Causes, symptoms and treatment methods of cervical osteochondrosis

21 January 2024

Among all pathological processes that affect the spine in different parts, cervical osteochondrosis is considered one of the most common. This disease leads to many complications, mainly because it affects the spinal cord and also negatively affects brain function.

According to statistics for 2017, the disease has become significantly younger. If previously osteochondrosis mostly affected people after the age of 40, today various stages of cervical osteochondrosis are diagnosed in 90% of people over 25 years old. For this reason, it is important to know as much as possible about pathology, from what it is to treatment methods.

What is cervical osteochondrosis?

In medical practice, the word cervical osteochondrosis means an acquired progressive disease that affects certain parts of the spine. This pathological process is characterized by a degenerative-dystrophic process in the tissue of the intervertebral disc, which is a shock absorber for the cervical vertebrae.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the intervertebral disc due to the fact that it is worn and deformed. As a result, the distance between the vertebrae is reduced and as a result the following consequences occur:

Narrowing of the spinal canal in certain areas of the spine.
Compression of the vertebral artery - a large blood vessel that provides blood supply to the brain. Due to this, the supply to the brain deteriorates and blood circulation in the cervical spinal cord is disturbed.
Intervertebral discs can be deformed and flat. This leads to compression of certain areas of the spinal cord and nerves, most often nerve root compression occurs.

All these problems threaten not only impaired blood circulation in the brain, pain in the neck, headaches, etc. The development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is dangerous with neurological problems, deterioration of the central nervous system, and damage to brain tissue.

According to the international classification of diseases, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is assigned several separate codes. The disease code according to ICD 10 depends on the age at which the disease was diagnosed:

M02 - intervertebral disc dystrophy in adolescence.
M42. 12 – degenerative processes in the neck area in adults.

Many factors depend on the age of the patient and the level of development of the pathological process, for example, consequences, complications, symptoms and, of course, the principles of treatment.

Cause

Knowledge of the causes of the development of cervical osteochondrosis can play a decisive role in the diagnostic process, as well as in determining the principles of combating this disease.

However, before listing the reasons, it should be said that doctors identify two factors that lead to the development of this pathological process:

Pathology - the destruction of the intervertebral disc and other vertebral structures with the involvement of nearby tissues, vessels and nerve bundles in the pathological process occurs under the influence of unfavorable external factors. The worse these factors and other pathologies are, the faster the disease develops.
Physiology - the development of pathology is based mainly on age-related changes. We are talking about the natural aging of cartilage tissue in the spine, salt deposits, etc.

If we list the more specific causes of cervical osteochondrosis, they are as follows:

Disorders of metabolic processes in the body, as well as certain levels of obesity.
Physical inactivity is a phenomenon characterized by limited mobility. We're not just talking about injury or illness, this also includes a sedentary lifestyle and sedentary work.
Pathology of the cardiovascular system that contributes to impaired blood circulation in the brain, changes in pressure, etc.
Incorrect posture includes various forms of scoliosis, rheumatism and even flat feet.
Injury to the cervical spine. In this case we are talking about sprains, blows, bruises. Injury to other parts of the spine can affect the development of cervical osteochondrosis.
Excessive physical pressure on the cervical spine, due to intense sports or severe physical difficulties, depending on the type of activity of a person.

A sedentary lifestyle is also dangerous because of the constant tension on the cervical spine and the entire spine if you sit incorrectly or on uncomfortable furniture.
Hernia of the cervical spine, as well as various concomitant diseases.
Forced to hold the head for a long time in an uncomfortable or inappropriate position. In this case, not only muscle tension occurs, but also the spine in the cervical region is bent.
Doctors consider constant stress and nervous tension to be very common causes.
One of the reasons is also considered to be a congenital anomaly in the structure of the spine.

What health hazards does it pose?

As mentioned earlier, the cervical spine area contains not only the spinal cord and various nerve branches, but also the vertebral arteries that supply blood to the occipital part of the brain, the cerebellum and the medulla oblongata.

With the development of cervical osteochondrosis, nearby tissues become inflamed. In addition, the development of pathology threatens to compress nerve roots and squeeze blood vessels, the consequences of which are as follows:

Osteochondrosis is accompanied by spinal deformity, resulting in narrowing of the spinal canal in certain areas. This can cause compression of the spinal cord and nerve branches, which promises severe neurological problems. In severe cases, a person feels pain, and there is even a possibility of losing control over certain parts of the body (especially in the arms or face).
Compression of the neck vessels, as already mentioned, is accompanied by impaired circulation in the occipital region of the brain. In this case, the brain stops receiving oxygen and nutrients in the necessary quantities, and oxygen starvation begins. If blood circulation is impaired, there is a real risk of ischemic stroke and various neurological pathologies.

