Cervical osteochondrosis — a degenerative-dystrophic process in the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine, accompanied by eddies due to the replacement of cartilage bone tissue and immobilization. According to the statistics, the one or the other degenerative-degenerative changes in the cervical spine, in about half of the people in the working age of 25 to 45 years.
Causes and risk factors
Anatomical features of the cervical spine to create the conditions for the early development of degenerative changes. The vertebrae of the cervical spine Segment are distinguished by maximum flexibility, perform all kinds of movements in their full extent, and therefore prone to early wear and tear.
On the prevention of cervical degenerative disc disease, you should still be in the childhood.
To the development of cervical degenerative disc disease has a seat at the end of particularly the habit of sitting way of life, stretched the neck forward, the pressure on the intervertebral discs, deformation of what is and dehydration polosnyj cores increases. Degeneration of cartilage tissue, the trophic disturbances exacerbate the constriction of the blood vessels spasserovannye muscles. Progressive history of cervical degenerative disc disease, bear the following factors:
- congenital anomalies of the structure of the vertebral body;
- endocrine disorders;
- autoimmune connective tissue disease (rheumatoid and Lupus erythematosus);
- Torticollis in the newborn;
- Dysplasia of the head of the hip joint;
- Flat feet;
- Posture and spinal curvature;
- Injuries and micro-trauma cervical vertebrae;
- Smoking and alcohol abuse;
- long emotional suffering;
- hereditary predisposition.
The development of cervical degenerative disc disease also contributes to long-term intoxication of the organism with a stay in an ecologically unfavorable terrain, regular contact with harmful substances and the presence of chronic foci of infection.
Symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease
In the early stages of degenerative-dystrophic process, the disease is almost asymptomatic. Unpleasant sensations in the throat occur only in the case of rapid movements, to a longer preservation of the tense of a sitting pose, and the oblique position of the head, or in reaction to excessive physical activity. The development of Myositis accompanied by a feeling of stiffness and precise localization of the pain points to the cramps in the muscles of the neck.
Decompensated cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by persistent discomfort in the throat, habitual muscle tension and limitation of motion of the cervical Segment; the forced position of the head even partially complaints. When cornering and head tilt often crunching vertebrae. Subluxation of the intervertebral joints accompanied acute, scalding pain in people's mouth as a shot, and autonomic disorders: pain, headache, dizziness, Blackouts, palpitations, etc. Spontaneous repositioning subluxation brings quick relief.
In the case of the formation of osteophytes, and extrusions on the rear surface of the vertebral body is common symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease later radicular symptoms added:
- Headache, localized in the neck and parietal area;
- reduces the sensitivity of the skin on one side of the neck;
- Speech disturbance and numbness of the tongue;
- Discomfort in the outer surface of the shoulder;
- Diseases of the respiratory tract.
With the defeat of the osteochondrosis third cervical vertebra sometimes there are Reflex kardialgichesky syndrome – severe pain behind the sternum radiating to shoulder and arm, the Association with a heart attack, especially if the pain knock accompanied by heart. In the event of a defeat of the three lower vertebrae pain, and paresthesia apply from the neck to the shoulder blade, forearm, brush and fingers. Patients may complain of numbness of the upper limbs, burning sensation, tingling or a "pins and needles" along the nerve
To the development of cervical degenerative disc disease at the end has way of life over a seat, in particular the habit of sitting, stretching his neck forward.
Osteophytes, which is located at the side of the vertebral body, which compresses vertebral artery surfaces, whereby a complex of disorders of cerebral circulation, the so-called syndrome of the vertebral artery. This pathology is due to frequent attacks of pressing headache, extending from the back of the head on the vertex and temples, where in the eyeballs. In individual cases, instead of a headache constant celebrated feeling of heaviness in the head. At the same time, vegetative symptoms occurs:
- Waste companies in the blood pressure;
- Bouts of palpitations and heart rhythm disturbances;
- Migraine-unilateral throbbing headache accompanied by sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting;
- Disorders of Thermoregulation (chills, sweating, cold extremities);
- Dizziness, fainting and drop attacks;
- lack of coordination of movements;
- The noise and stuffiness in the ears;
- visual acuity reduced, and visual disturbance: blackout and double vision, blurred vision, lightning bolts and multi-colored beads in front of the eyes;
- Sleep disorders;
- Fatigue and emotional lability.
