Just 30 years ago, osteochondrosis only occurred in older people, whose joints became immobile and hurt with every movement.However, times have changed.Today, more and more people are swapping heavy physical work for sedentary work at the computer, paying 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 is faced with the symptoms of this disease.
This insidious disease, which begins with unpleasant pain in the neck, very quickly leads to serious consequences in the form of weakening of hearing and vision, as well as deterioration of memory and even complete loss.That is why every person should know the causes of osteochondrosis and immediately consult a doctor if unpleasant symptoms of the disease occur.We will talk about it in this article.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Paradoxically, all of our problems with the cervical spine begin in early childhood or elementary school, where the child's posture deteriorates and scoliosis develops.At this moment, the head support system through the spine is disrupted, especially its thinnest and most vulnerable part - the cervical spine.The second key factor in cervical osteochondrosis, which dates back to early childhood, is a lack of physical fitness, especially weakness in the spinal muscles and the so-called muscular corset that is designed to support the spine.
These are the two main causes of the disease.All others represent a strong load on the weakened spine and provoke the development of the disease in quite young and healthy people.These initially include a sedentary lifestyle and a lack of exercise, especially work that requires you to stay in one position for a long time.This is especially the case for drivers and office workers who spend their shifts at the computer.All this is complemented 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;
- great physical activity;
- constant nervous tension and stress;
- developmental anomalies of the cervical spine;
- bad habits (holding the phone with your ear and shoulder).
The development process of osteochondrosis
The unfavorable factors listed ultimately lead to increased stress on the cervical spine.When trying to compensate for the overload of the neck muscles, their 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, pushing their contents (the fibrous ring) out of the spine.In medical terms, such a bulge is called protrusion.
In the event of a protrusion, the fibrous ring maintains its integrity, but the protrusion is already compressing the blood vessels and nerves that run along the spine and supply the brain.In addition, 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 is manifested by severe pain in the back and neck.If you do not recognize the problem (which is eloquently indicated by unpleasant symptoms) and do not start treating osteochondrosis, the fibrous ring will rupture and a vertebral fracture will occur.In this case, serious problems with brain nutrition arise.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The disease goes through several stages in its development, each with 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 degreeThis is the preclinical stage of disease development, in which the patient experiences mild pain and discomfort when turning the head, as well as tension and fatigue in the neck and back when remaining in one position (usually sitting) for a long time.At this stage, osteochondrosis can be perfectly treated with lifestyle changes, diet correction and regular exercise.
Osteochondrosis of the II degreeAt this stage there is instability between the cervical vertebrae.In this case, the person suffers from severe pain that radiates to the shoulder, neck or arm.When bending or turning the head, the pain increases significantly because the nerve endings are pinched due to the reduction in the distance between the vertebrae.The patient begins to tire quickly, his performance decreases, he becomes distracted, 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 worse, the mobility of the neck noticeably decreases, and the crunching of the vertebrae can be heard when the neck is turned.At night, the patient's fingers begin to go numb (mainly the little finger and ring finger), which is why the patient wakes up several times a night.During the day, such patients experience an unpleasant feeling of heaviness in their hands.And even a short phone conversation, during which you are forced to hold the cell phone to your ear, leads to an unpleasant tingling and numb feeling in your fingers.All this indicates an increase in protrusion and possibly the appearance of a hernia in the cervical spine.
Osteochondrosis IV degreeIn the final stage of the disease, the intervertebral discs are destroyed, which no longer fulfill their function and are replaced by connective tissue.A patient with this condition may experience poor coordination of movements, noise and a racing pulsation in the ears, increased headaches, and decreased visual acuity and hearing.In some cases, numbness of the tongue may occur.
It should be said here that the squeezing of blood vessels disrupts the blood flow to the brain.Because of this, the patient develops neurotic disorders such as insomnia, nervousness, irritability and resentment, frequent mood swings and difficulty concentrating.Outbursts of anger or anxiety, melancholy and depression can occur at regular intervals.
