cervical osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is an outdated term often used in some countries to refer to degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, facet joints, and the vertebral bodies themselves. In the cervical spine, due to its mobility, these changes are common and can cause neck pain in both men and women. Sometimes, degenerative diseases are complicated by intervertebral hernias, which compress the spinal roots and cause muscle weakness and numbness in the skin of the upper limbs. We will talk about the symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in the article.

cause of pain

The cervical spine has great range of motion. It consists of seven vertebrae, the discs between them, and ligaments. With osteochondrosis, the intervertebral discs become thinner and deformed, losing their elasticity and shock-absorbing ability. Gradually, the inner part of the disc (nucleus pulposus) herniates through microlesions in the outer part (annulus fibrosus). This is how herniations and hernias form, stimulating pain receptors in the ligaments on the back surface of the spine, causing pain. When the root of the spine is compressed, pain may spread to the upper limbs, and neurological symptoms may occur: decreased skin sensitivity in the arms, muscle weakness, etc. As a protective response to any injury and damage, bone growth - osteophytes - may appear on the edges of the body and on the vertebral arches.Cervical osteochondrosis usually occurs as a result of the aging process, but some risk factors can worsen and accelerate the progression of degenerative spinal disease. Among them:

• Genetic susceptibility.Having a close relative with osteochondrosis, especially at a young age, increases the risk of its early onset and complications.
• Lack of physical activity.A sedentary lifestyle can destroy the nutrition of the intervertebral discs. They have no blood vessels and obtain nutrients by diffusion from the vertebral bodies. These processes occur actively during physical activity.
• Injuried.Spinal injury accelerates the development of degenerative changes in the spine.
• Uneven loading of the spine.Possible situations: Improper movements, poor posture, primary load on one side of the body or one limb, long tilted head postures (e. g. when looking at a mobile phone).
• Metabolic disorders.The condition of the vertebrae is affected by endocrine diseases, especially diabetes, which makes tissue nutrition difficult.

symptom

The main symptom of cervical osteochondrosis is pain. Its localization depends on the nature of the lesion. Pain in the neck can be felt and is associated with reflex muscle spasms when irritated by osteophytes from herniated discs or sensitive ligaments. If the hernia compresses a spinal nerve, pain may radiate into the arm.

Most commonly, the pain occurs in the neck and back of the head and occurs or is exacerbated by sudden movements of the head, prolonged static tension, or uncomfortable positions (such as after sleeping).Other symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis:

• Neck movement is limited and pain occurs when turning the head.
• Neck muscle spasm.
• Decreased upper limb muscle tone and strength are typical symptoms of vertebral root compression.
• Impaired skin sensitivity of upper limbs.
• When a vertebral artery hernia becomes compressed, symptoms of vertebrobasilar insufficiency may occur, which develop acutely when turning or tilting the head: dizziness, nausea, tinnitus, fainting, short-term memory impairment, unsteady walking, visual impairment, hearing and speech impairmentDisorders, severe muscle weakness in the limbs.

diagnosis

In case of neck pain and discomfort, patients are advised to consult a neurologist or chiropractor. Sometimes consultation with other specialists is necessary: If there is a history of trauma, consult an orthopedic traumatologist.The neurologist performs the examination and clarifies the chief complaint and medical history. Cervical osteochondrosis can manifest as dozens of conditions, so additional testing is often needed to determine the cause of the pain and make a clinical diagnosis.A diagnostic plan for neck pain may include tests such as:

• Laboratory tests (general blood counts, biochemistry blood tests, urine tests, others - as indicated).
• X-rays of the cervical spine to check for fractures and other injuries.
• A CT scan of the cervical spine can identify injuries, cancer, and other changes in the vertebrae.
• Cervical spine MRI evaluates the condition of the spinal cord, nerve roots, and visualizes herniations and hernias.
• Neuroelectromyography determines the conduction of impulses along the spinal cord roots.

During the differential diagnosis process, the specialist may also perform other tests as appropriate.

