Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of articular cartilage, which is one of the key causes of pain in the neck with characteristic irradiation to the arms. With this disease, there is a change in the structure of cartilage and muscle-ligamentous structures located nearby.
Since, as cervical osteochondrosis progresses, it can lead to a number of severe complications, including disability of the patient, its timely diagnosis and treatment are among the urgent tasks of modern medicine.
Stages of development of pathology and typical symptoms
The disease goes through 4 successive stages of development with corresponding changes in the body and accompanying symptoms:
The first stage is the initial morphological changes in the intervertebral discs. The core of the intervertebral disc (nucleus pulposus) gradually dries out, and cracks appear in the structure of the fibrous ring. This is accompanied by tolerable pain or discomfort in the neck, which intensifies when turning or tilting the head. There is also a slight smoothing of the cervical lordosis and almost constant muscle tension.
At the second stage, destruction of the fibrous ring continues, which is accompanied by the first signs of pathological mobility of the vertebrae and their instability. The distance between the vertebrae decreases, and protrusion occurs. At this time, the patient notices an increase in pain and its irradiation to the arm or shoulder area. Along with this, severe headaches appear, the person complains of a feeling of weakness and reduced performance.
The third stage is characterized by complete destruction of the fibrous ring, due to which the unfixed nucleus extends beyond the vertebrae and penetrates into the spinal canal area, forming a hernial protrusion. It, in turn, puts pressure on the nerves and elements of the vascular bed, which causes disruption of blood flow in the cervical region. Patients at this stage complain of severe, continuous pain in the neck radiating to the arms and shoulders. The muscles become weaker, and numbness of the upper extremities is systematically noted. Episodes of dizziness, difficulties with orientation in space and stiffness of movements are added to the clinical picture.
The fourth stage is represented by the replacement of the intervertebral disc cartilage with a connective tissue structure and the involvement of adjacent spinal segments in pathological changes. Due to the fusion of the joints, their immobility occurs. For the patient, this is the most difficult stage, since he feels constant severe pain in the neck, arms, chest and area between the shoulder blades. Added to this are signs of impaired blood supply to the brain, sensitivity disorders, and the likelihood of a stroke increases significantly.
It should be noted that in addition to the main clinical picture that accompanies cervical osteochondrosis at various stages, additional symptoms may be noted:
decreased visual acuity;
episodes of anxiety that occur due to insufficient blood supply to the brain;
hearing loss and tinnitus;
the appearance of a crunching sound when moving the head;
sleep disturbances up to insomnia;
the appearance of dots before the eyes;
cases of loss of consciousness;
facial muscle paralysis;
pain in the arms that occurs at night.
If compression of the spinal cord occurs, myelopathy may develop, accompanied by:
difficulties in limb movements;
problems with coordination or balance;
loss of bowel or bladder control;
weakness or numbness in any areas of the body below the neck;
shooting pains in the extremities, increasing while bending forward.
Causes of the disease
The key factor due to which cervical osteochondrosis develops is an unbalanced and excessive load on this part of the spine. In most cases, the pathology is formed against the background of involutional degenerative changes that accompany the aging process. Osteochondrosis can also occur due to traumatic injury to the neck or metabolic disorders.
In addition, there are a number of other factors that contribute to increased load on the neck, muscle spasm and the development of chronic disease:
spinal abnormalities, congenital or acquired;
overweight;
complicated heredity (for example, congenital and genetically determined weakness of connective tissues);
prolonged or frequent overload of the spinal column (staying in a forced position, physical inactivity);
vitamin deficiencies;
autoimmune pathologies accompanied by damage to connective tissue structures (collagenosis);
deficiency of micro- or macroelements;
intense physical activity, sports with an increased risk of injury to the spinal column (for example, professional wrestling);
smoking, which prevents the flow of nutrients into the intervertebral discs;
metabolic disorders;
unbalanced diet with an excess of carbohydrates and fats combined with a deficiency of proteins;
frequent stressful situations;
pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, leading to decreased mobility of the cervical spine;
repeated or severe hypothermia of the neck.
What is the danger of osteochondrosis?
The first problem, typical for most patients who have developed cervical osteochondrosis, is severe and frequent pain in the head and neck area. Because of this, people are forced to look for the most comfortable position in which the pain weakens or completely disappears. This, in turn, leads to decreased performance.
As the disease progresses, a protrusion forms (partial release of disc tissue beyond the intervertebral space), the tissue between the vertebrae begins to collapse, and the gap narrows. With the last stage of the pathological process, the disc is completely destroyed and replaced by a connective tissue structure. This leads to limitation of motor activity, as the patient loses the ability to turn or tilt his head.
In addition, cervical osteochondrosis is dangerous because it can lead to the following complications:
hernia;
cervicocranialgia (painful sensation localized in the area of the base of the skull);
formation of osteophytes;
compression of the arteries;
radiculopathy (compression of the spinal cord roots);
chronic pain syndrome.
In the most severe and advanced cases, cervical osteochondrosis causes compression of the spinal cord, paralysis and disability of the patient.
