Cervical osteochondrosis

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

Cervical osteochondrosis is a progressive degenerative-dystrophic process that leads to depletion, deformation and destruction of the intervertebral discs of the cervical region. The loss of shock-absorbing cartilage causes pain both due to exposure of the articular surfaces (spondyloarthrosis) and due to 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 injury to the spine, covering the thoracic, lumbar and sacral regions.

General information about cervical osteochondrosis

It is believed that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is more common than in other departments. In fact, this is not the case - dystrophic phenomena develop equally at all points of maximum load - in the area of the main bends of the spine (the lower the department, the greater the load it carries). However, the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are more pronounced, so it seems to be a more frequent occurrence. This is due to the high mobility of the vertebrae of the neck, which at the same time support the head, as well as the peculiarity of the location of the exits of the roots of the spinal cord.

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

Considering the age of the audience, 2 forms of cervical osteochondrosis can be distinguished - physiological and pathological.

physiological processrelated to the natural aging of the body, when the symptoms of the disease are a consequence of the gradual wear and tear of the intervertebral discs. The process occurs under the influence of the endocrine system and is a consequence of menopause changes. The destruction of cartilage structures starts 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 with special medications.

Pathological processassociated with destructive abnormal changes in the body - immune, dystrophic, inflammatory, metabolic. First of all, pericartilaginous tissues are involved - salt deposits appear in 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 mild discomfort and muscle tension in the diseased area, the cartilage 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 decreases;
• Stage 3 - pain intensifies and becomes constant, movements are limited. Turning the head can provoke periods of dizziness, nausea, impaired blood supply to the brain leads to general lethargy, fatigue, impaired concentration, the cartilage becomes thinner, 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; the blood circulation of the brain is impaired and requires constant medical support; beads begin to grow together.

Cervical osteochondrosis: signs, symptoms, pathology treatment

In the early stages, osteochondrosis is asymptomatic. As the disease progresses, 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: cardiac, vertebral, radicular (nerve) and vertebral artery syndrome (with blood circulation disorders).

Vertebral syndrome:

• crackling in the neck when turning / tilting the head;
• as the disease progresses, pain and difficulty in movement appear;
• morphological structural disorders in the vertebral body and intervertebral space (visible on x-ray).

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 in swallowing;
• discomfort in the area between the shoulder blades;
• headache in nape and forehead.

vertebral artery syndrome:

• unreasonable jumps in blood pressure;
• dizziness, up to loss of consciousness;
• tinnitus, feeling of cotton wool on the head;
• unilateral temporary blindness, "flies" in the eye;
• periodic periods 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.

Careful!All these syndromes must be combined with each other. The absence of symptoms of one of them can be the reason for 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 skeletal muscle development.

• lack of movement - what is not developed - degrades: muscles weaken, tissues are destroyed;
• incorrect static postures - muscle clamps lead to blood circulation disorders with subsequent tissue degeneration;
• lack of nutrition or an unbalanced diet - the body must receive everything necessary for the construction and renewal of bone and cartilage structures of the skeleton, while 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 absorption of calcium, silicon, phosphorus and other elements of bone and cartilage tissue;
• neck injuries;
• congenital abnormalities of the spine and adjacent muscles.

Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis

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

A physical examination is performed by a doctor with a question of the patient. The main diagnostic burden lies in instrumental and laboratory research methods.

• x-ray of the cervical region; at the initial stage of the process, the MRI of the cervical region will be more informative - it will provide high-quality visualization of hard and soft tissues - it will show the condition of the intervertebral discs, the presence of osteophytes, deformations, damageand nerve roots and blood vessels; assess the condition of ligaments, muscles, bone tissue; shows the dynamic state of soft tissues;
• dopplerography of the vessels of the neck will help to assess hemodynamics and the degree of damage to blood vessels (in particular, the condition 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 cardiac syndrome with cardiovascular diseases.

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 influence

It is a gradual restoration or compensation of damage against the background of symptomatic treatment. It includes drug therapy, physiotherapy, exercise 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, as well as corticosteroids (short course if necessary);
• drugs for improving microcirculation and blood circulation in general;
• chondroprotectors - tools for the protection and restoration of cartilage tissue;
• muscle relaxants - to eliminate muscle cramps and spasms;
• Complexes of vitamins and trace elements - necessary for the nutrition and support of tissues with building elements.