When can it be treated without surgery?

In cervical osteochondrosis, conservative treatment is performed if there are no progressive neurological manifestations: weakness and numbness of the muscles of the limbs. This condition occurs when there is compression of the spinal cord roots, arteries, and spinal cord. The neurologist decides how to treat osteochondrosis of the neck after examining and receiving the results. Most patients receive effective conservative treatment and achieve stable long-term remission. Modern techniques can also be effectively used to prevent the progression of osteochondrosis and its manifestations.

conservative treatment

For cervical osteochondrosis, treatment begins with a conservative approach. Its goals: relieve pain, eliminate muscle spasms, and improve metabolic processes in nervous tissue and microcirculation.Medication is given to relieve pain and muscle spasms. For this purpose, neurologists prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants. If the pain persists for more than 12 weeks and becomes chronic, anticonvulsants and antidepressants with sustained analgesic effects may be recommended.In addition to drug treatment, modern and effective technologies are used:

• acupuncture.The neurologist uses a special sterile needle to stimulate the biologically active points. This can provide relief: reduce pain and relax muscles.
• Plasma therapy.By giving patients platelet-rich plasma topically, the regeneration of damaged tissue can be stimulated. Reduced recovery time after surgery, illness and injury.
• High strength magnet.Electromagnetic fields stimulate and accelerate the regeneration of damaged tissue. Relieve pain and reduce swelling.
• Physical therapy laser.This method has anti-inflammatory, anti-edema, and analgesic effects. It reduces the size of the hernia. It is used as a basic method as part of the process of absorptive treatment of intervertebral hernias.
• physiotherapy.Classes are designed to strengthen muscles, increase spinal flexibility, restore range of motion to spinal joints, and develop correct posture. After acute pain relief, experts will individually select exercises for the patient.
• Intramuscular Theo Taping.Combined with physical therapy. Before class, the doctor places tape on the neck and collar area in certain directions to relax the muscles and affect the pain receptors. As a result, the pain is reduced. With regular use, spinal mobility is restored and muscle tone returns to normal.
• Medical massage.Experts relieve muscle spasms by acting on receptors in the skin, muscles and fascia. Get fast, permanent pain relief and improved spinal mobility.

Treatments are chosen individually based on the cause of your neck and back pain and accompanying symptoms.

forecast

If diagnosed and treated promptly, the results are good. If complications of osteochondrosis occur in the form of intervertebral hernias accompanied by various neurological symptoms, surgical treatment may be necessary. Afterwards, recovery can last for several years. Without treatment, the risk of permanent disability is high. Comorbidities and advanced age worsen the prognosis.Patients are often concerned about how to get rid of cervical osteochondrosis forever. Unfortunately, it cannot be completely cured. Degenerative dystrophic changes in the spine are a natural aging process of the body and cannot be avoided. But you can slow its progression and avoid complications.

prevention

There are no specific preventive measures for osteochondrosis.The recommendations boil down to improving overall health:

• Maintain optimal weight.
• Maintain an active lifestyle.
• Sleep on an orthopedic mattress and pillow.
• Engage in regular moderate physical activity - half an hour of walking every day and a warm compress on your neck and back are enough.
• Workplace ergonomics. The desk and chair should be appropriate for your height, and the computer monitor should be at eye level or slightly higher.

These measures will maintain the health of the musculoskeletal system by reducing the rate of disc wear.

Summary:

1. Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative dystrophic change of the vertebrae, accompanied by the formation of intervertebral disc herniation.
2. Cervical osteochondrosis presents with neck pain, limited mobility, and muscle spasms. When the root of the spine is compressed by a hernia, muscle weakness and numbness of the skin of the upper limbs may occur.
3. The diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis includes examination by a neurologist and additional tests as necessary: spine CT, MRI and other methods.
4. Treatment for osteochondrosis is usually conservative and aims to relieve pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms.
5. Prevention of osteochondrosis includes maintaining an active lifestyle, regular physical activity, and workplace ergonomics.