Diagnosis
Due to the low specificity of symptoms and a wide variety of manifestations, the diagnosis of cervical degenerative disc disease occurs in several stages. You start with the advice of a specialist surgeon, orthopedist, neurologist, or vertebrologist. Presumptive diagnosis is made on the basis of complaints of the patient, anamnestic data and the results of the physical examination. During the examination of the patient, the doctor draws attention to the mobility of the neck, the sensitivity of the skin and the painful Zone in the cervical Segment and the shoulder girdle, the strength and muscle tone, reflexes severity of the tendon.
For the determination of the Phase of the pathological process and detection of complications, and the Patient is spine in the MRI of the neck. Through high-quality imaging of solid and soft fabrics to layer shots visible all the symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease – decrease the height of the intervertebral discs, osteophytes, protrusion, Extrusion, damage to nerves and blood vessels, calcification of ligaments, pockets, bone resorption, Myositis, and congestion in the muscles.
To engage employees in economic Affairs, can not stand long on tiptoe or keep them lifted their hands high above the head; it is better to use a step ladder or embark on the stool.
In the case of non-availability of MRI instead of x-ray or CT of the cervical Segment, there is no obvious osteophytes, osteoarthritis and reduction in bone density. Changes in the soft tissue visible by ultrasound; for the investigation of the hemodynamics and to assess the degree of damage to the blood Doppler ultrasound vessels of the neck, and in the case of suspected injury to the spinal cord-contrast myelography vessels while the cervical osteochondrosis ways.
Treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine requires a comprehensive treatment. During the exacerbations, the main task of therapy is relief of pain, relief of inflammation and the restoration of capillary blood flow in the affected areas. Patients analgesics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, one of which, preferably, are inhibitors of Cyclooxygenase-1 on the basis of nimesulide with diclofenac and. In severe muscle cramps, we recommend wearing orthopedic collar; if necessary, antispasmodics, and muscle relaxants prescribe.
In the case of radicular syndromes with a weak response to drug treatment is resorted to x-ray-controlled blockages of roots on the disadvantaged, nervous, and Steroid injections. To improve the metabolism in the intervertebral discs and damaged neural structures Difficult Extrusion shows the course of the intake of vitamins of group b, herniation of the spinal cord and refractory pain syndrome serve as indications for surgical Intervention.
The full restoration of the intervertebral disc with osteochondrosis is unlikely, but with a timely and adequate therapeutic measures can stop or slow the progression of the degenerative-dystrophic process.
While the attenuation of the acute symptoms begin a course of physiotherapy, in the activation of blood circulation in the damaged areas, and disposal of the products of inflammation. Good electrophoresis and phonophoresis, magnetotherapy, amplipuls proven therapy, shock wave therapy, UHF, and diadynamic currents.
Quick restoration of mobility of the cervical spine contribute to, teaching in groups, gymnastics, swimming, and water aerobics. Can engage and at home: the most effective exercises with cervical osteochondrosis require no special equipment, and training devices. Daily rehabilitation program is aimed at 15-20 minutes and consists of five simple exercises. Each exercise, repeat 5 times in a slow smooth pace, gradually increasing the number of repetitions to 10-12 times.
- Twists and turns of the head to the right and to the left without changing the position of the head and the shoulders.
- Alternating pressure of the front and the back of the head on the palm of your hand with little effort by the muscles of the neck.
- The inclination of the head thrown back, the jugular Fossa, and in the direction of. In the case of tilt to the right, to the right ear touch the right shoulder and the left ear and the left shoulder.