Diagnostic methods
Diagnosis of a patient with suspected cervical osteochondrosis begins at an appointment with a doctor, who conducts a thorough interview, clarifies the symptoms and history of the development of the disease, and also performs a physical examination. During the examination, the doctor focuses on identifying areas of pain, assessing the mobility of the spinal column and the quality of reflexes.
After receiving initial data, the specialist creates a plan for further diagnostics, which may include:
multislice computed tomography;
positron emission and magnetic resonance imaging;
radiography;
duplex scanning of vessels in the area of the pathological process.
Imaging techniques allow the doctor to determine the genesis of the clinical picture, identify signs of degenerative processes or other conditions that could provoke the appearance of symptoms that bother the patient. Duplex scanning allows you to assess the quality of blood flow and detect vasoconstriction.
As an addition to the main diagnostic program, consultations with related specialists (vertebrologist, endocrinologist, orthopedic traumatologist, neurosurgeon, oncologist) can be carried out and the following can be prescribed:
ultrasound scanning of nearby organs;
electrocardiography;
standard and advanced studies of biomaterials (blood, urine).
Only after the diagnosis is confirmed, and the causes and severity of the disease are clarified, the doctor begins to work on the optimal and most effective treatment program.
Treatment Options
Treatment for cervical osteochondrosis is selected based on the stage at which the disease was detected, as well as taking into account the patient’s age, his current condition and existing complications or concomitant pathologies.
Conservative approach
When cervical osteochondrosis was identified at the initial stages, conservative therapeutic methods are chosen. They are aimed at preventing the progression of the disease, relieving unpleasant symptoms and restoring spinal mobility.
As part of conservative therapy, the doctor combines drug treatment with physiotherapeutic procedures and gymnastics. He may prescribe medications from the following categories:
chondroprotectors;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
painkillers;
angioprotectors;
B vitamins;
hormones;
muscle relaxants;
vasodilators;
nootropics.
Physiotherapeutic procedures are used as an addition to medications, and taking into account the patient’s condition, the doctor may prescribe:
acupuncture;
kinesio taping;
massage sessions;
photodynamic therapy;
the use of ultrasound or diadynamic currents;
electrophoresis;
magnetotherapy.
At the same time, in case of cervical osteochondrosis in the acute period, wearing an orthopedic collar may be recommended. This medical accessory is necessary to fix bones and joints, reduce the load on the affected area of the spine and relieve pain. A cervical collar for osteochondrosis, the price of which varies depending on the manufacturer, type and material, is selected exclusively by the doctor individually for each patient.
The last but not least important part of conservative therapy is gymnastics. The doctor prepares a set of special exercises for the patient aimed at strengthening the muscular frame, correcting posture and improving blood flow in the upper part of the spinal column.
Surgical approach
If conservative methods were unsuccessful or cervical osteochondrosis was detected in the later stages, treatment is carried out through surgical intervention. The doctor may prescribe one of the following operations to the patient:
laminectomy;
endoscopic or percutaneous decompression;
radiofrequency ablation;
endoscopic removal of a hernia, tumor process or area of degenerative-dystrophic changes;
epidural lysis of adhesions;
spine stabilization;
endoscopic foraminotomy;
laser nucleoplasty with puncture puncture.
Preventive measures
Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology for which no specific prevention measures have been developed. To significantly reduce the likelihood of the disease occurring, its recurrence or the development of complications, doctors give a number of recommendations. According to them, patients need to:
adhere to the principles of a healthy lifestyle;
eliminate lifting and carrying heavy objects;
use orthopedic mattresses and pillows for sleeping;
regularly receive dosed physical activity and go swimming;
eat a balanced diet;
exclude situations in which hypothermia of the cervical spine is possible;
continuously monitor your posture;
systematically take breaks for short sessions of therapeutic exercises in case of sedentary work;
be careful when turning and tilting your head;
undergo regular examination by a specialized specialist for preventive purposes.
How is rehabilitation going?
The supervising doctor draws up a plan for the rehabilitation period, taking into account several aspects:
at what stage was cervical osteochondrosis detected;
general health and well-being of the patient;
age category and body weight of the patient;
existing concomitant pathologies or complications of the disease.
Depending on the situation, the doctor may include massage procedures, gymnastics and physiotherapy sessions in the rehabilitation program. Such comprehensive measures will not only speed up the recovery process and eliminate complications or relapses, but will also help improve the patient’s overall health.
Cervical osteochondrosis is a serious problem in which the patient needs timely and correct medical care. If signs of this disease appear, you can undergo diagnostics and receive subsequent treatment at a medical center. All specialists select an individual approach to each patient, are guided by modern methods of treating osteochondrosis and provide a wide range of services, the price of which is in a comfortable range for patients.
Question answer
Cervical osteochondrosis has been identified, how long does it take to treat this pathology?
The duration of treatment directly depends on the stage at which the patient with cervical osteochondrosis sought help. Only a doctor who has assessed the severity of the pathological process and monitors the dynamics of progress during treatment can determine the most likely period.
Which doctor should I contact if I suspect I have cervical osteochondrosis?
Cervical osteochondrosis is identified and subsequently treated by a neurologist, but in some cases a traumatologist-orthopedist can supervise the patient.