Osteochondrosis of the cervix is a progressive dystrophic-degenerative lesion of the intervertebral discs in the region of 1-7 vertebrae belonging to the cervical spine.
As a result of cervical osteochondrosis, deformity, exhaustion and subsequent damage to the vertebral bodies occurs. This disrupts the normal blood supply and nerve conduction in the neck and in those areas that are innervated by the nerve roots of the cervical spine.
Osteochondrosis of the cervix can be either isolated or combined with osteochondrosis of other parts - thoracic, lumbar and sacral.
Causes
There are a number of predisposing factors for the development of osteochondrosis. This includes:
- sedentary and sedentary lifestyle;
- types of work sitting with a static load on the neck;
- overweight, insufficient physical development;
- connective tissue dysplastic processes;
- circulatory disorders in the neck;
- neck injuries;
- scoliosis, poor posture, uncomfortable pillows and mattresses;
- hereditary predisposition, metabolic defects.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis. Complications
The cervical spine is more susceptible to the development of osteochondrosis. The vertebrae in it are smaller compared to other parts of the spine, the muscular frame is not very pronounced, the weight of the head and upright posture act on the vertebrae. In the back of the cervix, the vertebrae fit snugly together. Even a minimal change in them can lead to compression and even displacement of nerves and blood vessels.
The most characteristic symptom that patients complain of is pain in the cervical spine. Depending on the affected area, the pain can be localized: in the clavicle and shoulder; throughout the cervical spine; on the anterior surface of the chest.
The first signs of cervical osteochondrosis may be insignificant: a feeling of heaviness in the head, headache in the occipital region, neck pain in the evening, a feeling of numbness or tingling in the shoulders and arms.
The main symptoms
Vegetative-dystonic.
Severe "shooting" pain in the neck, in the area just below the neck. The pain appears after a long stay in one position, after sleep, constant tension of the neck muscles.
Difficulty moving the hand sideways, stiffness, numbness in the fingers. Due to the compression of the vertebral arteries, neurological manifestations are observed: headache, nausea, dizziness, unreasonable jumps in blood pressure.
Spinal symptoms.
The pain is localized behind the sternum on the left.
This type of pain should be distinguished from angina pain (with angina pectoris, nitroglycerin brings relief, with osteochondrosis not).
With a gradual disruption of the structure of the intervertebral discs, they are compressed and damage to the nerve roots occurs, as well as narrowing or narrowing of the arteries and veins that pass into the region of the vertebral bodies.
This leads to the formation of special syndromes - radicular and ischemic:
- defeat of the roots of the first cervical vertebra (C1): anomalies in the occiput;
- C2 lesion gives pain in the crown and occipital region;
- C3 lesion gives pain in the neck by injury, decreased sensitivity of the tongue and hypoglossal muscles, speech impairment is possible;
- C4 and C5 damage results in shoulder and clavicle pain, decreased head and neck muscle tone, hiccups, respiratory disorders, and heart pain;
- C6 lesion occurs more often, gives pain from the neck to the scapula, forearm, up to the big toes, skin sensitivity may suffer;
- Lesion C7 - symptoms similar to pain in the neck, back of the shoulder, to the back of the hand, weakening of the arm strength and decreased reflexes.
Circulatory disorders due to compression of blood vessels in the cervical vertebrae can lead to headaches, up to migraine, dizziness, visual impairment and tinnitus, glare in front of the eyes, disorders of autonomic functions.
There may be manifestations of cardiac syndrome with pressing heart pain, shortness of breath and palpitations, arrhythmias.
Complications.
Emergence of intervertebral discs with the formation of a hernia (protrusion).
Rupture of the intervertebral disc with constriction of nerves and blood vessels, possible compression of the spinal cord, which can be fatal.
Root damage (radiculopathy), the formation of vertebrae in the vertebral bodies (osteophytes) with the manifestation of paresis and paralysis.
In the presence of the above complaints, it is necessary to contact an orthopedist or neurologist and perform the necessary research.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition will significantly alleviate the condition with osteochondrosis. Nutrition should be complete. If a person has a normal body weight, then as a basis, you can take a therapeutic diet number 15 according to Pevzner. It contains all the necessary minerals and an added amount of fat and water soluble vitamins. It is necessary to eat foods rich in natural chondroprotectors. Chondroitin is found in goldfish, in the tendons and cartilage of animals, and in chicken.
Be sure to get clean water in a volume of 1, 5-2 liters. Fluid is needed to prevent the intervertebral discs from drying out.
Traditional and non-traditional treatments
Treatment
Today, there are traditional and non-traditional methods of treating osteochondrosis in the cervical spine.
Drug treatment methods: symptomatic therapy with analgesic to relieve pain; taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve tissue inflammation and edema; antispasmodics; medicines to improve blood circulation; chondroprotectors to restore the structure of the intervertebral discs.
A course of vitamin B group therapy is indicated, external agents for therapy - gels and ointments, creams with anti-inflammatory, warming and analgesic ingredients.
During the period of deterioration, it is recommended to wear a special collar (Shants collar).
Complications of cervical osteochondrosis with intervertebral hernias that impair sensitivity and blood circulation can be treated immediately.
The duration of treatment depends on the negligence of the condition, as osteochondrosis is a chronic progressive disease. Treatment can be long and preventative courses can be performed throughout life.
Physiotherapy treatments.
These include exercise therapy, magnetotherapy, balneotherapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, Lyapko application therapy and massage.
Physiotherapy
It is necessary to do exercises for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis several times a day every day. They include self-stretching, self-massage, a set of special exercises. Avoid neck injuries and heavy lifting.
It is necessary to combine prolonged sitting postures with periods of rest and warm-up.
The basis of cervical spine health is a strong and healthy spine, physical activity, a comfortable bed with an anatomical cushion and a mattress, proper posture and proper nutrition.
Lyapko application therapy
Areas of application:
- base 2, 3;
- additional 1, 4, 12, 13;
- auxiliary 20, 22, 28, 31.
General recommendations
When using the applicator, the main, complementary and maximum pain areas are used, but in case of very pronounced pain, they are applied above and below the painful area or points and areas on the opposite side should be used. Exposure time 10-30 minutes.
If cervical osteochondrosis is combined with osteochondrosis of other parts - thoracic, lumbar and sacral, then application therapy can be applied simultaneously or in succession to all parts of the spine. The larger the exposure area, the better the effect.