Cervical osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the joints and intervertebral discs. Osteochondrosis affects the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs. As a result, the disc hardens and shrinks, losing its cushioning properties and causing severe pain.

Cervical osteochondrosis is a progressive degenerative-dystrophic process that leads to exhaustion, deformation and destruction of the intervertebral discs of the cervical region. The loss of shock-absorbing cartilage causes pain from both exposure of the joint surfaces (spondyloarthrosis) and compression of the nerve roots of the spinal cord.

Without timely treatment, ossification of the spine is possible with the loss of its natural flexibility, impaired blood supply to the brain, and deterioration of nerve conduction in the parts of the body that innervate the roots of the cervical spine.

Pathology can develop both independently and as part of a general lesion of the spine, covering the thoracic, lumbar and sacral regions.

General information on cervical osteochondrosis

It is believed that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is more common than in other departments. In fact, this is not the case - dystrophic phenomena develop equally at all points of maximum load - in the area of \u200b\u200bthe main bends of the spine (the lower the department is, the greater the load it carries). . However, the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are more pronounced, so they seem to be more common. This is due to the high mobility of the cervical vertebrae, which at the same time hold the head, as well as the peculiarity of the location of the exits of the roots of the spinal cord.

On a note!According to statistics, the disease affects more than 60% of middle-aged and older people. However, recently there has been a rejuvenation of the pathological process - pathology occurs in young people and even in adolescents. This is due to the general computerization of study and work, as well as a decrease in physical activity and a deterioration in the quality of nutrition.

Taking into account the age audience, 2 forms of cervical osteochondrosis can be distinguished - physiological and pathological.

physiological processin connection with the natural aging of the body, when the symptoms of the disease are a consequence of the gradual wear and tear of the intervertebral discs. The process takes place under the influence of the endocrine system and is a consequence of changes in menopause. The destruction of the cartilaginous structures begins in the center of the intervertebral disc and is accompanied by a gradual replacement of the cartilaginous tissue with fibrous tissue. The pathology is irreversible, but it can be compensated for by special drugs.

pathological processassociated with abnormal destructive changes in the body - immune, dystrophic, inflammatory, metabolic. First of all, pericartilaginous tissues are involved - salt deposits appear on bone structures, nerve roots become inflamed, atrophy or hypertonia of skeletal muscles occurs, which leads to impaired blood circulation in the head, neck and chest. With timely diagnosis, the pathology is treatable and ends with the full restoration of the healthy functioning of organs and tissues.

Stages of cervical osteochondrosis and its symptoms

There are 4 main stages of the pathological process:

• Stage 1 - is manifested by slight discomfort and muscle strain in the diseased area, cartilaginous discs lose their stability;
• Stage 2 - there is local pain, especially when moving the head. The intervertebral discs are deformed, the fibrous ring begins to collapse, the distance between the vertebrae is reduced;
• Stage 3 - the pain intensifies and becomes constant, movements are restricted. Turning the head can cause dizziness, nausea, circulatory disorders in the brain lead to general lethargy, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, cartilage becomes thinner, the vertebrae close, the fibrous ring is completely destroyed with the risk of an intervertebral fracture;
• 4th stage - pain syndrome completely immobilizes the neck area; blood flow to the brain is impaired, requiring constant medical assistance; The vertebrae begin to grow together.

Cervical osteochondrosis: signs, symptoms, treatment of pathology

In the first stages, osteochondrosis is asymptomatic. As the disease develops, a characteristic feature becomes the presence of painful or uncomfortable sensations in the head, neck and chest, less often in the upper limbs.

All possible symptoms can be conditionally attributed to 4 types of syndromes: cardiac, vertebral, root (nerve) and vertebral artery syndrome (with circulatory disorders).

vertebral syndrome:

• crunching in the neck when turning/tilting the head;
• as the disease progresses, pain and difficulty in moving appear;
• Morphological structural disorders in the vertebral body and intervertebral space (visible on X-rays).

cardiac syndrome:

• shortness of breath, weakness;
• feeling of incomplete inspiration, lack of air;
• spontaneous phenomena from the cardiovascular system - angina pectoris, retrosternal pain, burning;

radicular syndrome:

• numbness of tongue, shoulders, fingers, occipital region;
• Difficulties swallowing;
• Discomfort in the area between the shoulder blades;
• Headache in occiput and forehead.

vertebral artery syndrome:

• inappropriate jumps in blood pressure;
• dizziness up to unconsciousness;
• tinnitus, cottony feeling in the head;
• temporary unilateral blindness, "flies" in the eyes;
• periodic bouts of nausea, especially with head movements;
• Headaches - mainly in the back of the head, as well as migraines;
• Drowsiness, decreased performance, memory, concentration, depression.

Attention!All these syndromes must be combined with each other. The absence of symptoms of any of them can be the reason for a differential diagnosis with other groups of diseases.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

Dystrophic phenomena in the area of the cervical spine are associated with the vertical position of the skeleton and the specific distribution of static and dynamic loads, which largely depend on the prevailing posture and the degree of development of the skeletal muscles.

