Only 30 years ago, osteochondrosis was exclusively associated with the elderly, whose joints became immobile and hurt with every movement.However, times have changed.Today, more and more people are exchanging heavy physical work with work sitting at the computer, paying less and less attention to the quality of their diet and are increasingly facing osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.It is not for nothing 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, starting with unpleasant pain in the neck, very quickly leads to serious consequences in the form of weakening of 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
Paradoxically, 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 head support system breaks down from the spine, especially from its thinnest and most vulnerable part - the cervix.The second key factor in cervical osteochondrosis, which dates back to early childhood, is insufficient physical training, in particular the weakness of the muscles of the spine and the so-called muscular corset, designed to support the spine.
These are the two most important causes of the disease.All others put a heavy burden on the weakened spine, provoking the development of the disease 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 of drivers and office workers who spend their shifts sitting at a computer.All this is supplemented by excess body weight, which seriously increases the load on the back.
Other causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine include:
- previous spinal injuries;
- metabolic disorders;
- hereditary predisposition;
- great physical activity;
- constant nervous tension and stress;
- anomalies of the development of the cervical spine;
- bad habits (holding the mobile phone by the ear and shoulder).
The process of development of osteochondrosis
The unfavorable factors listed ultimately lead to 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, squeezing their contents (the annulus fibrosus) out of the spine.In medical terms, such an extension is called an extension.
In the case of elongation, the annulus fibrosus still maintains its integrity, but the elongation now compresses the blood vessels and nerves that run along the spine and supply the brain.In addition, the vertebra that come closer and deform begin to compress the roots of the peripheral nerves, which leads to the development of the so-called "radicular 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 start treating osteochondrosis, the fibrous ring will rupture and a vertebral hernia will appear.In this case, serious problems with brain nutrition will appear.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
In its development, the disease goes through several stages, each of which has characteristic signs and symptoms.It should be noted here 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 development of the disease, in which the patient experiences pain and light discomfort when turning the head, as well as tension and fatigue in the neck and back when standing in one position for a long time (usually sitting).At this stage, osteochondrosis can be perfectly treated by changing lifestyle, correcting nutrition and regular exercise.
Grade II osteochondrosisAt this stage, instability occurs between the vertebrae in the neck.In this case, the person faces severe pain that radiates to the shoulder, neck or arm.When you bend or turn your head, the pain intensifies significantly, because due to the reduction of the distance between the vertebrae, the nerve endings begin to be pinched.The patient begins to tire quickly, his performance decreases, he is distracted, forgetful and suffers from headaches.
Grade III osteochondrosisWith 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 significantly reduced, and when you turn your neck, you can hear the vertebrae crackling.During the night, the patient's fingers begin to go numb (mainly the little finger and the ring finger), which is why the person wakes up several times a night.Throughout the day, such patients experience an unpleasant weight in their hands.Even a short conversation on the phone, during which a person is forced to hold the cell phone close to the ear, results in a tingling sensation and unpleasant numbness in the fingers.All this indicates an increase in elongation, and possibly the appearance of a hernia in the cervical spine.
Osteochondrosis of the 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 movements, noise and crazy pulsations in the ears, increased headache, decreased visual acuity and hearing.In some cases, numbness of the tongue may occur.
It should be said here that due to the squeezing of the blood vessels, the blood circulation in the brain is disrupted.Because of this, the patient develops neurotic disorders such as insomnia, nervousness, irritability and dissatisfaction, frequent mood swings and the inability to concentrate.Outbursts of anger or fear, melancholy and depression may occur periodically.
In the later stages of the development of osteochondrosis, severe vascular spasms can lead to the appearance of "floaters" before the eyes, a feeling of instability on a hard, flat surface, severe dizziness, migraine, nausea, vomiting and frequent fainting.
Diagnosis of the disease
To identify the cause of the pathology, the patient describes the unpleasant symptoms of his condition to the doctor.After listening to the patient, the specialist sends him to one of the following research methods.
Radiography.Currently, this diagnostic method is considered uninformative, especially in the last stages of the disease.Duplex ultrasound scan.This method is used in cases where a specialist suspects an interruption of blood circulation in the arteries that supply the brain with food.The study shows the speed of blood flow and determines if there are obstacles in its path.CT (computed tomography).This method is more informative compared to radiography, as it not only identifies the problem, but also allows you to determine the presence and size of the hernia, 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 hernias and even the direction of their development.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Let's say right away that to fight such a serious problem as osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, you need to contact a neurologist.True, if the clinic has a vertebrologist, it is better to contact him first.
Osteochondrosis can only be treated comprehensively.The complex of methods used includes drug therapy, massage of the cervical area, exercise therapy, physiotherapeutic methods, as well as proper nutrition.Only a combination of all 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 drugs stop bringing relief, you can switch to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ketanov gel, Ketorolac, Nise and Diclofenac).
In a general sense, drug therapy includes the following:
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).These tools eliminate pain, relieve swelling and cope with inflammation of the nerve roots.
- Chondroprotectors.Such medications perfectly restore damaged cartilage tissue.
- B vitamins. They are necessary to improve metabolic processes in nerve tissue.
- 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 effect in the fight against osteochondrosis with the help of ointments and tablets only if drug treatment is combined with other methods of therapy.Otherwise, the medicine will only give 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 best to take vitamins orally 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 should be combined with physiotherapeutic methods of therapy.The most effective for this disease are:
- Electrophoresis (in combination with medications).In this case, medications penetrate the damaged vertebrae under the influence of electric current.As a rule, electrophoresis is performed 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.
- Magnetotherapy.This type of physiotherapy relieves swelling and eliminates pain.
- Laser therapy.This is an excellent method to fight inflammatory processes, which also improves blood circulation.
Diet 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 soups;
- weaknesses and ripening;
- tea and strong coffee;
- pickles and marinades;
- canned products.
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 (small amount);
- whole grain porridge and soups;
- jellied meat, fish or jellied meat;
- vegetables, fruits and berries;
- juices, fruit drinks, jellies and compotes.
When osteochondrosis is localized in the cervical region, it is important to adhere to the drinking regimen, 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 cause additional stress on the spine.It is recommended to switch to eating 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 nutrition 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: baked fish with vegetables and tea without sugar.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis
Physical education 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 gymnastics the patient does not experience discomfort or pain.
Health for you!