Just 30 years ago, osteochondrosis was associated exclusively with elderly people, whose joints became immobile and hurt with every movement.However, times have changed.Today, more and more people exchange hard physical work with sedentary work at the computer, paying less and less attention to the quality of their diet and 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, which starts with unpleasant pains in the neck, very quickly leads to serious consequences in the form of impaired hearing and vision, as well as memory deterioration up to its 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, or rather in elementary school, when the child's posture deteriorates and scoliosis develops.It is at this moment that the system for supporting the head of the spine is disturbed, especially by its thinnest and most vulnerable part - the cervix.The other key factor in cervical osteochondrosis, which goes back to early childhood, is insufficient physical training, especially weakness of the back muscles and the so-called muscular corset, designed to support the spine.
These are the two main causes of the disease.All the others put a heavy burden on the weakened spine, which provokes the development of the disease in quite young and healthy people.First of 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 most typical for drivers and office workers who spend their shifts sitting at the computer.All this is supplemented by excess body weight, which seriously increases the load on the spine.
Other causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine include:
- previous spinal cord injuries;
- metabolic disorders;
- hereditary disposition;
- great physical activity;
- constant nervous tension and stress;
- developmental anomalies of the cervical spine;
- bad habits (hold the handset by ear and shoulder).
The process of development of osteochondrosis
The listed adverse factors ultimately lead to increased strain on the cervical spine.When trying to compensate for the excess load on the neck muscles, their spasms occur, which leads to reduced blood circulation in this area and a decrease in metabolic processes.All this results in the development of degenerative processes in the spine.First of all, the vertebrae begin to thin out and move closer together, squeezing their contents (the annulus fibrosus) outside the spine.In medical terms, such a protrusion is called a protrusion.
In the case of a protrusion, the annulus fibrosus still 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 manifests itself as severe pain in the back and neck.If you do not identify the problem (which eloquently will be signaled by unpleasant symptoms) and do not start treating osteochondrosis, the fibrous ring will burst and a vertebral hernia will appear.In this case, serious problems with brain nutrition 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 here are minimal, and therefore 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, where the patient experiences 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 (usually sitting).At this stage, osteochondrosis can be perfectly treated by changing lifestyle, correcting nutrition and regular exercise.
Osteochondrosis II degreeAt this stage, instability occurs between the vertebrae in the neck.In this case, the person faces intense pain that radiates to the shoulder, neck or arm.When the head is bent or turned, the pain intensifies significantly, as the nerve endings begin to be pinched due to a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae.The patient begins to tire quickly, his performance drops, 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, neck mobility decreases noticeably, and when you turn your neck, you can hear the crunching of the vertebrae.At night, the patient's fingers begin to go numb (primarily the little finger and the ring finger), 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 conversation on the phone, where a person is forced to hold the mobile phone close to the ear, results in an 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.
Osteochondrosis IV degreeIn the final stage of the disease, the vertebral 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 movement coordination, noise and irritating 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 pinching of blood vessels, the flow of blood to the brain is disrupted.Due to this, the patient develops neurotic disorders such as insomnia, nervousness, irritability and anger, frequent mood swings and inability to concentrate.Periodically, outbursts of anger or fear may occur, melancholy and depression may occur.
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, migraine, 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.
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 a specialist suspects a disturbance of blood flow in the arteries that supply food to the brain.The examination shows the speed of blood flow and determines whether there are obstacles in its path.CT (computed tomography).This method is more informative in comparison with radiography, as 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).The most informative method of diagnosing osteochondrosis today, which allows you to distinguish bone structures, the presence of hernias and even the direction of their development.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Let's say right away that in order 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 complex of methods used includes drug therapy, massage of the cervical 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 medicines 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 a general sense, drug treatment includes the following:
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).These remedies eliminate pain, relieve swelling and deal with 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.
- Medicines that improve the rheological properties of the blood.Thanks to such means, the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain and nerve endings is improved.
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 substances will only have a temporary effect.
Many specialists tend to treat osteochondrosis with injections 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.
Physiotherapy treatments
Treatment with drugs must be combined with physiotherapeutic therapy methods.The most effective for this disease are:
- Electrophoresis (in combination with medication).In this case, medicine penetrates 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 tissues.
- Magnetotherapy.This type of physical therapy relieves swelling and eliminates pain.
- Laser therapy.This is an excellent method to fight 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 deposition, nourishes and restores cartilage tissue, and also strengthens the ligaments between the vertebral discs.
To achieve this, the following should first of all be excluded from the patient's diet:
- alcoholic beverages;
- fatty and fried foods;
- spicy and too salty dishes;
- strong broths;
- weaknesses and baking;
- strong tea and coffee;
- pickles and marinades;
- canned goods.
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 amounts);
- whole grain cereals and soups;
- jellied meat, jellied fish or meat;
- 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 regime by drinking at least 1.5 liters of water per day.If you are overweight, then you should think about how to get rid of the extra kilos, which put additional strain 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 nutritional basis should be low-fat vegetarian soups, cooked lean meat, fish, shellfish, unsweetened vegetables and fruits.
An example of the 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 training gives amazing results in the treatment of osteochondrosis, even if you can only do gymnastics for the cervical spine during the recovery period.It is important here that the patient does not experience discomfort or pain during the massage or gymnastics.
Good health to you!