In the later stages of the development of osteochondrosis, severe vascular spasms can lead to the appearance of “swimmers” 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 determine the cause of the pathology, the patient describes the unpleasant symptoms of his disease to the doctor.After listening to the patient, the specialist sends him to one of the following research methods.
Radiography.This diagnostic method is currently considered to be of little value, particularly in the final stages of the disease.Ultrasound duplex scanning.This method is used when a specialist suspects a circulatory disorder in the arteries that supply the brain with nutrition.The study shows the speed of blood flow and determines whether there are obstacles in its way.CT (computed tomography).This method is more informative compared to radiography, since it not only identifies the problem, but also can 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 detect bone structures, the presence of hernias and even the direction of their development.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Let's say right away: to combat such a serious problem as osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, you should contact a neurologist.True, if there is a vertebra doctor in the clinic, it is better to contact him first.
Osteochondrosis can only be treated comprehensively.The complex of methods 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
If pain is severe, doctors recommend taking medications such as Analgin, Baralgin or Tempalgin.If these drugs no longer bring 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 remedies eliminate pain, relieve swelling and fight inflammation of the nerve roots.
- Chondroprotectors.Such drugs perfectly restore damaged cartilage tissue.
- B vitamins.They are necessary to improve metabolic processes in nervous tissue.
- Muscle relaxants.The action of these drugs is aimed at reducing muscle spasms.
- Drugs that improve the rheological properties of blood.Thanks to these funds, the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain and nerve endings improves.
It should be noted that with the help of ointments and tablets a noticeable effect in the fight against osteochondrosis can be achieved only if drug treatment is combined with other methods of therapy.Otherwise, the medication 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 the method of intake, but injections with them can be painful.
Physiotherapeutic treatments
Drug treatment must be combined with physiotherapeutic therapy methods.The most effective remedies for this disease are:
- Electrophoresis (in combination with medication).Drugs penetrate the damaged vertebrae under the influence of electric current.As a rule, electrophoresis is performed with Eufillin to improve blood circulation or with Novocaine to relieve pain.
- Ultrasonic.This method of exposure allows you to relieve the inflammatory process, reduce pain and improve metabolic processes in tissues.
- Magnetic field therapy.This type of physical therapy relieves swelling and eliminates pain.
- Laser therapy.This is an excellent method of combating inflammatory processes, which also improves blood circulation.
Diet for osteochondrosis
The restoration of the affected vertebrae also includes a special diet that normalizes metabolic processes in the body, prevents salt deposits, nourishes and restores cartilage tissue, and strengthens the ligaments between the intervertebral discs.
To achieve this, the following should first be excluded from the patient's diet:
- alcoholic beverages;
- fatty and fried foods;
- spicy and too salty dishes;
- strong broths;
- Weaknesses and jaws;
- strong tea and coffee;
- pickles and marinades;
- canned food.
The diet of a patient with osteochondrosis should consist of the following foods:
- lean meat and fish;
- low-fat milk, cottage cheese and kefir;
- butter (small amount);
- whole grain porridge and soups;
- jellied meat, jellied fish or meat;
- vegetables, fruits and berries;
- Juices, fruit drinks, jellies and compotes.
If osteochondrosis is localized in the neck area, it is important to adhere to the drinking regime and drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day.If you are overweight, you should think about how to get rid of extra pounds that put additional stress 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 permitted for consumption, low-fat vegetarian soups, boiled lean meat, fish, seafood, unsweetened vegetables and fruits should be the basis of the diet.
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: dry cookies and fruit juice;
- Dinner: baked fish with vegetables and tea without sugar.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis
Physical education gives amazing results in the treatment of osteochondrosis, although during the recovery period you can only do gymnastics for the cervical spine.It is important that the patient does not feel any discomfort or pain during the massage or gymnastics.
Good health to you!