Cervical osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a form of degenerative disease of joints and intervertebral discs. Osteochondrosis affects the cartilaginous tissue of the discs. As a result, the disc hardens and shrinks, loses its cushioning properties and causes 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. Loss of shock-absorbing cartilage causes pain both due to exposure of joint surfaces (spondyloarthrosis) and compression of spinal cord nerve roots.

In the absence of timely treatment, ossification of the spine is possible with loss of its natural flexibility, disturbed blood supply to the brain, deterioration of nerve conduction in those 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 parts.

General information about cervical osteochondrosis

It is believed that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is more common than in other departments. In fact, this is not so - dystrophic phenomena develop evenly at all points of maximum load - in the area of the main bends of the spinal column (the lower the department is, the greater the load). 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 simultaneously hold the head, as well as the peculiarity of the position of the exit openings of the spinal cord roots.

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

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

physiological processassociated with the natural aging of the body, when the symptoms of the disease are the result of the gradual wear and tear of the intervertebral discs. The process occurs under the influence of the endocrine system and is a consequence of changes in menopause. The destruction of cartilaginous structures starts from the center of the intervertebral disc and is followed by the gradual replacement of cartilaginous tissue by fibrous tissue. The pathology is irreversible, but it can be compensated with special drugs.

Pathological processassociated with abnormal destructive changes in the body - immunological, dystrophic, inflammatory, metabolic. First of all, pericartilaginous tissues are affected - salt deposits appear on bone structures, nerve roots become inflamed, atrophy or hypertonus of skeletal muscles occurs, which leads to impaired blood circulation in the head-neck-chest area. With a timely diagnosis, the pathology is curable and ends with the complete restoration of the healthy function of organs and tissues.

Stages of cervical osteochondrosis and their symptoms

There are 4 main stages of the pathological process:

• Phase 1 - is expressed by mild discomfort and muscle tension in the affected area, cartilage discs lose 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 decreases;
• Stage 3 - pain intensifies and becomes constant, movements are limited. Turning the head can cause attacks of vertigo, nausea, disruption of the blood supply to the brain leads to general lethargy, fatigue, impaired concentration, the cartilage becomes thinner, the vertebrae close, the fibrous ring is completely destroyed with the risk of intervertebral hernia;
• 4th stage - the pain syndrome completely immobilizes the neck area; blood circulation in the brain is disturbed and requires 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, the characteristic feature becomes the presence of painful or unpleasant sensations in the head, neck and chest, less often in the upper limbs.

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

Vertebral syndrome:

• cracking in the neck when turning / tilting the head;
• as the disease progresses, pain and difficulty in movement appear;
• morphological structural disorders of 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 the tongue, shoulders, fingers, occipital region;
• difficulty swallowing;
• discomfort in the area between the shoulder blades;
• headache in the back of the head and forehead.

vertebral artery syndrome:

• unreasonable jumps in blood pressure;
• dizziness, up to loss of consciousness;
• tinnitus, feeling of cotton wool in the head;
• temporary one-sided blindness, "flies" in the eyes;
• periodic attacks of nausea, especially when moving the head;
• headaches - mainly in the back of the head, as well as migraines;
• drowsiness, reduced performance, memory, concentration, depression.

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

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

Dystrophic phenomena in the region 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 skeletal muscle development.

• lack of movement - what does not develop - degrades: muscles weaken, tissues are destroyed;
• improper static positions - muscle clamps lead to circulatory disorders with subsequent tissue degeneration;
• lack of nutrition or unbalanced nutrition - the body must get everything it needs to build and restore bone and cartilage structures of the skeleton, maintain muscle tone;
• obesity, overweight, carrying heavy loads - the load on skeletal structures increases;
• constant nervous tension and nervous stress;
• hypothermia of the cervical region - "cold", "bloated" - causes 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 vertebra" is complicated by the low specificity of symptoms and a wide range of their manifestations. During the examination, it is necessary to consult a neurologist, surgeon, orthopedist, cardiologist.

The physical examination is performed by the doctor along with the examination of the patient. The main diagnostic burden lies on instrumental and laboratory research methods.

• radiography of the cervical region; at the initial stage of the process, MRI of the cervical region will be more informative - it will provide high-quality visualization of hard and soft tissues - it will show the condition of the intervertebral discs, the presence of osteophytes, deformations, damage to nerve roots and blood vessels; assess the state of ligaments, muscles, bone tissue; shows the dynamic state of soft tissues;
• dopplerography of the vessels of the neck will help assess hemodynamics and the degree of damage to blood vessels (especially the condition of the vertebral artery);
• contrast myelography - will help in case of suspected damage to 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

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

conservative influence

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

Treatment:

• pain relievers - 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 circulation in general;
• chondroprotectors - means for protecting and restoring cartilage tissue;
• muscle relaxants - to remove muscle contractions and spasms;
• vitamin and microelement complexes - necessary for nutrition and tissue support with building elements.

As the acute symptoms subside, physiotherapy, exercise therapy and self-massage methods are combined.

