Just 30 years ago, osteochondrosis was associated exclusively with the elderly, whose joints became immobile and hurt with every movement.However, times have changed.Today, more and more people change hard physical work to work sitting at the computer, pay less and less attention to the quality of nutrition, and are increasingly at risk of cervical spine osteochondrosis.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, which begins with an unpleasant pain in the neck, very quickly causes serious consequences in the form of weakening of hearing and vision, as well as deterioration of memory up to its complete loss.Therefore, every person should know the causes of osteochondrosis and in case of unpleasant symptoms of the disease, consult a doctor immediately.We will talk about them in this article.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Paradoxically, all our problems with the cervical spine begin in early childhood, more precisely in elementary school, where the child's posture deteriorates and scoliosis develops.It is at this moment that the system of fixing the head by the spine is broken, in particular its thinnest and most vulnerable part - the cervix.The second key factor in cervical osteochondrosis, which comes from early childhood, is insufficient physical training, in particular, weakness of the back muscles and the so-called
These are the two most important causes of the disease.All the rest put a heavy burden on the weakened spine, which provokes the development of the disease in quite young and healthy people.First of all, this includes a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity, in particular, work that involves staying in one position for a long time.This is most typical for drivers and office workers who sit at the computer in shifts.All this is supplemented by excess body weight, which seriously increases the load on the spine.
Other causes of cervical spine osteochondrosis include:
- Previous injuries of the spine;
- metabolic disorders;
- hereditary predisposition;
- great physical activity;
- constant nervous tension and stress;
- Anomalies of cervical spine development;
- Bad habits (holding the headset with the ear and shoulder).
The process of development of osteochondrosis
The listed unfavorable factors ultimately lead to the loading of the cervical spine.When compensating for the excessive load on the neck muscles, their spasm occurs, which leads to blood circulation in this area and a decrease in metabolic processes.All this leads to the development of degenerative processes in the spine.First, the vertebrae begin to thin and move closer together, compressing their contents (the annulus fibrosus) outside the spine.From a medical point of view, such a rash is called a protrusion.
In the case of a protrusion, the annulus fibrosus still maintains its integrity, but the protrusion already compresses the blood vessels and nerves that travel along the spinal column and supply the brain.Moreover, the approaching and deformed vertebrae begin to compress the roots of the peripheral nerves, which leads to the development of the so-called "radicular syndrome", which is manifested by severe pain in the back and neck.If you do not identify the problem (which is eloquently indicated by unpleasant symptoms) and do not start treating osteochondrosis, the fibrous ring will burst and a hernia of the spine will appear.In this case, serious problems arise with brain nutrition.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
During 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 distance between the vertebrae is minimal here, and therefore even small degenerative changes cause unpleasant symptoms and cause various complications.
Osteochondrosis of the first degreeThis is the preclinical stage of the disease, during 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 completely treated by changing lifestyle, adjusting nutrition and regular exercise.
Osteochondrosis II degreeAt this stage, instability occurs between the vertebrae of the neck.In this case, a person faces severe pain that radiates to the shoulder, neck or arm.When bending or turning the head, the pain intensifies significantly, because the distance between the vertebrae is reduced, the nerve endings begin.The patient begins to tire quickly, his performance decreases, he becomes distracted, forgetful and suffers from headaches.
Osteochondrosis III degreeWith 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 the neck is turned, a crackling of the spine is heard.At night, the patient's fingers begin to go numb (first of all, the little finger and the ring finger), due to which the person wakes up several times during the night.Such patients experience unpleasant heaviness in their hands throughout the day.And even a short conversation on the phone, during which a person is forced to bring the mobile phone close to the ear, causes unpleasant tingling and numbness of the fingers.All this indicates the growth of the protrusion and possibly the appearance of a hernia in the cervical spine.
