Only 30 years ago, osteochondrosis was exclusively associated with the elderly, whose joints became immobile and hurt with every movement.However, times have changed.Today, more and more people replace heavy physical labor with sedentary work in front of the computer, pay less and less attention to the quality of their diet, and more and more often face 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, starting 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 to its complete loss.Therefore, every person should know the causes of osteochondrosis and immediately consult a doctor if unpleasant symptoms of the disease appear.We will talk about them in this article.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Paradoxically, all our problems with the cervical spine 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 system for supporting the head from the spine is disturbed, in particular from its thinnest and most vulnerable part - the cervical.The second key factor for cervical osteochondrosis, which dates back to early childhood, is insufficient physical training, in particular the 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.All the rest put a heavy load on the weakened spine, provoking the development of the disease in quite young and healthy people.First of all, they include a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity, especially work that involves a long time in one position.This is most typical for drivers and office workers who spend their shifts in front of the computer.All this is supplemented 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;
- anomalies in the development of the cervical spine;
- bad habits (holding the handset with the ear and shoulder).
The process of development of osteochondrosis
The listed unfavorable factors ultimately lead to increased load on the cervical vertebrae.When you try to compensate for the excessive load on the neck muscles, their spasm occurs, which leads to impaired 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, pushing their contents (the annulus fibrosus) out of the spine.In medicine, such a protrusion is called a protrusion.
In the case of bulging, the annulus fibrosus still retains its integrity, but the bulging 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 press 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 tear 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 vertebrae differs from degenerative changes in other parts of the spine.The distances between the vertebrae here are minimal, which is why even small degenerative changes cause unpleasant symptoms and lead to various complications.
Osteochondrosis I degreeThis is the preclinical stage of the disease, in which the patient experiences slight 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 perfectly 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 experiences severe pain that radiates to the shoulder, neck or arm.When bending or turning the head, the pain intensifies significantly, because due to a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae, the nerve endings begin to be pressed.The patient begins to tire quickly, his ability to work decreases, he becomes distracted, forgetful, 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 noticeably decreases, and when you turn the neck, you can hear the vertebrae creaking.At night, the patient's fingers begin to go numb (mainly the little finger and the ring finger), due to which a person wakes up several times a night.Throughout the day, such 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 mobile phone close to the ear, leads to unpleasant tingling and numbness in the fingers.All this indicates an increase in the convexity and possibly the appearance of a hernia in the cervical spine.
Osteochondrosis IV degreeIn the last stage of the disease, the spinal discs are destroyed, stop performing their functions and begin to be replaced by connective tissue.A patient with this condition may experience poor movement coordination, noise and maddening pulsations in the ears, increased headache, decreased visual acuity and hearing.Numbness of the tongue may occur in some cases.
It should be said here that blood flow to the brain is disturbed due to compression of the blood vessels.Because of 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 may occur periodically, melancholy and depression may occur.
In the later stages of the development of osteochondrosis, severe vascular spasms can lead to the appearance of "floating" before the eyes, a feeling of instability on a hard, flat surface, severe dizziness, migraine, nausea, vomiting and frequent seizures.
Diagnosis of the disease
In order 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.
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 a specialist suspects a violation 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 compared to radiography, as it not only identifies the problem, but also allows you to determine the presence and size of the hernia, although difficult.MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).The most informative method of diagnosing osteochondrosis today, which allows you to recognize 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 fight such a serious problem as osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, you need to contact a neurologist.True, if there is a vertebrologist in the clinic, it is better to contact him first.
Osteochondrosis can only be treated comprehensively.The complex of methods used includes drug therapy, cervical massage, exercise therapy, physical therapy 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 drugs such as Analgin, Baralgin or Tempalgin.When these drugs stop bringing 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:
- 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.
- vitamins of group B. They are necessary to improve metabolic processes in nervous tissues.
- Muscle relaxants.The action of these drugs is aimed at reducing muscle spasms.
- Medicines that improve the rheological properties of blood.Thanks to such means, the supply of the brain and nerve endings with oxygen and nutrients is improved.
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 methods of therapy.Otherwise, the drugs will only give a temporary effect.
Many specialists tend to treat osteochondrosis with injections in order to act quickly on the nerve endings and save the patient from possible side effects of taking pills.However, it is better to take vitamins orally, because... Vitamins are well absorbed by the body, regardless of the way they are taken, but injections with them can be painful.
Physiotherapy procedures
Drug treatment should be combined with physiotherapeutic methods of therapy.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 relieve the inflammatory process, relieve pain and improve metabolic processes in the tissues.
- Magnetotherapy.This type of physical therapy relieves swelling and relieves pain.
- Laser therapy.This is an excellent method of combating inflammatory processes, which also improves blood circulation.
Diet for osteochondrosis
The 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 the cartilage tissue, and also strengthens the connections 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 overly salty dishes;
- strong broths;
- weakness and burning;
- strong tea and coffee;
- pickles and marinades;
- canned goods.
The diet of a patient with osteochondrosis should consist of the following foods:
- lean meat and fish;
- low-fat milk, cottage cheese and kefir;
- oil (a small amount);
- whole grain cereals 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 region, it is important to adhere to the drinking regime, drinking at least 1.5 liters of water per day.If you are overweight, then you need to think about how to get rid of the extra pounds that put extra strain on the spine.It is recommended to switch to eating 5 times a day in small portions.
At the same time, as seen from the list of foods allowed for consumption, the basis of the diet should be low-fat vegetarian soups, boiled lean meat, fish, seafood, unsweetened vegetables and fruits.
An example menu for the day will look like this:
- breakfast: cottage cheese, a few apples, tea without sugar;
- lunch: baked pear, some oatmeal cookies;
- lunch: vegetarian borscht, boiled chicken with vegetable salad;
- afternoon snack: dry sweets and fruit juice;
- dinner: baked fish with vegetables and tea without sugar.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis
Physical education gives amazing results in the treatment of osteochondrosis, although during the recovery period you can do gymnastics only for the cervical vertebrae.Here it is important that during the massage or gymnastics the patient does not feel discomfort or pain.
Much health to you!