Cervical osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a form of degenerative disease of the joints and intervertebral discs. Osteochondrosis affects the cartilage tissue of the discs. As a result, the disc hardens and shrinks, losing cushioning properties and causing severe pain.

Cervical osteochondrosis is a progressive degenerative-dystrophic process that leads to exhaustion, deformation and destruction of the intervertebral discs of the cervical region. Loss of shock-absorbing cartilage causes pain both from exposure of the joint surfaces (spondyloarthrosis) and from compression of the nerve roots of the spinal cord.

In the absence of timely treatment, ossification of the spine is possible with the loss of its natural flexibility, impaired blood supply to the brain, deterioration of nerve conduction in those parts of the body that innervate the roots of the cervical spine.

The pathology can develop both independently and as part of a general lesion of the spine, which covers the thoracic, lumbar and sacral regions.

General information on cervical osteochondrosis

It is believed that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is more common than in other departments. In reality, this is not the case - dystrophic phenomena develop uniformly in all points of maximum load - in the area of the main curves of the spine (the lower the ward, the greater the load it bears). However, the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are more pronounced, so they appear to be a more frequent occurrence. This is due to the high mobility of the vertebrae of the neck, which at the same time hold the head, as well as the peculiarity of the location of the outlets of the spinal cord roots.

On a note!According to statistics, the disease affects more than 60% of middle-aged and elderly people. However, recently there has been a rejuvenation of the pathological process: pathology occurs in young people and even in adolescents. This is due to the general computerization of study and work, as well as the decrease in physical activity and the deterioration in the quality of nutrition.

Taking into account the age of the public, 2 forms of cervical osteochondrosis can be distinguished: physiological and pathological.

physiological processassociated with the natural aging of the body, when the symptoms of the disease are a consequence of the progressive wear of the intervertebral discs. The process occurs under the influence of the endocrine system and is a consequence of the changes in menopause. The destruction of cartilage structures begins from the center of the intervertebral disc and is accompanied by a gradual replacement of cartilage tissue with fibrous tissue. The pathology is irreversible, but it can be compensated for by special drugs.

Pathological processassociated with abnormal destructive changes in the body: immune, dystrophic, inflammatory, metabolic. First of all, pericartilaginous tissues are involved: salt deposits appear on bone structures, nerve roots become inflamed, atrophy or hypertonicity of skeletal muscles occurs, which leads to impaired blood circulation in the head-neck-chest region. With timely diagnosis, the pathology is treatable and ends with the complete restoration of the healthy function of organs and tissues.

Stages of cervical osteochondrosis and their symptoms

There are 4 main stages of the pathological process:

• Stage 1 - is expressed by a slight discomfort and muscle fatigue in the diseased area, the cartilaginous discs lose their stability;
• Stage 2: There is local pain, especially when moving the head. The intervertebral discs are deformed, the fibrous ring begins to collapse, the distance between the vertebrae is reduced;
• Stage 3: the pain intensifies and becomes constant, the movements are limited. Turning the head can cause dizziness, nausea, impaired blood supply to the brain leads to general lethargy, fatigue, reduced concentration, the cartilage thins, the vertebrae close, the fibrous ring is completely destroyed with the risk of intervertebral hernia ;
• 4th stage - the pain syndrome completely immobilizes the neck area; blood circulation of the brain is impaired and requires constant medical support; the vertebrae begin to grow together.

Cervical osteochondrosis: signs, symptoms, treatment of the pathology

In the early stages, osteochondrosis is asymptomatic. With the development of the disease, a distinctive feature becomes the presence of painful or unpleasant sensations in the head, neck and chest, less often in the upper limbs.

All possible symptoms can be conditionally attributed to 4 types of syndromes: heart, vertebral, radicular (nerve) and vertebral artery (with circulatory disorders) syndrome.

Vertebral syndrome:

• crunch in the neck when turning / tilting the head;
• as the disease progresses, pain and difficulty moving occur;
• structural morphological disorders in the vertebral body and intervertebral space (visible on X-rays).

Cardiac syndrome:

• shortness of breath, weakness;
• feeling of incomplete inspiration, lack of air;
• spontaneous phenomena from the cardiovascular system - angina pectoris, retrosternal pain, burning;

radicular syndrome:

• numbness of the tongue, shoulders, fingers, occipital region;
• difficulty swallowing;
• discomfort in the area between the shoulder blades;
• headache in the occiput and forehead.

vertebral artery syndrome:

• unreasonable jumps in blood pressure;
• dizziness, up to loss of consciousness;
• tinnitus, feeling of cotton wool in the head;
• temporary unilateral blindness, "flies" in the eye;
• periodic bouts of nausea, especially when moving the head;
• headache - mainly in the back of the head, as well as migraine;
• drowsiness, decreased performance, memory, concentration, depression.

Attention!All these syndromes must be combined with each other. The absence of symptoms of any of them can be the reason for the differential diagnosis with other groups of diseases.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

Dystrophic phenomena in the region of the cervical spine are associated with the vertical position of the skeleton and the specific distribution of static and dynamic loads, which largely depend on the prevailing posture and the degree of development of skeletal muscles.