• Sedentary lifestyle - what does not develop - worsens: muscles weaken, tissues are destroyed;
• incorrect static postures - muscle tension leads to circulatory disorders with subsequent tissue breakdown;
• poor nutrition or unbalanced nutrition - the body needs to receive everything necessary for the construction and renewal of bone and cartilage structures of the skeleton, to maintain muscle tone;
• obesity, overweight, carrying heavy loads - the load on the skeletal structures increases;
• constant nervous tension and nervous stress;
• Hypothermia of the cervical region - "cold", "inflated" - provokes hidden inflammatory processes;
• the presence of autoimmune diseases involving cartilage leads to its premature destruction;
• endocrine pathologies disrupt mineral metabolism, reduce the absorption of calcium, silicon, phosphorus and other elements of bone and cartilage tissue;
• neck injuries;
• congenital anomalies of the spine and adjacent muscles.

Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis

The diagnosis of "osteochondrosis of the cervical spine" is complicated by the low specificity of the symptoms and the variety of their manifestations. During the examination, you need to consult a neurologist, surgeon, orthopedist and cardiologist.

A physical examination is carried out by a doctor with questioning of the patient. The main diagnostic burden lies on instrumental and laboratory research methods.

• radiography of the neck region; At the initial stage of the process, MRI of the neck region is more informative - it provides high-quality visualization of hard and soft tissues - it shows the condition of the intervertebral discs, the presence of osteophytes, deformities and damage to the nerve roots and blood vessels; assess the condition of ligaments, muscles and bone tissue; shows the dynamic state of soft tissues;
• dopplerography of the vessels of the neck helps to assess the hemodynamics and the degree of damage to the blood vessels (especially the state of the vertebral artery);
• contrast myelography - helps with suspected violations of nerve processes;
• ECG and echocardiography of the heart are used in the differential diagnosis of cardiac syndrome with cardiovascular diseases.

How to treat cervical osteochondrosis

Taking into account the stage of the disease (acute, chronic), the degree of damage and the causes of the pathology, a complex of therapeutic measures is formed. Use conservative treatment, surgery, a mixed approach.

conservative effect

It is a gradual restoration or compensation of damage against the background of symptomatic treatment. Includes drug therapy, physical therapy, exercise therapy and massage methods.

Medical treatment:

• painkillers - mainly gels and topical ointments; in severe cases - general painkillers in the form of tablets;
• anti-inflammatory drugs - NSAIDs, as well as corticosteroids (short course, if necessary);
• Drugs to improve microcirculation and blood flow in general;
• Chondroprotectors - means of protecting and restoring cartilage tissue;
• muscle relaxants - to eliminate muscle spasms and spasms;
• Vitamin and microelement complexes - necessary for nutrition and support of tissues with building materials.

After the acute symptoms have subsided, physiotherapy, exercise therapy and self-massage procedures are followed.

physical therapyimproves the nutrition of cartilage and bone tissues due to the restoration of blood supply in the damaged area. To avoid complications, it is recommended to use the method of isometric movements, when instead of real turns and tilts of the head that can cause damage, their imitation is used.

Attention!All measures should be carried out only after diagnosis and consultation with a doctor.

The technique allows you to develop and strengthen atrophied short neck muscles and stabilize the position of the cervical spine. The order of the basic exercises:

1. Place the right palm on the side of the head - press your palm on the head for 10 seconds while contracting the muscles of the head and neck for resistance - the head should remain motionless.
2. Lower your hand, relax the muscles of your head and neck as much as possible for 20 seconds.
3. Repeat the exercise with your left hand.
4. Place both hands, palms on your forehead - press down on your forehead for 10 seconds as if you're trying to tilt your head back while tightening your neck muscles to resist movement. The head must remain motionless.
5. Lower your arms and relax your muscles as much as possible, similar to the previous exercise.
6. Place both palms in the area above the back of your head. Analogously, perform a compressive load on the neck muscles and try to tilt your head forward - it should still be motionless.
7. Lower your arms, relax your neck and head muscles. Repeat the exercises 4-10 times.

After strengthening the short neck muscles, you can start dynamic exercises.

On a note!Swimming and water aerobics have proven to be effective techniques for restoring mobility in the cervical spine.

self massageallows you to reduce the intensity of local reactions and relieve muscle tension during static work. Execution Rules:

• Area of influence - occiput, back and lateral surfaces of the neck;
• Perform the procedure in a seated position.
• Movements should be made in the direction of the spine;
• use only fingertips;
• avoid pressure on the inflamed areas;
• Perform movements smoothly - sharp pressure can harm.

physical therapytypical for inpatient treatment and spa rehabilitation. Well proven:

• Electrophoresis - warms up the area, improves microcirculation, used for deeper penetration of topical preparations;
• magnetotherapy;
• amplipulse;
• UHF.

Surgical intervention is indicated for complicated extrusion, spinal cord injury and intractable pain syndromes.

What is dangerous cervical osteochondrosis?

