Just 30 years ago, osteochondrosis was associated exclusively with the elderly, whose joints became immobile and ached with every movement.However, times have changed.Today, more and more people exchange hard physical labor for sedentary work at the computer, pay less and less attention to the quality of their diet and are increasingly faced with 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, which begins with an 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 promptly consult a doctor if unpleasant symptoms of the disease appear.We will talk about it in this article.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Paradoxically, all our cervical spine problems 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 support system of the head by the spinal column is interrupted, in particular by its thinnest and most vulnerable part: the cervical.The second key factor in cervical osteochondrosis, which dates back to early childhood, is insufficient physical training, in particular weakness of the spinal muscles and the so-called muscle corset, designed to support the spine.
These are the two most important causes of the disease.Everything else puts a heavy burden on the weakened spine, provoking the development of the disease in quite young and healthy people.These include, first of all, sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity, in particular jobs that involve prolonged stay in the same position.This is more typical for drivers and office workers who spend their shifts sitting at computers.All this is complemented by excess body weight, which seriously increases the load on the spine.
Other causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine include:
- previous spinal injuries;
- metabolic disorders;
- hereditary predisposition;
- great physical activity;
- constant nervous tension and stress;
- developmental anomalies of the cervical spine;
- bad habits (holding the receiver with your ear and shoulder).
The process of development of osteochondrosis
The listed unfavorable factors ultimately lead to an increased load on the cervical spine.When trying to compensate for the excess load on the neck muscles, their spasm occurs, which leads to reduced blood circulation in this area and a decrease in metabolic processes.All this causes the development of degenerative processes in the spine.First, the vertebrae begin to thin and move closer together, compressing their contents (the fibrous ring) out of the spinal column.In medical terms, such a protrusion is called a protrusion.
In the case of protrusion, the fibrous ring still retains its integrity, but the protrusion already compresses the blood vessels and nerves that run along the spine and supply the brain.In addition, the approaching and deforming vertebrae 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 spinal hernia will appear.In this case, serious problems with brain nutrition will arise.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
In its development, the disease passes 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.
Osteochondrosis I degreeThis is the preclinical stage of the development of the disease, in which the patient feels mild pain and discomfort when turning his head, as well as tension and fatigue in the neck and back when staying in the same position for a long time (usually in a sitting position).At this stage, osteochondrosis can be treated perfectly by changing lifestyle, correcting nutrition and regular exercise.
Grade II osteochondrosisIn this stage, instability appears between the vertebrae of the neck.In this case, the person faces intense pain that radiates to the shoulder, neck or arm.When bending or turning the head, the pain increases significantly, since due to the decrease in the distance between the vertebrae, the nerve endings begin to pinch.The patient begins to get tired quickly, his performance decreases, he becomes distracted, forgetful and suffers from headaches.
Osteochondrosis III degreeWith the onset of the third stage of the disease, pain in the back and neck becomes even stronger, the mobility of the neck decreases significantly, and when turning the neck, crunching of the vertebrae is heard.At night, the patient's fingers begin to become numb (especially the little finger and ring finger), which is why the person wakes up several times during the night.During the day, these patients feel an unpleasant heaviness in their hands.And even a short conversation on the phone, during which a person is forced to hold the cell phone to his ear, causes unpleasant tingling and numbness in the fingers.All this indicates an increase in protrusion and possibly the appearance of a hernia in the cervical spine.
Grade IV osteochondrosisIn 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, maddening noise and pulsations in the ears, increased headaches, decreased visual acuity and hearing.In some cases numbness of the tongue may occur.
It should be said here that due to compression of blood vessels, blood flow to the brain is interrupted.For this reason, the patient develops neurotic disorders such as insomnia, nervousness, irritability and resentment, frequent mood swings and inability to concentrate.Periodically, outbursts of anger or fear may occur, melancholy and depression may occur.
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, migraines, 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.
X-ray.Currently this diagnostic method is considered uninformative, especially in the late stages of the disease.Duplex ultrasound scanning.This method is used in cases where a specialist suspects a disruption of blood flow in the arteries that supply food to the brain.The study shows the speed of blood flow and determines whether there are obstacles in its path.CT (computed tomography).This method is more informative than x-ray, since it not only identifies the problem, but also allows you to determine the presence and size of hernias, albeit with difficulty.MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).The most informative method of diagnosing osteochondrosis today, which allows you to discern bone structures, the presence of hernias and even the direction of their development.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Let's say right away that to combat such a serious problem as osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, you should 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-collar area, physical therapy, physiotherapeutic methods and proper nutrition.Only a combination of all these methods will help to cope with the disease and normalize the patient's well-being.
Helps with severe pain
In case of severe pain, doctors recommend taking drugs such 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 gel).
In a general sense, drug therapy includes the following:
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).These remedies eliminate pain, relieve swelling and deal with inflammation of the nerve roots.
- Chondroprotectors.Such drugs perfectly restore damaged cartilage tissue.
- B vitamins. They are necessary to improve metabolic processes in nervous tissues.
- 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 improves.
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 therapeutic methods.Otherwise the drugs will only give a temporary effect.
Many specialists tend to treat osteochondrosis with injections 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, regardless of how they are taken, but injections with them can be painful.
Physiotherapy treatments
Treatment with drugs should be combined with physiotherapeutic therapeutic methods.The most effective for this disease are:
- Electrophoresis (in combination with drugs).In this case, drugs 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 alleviate the inflammatory process, relieve pain and improve metabolic processes in the tissues.
- Magnetotherapy.This type of physical therapy relieves swelling and eliminates pain.
- Laser therapy.This is an excellent method to combat inflammatory processes, which also improves blood circulation.
Diet for osteochondrosis
Restoration of the affected vertebrae also includes a special diet that normalizes metabolic processes in the body, prevents the deposition of salts, nourishes and restores cartilage tissue, and also strengthens the ligaments between the vertebral discs.
To achieve this objective it is first of all advisable to exclude from the patient's diet:
- alcoholic beverages;
- fatty and fried foods;
- spicy and too salty dishes;
- strong broths;
- weaknesses and cooking;
- 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 (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 alcohol consumption regime, drinking at least 1.5 liters of water per day.If you are overweight, you should think about how to get rid of extra pounds, which put additional stress on the spine.It is recommended to switch to consumption 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, unsweetened fruits and vegetables.
A sample menu for the day would look like this:
- breakfast: cottage cheese, a couple of apples, tea without sugar;
- lunch: baked pears, some oatmeal cookies;
- lunch: vegetarian borscht, boiled chicken with vegetable salad;
- afternoon snack: dry biscuits and fruit juice;
- dinner: baked fish with vegetables and sugar-free tea.
Physical therapy for osteochondrosis
Physical education gives amazing results in the treatment of osteochondrosis, although during the recovery period you can only do gymnastics for the cervical spine.It is important here that during massage or gymnastics the patient does not feel discomfort or pain.
Good health to you!