Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the articular cartilage, which is one of the main causes of neck pain with characteristic radiation to the hands. In this disease, there is a change in the structure of the cartilaginous and muscle-ligamentous structures located nearby.
Since the progression of cervical osteochondrosis can lead to a number of severe complications, including damage to the patient, timely diagnosis and treatment are among the urgent tasks of modern medicine.
Stages of pathology development and typical symptoms
The disease goes through 4 successive stages of development with corresponding changes in the body and accompanying symptoms:
The first stage is the initial morphological changes in the intervertebral discs. The core of the intervertebral disc (nucleus pulposus) gradually dries up and cracks appear in the structure of the fibrous ring. This is accompanied by tolerable pain or discomfort in the neck, which increases when turning or tilting the head. There is also a slight flattening of the cervical lordosis and almost constant muscle tension.
In the second stage, the destruction of the fibrous ring continues, which is accompanied by the first signs of pathological mobility of the vertebrae and their instability. The distance between the vertebrae decreases and a bulge appears. At this time, the patient notices an increase in pain and its radiation in the area of the arm or shoulder. Along with this, severe headaches appear, a person complains of a feeling of weakness and reduced ability to work.
The third stage is characterized by complete destruction of the fibrous ring, due to which the unfixed nucleus extends beyond the vertebrae and penetrates into the region of the spinal canal, forming a hernial protrusion. It, in turn, exerts pressure on the nerves and elements of the vascular bed, which leads to disruption of blood flow in the cervical region. Patients at this stage complain of severe, prolonged pain in the neck, radiating to the arms and shoulders. Muscles become weaker and numbness of the upper limbs is systematically noted. Episodes of dizziness, difficulties with orientation in space and stiffness of movements are added to the clinical picture.
The fourth stage is expressed in the replacement of the cartilage of the intervertebral disc with a connective tissue structure and the inclusion of adjacent spinal segments in the pathological changes. Due to the fusion of the joints, their immobility occurs. For the patient, this is the most difficult stage, as he experiences constant severe pain in the neck, arms, chest and the area between the shoulder blades. Added to this are signs of impaired blood supply to the brain, sensitivity disorders, and the likelihood of a stroke significantly increases.
It should be noted that in addition to the main clinical picture that accompanies cervical osteochondrosis at various stages, additional symptoms can be noted:
reduced visual acuity;
anxiety episodes that occur due to insufficient blood supply to the brain;
hearing loss and tinnitus;
the appearance of a crunching sound when moving the head;
sleep disorders up to insomnia;
the appearance of dots before the eyes;
cases of loss of consciousness;
paralysis of facial muscles;
pain in the hands that occurs at night.
If compression of the spinal cord occurs, myelopathy may develop, accompanied by:
difficulties in the movements of the limbs;
problems with coordination or balance;
loss of bowel or bladder control;
weakness or numbness in any area of the body below the neck;
shooting pains in limbs, worse when bending forward.
Causes of the disease
The main factor that causes cervical osteochondrosis to develop is the uneven and excessive load on this part of the spine. In most cases, the pathology is formed against the background of involutional degenerative changes that accompany the aging process. Osteochondrosis can also occur due to traumatic neck injury or metabolic disorders.
In addition, there are a number of other factors that contribute to increased stress on the neck, muscle spasms and the development of chronic diseases:
spinal anomalies, congenital or acquired;
Overweight;
complicated heredity (for example, congenital and genetically determined weakness of connective tissue);
prolonged or frequent overloading of the spine (staying in a forced position, lack of physical activity);
vitamin deficiency;
autoimmune pathologies accompanied by damage to connective tissue structures (collagenosis);
deficiency of micro- or macroelements;
intense physical activity, sports with an increased risk of spinal injury (for example, professional wrestling);
smoking, which prevents the flow of nutrients to the intervertebral discs;
metabolic disorders;
an unbalanced diet with an excess of carbohydrates and fats combined with a protein deficiency;
frequent stressful situations;
pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, leading to reduced mobility of the cervical spine;
repeated or severe neck hypothermia.
What is the danger of osteochondrosis?
The first problem characteristic of most patients who have developed cervical osteochondrosis is severe and frequent pain in the head and neck area. Therefore, people are forced to look for the most comfortable position in which the pain weakens or completely disappears. This in turn leads to reduced productivity.
As the disease progresses, a bulge forms (partial release of disc tissue beyond the intervertebral space), the tissue between the vertebrae begins to break down, and the space narrows. With the last stage of the pathological process, the disc is completely destroyed and replaced by a connective tissue structure. This leads to limitation of motor activity, as the patient loses the ability to turn or tilt his head.
In addition, cervical osteochondrosis is dangerous because it can lead to the following complications:
hernia;
cervicocranialgia (painful sensation localized in the area of the base of the skull);
formation of osteophytes;
compression of the arteries;
radiculopathy (compression of spinal cord roots);
chronic pain syndrome.
In the most severe and advanced cases, cervical osteochondrosis causes compression of the spinal cord, paralysis and disability of the patient.