With the disappearance of acute symptoms, physiotherapy, exercise therapy and self-massage methods are associated.

Physiotherapyimproves the nutrition of cartilage and bone tissue. due to the restoration of blood supply to the damaged area. To avoid complications, it is recommended to use the method of isometric movements, when instead of real turns and tilts of the head, which can cause damage, their imitation is used.

Careful!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. Sequence of basic exercises:

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

After strengthening the short muscles of the neck, you can start performing dynamic exercises.

On a note!Swimming and water aerobics have proven themselves as a technique for restoring cervical mobility.

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

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

Physiotherapytypical for hospital treatment and bath rehabilitation. Well proven:

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

Surgical intervention is indicated for complicated extrusion, spinal cord injury and severe pain syndromes.

What is dangerous cervical osteochondrosis

The neck area centers on a dense intertwining of major blood vessels, nerve processes, and dynamic skeletal structures. In the absence of treatment, serious pathological changes can be observed:

• the weakening of the fibrous ring provokes dislocations and subluxations in the area of the most mobile vertebrae;
• the presence of osteophytes and muscle spasm leads to damage to nerve roots and blood vessels with the formation of compression syndromes;
• destruction of cartilaginous discs and convergence of vertebrae leads to intervertebral hernia with damage to nerve 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 starvation of the brain and its structures;
• retinal dystrophy with visual impairment;
• dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
• dysfunction of the esophagus and trachea - difficulty in swallowing and respiratory spasms;
• intractable pain in the head, neck, chest, upper limbs;
• convulsions and numbness of the face, hands;
• breakdown of the hypothalamo-pituitary system, which brings about the failure of all the body's hormonal activity.

Preventive measures of cervical osteochondrosis

The most effective treatment is disease prevention. Prevention will help you with this. It is enough to follow some basic recommendations:

• correct your attitude,
• create a comfortable workplace;
• 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 intake of salt, sweet, starchy and spicy foods;
• for sleep and rest, use an orthopedic mattress and pillow;
• go for a non-strength sport - it is better to give priority to swimming.

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

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

Even at school, in biology lessons, they tried to convey important information about the great 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 say that disorders of the musculoskeletal system, in particular, caused by osteochondrosis, can cause the development of a large number of different serious diseases.

Why 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 ordinary 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 that surround 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 cartilage tears, which means the discs are no longer able to absorb the load on the spine. This is where the constant back pain comes from.

If you do not intervene in the process at this stage, then osteochondrosis will continue to progress and give complications, for example, a disc herniation. This, in turn, causes a violation in the segmental apparatus of the spinal cord and damages 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 of interest to us.

The development of impotence in men, in addition to physical violations, also contributes to the psychological factor. After all, for any normal and complete man, even a single failure in bed becomes a drama, and it does not matter that it is caused by an aggravation of osteochondrosis, sciatica or other sources of back pain.

Men may begin to experience difficulty with erection 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 is observed, which causes malfunctions in the production of sex hormones and substances that are responsible for vascular tone. Therefore, with cervical osteochondrosis, more often patients complain of decreased sexual desire, anorgasm and problems with ejaculation.

Lumbar osteochondrosis

Since the pelvic area, namely where the male genitals are located, is, so to speak, in an "off" state due to disorders in the spinal cord, nerve impulses do not always manage to pass to the genitals, which leads to dysfunctionerectile.

Female and male infertility as a result of osteochondrosis

Often, in the absence of other prerequisites, unsuccessful attempts to conceive a child in both men and women can be the result of pathological processes accompanying 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.

Examinations 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 changes 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 experience any signs of illness and do not feel the slightest discomfort in the back. This is mainly due to the fact that disorders 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 who suffer from disorders of sexual and reproductive functions are strongly recommended to undergo the most complete examination of the body, not forgetting the neuropathologist and the vertebrologist. It is possible that the root of the problem lies precisely in the pathologies of the spine.