Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the articular cartilage, which is one of the main causes of neck pain associated with the characteristic irradiation of the arms. With this disease, the structure of nearby cartilage and muscle-ligamentous structures changes.
As cervical osteochondrosis progresses, it can lead to many serious complications, including disability of the patient, its timely diagnosis and treatment are among the urgent tasks of modern medicine.
Developmental stages of the pathology and characteristic symptoms
The disease goes through 4 consecutive stages of development, with corresponding organizational changes and accompanying symptoms:
The first stage is the initial morphological changes of the intervertebral discs. The core of the intervertebral disc (nucleus pulposus) gradually dries out, cracks appear in the structure of the fibrous ring. This is accompanied by a tolerable pain or discomfort in the neck, which intensifies when turning or tilting the head. A slight flattening of the cervical lordosis and almost constant muscle tension can also be observed.
In the second stage, the destruction of the fibrous ring continues, which is accompanied by the first signs of abnormal mobility of the vertebrae and their instability. The distance between the vertebrae decreases and a protrusion occurs. At that time, the patient notices an increase in pain and radiation to the area of the arm or shoulder. At the same time, severe headaches occur, the person complains of a feeling of weakness and reduced performance.
The third stage is characterized by the complete destruction of the fibrous ring, as a result of which the unattached core extends beyond the vertebrae and penetrates the area of the spinal canal, forming a herniated protrusion. This, in turn, puts pressure on the nerves and elements of the vascular system, which disrupts blood flow in the neck region. Patients at this stage complain of severe, continuous neck pain that radiates to the arms and shoulders. Muscles weaken and numbness of the upper limbs is systematically observed. Episodes of dizziness, spatial orientation difficulties and stiffness of movements are added to the clinical picture.
The fourth stage is the replacement of the intervertebral disc with a connective tissue structure and the involvement of adjacent spinal segments in pathological changes. Due to the fusion of the joints, their immobility occurs. This is the most difficult stage for the patient, as he constantly feels severe pain in the neck, arms, chest and the area between the shoulder blades. Added to this are signs of damage to the blood supply to the brain, sensitivity disorders, and the probability of a stroke increases significantly.
It should be noted that in addition to the main clinical picture accompanying cervical osteochondrosis at different stages, additional symptoms can be observed:
reduced visual acuity;
anxiety episodes that occur due to insufficient blood supply to the brain;
hearing loss and tinnitus;
the appearance of a squeaking 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 arms at night.
If the spinal cord is compressed, myelopathy may develop, accompanied by:
difficulty in moving the limbs;
coordination or balance problems;
loss of bowel or bladder control;
weakness or numbness in any part of the body below the neck;
shooting pains in the limbs, worse when bending forward.
Causes of the disease
The key factor in the development of cervical osteochondrosis is the unbalanced and excessive load on this part of the spine. In most cases, the pathology develops against the background of involutional degenerative changes accompanying the aging process. Osteochondrosis can also occur due to traumatic neck injury or metabolic disorders.
In addition, many other factors contribute to the increased load on the neck, muscle spasms and the development of chronic diseases:
congenital or acquired spinal disorders;
overweight;
complex inheritance (for example, congenital and genetically determined weakness of connective tissues);
long-term or frequent overloading of the spine (being in a forced position, physical inactivity);
vitamin deficiencies;
autoimmune pathologies accompanied by damage to connective tissue structures (collagenosis);
lack of micro or macro elements;
intense physical activity, sports with an increased risk of spinal column 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 fat, combined with a lack of protein;
frequent stressful situations;
pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, which lead to a decrease in the mobility of the cervical spine;
repeated or severe hypothermia of the neck.
What is the danger of osteochondrosis?
The first problem that is typical for most patients who have developed cervical osteochondrosis is severe and frequent pain in the head and neck area. Because of this, people are forced to look for the most comfortable position in which the pain is weakened or completely disappears. This, in turn, leads to a decrease in performance.
As the disease progresses, a protrusion is formed (partial release of disc tissue beyond the intervertebral space), the tissue between the vertebrae begins to collapse, and the gap narrows. At the last stage of the pathological process, the disc is completely destroyed and replaced by a connective tissue structure. This leads to a limitation of motor activity, as the patient loses the ability to turn or tilt the head.
In addition, cervical osteochondrosis is dangerous because it can lead to the following complications:
hernia;
cervicocranalgia (a painful sensation localized in the area of the base of the skull);
formation of osteophytes;
compression of the arteries;
radiculopathy (compression of the roots of the spinal cord);
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 medical appointment, who conducts a thorough interview, clarifies the symptoms of the disease and the history of its development, and also conducts a physical examination. During the examination, the doctor focuses on identifying painful areas, assessing the mobility of the spine and the quality of reflexes.