- Print on the left strap, the palm of the left hand, then on the right-hand bracket on the right-hand area.
- The inclination of the chin to the neck with a twist of the head first to the right, then to the left.
To have to the means of alternative medicine to be treated with great caution, and to coordinate their application with the treating physician. In the absence of contraindications, you can take a course of acupuncture, osteopathy and leech therapy; manual therapy is strictly contraindicated. The ordinary therapeutic Massage with cervical osteochondrosis is a encouraging results, without the patient to unnecessary risks.
Possible complications and consequences
In the neck area of a large number of vegetative nerve plexus and concentrated blood vessels, including the vertebral artery and spinal nerve. The joints connecting the projecting front edge of the vertebrae, prone to sprains and subluxation, and the triangular shape of the foramina inter-vertebralia in the three lower cervical spine increase the likelihood of an impairment of the bony nerve root the glands, and spasserovannye muscles. As a result, the risk of the accession of compression syndromes of cervical osteochondrosis higher than in lesions of other parts of the spine.
In the early stages of the disease complications, mainly associated with the myositis, and muscular spasms. Syndrome scalenus anterior develops with prolonged compressing brachial Plexus and subclavian artery spazmirovannah scalene muscle. Reflex irritation of the autonomic nerve fibers and insufficient blood supply to the muscle tissue manifested by pain in the forearm and Hand, which are amplified in the case of an inclined position of the head and direction of the Hand. In the case of the displacement of the great vessels red cooling and swelling of the limb will be marked.
The formation of extrusions and osteophytes accompanying radicular syndromes, which can, in turn, by the herniation of the spinal cord. Compression of the spinal cord often the cause of paralysis of the upper extremities, and in the most severe cases be fatal as a result of the strong suppression of the respiratory function. The severe syndrome of the vertebral artery in front of the background of the strong ataxia and decompensated neurological dysfunction that threatens to disability and increases the risk of ischemic stroke, and ischemia of the spinal cord.
Prediction
To stop the full restoration of the intervertebral disc with osteochondrosis unlikely, but with a timely and adequate therapeutic measures can or slow the progression of degenerative-dystrophic process, to prevent complications and to maximize the preservation of the mobility of the cervical spine. While osteochondrosis of the cervical spine by multiple extrusions and compression syndromes, rather cautious forecast.
Prevention
On the prevention of cervical degenerative disc disease, you should still be in the childhood. The formation of the correct posture, the back of consistent strengthening of the muscle corset and a good diet can help the health of the spine in adulthood. In the detection of postural disorders in children, flatfoot, and consequences of birth Trauma, such as torticollis and dysplasia of the head of the hip joint, should not be neglected rehabilitation programs: many of the pathology of the musculoskeletal system, concomitant osteochondrosis successfully cured should be, to the ossification of the skeleton.
If the profession of the Patient adopts a sedentary lifestyle, pick up an ergonomic office chair with support of the neck, and in the bedding Set, a pillowtop mattress and a small firm pillow. To recommend not to sleep on soft Sofas, and beds with armoured power; better choose a model with a smooth surface. moderately dense. While working through all of 45-60 minutes, it is desirable to engage in the exercises for the neck, and at leisure, to explore more on foot. Good effect swimming lessons and water aerobics, Yoga, Qigong and Pilates; Power and trauma as in the forms of sports, better to exclude. During the lesson, avoid jerky movements and keep your back straight. To engage employees in economic Affairs, can not stand long on tiptoe or keep them lifted their hands high above the head; it is better to use a step ladder or embark on the stool. Two-three times in the year can't hurt a course of therapeutic-and-prophylactic Massage neck and neck area.
The diet should supply adequate amounts of protein, vitamins and minerals, according to the option you want to use, activate in the menu, jelly, filler-fish and seafood sources of natural collagen. Avoiding harmful habits contributes to the maintenance of active blood circulation in the intervertebral discs.