Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of articular cartilage, which is one of the key causes of neck pain with characteristic radiation to the hands. In this disease, there is a change in the cartilage structure and muscle-ligament structures that are located nearby.
As cervical osteochondrosis progresses, it can lead to a number of serious complications, including disability of the patient, its timely diagnosis and treatment are urgent tasks of modern medicine.
Stages of pathology development and typical symptoms
The disease goes through 4 consecutive stages of development with corresponding changes in the body and accompanying symptoms:
The first stage is the initial morphological changes on 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 a tolerable pain or discomfort in the neck, which increases when turning or tilting the head. There is also a slight smoothing of the cervical lordosis and almost constant muscle tension.
In the second phase, the destruction of the fibrous ring continues, which is accompanied by the first signs of pathological mobility of the vertebrae and their instability. The space between the vertebrae decreases and there is a protrusion. At that moment, the patient notices increased pain and its radiation to the arm or shoulder area. In addition, 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, due to which the unfixed nucleus extends beyond the vertebrae and penetrates into the area of the spinal canal, forming a hernial protrusion. In turn, it puts pressure on the nerves and elements of the vascular bed, which causes blood flow disorders in the cervical region. Patients in this phase complain of severe, continuous pain in the neck that radiates to the arms and shoulders. Muscles become weaker, and stiffness of the upper extremities is systematically noticed. Episodes of dizziness, difficulties with orientation in space and stiffness of movements are added to the clinical picture.
The fourth stage is represented by the replacement of intervertebral disc cartilage with a connective tissue structure and the involvement of adjacent segments of the spine in pathological changes. Due to the fusion of the joints, their immobility occurs. For the patient, this is the most difficult phase, because he feels 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 increases significantly.
It should be noted that in addition to the main clinical picture accompanying cervical osteochondrosis in various 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 creaking when moving the head;
sleep disorders up to insomnia;
the appearance of spots before the eyes;
cases of loss of consciousness;
facial muscle paralysis;
pain in arms that occurs at night.
If compression of the spinal cord occurs, myelopathy may develop, accompanied by:
difficulty in limb movements;
problems with coordination or balance;
loss of bowel or bladder control;
weakness or stiffness in any part of the body below the neck;
shooting pains in the extremities, which increase when bending forward.
Causes of disease
The key factor that causes cervical osteochondrosis to develop is an unbalanced and excessive load on this part of the spine. In most cases, the pathology is formed against the background of involutional degenerative changes accompanying the aging process. Osteochondrosis can also occur due to traumatic neck injuries or metabolic disorders.
In addition, there are a number of other factors that contribute to increasing the load on the neck, muscle spasm and the development of chronic disease:
spine abnormalities, congenital or acquired;
overweight;
complicated heredity (for example, congenital and genetically determined weakness of connective tissue);
prolonged or frequent overloading of the spinal column (staying in a forced position, physical inactivity);
lack of vitamins;
autoimmune pathologies accompanied by damage to connective tissue structures (collagenosis);
lack of micro- or macroelements;
intense physical activity, sports with an increased risk of spinal column injuries (for example, professional wrestling);
smoking, which prevents the flow of nutrients to the intervertebral discs;
metabolic disorders;
unbalanced diet with an excess of carbohydrates and fat combined with a lack of protein;
frequent stressful situations;
pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, which leads to reduced mobility of the cervical spine;
repeated or severe neck hypothermia.
What is the danger of osteochondrosis?
The first problem, 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 weakens or disappears completely. This, in turn, leads to reduced performance.
As the disease progresses, a protrusion forms (partial release of disc tissue outside the intervertebral space), the tissue between the vertebrae begins to collapse, and the gap 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 the 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 arteries;
radiculopathy (spinal cord root compression);
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 an examination by a doctor, who conducts a detailed interview, clarifies the symptoms and history of the development of the disease, and performs a physical examination. During the examination, the doctor focuses on identifying the area of pain, assessing the mobility of the spinal column and the quality of reflexes.
After receiving the initial data, the specialist creates a plan for further diagnostics, which may include:
multilayer computed tomography;
positron emission and magnetic resonance;
radiography;
duplex scanning of blood vessels in the area of the pathological process.
Imaging techniques allow the doctor to determine the genesis of the clinical picture, identify signs of degenerative processes or other conditions that may cause symptoms that trouble the patient. Duplex scanning allows assessment of the quality of blood flow and detection of vasoconstriction.
In addition to the main diagnostic program, consultations with related specialists (vertebrologist, endocrinologist, orthopedic traumatologist, neurosurgeon, oncologist) can be performed and prescribed:
ultrasound scan of nearby organs;
electrocardiography;
standard and advanced studies of biomaterials (blood, urine).
Only after the diagnosis is confirmed, and the causes and severity of the disease are clarified, the doctor starts working on the optimal and most effective treatment program.
Treatment options
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 accompanying pathologies.
A conservative approach
When cervical osteochondrosis is identified in the initial stages, conservative therapeutic methods are chosen. They are aimed at preventing the progression of the disease, alleviating unpleasant symptoms and restoring the mobility of the spine.
As part of conservative therapy, the doctor combines drug treatment with physiotherapeutic procedures and gymnastics. He can prescribe medicines from the following categories:
chondroprotectors;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
pain relievers;
angioprotectors;
B vitamins;
hormones;
muscle relaxants;
vasodilators;
nootropics.
Physiotherapy procedures are used in addition to medication, and taking into account the patient's condition, the doctor can prescribe:
acupuncture;
kinesio taping;
massage sessions;
photodynamic therapy;
use of ultrasound or diadynamic currents;
electrophoresis;
magnetotherapy.
At the same time, in the case of cervical osteochondrosis in the acute period, it can be recommended to wear an orthopedic collar. This medical kit is necessary for fixing bones and joints, reducing the load on the affected area of the spine and relieving pain. The 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.
The last but not the least 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 posture and improving blood flow in the upper part of the spinal column.
Surgical approach
If conservative methods were unsuccessful or cervical osteochondrosis was detected in later stages, treatment is carried out with surgical intervention. The doctor can prescribe one of the following operations to the patient:
laminectomy;
endoscopic or percutaneous decompression;
radiofrequency ablation;
endoscopic removal of hernia, tumor process or areas of degenerative-dystrophic changes;
epidural adhesion lysis;
spine stabilization;
endoscopic foraminotomy;
laser nucleoplasty with puncture.
Preventive measures
Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology for which special 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 need:
adhere to the principles of a healthy lifestyle;
eliminate lifting and carrying heavy objects;
use orthopedic mattresses and sleeping pillows;
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 examinations by a specialist for preventive purposes.
How is the rehabilitation going?
The supervising doctor draws up 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 accompanying pathologies or complications of the disease.
Depending on the situation, the doctor may include massage, gymnastics and physiotherapy procedures in the rehabilitation program. Such comprehensive measures will not only speed up the recovery process and eliminate complications or relapses, but will also help improve the overall health of the patient.
Cervical osteochondrosis is a serious problem in which the patient needs timely and correct medical care. If signs of this disease appear, you can undergo diagnostics and subsequent treatment at a medical center. All specialists choose an individual approach to each patient, are guided by modern methods of treatment of osteochondrosis and provide a wide range of services, the price of which is in a comfortable range for patients.
The answer to the question
Cervical osteochondrosis has been identified, how long does it take to treat this pathology?
The duration of treatment directly depends on the stage in 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 then treated by a neurologist, but in some cases a traumatologist-orthopedic can monitor the patient.