Cervical osteochondrosis is a complex of degenerative diseases in the upper part of the spine that can cause disc damage, altering its texture and function. More often, the discs at the level of the fifth, sixth and seventh vertebrae experience degenerative changes because this area of the spine is more mobile and it is most involved in head movement, which means it is exposed to high loads. Due to this disease, the discs become thin, the blood supply to the spine is violated, and nerve roots are pinched, causing pain.
People of any age can have osteochondrosis, but the disease is more common between the ages of 30 and 50. Before the first pain attack, the effects of cervical osteochondrosis were barely noticeable - neck discomfort and some heaviness, dizziness, twinkling stars in front of eyes. People often don't know the real cause of these diseases. But the sooner a diagnosis is made and effective treatment begins, the better the chance of a full recovery. Prompt treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck can help restore health and give health in the future.
Signs, symptoms, and treatment of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis has its own characteristics due to the structure of the vertebrae and their size - they are much smaller and less durable than the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. With weaker neck muscles, the pressure on the vertebrae increases, making them more prone to injury.
Regardless of the level of modern medical development, the pathogenesis of this disease is not fully understood. Metabolic disorders, a sedentary lifestyle, poor posture and curvature of the spine, excess weight, infectious diseases, hypothermia, stressful situations, improper training, and injuries can promote changes in the structure of the vertebral bodies and discs.
stage of disease development
- Pain remains negligible for first-degree cervical osteochondrosis. During this period, neck discomfort occurs after prolonged exertion, and muscle ligaments are tense. All of this can be corrected with the help of physiotherapy exercises, physiotherapy procedures, ointments and taking vitamin complexes.
- With second-degree osteochondrosis, pain can become severe, especially when a person is standing, when pinching of nerve endings and a herniated disc may occur. Periodic dizziness and dark eyes. In addition to physical therapy, anti-inflammatories and pain relievers are also necessary.
- Third degree is not characterized by paroxysmal, but persistent pain that spreads to the shoulders and upper extremities. Due to the appearance of a hernia, numbness of the muscles of the hand and temporary loss of sensitivity of the fingers are possible, and the mobility of the joints deteriorates. In some cases, during the third degree of the disease, surgical intervention is necessary.
- With fourth-degree cervical osteochondrosis, the pain is lessened, but this is not the beginning of recovery at all. At this point, the intervertebral disc is almost completely destroyed, and osteophytes grow at the vertebral junction, damaging the vertebrae and nerve branches. The nutrition of the brain deteriorates, and as a result dizziness, ringing in the ears, decreased vision, disturbance of motor coordination.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Symptoms of osteochondrosis can vary, depending on which segment of the spine is damaged and how much. Most people feel pain in the neck, above (jaw), and conversely, below - in the shoulder girdle, arms, chest area. Perhaps numbness in the fingertips and tongue, general weakness, increased pressure, decreased vision and hearing, and creaking when moving the neck.
The characteristic symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- root syndrome. When the nerve is pinched, the resulting pain travels from the neck to the shoulder, spreading to the forearm, hand, fingers, and swelling. Due to poor blood supply, the skin becomes less firm and elastic and becomes pale.
- Vertebral artery syndrome presents as throbbing pain in the back of the head, coronal, affecting the temporal lobe and brow area. Pain may increase if the head is in an uncomfortable position for a prolonged period of time, for example, in a truck driver who must constantly monitor the road while driving. Nausea, dizziness, decreased vision and hearing, vestibular dysfunction may occur.
- Neck migraine syndrome occurs when branches of the sympathetic nerve are stimulated. When exposed to the node, the work of blood vessels in the brain is violated, and the blood supply to the tissue deteriorates. The patient experiences increased stress, increased heart rate, noise in the head, congestion, and ringing in the ears.
- Hypertensive syndrome is characterized by elevated intracranial pressure. The patient feels a headache erupting from within and may experience nausea, vomiting, increased body temperature, and increased ESR.
Why is osteochondrosis dangerous?
The sooner treatment for osteochondrosis of the neck begins, the more likely it is to stop its progression and get rid of the disease. In advanced cases, when an irreversible process occurs, treatment will only help relieve pain and inflammation. What is a dangerous osteochondrosis and what diseases it can cause:
- Herniation and intervertebral hernia;
- Vertebral cervical pain (limitation of neck movement);
- Phytovascular dystonia;
- Migraines and severe headaches that do not go away even with modern painkillers;
- vision and hearing loss;
- paralysis;
- formation of osteophytes;
- Deterioration of blood supply to the brain, etc.
treatment of disease
Treatment for cervical osteochondrosis is only effective in a comprehensive setting, including:
- Medication for cervical osteochondrosis, aimed at reducing pain and inflammation;
- physical therapy procedures;
- medical gymnastics;
- manual therapy methods;
- In extreme cases, surgery is performed when conservative treatment does not help and the patient's condition worsens, or if limb paralysis occurs.
