Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a degenerative-dystrophic process in the area of the cervical vertebrae and surrounding tissues, which is accompanied by gradual thinning, drying of the intervertebral discs and the formation of vertebral deformities.All this impairs mobility, leads to inflammatory changes in the surrounding tissue, pain and complications.A more current name for the disease is dorsopathy.The term “osteochondrosis” itself does not correspond to modern criteria, but is strongly rooted and refers to different processes and causes of pain in different parts of the spine.
Osteochondrosis affects the intervertebral discs, vertebrae and surrounding soft tissue.As a result of degenerative-dystrophic processes against the background of aging and excessive loads, changes occur in the composition of the gel-like substance of the intervertebral disc and the dense fibrous tissue surrounding it, which form an elastic membrane.Gradually, the height of the disc decreases and its shock-absorbing properties deteriorate.
The metabolism in the core suffers, microcracks form, the intervertebral disc deforms, protrusions (protrusions) and hernias form.As the process progresses, the surrounding part of the cartilage and bone tissue of the vertebrae suffers and osteophytes form - bone outgrowths that limit mobility and cause pain.
Changes occur near the spinal cord and its membranes, the roots of the spinal nerves, which can cause irritation, inflammation of the surrounding tissues and reflex muscle spasms, which cause typical manifestations of the disease.Nearby vessels in which blood flow is disturbed may be affected.
Reasons
Osteochondrosis in the area of the predominantly cervical spine can occur against the background of a number of existing health problems.Any more will make the process worse.The leading provocateurs include:
obesity, overweight;
inactivity, lack of physical activity;
Primarily sitting or standing for long periods of time;
Poor posture, stooping;
Problems with the musculoskeletal system (flat feet, scoliosis), due to which the load on the spine is distributed unevenly;
Back and neck injuries, congenital spinal malformations;
Excessive strain on the neck and back;
Predisposition to pathology.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The manifestations of the disease are diverse, they are not always immediately recognized and are confused with other pathologies.The most typical include:
Systemic dizziness attacks occur in the form of seizures.
Pain in the back of the head, collar area, neck.The severity and intensity of pain depends on the development of the process.Initially mild and periodic, as development progresses the pathology becomes constant and spreads to the entire head.
Ringing, noises in the ears when changing position after sitting or lying down for a long time, can be accompanied by an attack of dizziness.
Nausea with vomiting due to circulatory problems in certain areas of the brain, worsens when turning the head.
Visual impairment, fog, blurred vision, flickering spots.
Pressure surges, fainting.
Feeling of a lump in the throat, dryness, difficulty swallowing.
Pain in shoulders, numbness in hands.
In addition to these complaints, typical syndromes are also possible, which only arise against the background of damage to the cervical spine.
Vertebral syndrome – limited mobility in the neck, pain when trying to turn the head, crunching in the vertebrae.
Vertebral artery syndrome with tinnitus, dizziness, pressure changes and drowsiness.
Radicular syndrome with numbness and pain in the back of the head, reduced sensitivity of the tongue, hiccups, difficulty swallowing, pain in the shoulders, between the shoulder blades, numbness in the little finger.
Possible complications and risks
Long-term osteochondrosis in the neck area leads to disorders in the area of nerve trunks and arteries.This puts you at risk for developing strokes, thyroid disease, hand sensitivity problems, difficulty swallowing food, and vision problems.In addition, neck mobility is significantly restricted.
diagnosis
To diagnose the pathology, it is necessary to contact an orthopedist and neurologist.A comprehensive examination helps to make a diagnosis:
X-ray and CT of the cervical spine, MRI to show bone and soft tissue structures.
Duplex scanning of the arteries in the neck and head is used to assess blood circulation in the brain and neck.
Reflexes, neck mobility and the condition of the soft tissues are assessed.
In addition, ultrasound, ECG, blood pressure monitoring and consultation with an otolaryngologist are necessary to exclude other pathologies.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?
Basically, the doctor treats osteochondrosis of the cervical spine depending on the underlying cause.If, for example, muscle tension or poor posture are the cause of the symptoms, the doctor will usually start with conservative treatment.These include, for example, exercises to strengthen the neck muscles, physiotherapy and manual therapy as well as medication to relieve pain.
In some cases, the doctor recommends surgery.This is necessary, for example, in the event of a severe herniated disc or an injury to the cervical spine.
The aim of physiotherapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is to permanently relieve pain and restore the body's flexibility.This includes muscle strengthening exercises, massages and physical measures (e.g. applications of heat, cold, light or electrical stimuli).The therapist massages the affected muscles, for example by irradiating them with red light or applying heat compresses.In this way, tension and blockages in the vertebrae are released so that the vertebral joints are no longer restricted in their mobility.
The physiotherapist also selects specific therapeutic exercises tailored to individual needs and health status.He will explain to you exactly how to perform these exercises and, if necessary, correct movements that you are doing incorrectly.The main point here is that you learn techniques that will help you relax your muscles and improve your head and neck mobility.Exercise also helps to improve blood circulation in the body, relieve tension and strengthen muscles.
If the symptoms occur acutely or exercise does not help, the doctor will also treat the osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with medication.If necessary, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.They temporarily relieve pain and allow patients to have better mobility of the head and neck.
If your symptoms are severe and/or particularly painful, your doctor may also prescribe medications that relax your muscles (called muscle relaxants).
Pharmacy ointments or plasters with pain-relieving effects also relieve the symptoms of cervical syndrome.
In some cases (for example a herniated disc), the doctor uses so-called minimally invasive injection therapy.This method is most often used for pinched nerves.To do this, the doctor uses a needle to inject a local anesthetic directly into the affected area of the spine (infiltration).It calms irritated nerves, relieves pain and relaxes muscles.Depending on the severity of the symptoms, your doctor will carry out the treatment one to ten times.
If conservative treatment is unsuccessful, the doctor will consider surgery.This is the case, for example, with a herniated disc, when a person suffers from very severe pain and symptoms of paralysis occur.Nowadays the operation is usually carried out microsurgically, i.e. through a small incision.The doctor removes the disc tissue that is pressing on the nerves and causing discomfort.The procedure is usually short (approx. 30 to 60 minutes).The patient is usually under general anesthesia during the operation and remains in the hospital for observation for around three days.
Prevention
You have the opportunity to relieve your symptoms and prevent neck tension yourself.The following measures are possible for this:
Exercise therapy and swimming in many cases improve the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Under certain circumstances, stress and psychological tension can contribute to osteochondrosis of the cervical spine or increase its symptoms.Therefore, try to avoid stressful situations.