Osteochondrosis IV degreeAt the last stage of the disease, the vertebral discs are destroyed, stop performing their functions and begin to be replaced by connective tissue.A patient in this condition may experience poor coordination of movement, noise and maddening pulsation in the ears, increased headache, decreased visual acuity and hearing.In some cases, the tongue may become numb.
It should be said here that the blood flow in the brain is disturbed due to the compression of the blood vessels.Due to this, the patient develops neurotic disorders such as insomnia, nervousness, irritability and resentment, frequent mood swings and inability to concentrate.Outbursts of anger or fear, sadness and depression may occur periodically.
In the later stages of the development of osteochondrosis, a strong spasm of blood vessels can cause the appearance of "sliding" in front of the eyes, a feeling of instability on a hard, flat surface, severe dizziness, migraine, nausea, vomiting and frequent weakness.
Diagnosis of the disease
To determine the cause of the pathology, the patient explains 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.Ultrasound duplex scan.This method is used in cases where the specialist suspects a blood flow disorder in the arteries that supply the brain.The study shows the speed of blood flow and determines whether there are any obstacles in its path.CT (computed tomography).This method is more informative compared to radiography, because it not only identifies the problem, but also allows you to determine the presence and size of the hernia, albeit with difficulties.MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).The most informative method of diagnosing osteochondrosis today, which allows you to find out the bone structures, the presence of hernias and even the direction of their development.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Let's say right away that in order to combat such a serious problem as osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, you should consult a neurologist.True, if the clinic has a vertebrologist, it is better to contact him first.
Treatment of osteochondrosis is possible only comprehensively.The set of methods used includes drug therapy, cervical massage, exercise therapy, physiotherapeutic 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 such medicines 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 a general sense, drug therapy includes the following:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).These remedies eliminate pain, relieve swelling and deal with inflammation of the nerve roots.
- Chondroprotectors.Such medicines perfectly restore the damaged cartilage tissue.
- B vitamins.They are necessary to improve metabolic processes in nerve tissues.
- Muscle relaxants.The action of these drugs is aimed at reducing muscle spasm.
- Medicines 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 a noticeable effect in the fight against osteochondrosis can be achieved with the help of ointments and tablets only if drug treatment is combined with other methods of therapy.Otherwise, the drugs will only give a temporary effect.
Many specialists tend to treat osteochondrosis with injections in order to quickly act on the nerve endings and save the patient from possible side effects when taking pills.However, it is better 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 treatment
Drug treatment should be combined with physiotherapeutic methods of therapy.The most effective for this disease:
- Electrophoresis (with drugs).In this case, medicines reach the damaged vertebrae under the influence of electric current.As a rule, electrophoresis is performed with Eufillin to improve blood flow, or 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 pain.
- laser therapy.This is an excellent method of combating inflammatory processes, which also improves blood circulation.
Diet during osteochondrosis
Restoration of the affected spine 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 spinal 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 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 (a small amount);
- whole grain porridges and soups;
- jellied meat, jellied fish or meat;
- vegetables, fruits and berries;
- Juices, fruit drinks, jellies and compotes.
When osteochondrosis is localized in the cervical area, it is important to follow the drinking regime, drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day.If you are overweight, then you need to think about how to get rid of extra pounds, which puts additional stress on the spine.It is advisable to switch to eating 5 times a day with 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, cooked lean meat, fish, seafood, sugar-free vegetables and fruits.
A sample menu of the day looks like this:
- Breakfast: cottage cheese, a few apples, tea without sugar;
- Lunch: baked pear, a few oatmeal cookies;
- Lunch: vegetarian borsch, boiled chicken with vegetable salad;
- Afternoon snack: dry cookies and fruit juice;
- Dinner: baked fish with vegetables and tea without sugar.
Exercise therapy of osteochondrosis
Physical education gives amazing results in the treatment of osteochondrosis, however, you can do gymnastics only during the recovery period of the cervical spine.It is important here that the patient does not experience discomfort or pain during massage or exercise.
I wish you health!