitivity of the fingers are possible, the mobility of the joints deteriorates. In some cases during the third degree of the disease surgical intervention is necessary.
- With fourth-degree cervical osteochondrosis, the pain diminishes, but this is by no means the beginning of recovery. At this time, almost complete destruction of the intervertebral disc occurs, osteophytes grow at the junctions of the vertebrae, which damage the vertebrae and nerve branches. Nutrition of the brain deteriorates, as a result of which dizziness appears, tinnitus occurs in the ears, vision is reduced and coordination of movements is impaired.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The symptoms of osteochondrosis can vary depending on which of the segments of the spine is damaged and the degree of damage. Most people feel pain in the neck, top (chin) and, conversely, down - in the area of the shoulder girdle, arms, chest. Possibly numbness of the fingertips and tongue, general weakness, increased pressure, decreased visual acuity and hearing, crackling when moving the neck.
With osteochondrosis of the cervix, the characteristic symptoms are:
- Root syndrome. When a nerve is compressed, the resulting pain passes from the neck to the shoulder, spreading to the forearm, hands, fingers, and swelling appears. The firmness and elasticity of the skin deteriorates, due to poor blood supply, it fades.
- Vertebral artery syndrome is manifested by throbbing pain in the back of the head, crown, affects the temporal lobes of the head and superciliary regions. The pain may increase if the head is in an uncomfortable position for a long time, for example, in truck drivers who have to constantly monitor the road while driving. Perhaps the appearance of nausea, dizziness, deterioration of vision and hearing, dysfunctions of the vestibular apparatus.
- Cervical migraine syndrome occurs when the branches of the sympathetic nodes are irritated. When exposed to the joints, there is a violation of the work of the vessels of the brain, a deterioration in the blood supply to the tissues. The patient experiences increased pressure, increased heart rate, tinnitus, congestion and tinnitus.
- Hypertensive syndrome is characterized by increased intracranial pressure. The patient feels headaches that erupt from within, nausea, vomiting may occur, body temperature rises, ESR increases.
Why is osteochondrosis dangerous?
The sooner treatment for osteochondrosis of the neck is started, the more likely it is to stop its development and get rid of the disease. In advanced cases, when irreversible processes have occurred, treatment will only help relieve pain and inflammation. What is dangerous osteochondrosis and the development of diseases that can provoke:
- intervertebral extensions and hernias;
- vertebrogenic cervical pain (limited mobility of the neck);
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- migraines and severe headaches that do not go away even after taking modern sedatives;
- deterioration of vision and hearing;
- paresis;
- osteophyte formation;
- deterioration of blood supply to the brain and much more.
Treatment of the disease
Treatment of cervical spine osteochondrosis can only be effective if it is comprehensive and includes:
- drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, aimed at reducing pain and inflammation;
- physiotherapy procedures;
- medical gymnastics;
- manual therapy methods;
- in extreme cases, when conservative treatment does not help and the patient's condition worsens, or if limb paralysis occurs, surgery is performed.
Identifying the causes of cervical osteochondrosis by certain symptoms and treatment is not a quick process. Depending on the patient's immunity, body condition and stage of the disease, the course of intensive therapy can last from 1 to 3 months, and then maintenance procedures are performed for about a year.
Medical therapy
Drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and thorax aims to:
- pain reduction;
- removal of inflammation;
- getting rid of swelling;
- improved metabolism;
- suspension of degenerative processes and tissue regeneration.
Currently, medications have not yet been developed that will cope with all the tasks at once, so your doctor may prescribe taking several medications at once.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are among the drugs aimed at relieving pain and inflammation in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae. Antispasmodics help relieve spasm and reduce pain. Non-steroidal ointments and topical gels also help to cope with the pain. Diuretics are prescribed to reduce swelling.
In the treatment of cervical and brachial osteochondrosis, it is necessary to use drugs that improve the functioning of the musculoskeletal system, stimulate metabolism and tissue regeneration, drugs that prevent irreversible changes in the joints. These agents include chondroprotectors, vitamin C and vitamin B.