Determining the cause of cervical osteochondrosis through certain symptoms and treatments is not a quick process. Depending on the patient's immunity, physical state and stage of the disease, the course of intensive treatment can last from 1 to 3 months, followed by a maintenance program of about a year.
medical treatement
The goals of drug therapy for cervical and thoracic osteochondrosis are:
- relieve pain;
- eliminate inflammation;
- get rid of puffiness;
- improve metabolism;
- Pause the degenerative process and tissue regeneration.
Currently, no medications have been developed that can handle all tasks at once, so doctors may prescribe the intake of several medications at the same time.
NSAIDs are one of the pain- and inflammation-relieving drugs for cervical osteochondrosis. Antispasmodics help relieve spasms and reduce pain. Nonsteroidal ointments and topical gels can also help relieve pain. Diuretics are used to reduce swelling.
During the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and humerus, it is necessary to use drugs that improve the function of the musculoskeletal system, stimulate metabolism and tissue regeneration, prevent irreversible changes in the joints. These agents include chondroprotectants, vitamin C and B vitamins.
Physical therapy for cervical and thoracic osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy procedures have a local effect on the damaged area, improve blood microcirculation, reduce swelling, reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Depending on the course of the disease, your doctor may prescribe the following:
- exposure to low frequency currents and electrophoresis;
- Massage, including hydromassage (especially useful during recovery);
- magnetic therapy;
- ultrasound therapy,
- Treatment with a "soft" laser beam.
manual therapy
Manipulative therapy is not used for all stages of osteochondrosis, nor is it suitable for all patients, therefore, it should be prescribed and treated by a qualified specialist. Such as infectious diseases, benign and malignant tumors, blood diseases, intervertebral hernia, etc. , are prohibited. What are the positive effects of this treatment? After the necessary course of treatment, the signs and symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis such as pain, hand numbness, dizziness and tinnitus disappear. The operations performed relieve tension in the neck muscles, improve blood circulation and strengthen the immune system.
Treat illness at home
Treating cervical osteochondrosis at home is perfectly acceptable and as effective as in the hospital, but a specialist should prescribe and monitor the course of the disease.
It is convenient to perform a set of physical therapy exercises in a relaxed home environment. Gymnastics will help strengthen the neck muscles, improve blood circulation, which nourishes the vertebrae, and relieves pain. The main elements of family therapy are systematic procedures. All exercises should be performed smoothly, avoiding sudden movements and gradually increasing the load and intensity of the training. If the condition worsens and the pain increases during gymnastics, it is necessary to reduce the speed and range of motion of the class.
Folk remedies for osteochondrosis
Traditional medicine also offers solutions for treating cervical and humeral osteochondrosis: using infusions and decoctions, therapeutic baths, oil rubs, homemade ointments and rubs.
- To relieve pain and reduce inflammation at night, take a horseradish leaf before going to bed, steam it in boiling water for a few minutes, let it cool slightly, then stick it from the inside around your neck and wrap it in a warm scarf. Leave overnight. Cabbage leaves are also suitable for therapeutic compresses, except that they are not steamed before use, but rather tapped lightly with a kitchen hammer.
- To relieve unpleasant symptoms and treat osteochondrosis of the neck, apply a honey-potato warm compress once a week. Grate 2 potatoes on a fine grater and add ½ tsp. Honey, stir well. Apply the resulting slurry to the affected area for one to two hours, wrap it around your neck, and lie down as still as possible. Then wash off the porridge with warm water.
- Rub for Neck Osteochondrosis and Symptom Relief: Take ½ cup elderberries and 2 cups alcohol and place in an airtight container away from light for a week. The resulting product is rubbed into the neck collar area.
- Inulin decoction is used to prepare anti-inflammatory compresses. 2 tablespoons of biennial Inulin is poured into 1 cup of boiling water, simmered for 10 minutes, then cooled and strained. Apply the warm soup to the neck collar area twice a day (morning and evening) for about 20 minutes. It is also useful to take a bath with inulin decoction (to take a bath, you need to prepare 10 tablespoons of the decoction of the plant).
- An equally effective way to reduce inflammation and eliminate causes and symptoms when treating cervical osteochondrosis is an ointment derived from hop cones. To prepare it, take 1 tablespoon. Ground hop cones, rubbed well with 1 tablespoon. butter or lard. Lubricate the affected area with the resulting product, then cover with a napkin and wrap in a warm scarf. Daily use of the ointment will quickly bring the desired results.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with laser device
At home, not only can you take the medicine prescribed by your doctor and do a range of exercises, but you can also continue with physical therapy such as paraffin wraps or laser beam therapy. A unique portable laser device has been developed to treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Its action is effective both in the acute phase and in the remission phase of the disease. Treating osteochondrosis with a "soft" laser beam will quickly relieve neck pain, reduce inflammation, swelling and improve overall health. For results, it takes 2-4 times a day to work along the line of the damaged vertebra for 18-24 minutes, then from the vertebra to the earlobe.