• lack of movement - what does not develop - degrades: muscles weaken, tissues are destroyed;
• incorrect static postures - muscle clamps lead to circulatory disturbances with consequent tissue degeneration;
• lack of nutrition or unbalanced diet - the body must receive everything necessary for the construction and renewal of the bone and cartilage structures of the skeleton, maintaining muscle tone;
• obesity, overweight, carrying heavy loads - the load on skeletal structures increases;
• constant nervous tension and nervous stress;
• hypothermia of the cervical region - "cold", "swollen" - provokes hidden inflammatory processes;
• the presence of autoimmune diseases involving cartilage leads to its premature destruction;
• endocrine pathologies disrupt mineral metabolism, reduce the absorption of calcium, silicon, phosphorus and other elements of bone and cartilage tissue;
• neck injuries;
• congenital anomalies of the spine and adjacent muscles.

Cervical Osteochondrosis Diagnosis

The diagnosis of "osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebra" is made difficult by the low specificity of the symptoms and the wide variety of their manifestations. During the examination, you will need to consult a neurologist, surgeon, orthopedist, cardiologist.

A physical examination is done by a doctor with an interrogation of the patient. The main diagnostic load lies in the methods of instrumental and laboratory research.

• x-ray of the cervical region; in the initial phase of the process, MRI of the cervical region will be more informative - it will provide a high-quality visualization of hard and soft tissues - it will show the condition of the intervertebral discs, the presence of osteophytes, deformities, damage to nerve roots and blood vessels ; assess the condition of ligaments, muscles, bone tissue; shows the dynamic state of soft tissues;
• Dopplerography of the neck vessels will help assess hemodynamics and the degree of damage to blood vessels (in particular, the state of the vertebral artery);
• contrast myelography - will help with suspected violation of nervous processes;
• ECG and echocardiography of the heart are used in the differential diagnosis of heart syndrome with cardiovascular disease.

How to treat cervical osteochondrosis

A complex of therapeutic measures is formed taking into account the stage of the disease (acute, chronic), the degree of damage and the causes of the pathology. Use conservative treatment, surgery, a mixed approach.

conservative impact

It is a gradual restoration or compensation of damage against the background of symptomatic treatment. It includes drug therapy, physiotherapy, physical therapy and massage methods.

Medical treatment:

• pain relievers - mainly topical gels and ointments; in severe cases - general painkillers in the form of tablets;
• anti-inflammatory drugs - NSAIDs and corticosteroids (if necessary a short course);
• drugs to improve microcirculation and blood circulation in general;
• chondroprotectors - means of protecting and restoring cartilage tissue;
• muscle relaxants - to eliminate forceps and muscle spasms;
• vitamin complexes and microelements - necessary for the nutrition and support of tissues with building elements.

When the acute symptoms subside, the methods of physiotherapy, physical therapy and self-massage are linked.

Physiotherapyimproves the nutrition of cartilage and bone tissues by restoring the blood supply to the damaged area. In order to avoid complications, it is recommended to use the method of isometric movements, when instead of real rotations and tilts of the head, which can cause damage, their imitation is used.

Attention!All actions should be performed only after diagnosis and consultation with a doctor.

The technique allows you to develop and strengthen the short atrophied muscles of the neck and stabilize the position of the cervical spine. The sequence of basic exercises:

1. Place the palm of the right hand on the side of the head - for 10 seconds, press the palm of the hand to the head, while tensing the muscles of the head and neck for resistance - the head should remain motionless.
2. Lower your hand, relax your head and neck muscles as much as possible for 20 seconds.
3. Repeat the exercise with your left hand.
4. Place both hands on your forehead with your palms - for 10 seconds, press on your forehead, as if trying to tilt your head back, while tensing your neck muscles to resist movement. The head must remain motionless.
5. Lower your arms, relaxing your muscles as much as possible, similar to the previous exercise.
6. Place both palms of your hands in the area above the back of your head. By analogy, carry out a pressure load on the neck muscles, trying to tilt your head forward - it should still be motionless.
7. Lower your arms, relax your neck and head muscles. Repeat the series of exercises 4-10 times.

Having strengthened the short muscles of the neck, you can start performing dynamic exercises.

On a note!Swimming and water gymnastics have proven to be a technique for restoring cervical mobility.

Self-massageallows you to reduce the intensity of local reactions and relieve muscle clamps during static work. Rules of execution:

• area of influence: the back of the head, the back and side surfaces of the neck;
• perform the procedure in a sitting position;
• movements should be performed in the direction from the spine;
• use only your fingertips;
• avoid pressure on inflamed areas;
• perform movements smoothly - strong pressure can damage.

Physiotherapytypical for hospital treatment and spa rehabilitation. Well proven:

• electrophoresis - heats the area, improves microcirculation, is used for deeper penetration of topical preparations;
• magnetotherapy;
• breadth;
• UHF.

Surgery is indicated for complicated extrusion, spinal cord injury, and intractable pain syndromes.