The neck area focuses on a dense interweaving of the main blood vessels, nerve processes and dynamic structures of the bone skeleton. Without treatment, serious pathological changes can be observed:

• the weakening of the fibrous ring leads to dislocations and subluxations in the region of the most mobile vertebrae;
• the presence of osteophytes and muscle spasms leads to a violation of nerve roots and blood vessels with the formation of compression syndromes;
• Destruction of cartilaginous discs and convergence of the vertebrae leads to intervertebral hernia with damage to nerve tissue.

Each of these phenomena is followed by a pronounced negative reaction of the whole organism.

Possible complications and consequences

The list of the most common complications of cervical osteochondrosis includes:

• vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• Hypertension;
• lack of oxygen to the brain and its structures;
• dystrophy of the retina of the eye with visual impairment;
• thyroid dysfunction;
• Dysfunction of the esophagus and trachea - difficulty swallowing and shortness of breath;
• persistent pain in head, neck, chest, upper limbs;
• spasms and numbness of the face, hands;
• disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary system, which leads to the failure of all hormonal activity in the body.

Preventive measures of cervical osteochondrosis

The most effective treatment is disease prevention. Prevention will help you with this. It is enough to follow a few basic recommendations:

• correct your posture,
• create a comfortable workplace;
• take breaks for a "sports minute" when sitting down;
• include in your diet foods rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon - fish, nuts, seeds, legumes, dairy products, fresh vegetables, fruits; limit intake of salt, sweet, starchy and spicy foods;
• Use an orthopedic mattress and pillow for sleeping and resting.
• play sports without strength - it is better to give preference to swimming;

Even if you are not able to take into account all the requirements, moderate exercise, proper nutrition and attention to your posture can significantly reduce the risk of developing pathology.

The hidden cause of impotence, male and female infertility is osteochondrosis

Even at school, in biology classes, they tried to convey important information about the major role of the spine in maintaining human health. Unfortunately, many were then busy with more important things and did not hear the words of the teachers. But in vain! Doctors say that diseases of the musculoskeletal system in particular, caused by osteochondrosis, can provoke the development of a variety of different serious diseases.

Why osteochondrosis has a powerful destructive effect on the human body

Often men suffer from impotence and infertility, and women try in vain to get pregnant, not even suspecting that this can be caused by ordinary osteochondrosis. The fact is that the cause of the development of the disease lies in the violation of the blood supply to the tissues of the vertebrae and the muscles surrounding them. Since there are no blood vessels in the intervertebral discs, they are the first to suffer from a lack of water and various other substances. This leads to cartilage fracture, which means that the intervertebral discs can no longer absorb the load on the spine. Hence the constant back pain.

If you do not intervene in the process at this stage, then osteochondrosis will continue to progress and lead to complications, such as a herniated disc. This, in turn, leads to a violation of the segmental apparatus of the spinal cord and impairs blood circulation, including in the pelvic organs. This is the main reason for the development of many disorders in the work of internal organs, as well as impotence and infertility, which are of interest to us.

The development of impotence in men, in addition to injuries at the physical level, also contributes to the psychological factor. After all, for any normal, full-fledged man, even a single mistake in bed becomes a drama, and it doesn't matter that it is caused by an aggravation of osteochondrosis, sciatica or other sources of back pain.

Degenerative cervical or lumbar disc disease can cause erectile dysfunction in men. But in any case, the pathology develops according to its own mechanism.

Cervical osteochondrosis

With this type of disease, there is a decrease in blood circulation in the brain, which leads to malfunctions in the production of sex hormones and substances responsible for vascular tone. Therefore, with cervical osteochondrosis, patients most often complain of a decrease in sexual desire, anorgasmia, problems with ejaculation.

Lumbar osteochondrosis

Since the pelvic area, namely where the male sex organs are located, is in a "switched off" state, so to speak, due to disorders in the spinal cord, nerve impulses do not always manage to penetrate to the genitals, which leads to erectile dysfunction.

Female and male infertility as a result of osteochondrosis

In the absence of other prerequisites, unsuccessful attempts to conceive a child in both men and women can often be the result of pathological processes associated with osteochondrosis. Most often, the cause of the problem lies not so much in the violation of the blood supply to the organs located in the small pelvis, but in neurological disorders.

Studies of infertile women show degenerative changes in the lower thoracic spine and lower back. In infertile men, osteochondrosis affects the lumbosacral region. Such differences in the areas affected by osteochondrosis are explained by the peculiarities of the structure and innervation of the pelvic organs in representatives of different sexes.

Sometimes women cannot get pregnant even if they have no signs of the disease and do not feel the slightest discomfort in their backs. This is mainly because disorders in the reproductive system can occur even if only the anterior roots of the spinal cord are damaged, which is not accompanied by pain.

Therefore, anyone suffering from disorders of sexual and reproductive functions is strongly recommended to undergo the most complete examination of the body, not forgetting about the neuropathologist and the vertebrologist. It is possible that the root of the problem lies precisely in the pathologies of the spine.