Cervical spondylosis: treatment and symptoms

Neck pain is a warning sign.Maybe it's just overexertion and you should relax and rest.But what if the pain is related to cervical spondylosis?It is important to pay attention to symptoms and treatment, as complications can affect the most important organ - the brain.

What is cervical spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative disease of the body's bone and cartilage system.It leads to the destruction of cervical discs, the growth of vertebral bone tissue and the formation of growths on their surface.

The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae, the first of which articulates with the skull.The anatomical and functional unit of the spine is the moving segment of the spine.This is a joint complex due to which the spine moves.The complex includes two vertebrae, intervertebral discs, articular surfaces of the vertebrae (facets), nerves, ligaments and muscles.

Osteoarthritis begins with damage to the intervertebral disc and affects all surrounding tissues.Over time, this process leads to disruption of the entire biomechanics of the spine.With the development of osteonecrosis, herniated discs and compression of nerve roots and blood vessels may form.

The pathological process in the intervertebral disc goes through four stages: malnutrition, ligament weakening, disc damage and nerve compression.

• Stage 1

  The nutritional and metabolic conditions of the intervertebral disc are disrupted.Due to their structure, the disks are powered only when moving.Without it, degenerative changes in the tissue begin: the disc is starved and dehydrated.Dehydration results in the disc being unable to perform its shock-absorbing function.The load on the loop increases, cracks and tears appear in it.At this time, mild pain may appear.

• Stage 2

  In the second stage, the ligamentous apparatus of the spinal movement segment is weakened.The connection becomes pathologically mobile.The pathological process in the intervertebral disc becomes more severe, herniation (prolapse) begins - the leakage of nucleus pulposus through cracks in the annulus fibrosus.The pain becomes recurring.

• Stage 3

  Next, the disc is permanently damaged.The nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc extends beyond the annulus fibrosus.Hernias can affect nerve roots.An inflammatory process develops.This is manifested by an increase in pain, known as nerve root syndrome.

• Stage 4

  In the fourth stage, damage affects neighboring tissues.Compression of the radicular artery may occur, leading to insufficient blood supply to the spinal cord.As a result, part of the spine may become completely immobilized.

First signs and main symptoms

At the beginning of the development of cervical spondylosis, discomfort, limited movement and pain in the neck area appear.Often this is not taken seriously.

Over time, the pain increases, becomes aching, burning, headache, pain in the neck, shoulder blades, shoulders - perhaps this is developing vertebral artery syndrome.The artery becomes compressed or constricted and blood flow is interrupted.

In stages 1–2 of cervical spondylosis, eye problems related to vascular spasm often arise.Dark eyes, blinking, floating colored spots, colored spots in front of the eyes - these are all symptoms of osteonecrosis.

The most common symptoms of cervical spondylosis:

• Migraine, dizziness, nausea and cough;
• Hearing loss, ear and facial pain;
• Movement disorders in the arms and legs.Skin sensitivity on the head may disappear;
• Pain in the hand.If a nerve root becomes compressed, the entire area to which it transmits impulses can be damaged or “fall out.”

In addition to the above symptoms, three main pain syndromes can be distinguished:accompanied by osteonecrosis of the cervical spine.A syndrome is a complex set of symptoms.Identifying the leading pain syndrome is important because the entire treatment regimen is based on eliminating pain.But it cannot be eliminated without knowing its origin.

1. Myofascial syndrome- pain in skeletal muscles and neighboring tissues.This disorder is associated with overload, causing spasms, increased tone, and painful knots inside the muscles (trigger points).
2. Nerve root syndrome- Pain due to prolonged compression of spinal nerve roots.The process of herniation formation in spondylosis leads to compression of nerve fibers and subsequent inflammatory response.Pain spreads along the nerve.
3. Facial syndrome- pain in the vertebral joints.The vertebrae from the second cervical have articular processes connected to each other by facet joints.With osteoarthritis, the intervertebral discs are destroyed, their height decreases, and this leads to the fact that the joint capsules of the facet joints are always in tension.It causes pain.Furthermore, the pain gradually increases towards the end of the day, especially when having to sit in a forced position for a long time.

Causes of cervical spondylosis

One of the main causes of osteochondrosis is the evolutionary inability of the spine to adapt to high vertical loads.Human ancestors walked on four legs like other mammals.They do not suffer from osteochondrosis, because in a horizontal position of the body, intradiscal pressure is two times lower than in an upright position.By the standards of evolution, the transition to an upright position happened not so long ago, and the spine simply did not have time to adapt to high vertical loads.So, along with walking upright, a person also suffers from diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

The structure of the human neck makes it even more vulnerable.The human cervical region consists of seven small movable vertebrae, articulated together like a child's pyramid.This structure can hardly be called stable if it is not at rest.In addition, the muscular framework in this area is weak and the load can be high - all this makes the neck vulnerable.Every injury has consequences.Even if the damage occurs in another part of the spine, load redistribution can be the cause of osteonecrosis.

Another factor is aging.The process of formation of bone and cartilage tissue is completed by the age of 21, after which the irreversible aging (degeneration) process begins.Nourishment of cartilage tissue is done only through the process of diffusion, and if the disc does not receive enough nutrients, it will begin to gradually degenerate.