Diagnostic methods
The diagnosis of a patient with suspected cervical osteochondrosis begins with a meeting with a doctor who conducts an in-depth conversation, clarifies the symptoms and the history of the development of the disease, and also performs a physical examination. During the examination, the doctor focuses on identifying areas of pain, assessing the mobility of the spine and the quality of reflexes.
After receiving the initial data, the specialist creates a plan for further diagnostics, which may include:
multislice computed tomography;
positron emission and nuclear magnetic resonance;
radiography;
duplex scanning of vessels in the area of the pathological process.
Imaging techniques allow the doctor to determine the genesis of the clinical picture, to identify signs of degenerative processes or other conditions that could provoke the appearance of symptoms that bother the patient. A duplex scan allows you to assess the quality of blood flow and detect vasoconstriction.
As an addition to the main diagnostic program, consultations with related specialists (vertebrologist, endocrinologist, orthopedic traumatologist, neurosurgeon, oncologist) can be conducted and the following prescribed:
ultrasound scan of nearby organs;
electrocardiography;
standard and advanced tests of biomaterials (blood, urine).
Only after confirming the diagnosis and clarifying the causes and severity of the disease, the doctor begins to work on the optimal and most effective treatment program.
Treatment options
The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is selected based on the stage at which the disease was detected, as well as taking into account the patient's age, his current condition and existing complications or concomitant pathologies.
A conservative approach
When identifying cervical osteochondrosis in the initial stages, conservative therapeutic methods are chosen. They are aimed at preventing the progression of the disease, relieving unpleasant symptoms and restoring the mobility of the spine.
As part of conservative therapy, the doctor combines drug treatment with physical therapy procedures and gymnastics. He can prescribe medicines from the following categories:
chondroprotectors;
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
pain relievers;
angioprotectors;
B vitamins;
hormones;
muscle relaxants;
vasodilators;
nootropics.
Physiotherapy procedures are used as a supplement to drugs and, given the patient's condition, the doctor may prescribe:
acupuncture;
kinesio taping;
massage sessions;
photodynamic therapy;
the use of ultrasound or diadynamic currents;
electrophoresis;
magnetotherapy.
At the same time, with cervical osteochondrosis in the acute period, it may be recommended to wear an orthopedic collar. This medical accessory is necessary to fix bones and joints, reduce the load on the affected area of the spine and relieve pain. A cervical collar for osteochondrosis, the price of which varies depending on the manufacturer, type and material, is selected exclusively by the doctor individually for each patient.
Last but not least, an important part of conservative therapy is gymnastics. The doctor prepares a set of special exercises for the patient, aimed at strengthening the muscle frame, correcting the posture and improving the blood flow in the upper part of the spine.
Surgical approach
If conservative methods are unsuccessful or cervical osteochondrosis is detected in the later stages, treatment is carried out by surgical intervention. The doctor may prescribe one of the following operations to the patient:
laminectomy;
endoscopic or percutaneous decompression;
radiofrequency ablation;
endoscopic removal of hernia, tumor process or area of degenerative-dystrophic changes;
epidural lysis of adhesions;
stabilization of the spine;
endoscopic foraminotomy;
laser nucleoplasty with puncture puncture.
Precautions
Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology for which specific prevention measures have not been developed. In order to significantly reduce the probability of the occurrence of the disease, its recurrence or the development of complications, doctors give a number of recommendations. According to them, patients should:
observe the principles of a healthy lifestyle;
elimination of lifting and carrying heavy objects;
use orthopedic mattresses and pillows for sleep;
they regularly receive dosed physical activity and swim;
eat a balanced diet;
exclude situations in which hypothermia of the cervical spine is possible;
constantly monitor your posture;
systematically take breaks for short sessions of therapeutic exercises in case of sedentary work;
be careful when turning and tilting your head;
undergo regular examination by a specialized specialist for preventive purposes.
How is the rehabilitation going?
The attending physician prepares a plan for the rehabilitation period, taking into account several aspects:
at what stage cervical osteochondrosis was detected;
general health and well-being of the patient;
age category and body weight of the patient;
existing concomitant pathologies or complications of the disease.
Depending on the situation, the doctor may include massage, gymnastics and physiotherapy procedures in the rehabilitation program. Such complex measures will not only speed up the recovery process and eliminate complications or relapses, but also help improve the overall health of the patient.
Cervical osteochondrosis is a serious problem in which the patient needs timely and correct medical assistance. If signs of this disease appear, you can undergo diagnosis and subsequent treatment at a medical center. All specialists choose an individual approach to each patient, are guided by modern methods of treating osteochondrosis and provide a wide range of services, the price of which is within patient-friendly limits.
Question answer
Cervical osteochondrosis has been diagnosed, how long does it take to treat this pathology?
The duration of treatment depends directly on the stage at which the patient with cervical osteochondrosis sought help. Only a doctor who has assessed the severity of the pathological process and monitors the dynamics of progress during treatment can determine the most likely period.
Which doctor should I contact if I suspect that I have cervical osteochondrosis?
Cervical osteochondrosis is identified and subsequently treated by a neurologist, but in some cases a traumatologist-orthopedic can monitor the patient.