After receiving the initial data, the specialist prepares a plan for further diagnostics, which may include:
multislice computed tomography;
positron emission and magnetic resonance imaging;
radiography;
duplex scanning of blood vessels in the area of the pathological process.
Imaging techniques allow the doctor to determine the origin of the clinical picture, identify signs of degenerative processes or other conditions that may cause symptoms that disturb the patient. Duplex scanning allows the assessment of the quality of blood flow and the detection of vasoconstriction.
As a supplement to the main diagnostic program, a consultation with related specialists (vertebrologist, endocrinologist, orthopedic traumatologist, neurosurgeon, oncologist) can be carried out, and the following can be prescribed:
ultrasound examination 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
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is selected based on the stage of detection of the disease, as well as taking into account the patient's age, current condition and existing complications or concurrent pathologies.
A conservative approach
When identified in the initial stages of cervical osteochondrosis, conservative therapeutic methods are chosen. Their aim is to prevent the progression of the disease, relieve unpleasant symptoms and restore the mobility of the spine.
As part of conservative therapy, the doctor combines drug treatment with physiotherapy procedures and gymnastics. You can prescribe medicines belonging to the following categories:
chondroprotectors;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
pain relievers;
angioprotectors;
B vitamins;
hormones;
muscle relaxants;
vasodilators;
nootropics.
Physiotherapy procedures are used as a supplement to medications, and taking into account the patient's condition, the doctor may prescribe:
acupuncture;
kinesio taping;
massage sessions;
photodynamic therapy;
use of ultrasound or diadynamic currents;
electrophoresis;
magnetotherapy.
At the same time, it is recommended to wear an orthopedic collar in the case of cervical osteochondrosis during an acute period. This medical accessory is necessary for fixing bones and joints, reducing the load on the affected area of the spine and relieving pain. The neck collar for osteochondrosis, the price of which varies depending on the manufacturer, type and material, is selected exclusively by the doctor for each patient.
The last but not least important part of conservative therapy is gymnastics. The doctor prepares special exercises for the patient, aimed at strengthening the musculoskeletal system, improving posture and improving blood flow in the upper part of the spine.
Surgical approach
If conservative methods were unsuccessful, or cervical osteochondrosis is detected at a later stage, the treatment is carried out with surgical intervention. The doctor may prescribe one of the following operations to the patient:
laminectomy;
endoscopic or percutaneous decompression;
radiofrequency ablation;
endoscopic removal of the area of hernia, tumor process or degenerative-dystrophic changes;
epidural lysis of adhesions;
spinal stabilization;
endoscopic foraminotomy;
laser nucleoplasty with puncture puncture.
Preventive measures
Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology for which specific preventive measures have not been developed. In order to significantly reduce the likelihood of the occurrence, recurrence or development of complications, doctors give a number of recommendations. According to them, patients should:
adhere to the principles of a healthy lifestyle;
eliminate lifting and transporting heavy objects;
use orthopedic mattresses and pillows for sleep;
get a regular dose of physical activity and go swimming;
eat a balanced diet;
excludes situations in which hypothermia of the cervical spine is possible;
constantly monitor your posture;
in the case of sedentary work, systematically take breaks for short therapeutic exercises;
be careful when turning and tilting your head;
for the purpose of prevention, it must be subjected to regular examinations by a specialist.
How does rehabilitation take place?
The supervising physician prepares a plan for the rehabilitation period taking into account several aspects:
at what stage cervical osteochondrosis was detected;
the general health and well-being of the patient;
age and body weight of the patient;
existing concomitant pathologies or complications of the disease.
Depending on the situation, the doctor may also include massage treatments, gymnastics and physiotherapy sessions in the rehabilitation program. Such comprehensive measures not only speed up the recovery process and eliminate complications or relapses, but also contribute to improving the general health of the patient.
Cervical osteochondrosis is a serious problem in which the patient needs timely and appropriate medical care. If signs of this disease appear, you can make a diagnosis and receive subsequent treatment at the medical center. Each specialist chooses an individual approach for each patient, is guided by modern methods of treating osteochondrosis, and provides a wide range of services, the prices of which are in a comfortable range for patients.
Question answer
Cervical osteochondrosis has been identified, how long does it take to treat the pathology?
The duration of the 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 see if I suspect that I have cervical osteochondrosis?
Cervical osteochondrosis is identified and treated by a neurologist, but in some cases a traumatologist-orthopedic can also supervise the patient.