Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a degenerative-dystrophic process in the region of the cervical vertebrae and surrounding tissues, associated with gradual thinning, dehydration of the intervertebral discs and the formation of vertebral deformities.All this impairs mobility, causes inflammatory changes in the surrounding tissues, pain and complications.A more current name for the disease is dorsopathy.The term “osteochondrosis” itself does not correspond to modern criteria, but is strongly rooted to refer to different processes and causes of pain in different parts of the spine.
Osteochondrosis affects the intervertebral discs, vertebrae and surrounding soft tissues.As a result of degenerative dystrophic processes in a context of aging and excessive stress, changes occur in the composition of the gelatinous substance of the disc and the dense fibrous tissue that surrounds it, forming an elastic membrane.Gradually, the height of the disc decreases and its shock-absorbing properties deteriorate.
The metabolism inside the nucleus suffers, microcracks form, the disc becomes deformed, protrusions (bulges) and hernias form.As the process progresses, the surrounding cartilage and bone tissue of the vertebrae suffers and osteophytes form - bony protuberances that limit mobility and cause pain.
Changes occur near the spinal cord and its membranes, the roots of spinal nerves, which can form irritation, inflammation of surrounding tissues, reflex muscle spasms, which cause typical manifestations of the disease.Nearby vessels in which blood flow is disrupted may suffer.
Reasons
Osteochondrosis in the area predominantly of the cervical spine can occur against the background of a number of existing health problems.Each one makes the process even worse.Among the main provocateurs are:
Obesity, overweight;
Sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity;
Mainly sedentary work or prolonged standing;
Bad posture, slouching;
Problems of the musculoskeletal system (flat feet, scoliosis), due to which the load on the spine is unevenly distributed;
Back and neck injuries, congenital spinal malformations;
Excessive stress on the neck and back;
Predisposition to pathology.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The manifestations of the disease are varied and are not always immediately recognized and are confused with other pathologies.Among the most typical are:
Dizziness attacks of a systemic nature occur in the form of attacks.
Pain in the back of the head, collar region, neck.The severity and intensity of the pain depend on the development of the process.Initially mild and periodic, as the pathology develops it becomes constant, spreading throughout the head.
Tinnitus, noise in the ears when changing position after sitting or lying down for a long time, may be accompanied by an attack of dizziness.
Nausea with vomiting due to circulatory disorders in certain areas of the brain, worse when turning the head.
Visual impairment, fog, blurred vision, flickering spots.
Pressure spikes, fainting.
Feeling of lump in the throat, dryness, difficulty swallowing.
Pain in the shoulders, numbness in the hands.
In addition to these complaints, typical syndromes that arise only against the background of injuries to the cervical spine are also possible.
Vertebral syndrome - impaired mobility in the neck, pain when trying to turn the head, crushing in the vertebrae.
Vertebral artery syndrome with tinnitus, dizziness, pressure changes and drowsiness.
Radicular syndrome with numbness and pain in the back of the neck, decreased sensitivity of the tongue, hiccups, difficulty swallowing, pain in the shoulders, between the shoulder blades, numbness in the little finger.
Possible complications and risks
Prolonged osteochondrosis in the cervical region leads to disorders in the area of nerve trunks and arteries.This threatens the development of strokes, thyroid disorders, problems with sensitivity in the hands, difficulty swallowing food and vision disorders.Additionally, neck mobility is significantly limited.
Diagnosis
To diagnose the pathology it is necessary to contact an orthopedist and a neurologist.A comprehensive examination helps to make a diagnosis:
Radiography and computed tomography of the cervical spine, magnetic resonance imaging to visualize bone structures and soft tissues.
Duplex scanning of the arteries of the neck and head evaluates blood circulation in the brain and neck.
Reflexes, neck mobility and soft tissue condition are assessed.
Additionally, ultrasound, ECG, blood pressure monitoring and consultation with an otolaryngologist are required to exclude other pathologies.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Basically, the doctor treats osteochondrosis of the cervical spine depending on the underlying cause.If, for example, muscle tension or poor posture are causing your symptoms, your doctor will usually start with conservative treatment.These include, for example, exercises to strengthen the neck muscles, physiotherapy and manual therapy, and pain relief with medication.
In some cases, the doctor recommends surgery.This is necessary, for example, in the case of a severe herniated disc or injury to the cervical spine.
Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine aims to relieve long-term pain and restore flexibility to the body.It includes muscle strengthening exercises, massages and physical measures (e.g. applications of heat, cold, light or electrical stimuli).The therapist massages the affected muscles by irradiating them with red light or applying heat packs.In this way, tension and blockages in the vertebrae are released, so that the vertebral joints are no longer limited in their mobility.
The physical therapist will also select specific therapeutic exercises to meet individual needs and health conditions.He will tell you exactly how to perform these exercises and, if necessary, will correct movements that you are performing incorrectly.The main thing here is that you are learning techniques that will help you relax your muscles and improve head and neck mobility.Exercise also helps improve blood circulation in the body, relieve tension and strengthen muscles.
If symptoms occur acutely or exercise does not help, the doctor also treats osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with medication.If necessary, anti-inflammatories are prescribed.They relieve pain for a while and allow patients to move their head and neck better.
If your symptoms are severe and/or particularly painful, your doctor will also prescribe medicines that relax your muscles (called muscle relaxants).
Pharmaceutical ointments or patches with analgesic effects also relieve the symptoms of cervical syndrome.
In some cases (for example, with a herniated disc), the doctor uses so-called minimally invasive injection therapy.This method is most often used for pinched nerves.To do this, the doctor injects a local anesthetic with a needle directly into the affected area of the spine (infiltration).It soothes irritated nerves, relieves pain and relaxes muscles.Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor will administer the treatment one to ten times.
If conservative treatment is not effective, your doctor will consider surgery.This is the case, for example, with a herniated disc, when the person suffers from very severe pain, symptoms of paralysis occur.Today the operation is usually microsurgical, that is, through a small incision.The doctor removes the intervertebral disc tissue that presses on the nerves and causes symptoms.The procedure is usually short (approximately 30 to 60 minutes).The patient is usually under general anesthesia during the operation and remains in hospital for observation for around three days.
Prevention
You have the power to relieve symptoms and prevent neck strain on your own.The following measures are possible for this:
Exercise therapy and swimming in many cases improve the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Under certain circumstances, stress and psychological tension can contribute to osteochondrosis of the cervical spine or intensify its symptoms.Therefore, try to avoid stressful situations.