Even about 30 years ago, osteochondrosis was only associated with the elderly, whose joints become inactive and ache with each movement. However, times have changed. Today, more and more people are switching from heavy physical work to sitting at a computer, paying less and less attention to the quality of nutrition, and increasingly facing osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. It is not in vain that osteochondrosis is called "the disease of the century, " and almost every person who reaches the age of 25 encounters the symptoms of this disease.
This insidious disease, ranging from unpleasant pain in the neck area, very quickly leads to severe consequences in the form of hearing and vision loss and memory loss to complete loss. This is why all people need to know the causes of osteochondrosis and see a doctor in time for unpleasant symptoms of the disease. We talk about them in this article.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Paradoxically, all of our cervical spine problems begin in early childhood, or rather in elementary school, where a child’s posture deteriorates and scoliosis develops. At this moment, it disturbs the system of supporting the head with the spine, especially the thinnest and most vulnerable part - the neck. The second key factor in cervical osteochondrosis, which occurs in early childhood, is insufficient physical fitness, especially weakness of the spinal muscles, and the so-called muscle ligament designed to support the spine.
These are the two main causes of the disease. All others place a heavy burden on the weakened spine, provoking the development of the disease in quite young and healthy people. First, it includes a sedentary lifestyle and a lack of physical activity, especially with regard to work, which is associated with a long stay in one position. This is most common for drivers and office workers who sit in shifts next to a computer. All of this is complemented by being overweight, which seriously increases the load on the spine.
Other causes of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- spinal injuries; metabolic disorders;
- hereditary predisposition;
- high physical activity;
- constant nervous tension and stress;
- cervical spine anomalies;
- Bad habits (hold the handset with your ears and shoulders)
Development of osteochondrosis
These adverse factors eventually lead to an increase in cervical spine load. When you try to compensate for the excessive strain on the muscles of the neck, they cramp, which in this area damages blood circulation and reduces metabolic processes. All this becomes the development of degenerative processes in the spine. First, the vertebrae begin to thin and clump together, squeezing their contents (annulus fibrosus) outside the spine. Such a protrusion is called a protrusion in the language of doctors.
In the case of a protrusion, the annulus fibrosus still retains its integrity, but the protrusion is already clamping the blood vessels and nerves running along the spine and feeding the brain. Moreover, the converging and deformed vertebrae begin to pinch the roots of the peripheral nerves, leading to the development of a so-called "radical syndrome, " which manifests as severe back and neck pain. If you do not identify a problem (which is unpleasantly indicated by unpleasant symptoms) and do not start treatment for osteochondrosis, the fibrous ring will rupture and a spinal hernia will appear. In this case, there are serious problems with the nutrition of the brain.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
During its development, the disease goes through several stages, each of which has its characteristic signs and symptoms. It should be noted here that they differ from degenerative changes in other parts of the spine in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. The distance between the vertebrae is minimal here, so even small degenerative changes cause unpleasant symptoms and lead to various complications.
1. Grade I osteochondrosis
This is a preclinical stage in the development of the disease in which the patient experiences mild pain and discomfort during head turns, as well as tension and rapid fatigue in the neck and back when staying in one position for a longer period of time (more often in a sitting position). At this stage, osteochondrosis is perfectly treated with lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and regular exercise.
2. II. degree of osteochondrosis
At this stage, instability appears between the vertebrae of the neck. In this case, a person faces intense pain that radiates toward the shoulder, neck, or arm. When the head is tilted or turned, the pain increases significantly as the distance between the vertebrae begins to damage the nerve endings. The patient becomes tired quickly, his performance decreases, distraction, forgetfulness appears, and he suffers from a headache.
3. III. degree of osteochondrosis
With the onset of the third stage of the disease, the back and neck pain becomes even more severe, the mobility of the neck noticeably decreases, and when the neck turns, the rumbling of the vertebrae is heard. At night, the patient's fingers begin to numb (primarily the little finger and ring finger), so the person wakes up several times at night. Such patients cause uncomfortable difficulty in the hands throughout the day. And even a short phone conversation, during which the person is forced to keep the mobile close to the ear, becomes an unpleasant tingling and numbness in the fingers. All this indicates an increase in the protrusion, possibly the appearance of a hernia in the cervical spine.
4. Grade IV osteochondrosis
In the last stage of the disease, the vertebral discs, which no longer perform their functions, are destroyed and replaced by connective tissues. In this condition, the patient may lack coordination of movement, noise and crazy pulsations 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 the blood flow to the brain is interrupted due to the tightening of the blood vessels. Because of this, the patient develops neurotic disorders such as insomnia, nervousness, irritability and dislike, frequent mood swings and inability to concentrate. Outbreaks of anger or fear, melancholy and depressive attacks may occur from time to time.
At a later stage in the development of osteochondrosis, severe vasospasm can cause the appearance of "flies" in the eye, a feeling of instability on a hard flat surface, severe dizziness, migraine, nausea, vomiting, and frequent fainting.
Disease Diagnostics
To identify the cause of the pathology, the patient describes to the physician the unpleasant symptoms of the condition. After hearing the patient, the practitioner will refer you to one of the following research methods.
1. Radiography. Currently, this diagnostic method is considered informative, especially in the final stages of disease development.