What is dangerous cervical osteochondrosis

The neck area concentrates a dense intertwining of the main blood vessels, nerve processes and dynamic structures of the bone skeleton. In the absence of treatment, severe pathological changes can be observed:

• weakening of the fibrous ring causes dislocations and subluxations in the area of the most mobile vertebrae;
• the presence of osteophytes and muscle spasms leads to the violation of nerve roots and blood vessels with the formation of compression syndromes;
• the destruction of cartilaginous discs and the convergence of the vertebrae leads to intervertebral hernias with violation of the nervous tissue.

Each of these phenomena is followed by a pronounced negative reaction from the whole organism.

Possible complications and consequences

The list of the most common complications of cervical osteochondrosis includes:

• vegetovascular dystonia;
• hypertension;
• oxygen deficiency of the brain and its structures;
• dystrophy of the retina of the eye with visual impairment;
• malfunction of the thyroid gland;
• dysfunction of the esophagus and trachea - difficulty swallowing and respiratory spasms;
• intractable pain in the head, neck, chest, upper limbs;
• convulsions and numbness of the face, hands;
• disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary system, which leads to the failure of the entire hormonal activity of the body.

Preventive measures of cervical osteochondrosis

The most effective treatment is disease prevention. Prevention will help you with this. Just follow a few basic tips:

• correct your posture,
• create a comfortable working environment;
• during sedentary work, take breaks for a "minute of physical education";
• include in your diet foods rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon - fish, nuts, seeds, legumes, dairy products, fresh vegetables, fruits; limit the intake of salty, sweet, starchy and spicy foods;
• for sleep and rest, use an orthopedic mattress and pillow;
• practice a non-strength sport: it is better to give preference to swimming.

Even if you are not able to take all needs into account, moderate exercise, proper nutrition and attention to your posture can greatly reduce the risk of developing diseases.

The hidden cause of impotence, male and female infertility is osteochondrosis

Even at school, during biology classes, they tried to convey important information about the huge role of the spine in maintaining human health. Unfortunately, many were then engaged in more important things and did not listen to the words of the teachers. But in vain! Doctors claim that disorders of the musculoskeletal system, in particular, caused by osteochondrosis, can cause the development of a huge number of various serious diseases.

Because osteochondrosis has a powerful destructive effect on the human body

Often men suffer from impotence and infertility, and women try in vain to get pregnant and do not even suspect that this can be caused by normal osteochondrosis. The fact is that the cause of the development of the disease lies in the violation of the blood supply to the tissues of the vertebrae and the muscles surrounding them. Since there are no blood vessels in the intervertebral discs, they are the first to suffer from a lack of water and various other substances. This leads to the breakdown of the cartilage, which means that the discs are no longer able to absorb the load on the spine. This is where constant back pain comes from.

If you do not intervene in the process at this stage, the osteochondrosis will continue to progress and lead to complications, such as a herniated disc. This, in turn, causes a violation of the segmental apparatus of the spinal cord and impairs blood circulation, including in the pelvic organs. This is the main reason for the development of many disorders in the work of internal organs, as well as impotence and infertility that affect us.

The development of impotence in men, in addition to violations on the physical level, also contributes to the psychological factor. After all, for every normal and full-fledged man, even a single failure in bed becomes a drama, and it doesn't matter whether it is caused by an exacerbation of osteochondrosis, sciatica or other sources of back pain.

Men may begin to have difficulty with erections in the presence of cervical or lumbar degenerative disc disease. But in any case, the pathology develops according to its own mechanism.

Cervical osteochondrosis

In the presence of this type of disease, a decrease in the quality of blood circulation in the brain occurs, which causes malfunctions in the production of sex hormones and substances responsible for vascular tone. Therefore, with cervical osteochondrosis, patients most often complain of a decrease in sexual desire, anorgasmia and ejaculation problems.

Lumbar osteochondrosis

Since the pelvic area, that is, where the male genital organs are located, is, as it were, in a "off" state due to disturbances in the spinal cord, nerve impulses do not always manage to reach the genitals, which leads to erectile dysfunction.

Female and male infertility due to osteochondrosis

Often, in the absence of other prerequisites, failed attempts to conceive a child in both men and women can be the result of pathological processes that accompany osteochondrosis. Most often, the cause of the problem lies not so much in the violation of blood supply to the organs located in the small pelvis, but in neurological disorders.

Exams of women suffering from infertility show degenerative changes in the lower thoracic spine and lower back. In infertile men, osteochondrosis affects the lumbosacral region. Such differences in the areas affected by osteochondrosis are explained by the peculiarities of the structure and innervation of the pelvic organs in representatives of different sexes.

Sometimes women cannot get pregnant even if they do not show any signs of the disease and do not feel the slightest discomfort in their back. This is mainly due to the fact that disturbances in the reproductive system can occur even if only the anterior roots of the spinal cord are damaged, which is not accompanied by pain.

Therefore, all those suffering from disorders of sexual and reproductive functions are strongly recommended to undergo the most comprehensive examination of the body, not forgetting the neuropathologist and vertebrologist. It is possible that the root of the problem lies precisely in the pathologies of the spine.