In addition, the development of cervical spondylosis is also promoted by:

1. Autoimmune diseases.They involve the body's own cells in the pathological process of destruction of cartilage tissue.
2. Infections, hormonal imbalance, slow metabolism - all these circulatory disorders can also act as factors in the development of osteoarthritis.
3. A sedentary lifestyle, working conditions in which a person spends most of his or her time in a forced static position.
4. High loads lead to injuries that can lead to compression.
5. The genetic defect involves weakness of the musculoskeletal system and insufficiency of cartilage tissue.

The spinal canal in the cervical spine is very narrow, so the load is large, any disorder or injury can lead to spinal cord compression.And this is very dangerous.

In addition, a large number of nerve endings and blood vessels pass through this area.If blood stops flowing to the brain in the right amount, a stroke can occur.

Diagnose

During the initial diagnosis of cervical spondylosis, the doctor will collect the patient's medical history.He finds out how much it hurts and how much it hurts, with what intensity, during exercise or at rest, at what time of day it hurts more, whether there is an injury to the cervical spine or not.

When examining the neck, the doctor touches the cervical vertebrae, muscles, and lymph nodes;assess range of motion, rule out or confirm nerve root syndrome.

After this, to exclude autoimmune diseases, laboratory diagnostics are prescribed: complete blood count, ESR, rheumatoid factor, HLA B27 antigen.

The main role in diagnosis is played by radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

• X-rayhelps evaluate the condition of bone structure;Soft tissue and cartilage are not shown on the images.To visualize these structures, a contrast agent is injected: angiography, discography, myelography.
• Computed tomography (CT).This method also uses the principle of radiography, but with the help of computer processing, a series of images of longitudinal and transverse sections can be obtained in which bone and cartilage tissue can be seen.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).This is the "gold standard" in diagnosing diseases, including cartilage and soft tissue.MRI provides insight not only into the structure of organs and tissues but also into their function.In the case of osteoarthritis, a common complication is spinal herniation.MRI allows you to diagnose the process of hernia formation at an early stage.

Treatment

Treatment of cervical spondylosis with conservative methods.First, the pain syndrome subsides, then various procedures are prescribed.But in the most extreme cases, when the pain doesn't go away for more than three months and medication doesn't help, surgery is the only option.

Non-surgical treatment methods

Osteochondrosis has affected the cartilage degenerative system for many years, so treatment will take a long time.You need to be patient.Goals of conservative treatment:

1. Eliminate pain.
2. Reduce inflammation.
3. Restore the function of the spinal roots.
4. Strengthens Corset muscles and ligaments.

Conservative treatment includes medication and physical therapy.Medicines help relieve pain when the disease gets worse and physical therapy helps kick-start the body's self-healing process.

In severe pain with nerve root syndrome, the so-called "blockade" is performed: the drug is administered close to the inflamed spinal nerve roots.

Physiotherapeutic treatment is based on natural and artificial physical factors: cold, heat, electric current, magnetic radiation, lasers and others.To recreate them, special devices, equipment and manual techniques are used.

• Laser therapy- biological activation of disc regeneration.The body begins to heal itself.
• Plasma therapy (PRP therapy)- Inject plasma separated from the patient's blood.Plasma is rich in platelets, growth factors and hormones.After injection, local immunity increases and regeneration is initiated.
• Acupuncture- stimulation of nerve endings with special needles.Improves metabolism in affected areas, reduces pain.
• Shock wave therapy- Exposure to high frequency waves.Allows you to launch natural recovery processes.
• Exercise therapy- Exercise therapy.It can be active (physical therapy) and passive (massage, traction).Exercise therapy helps strengthen back muscles, traction reduces tension and pain.Selected taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.
• Manual therapy and massage- acts on soft tissues and joints to restore balance in the body and synchronize processes.Restore mobility and eliminate pain.
• Record- apply special patches to the skin in places where it is necessary to act on muscle tension and compression receptors.It can be both relaxing and tone enhancing.

During acute pain, the patient should wear a special bandage and collar around the neck to reduce the load on the spine.

The positive effect of conservative treatment is achieved within 2-3 months.If there are no results, the patient is recommended to have surgery.

Surgical methods to treat osteoarthritis

Surgery in cases of cervical spondylosis is an extreme measure that requires special indications.Surgery is recommended if:

1. The pain cannot be relieved by treatment lasting more than 3 months.
2. There is a herniated disc.
3. Loss of feeling in limbs.

Rehabilitation after surgery also takes time and may include therapeutic treatment.

Cervical spondylosis is a complex degenerative disease.It cannot go untreated.Such serious disorders in the musculoskeletal system can lead to disability.Neck pain can become chronic and osteoarthritis can spread to certain parts of the spine.Timely prevention can stop the development of this disease.

prevent

To keep the cervical spine healthy, daily physical activity is necessary.Nutrition of the intervertebral discs takes place during movement so it is extremely necessary.It is important that the load is optimal and regular.

If work requires constant standing in a static position, periodic warm-ups are necessary.And at home after a working day, you can lie for a while on your back on a flat surface, placing a cushion under your neck.This method will help restore the cervical curve of the spine and eliminate muscle tension.

To prevent cervical spondylosis, correct sleeping position is very important.If a person wakes up in the morning and has neck pain, it means that the muscles have not had time to rest and recover.Here will help an orthopedic pillow, selected specifically for children from 3–5 years.