Just 30 years ago, osteochondrosis was exclusively associated with the elderly, whose joints were immobile and painful with every movement.However, times have changed.Today, more and more people are exchanging hard physical work for sedentary work at the computer, paying less and less attention to the quality of their nutrition and increasingly facing osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.It is no coincidence 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 begins with an unpleasant pain in the neck, very quickly leads to serious consequences in the form of impaired hearing and vision, as well as deterioration of memory up to its complete loss.That is why 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
Surprisingly, all our problems with the cervical spine begin in early childhood, or rather in elementary school, where the child's posture deteriorates and scoliosis develops.It is at this moment that the support system of the head is disturbed by the spine, especially from its thinnest and most vulnerable part - the neck.The second key factor in cervical osteochondrosis, dating back to early childhood, is insufficient physical training, particularly weakness of the spinal muscles and the so-called muscle corset, designed to support the spine.
These are the two most important causes of the disease.All the rest put a heavy burden on the weakened spine, causing the disease to develop 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 injuries;
- metabolic disorders;
- hereditary predisposition?
- great physical activity;
- constant nervous tension and stress.
- developmental abnormalities of the cervical spine.
- bad habits (holding the handset with your ear and shoulder);
The development process of osteochondrosis
The mentioned adverse factors ultimately lead to an increased load on the cervical spine.When you try to compensate for the excessive load on the neck muscles, their spasm occurs, which leads to impaired 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 and move closer together, pushing their contents (the annulus fibrosus) out of the spine.In medical terms, such a protrusion is called a protrusion.
In the case of the 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 deformed vertebrae begin to compress the roots of the peripheral nerves, which leads to the development of the so-called "root syndrome", which manifests itself as severe pain in the back and neck.If you do not identify the problem (which will be eloquently signaled by unpleasant symptoms) and do not begin to treat osteochondrosis, the annulus fibrosus will break and 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.Here it should be noted 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.
Grade I osteochondrosisThis is the preclinical stage of the disease progression, 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 staying in one position for a long time (usually sitting).At this stage, osteochondrosis can be perfectly treated by changing lifestyle, correcting diet and regular exercise.
Grade II osteochondrosisIn this stage instability occurs between the vertebrae in the neck.In this case, the person experiences severe pain that radiates to the shoulder, neck, or arm.When bending or turning the head, the pain intensifies significantly, since due to the reduction of the distance between the vertebrae, the nerve endings begin to sting.The patient begins to tire quickly, his performance decreases, he is distracted, forgetful and suffers from headaches.
Osteochondrosis grade IIIWith the onset of the third stage of the disease, the pain in the back and neck becomes even stronger, the mobility of the neck is noticeably reduced, and when you turn the neck, you can hear the vertebrae crunching.At night, the patient's fingers begin to go numb (mainly the little finger and the ring finger), so the person wakes up several times during the night.Throughout the day, such patients experience an unpleasant weight in their hands.And even a short conversation on the phone, during which a person is forced to hold the mobile 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 last 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 coordination of movement, noise and pounding in the ears, increased headaches, decreased visual acuity and hearing.In some cases, numbness of the tongue may occur.
Here it should be said that due to the compression of the blood vessels, the blood flow to the brain is disturbed.Because of this, the patient develops neurotic disorders such as insomnia, nervousness, irritability and irritability, 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, feeling unsteady 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 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.
X-ray.Currently, this diagnostic method is considered uninformative, especially in the last stages of the disease.Duplex ultrasound.This method is used in cases where a specialist suspects a blood flow disorder in the arteries supplying the brain.The study shows the speed of blood flow and determines if there are any obstacles in its path.CT (computed tomography).This method is more informative compared to X-ray, as it not only determines the problem, but also allows you to determine the presence and size of hernias, albeit with difficulty.MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).The most informative method for diagnosing osteochondrosis today, which allows you to distinguish bone structures, the presence of a hernia and even the direction of their growth.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Let's say right away that to combat such a serious problem as osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, you should contact a neurologist.True, if the clinic has a spondylologist, it is better to contact him first.
Osteochondrosis can only be treated comprehensively.The complex of methods used includes drug therapy, cervical massage, exercise therapy, physical therapy 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 drugs such as Analgin, Baralgin or Tempalgin.When these drugs stop providing 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 treatments eliminate pain, relieve swelling, and treat nerve root inflammation.
- Carboprotectors.Such drugs perfectly restore damaged cartilage tissue.
- B vitamins. They are necessary for the improvement of metabolic processes in nervous tissues.
- Muscle relaxants.The action of these drugs is aimed at reducing muscle spasms.
- Drugs that improve the rheological properties of 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 result in the fight against osteochondrosis with the help of ointments and tablets only if drug therapy is combined with other treatment methods.Otherwise, the drugs will give only a temporary effect.
Many specialists tend to treat osteochondrosis with injections in order to act quickly on the nerve endings and save the patient from possible side effects when taking pills.However, it is better to take vitamins by mouth because... Vitamins are well absorbed by the body no matter how they are taken, but injections with them can be painful.
Physiotherapy treatments
Drug treatment must be combined with physical therapy methods of treatment.The most effective for this disease are:
- Electrophoresis (in combination with drugs).In this case, drugs penetrate the damaged vertebrae under the influence of electric current.As a rule, electrophoresis is carried out 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 the tissues.
- Magnetic therapy.This type of physical therapy relieves swelling and eliminates pain.
- Laser treatment.This is an excellent method of combating inflammatory processes, which also improves blood circulation.
Nutrition for osteochondrosis
The 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, first of all, the following should be excluded from the patient's diet:
- alcoholic beverages;
- fatty and fried foods;
- spicy and very 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 (a small amount).
- wholemeal porridges and soups.
- jellied meat, jellied fish or meat;
- vegetables, fruits and berries;
- juices, fruit drinks, jellies and compotes.
When osteochondrosis is located in the cervical region, it is important to adhere to the drinking regime, drinking at least 1.5 liters of water per day.If you are overweight, then you should think about how to get rid of extra pounds, which put extra pressure on the spine.It is recommended to switch to food 5 times a day in small portions.
At the same time, as can be seen from the list of foods allowed for consumption, the basis of the diet should be low-fat vegetarian soups, boiled lean meat, fish, seafood, vegetables and fruits without sugar.
A sample menu for the day will look like this:
- breakfast: cottage cheese, some 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: fish in the oven with vegetables and tea without sugar.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis
Physical therapy gives amazing results in the treatment of osteochondrosis, although you can do gymnastics for the cervical spine only during the recovery period.It is important here that during the massage or exercise the patient does not feel discomfort or pain.
Have health!