2. Ultrasonic duplex scanning. This method is used in cases where one skilled in the art suspects a violation of the blood flow to the arteries that feed the brain. The study shows the speed of blood flow and determines if there are any obstacles in its path.
3. CT (computed tomography). This method is more informative compared to radiography because it not only reveals the problem but also allows the presence and size of the hernia to be determined, albeit with difficulty.
4. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). The most informative method for diagnosing osteochondrosis today is to view bone structures, the presence of hernias, and even the direction of their development.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Suppose you immediately see a neurologist to treat a serious problem like osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. True, if there is a vertebrologist at the clinic, it is better to contact him or her first.
Osteochondrosis can only be treated in a complex way. The complex of methods used includes drug therapy, neck-collar zone massage, exercise, physiotherapy methods, and proper nutrition. Only a combination of these methods will help cope with the disease and normalize the patient’s well-being.
Help with severe pain
In case of severe pain, doctors recommend taking medications such as Analgin, Baralgin or Tempalgin. When these medications no longer provide relief, you can switch to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
In general, drug therapy includes the following tools:
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These treatments eliminate pain, relieve swelling and cope with inflammation of the nerve roots.
- Chondroprotectors. Such drugs perfectly repair damaged cartilage tissue.
- Group B vitamins. These are needed to improve the metabolic processes in nerve tissue.
- Muscle relaxers. These drugs reduce muscle cramps.
- Preparations for improving the rheological properties of blood. Such devices improve the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain and nerve endings.
It should be noted here that a tangible effect in the fight against osteochondrosis can be achieved with ointments and tablets when medication is combined with other therapeutic methods. Otherwise, the drugs will have only a temporary effect.
Many professionals tend to inject osteochondrosis in order to respond quickly to nerve endings and save the patient from possible side effects while taking the tablets. However, vitamins are mostly taken orally, as vitamins are well absorbed by the body by any method of absorption, but injections with them can be painful.
Physiotherapy treatments
Medication should be combined with physiotherapy. They are most effective for this disease:
- Electrophoresis (in combination with drugs). In this case, the drugs penetrate the injured vertebrae under the influence of electric current.
- Ultrasound. This method of exposure allows the removal of the inflammatory process, the relief of pain and the improvement of metabolic processes in the tissues.
- Magnetotherapy. This type of physiotherapy relieves swelling and pain.
- Laser therapy. An excellent way to fight inflammation and improve blood circulation.
Diet for osteochondrosis
Reconstruction of the affected vertebrae also includes a special diet that normalizes the body’s metabolic processes, prevents salt deposition, nourishes and restores cartilage tissue, and strengthens the ligaments between the vertebral discs.
To achieve this, the following must first be excluded from the patient's diet:
- alcoholic beverages;
- fatty and fried foods;
- spicy and too salty foods;
- strong broths;
- weaknesses and baked goods;
- strong tea and coffee;
- pickles and marinades;
- canned products.
The diet of patients with osteochondrosis should include the following foods:
- lean meat and fish;
- low-fat milk, cottage cheese and kefir;
- butter (small amount);
- whole grains and soups;
- jelly meat, aspic of fish or meat;
- vegetables, fruits and berries;
- Juices, fruit drinks, jellies and compotes.
When osteochondrosis is localized in the cervical spine, it is important to adhere to the drinking system, drink at least 1. 5 liters of water daily. If you are overweight, you need to think about how to get rid of the extra pounds that put extra stress on your spine. It is advisable to switch to meals 5 times a day in small portions.
However, as is clear from the list of permitted foods, foods should be based on low-fat vegetarian soups, cooked lean meats, fish, seafood, unsweetened vegetables and fruits.
An example of the day will look like this:
- breakfast: cottage cheese, a couple of apples, tea without sugar;
- lunch: baked pears, some oatmeal cookies;
- lunch: vegetarian borsch with boiled chicken with vegetable salad;
- afternoon snack: dry biscuits and juice;
- dinner: fried fish with vegetables and tea without sugar.
Practical therapy of osteochondrosis
Physical education brings tremendous results in the treatment of osteochondrosis, although the cervical spine can only be exercised during the healing period. It is important that the patient does not feel any discomfort or pain during the massage or exercise.
Here are the most effective gymnastics exercises designed to strengthen neck muscles and improve blood circulation in this area.
Exercise 1
Lying on your stomach and resting your hands on the floor, slowly raise your head and torso to keep your back straight. Hold this position for 1 minute, then return to the starting position. The element is repeated 2-3 times.
Exercise 2
Lying on your stomach and stretching your arms across your body, lift your head slightly and start turning to the right, trying with your ears, then touching the floor to the left. Make 6 turns in both directions.
Exercise 3
While sitting on the floor, lean forward while inhaling, try to reach your chest with your chin, return to your starting position when exhaling, and tilt your head back. Repeat the item 10-15 times.
Exercise 4
Place your palm on your forehead and try to push your head firmly. However, while straining the muscles of the neck, stand against your hands, preventing you from tilting your head. Hold the pressure for 20-30 seconds, then lower your arm and relax. Repeat the item 2-3 times, then repeat the exercise in the opposite direction, bringing the clasped hands to the back of the head.
Exercise 5
Start slowly turning your head left and right and try to look behind you. Make 10 turns on each side.