Physiotherapyimproves the nutrition of cartilage and bone tissue. due to restoration of blood supply in the damaged area. In order to avoid complications, it is recommended to use the method of isometric movements, when instead of real turns and tilts of the head, which can cause damage, their imitation is used.

Attention!All actions should be performed only after diagnosis and consultation with a doctor.

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

1. Place the palm of your right hand on the side of your head - press your palm on your head for 10 seconds, while straining your head and neck muscles for resistance - your head should remain motionless.
2. Lower your hand, relax your head and neck muscles as much as possible for 20 seconds.
3. Repeat the exercise with the left hand.
4. Place both hands on your forehead with the palms of your hands - press your forehead for 10 seconds, as if you are trying to throw your head back, while straining your neck muscles to resist the movement. The head must remain still.
5. Lower your arms, relaxing the muscles as much as possible, similar to the previous exercise.
6. Place both palms in the area above the back of the head. By analogy, put pressure on the neck muscles, trying to tilt the head forward - it should still be motionless.
7. Lower your hands, relax your neck and head muscles. Repeat a set of exercises 4-10 times.

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

Note!Swimming and water gymnastics have been proven techniques to restore cervical mobility.

Self massageallows you to reduce the intensity of local reactions and relieve muscle tightness during static work. Performance rules:

• area of influence - the back of the head, back and side surfaces of the neck;
• perform the procedure in a sitting position;
• movements should be performed in the direction of the spine;
• use only your fingertips;
• avoid pressure on inflamed areas;
• perform the movements smoothly - sharp pressure can hurt.

Physiotherapytypical for hospital treatment and spa rehabilitation. well proven:

• electrophoresis - heats the area, improves microcirculation, is used for deeper penetration of local preparations;
• magnetotherapy;
• amplipulse;
• UHF.

Surgical intervention is indicated for complicated extrusion, spinal cord arrest and severe pain syndrome.

What is dangerous cervical osteochondrosis

The neck area concentrates a dense intertwining of the main blood vessels, nervous processes and dynamic structures of the bone skeleton. In the absence of treatment, serious pathological changes can be observed:

• the weakening of the fibrous ring causes dislocations and subluxations in the area of the most mobile vertebrae;
• the presence of osteophytes and muscle spasm leads to injury of nerve roots and blood vessels with the creation of compression syndromes;
• destruction of cartilaginous discs and convergence of vertebrae leads to intervertebral hernias with damage to nerve tissue.

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

Possible complications and consequences

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

• vegetovascular dystonia;
• hypertension;
• oxygen starvation of the brain and its structures;
• retinal dystrophy with visual impairment;
• thyroid gland failure;
• dysfunction of the esophagus and trachea - difficult swallowing and respiratory spasms;
• incurable pain in the head, neck, chest, upper limbs;
• convulsions and numbness of the face, hands;
• a disorder of the hypothalamus-pituitary system, which entails the failure of the entire hormonal activity of the body.

Preventive measures of cervical osteochondrosis

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

• correct your posture,
• create a comfortable workplace;
• during sedentary work, take breaks for a "minute of physical education";
• include in your diet foods rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon - fish, nuts, seeds, legumes, dairy products, fresh vegetables, fruits; limit the intake of salt, sweet, starchy and spicy foods;
• use an orthopedic mattress and pillow for sleep and rest;
• do 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

Back in school, in biology classes, they tried to convey important information about the huge role of the spine in maintaining human health. Unfortunately, many were busy with more important things and did not hear the teacher's words. But in vain! Doctors say that disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially caused by osteochondrosis, can cause the development of a large number of various serious diseases.

Why osteochondrosis has a strong destructive effect on the human body

Often, men suffer from impotence and infertility, and women try in vain to get pregnant and do not even suspect that it 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 that surround 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 a rupture of the cartilage, which means that the discs are no longer able to absorb the load of the spine. That's where the constant back pain comes from.

If you do not intervene in the process at this stage, osteochondrosis will continue to progress and cause complications, for example, disc herniation. This, in turn, causes a violation of the segmental apparatus of the spinal cord and disrupts blood circulation, including 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 that we are interested in.

The occurrence of impotence in men, in addition to physical disorders, is also contributed by a psychological factor. After all, for any normal, full-fledged man, even one failure in bed becomes a drama, and it does not matter if it is caused by the aggravation of osteochondrosis, sciatica or other sources of back pain.

Men may begin to experience erectile difficulties in the presence of cervical or lumbar degenerative disc disease. But in any case, the pathology develops according to its own mechanism.

Cervical osteochondrosis

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

Lumbar osteochondrosis

Since the pelvic area, i. e. , where the male genitals are located, is in a "switched off" state due to a disorder in the spinal cord, nerve impulses do not always manage to reach the genitals, which leads to erectile dysfunction.

Female and male infertility as a result of osteochondrosis

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

Examinations of women suffering from infertility show degenerative changes in the lower part of the 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 do not feel any signs of illness and do not feel the slightest discomfort in the back. This is primarily due to the fact that 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, everyone suffering from sexual and reproductive function disorders is highly recommended to undergo the most complete examination of the body, not forgetting the neuropathologist and vertebrologist. It is possible that the root of the problem lies precisely in the pathologies of the spine.