Physiotherapy in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and thorax
Physiotherapeutic procedures have a local effect on the affected area, improving blood microcirculation, relieving swelling, inflammation, and relieving pain. Depending on the course of the disease, the doctor may prescribe:
- exposure to low frequency currents and electrophoresis;
- massage, including hydromassage (especially useful during the recovery period);
- magnetotherapy;
- ultrasound treatment,
- "soft" laser beam therapy.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy is not used in all stages of osteochondrosis and not for all patients, therefore, a qualified specialist should prescribe and perform the treatment. For example, its application is prohibited in case of infectious diseases, benign and malignant tumors, blood diseases and intervertebral hernias. What are the positive effects of this method of therapy? After the necessary course of treatment, the signs and symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis such as pain, numbness of the hands, dizziness and tinnitus disappear. The manipulations performed relieve tension in the neck muscles, improve blood circulation and strengthen the immune system.
Treatment of the disease at home
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home is quite acceptable and may be no less effective than in the hospital, but a specialist should prescribe it and monitor the course.
In a relaxed home environment, it is convenient to perform a set of physiotherapy exercises. Gymnastics will help strengthen the neck muscles, improve blood circulation and consequently nourish the vertebrae and reduce pain. The main thing in home treatment are systematic procedures. All exercises should be performed smoothly, avoiding sudden movements, gradually increasing the load and intensity of the workout. If during gymnastics the condition worsens, the pain intensifies, it is necessary to reduce the pace of learning and range of motion.
Folk remedies for osteochondrosis
Traditional medicine also offers its solutions in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervix and brachial: the use of infusions and decoctions, therapeutic baths, rubbing with oils, home-made ointments and rubbing.
- To reduce pain and relieve inflammation in the evening, before going to bed, take a horseradish leaf, boil it in steam in boiling water for a few minutes, cool it a bit, then stick it to the inside of the neck and wrap it witha warm scarf. Leave overnight. Cabbage leaves are also suitable for a therapeutic compress, except that they are not steamed before application, but lightly beaten with a kitchen hammer.
- To relieve unpleasant symptoms and treat osteochondrosis of the neck, make a honey-potato compress once a week. Grind 2 potatoes on a fine grater, add. Tablespoons. honey, mix well. Apply the resulting fluid on the affected area for an hour and a half to two hours, wrap the neck and try to lie still. Then rinse the wheat with warm water.
- Rubbing to treat neck osteochondrosis and relieving symptoms: take ½ cup of berries and 2 cups of alcohol, leave for a week in a tightly closed container in a dark place. Rub the resulting product into the cervical area.
- A decoction of elecampane roots is used to prepare anti-inflammatory compresses. 2 tablespoons biennial roots of elecampane pour 1 cup boiling water, boil for 10 minutes, then cool and drain. Apply warm compresses with decoction on the cervical area twice a day (morning and evening) and hold for about 20 minutes. It is also useful to take a bath with an elecampane decoction (to make a bath, you need to prepare a decoction of 10 tablespoons of the plant).
- No less effective means of reducing inflammation, eliminating the causes and symptoms in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are oil from hop cones. To prepare it, take 1 tbsp. ground hop cones, rub well with 1 tbsp. butter or lard. Coat the affected area with the resulting product, then cover with a napkin and wrap with a warm scarf. Daily use of oil will quickly bring the desired result.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with a laser device
At home, you can not only take medication prescribed by a doctor and perform a variety of exercises, but also continue physiotherapy, for example, paraffin wrap or laser treatment. A unique portable laser device has been developed for the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Its action is effective both in the acute period of the disease and in the remission phase. Treating osteochondrosis with "soft" laser beams will quickly relieve neck pain, reduce inflammation, swelling, and improve overall well-being. To achieve the effect, it is necessary to act on the lines along the damaged vertebrae 2-4 times a day for 18-24 minutes, and then in the direction from the vertebrae to the earlobe.