Syndrome

Speaking of the dangers posed by cervical osteochondrosis when it develops and does not receive proper treatment, this disease can lead to a number of complications and syndromes.

The main syndromes are:

Vertebral.
Vertebral artery.
Koreshkovy.
Heart.

It is important to know that each of these symptoms is accompanied by painful sensations of a different nature, as well as various unfavorable clinical signs. A person may feel dizzy, experience tinnitus, and more.

Vertebral syndrome

Talk about the direct relationship between cervical osteochondrosis and bone and cartilage tissue. Symptoms of this type of pathology are also associated with damage to the mentioned tissues:

Neck movement is partially or completely limited.
Head movement is accompanied by painful sensations in the neck area.
X-ray shows morphological changes in tissue (intervertebral bodies and vertebrae).

Keep in mind that vertebral syndrome is always accompanied by these three clinical signs. If at least 1 of them is missing, the diagnosis will be completely different.

Vertebral artery syndrome

This syndrome is caused by the narrowing of the vertebral arteries, which leads to vestibular, vascular and autonomic problems. In this case, the main symptoms are widespread:

Headaches and migraines.
Visual impairment.
Noise in the ears.
Frequent dizziness and more.

The most dangerous symptom is fainting, which indicates a severe lack of oxygen.

Radicular syndrome

Occurs when the root of the spinal cord is damaged. In this case, nerve conduction is disrupted, a person may feel pain or lose sensitivity in certain parts of the body, or experience paralysis.

Depending on the 8 radicular pairs in which conduction disturbances occur, the following symptoms are identified:

1 pair - numbness or pain in the back of the head;
Third pair - impaired chewing reflex, tongue numbness and unpleasant sensation behind the ear;
4 pairs - pain in the collarbone area, impaired swallowing reflex;
5 pairs - disruption of the shoulder girdle, accompanied by problems with arm movement;
6th pair - the patient begins to feel pain and numbness in the forearm and shoulder blade;
7th pair - hands and fingers (usually index and middle) become numb;
8th pair – similar problem to the previous point, but numbness in the ring finger and little finger.

Based on the features described, it is sometimes possible to determine which root pair is affected by radicular syndrome.

Cardiac syndrome

Despite the fact that the pathological process is still localized in the cervical spine, this syndrome has all the signs of heart pathology. The clinical picture is as follows:

Rapid pulse.
Pain in the sternum.
Shortness of breath, weakness, lethargy, decreased performance.

Stages of disease progression

When we talk about the level of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, we mean the stage of development of the pathological process, which differs in clinical signs. Overall, there are four stages of disease development:

The first stage is characterized by vague symptoms. The patient complains of a slight headache; during the initial examination, the doctor noted some muscle stiffness.
Pain in the cervical spine and head is more common, more intense, and radiates to the shoulders and arms. The pathology is caused by damage to the intervertebral disc and pinched nerve roots. The pain increases when turning the head, throwing it back and bending forward.
In the third stage, the pain is constant, muscle weakness in the arm is noted, and a hernia is formed in the intervertebral disc. Movement in the neck area is limited, and dizziness is often present.
The fourth stage is accompanied by the complete destruction of the intervertebral disc, cartilage tissue is replaced by connective tissue. In addition to pain and dizziness, coordination problems are observed, and the vertebral artery is often pinched.

Signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

To consult a doctor in time, it is necessary to clearly understand the signs of cervical osteochondrosis. In some cases, such knowledge allows you to seek help in the early stages of the disease, when it is easier to treat.

In general, the symptoms of cervical spine osteochondrosis are as follows:

Pain in osteochondrosis is always there, only the intensity and frequency are different. Pain is the first clinical sign. Their intensity depends on the stage of disease development; they are dull or compressed. Painful sensations are found mainly in the neck and occipital region, but can also radiate to the temporal region, shoulder girdle and arms.
In most cases, there is a manifestation of damage to the vestibular apparatus. We are talking about frequent unexplained dizziness, nausea, poor coordination of movements, uneven gait, loss of space.
One of the most common clinical signs is neck muscle stiffness and stiffness of movement. It is difficult for a person to turn, lower and throw his head, movements are accompanied by attacks of pain.
Many patients report a "goosebumps" feeling across the scalp or a characteristic tingling sensation.
Muscle weakness and numbness occurs in the arm area.
Often there are psychological manifestations, expressed in depression, drowsiness, sudden changes in mood, short temper or irritability.
Due to poor circulation and damage to brain tissue, dizziness worsens and sounds in the ears appear, such as rustling, pulsating, and ringing.
Most patients note a deterioration in vision, as well as pain in the eyeball, especially when trying to squint too much to the left, right, up or down.

Sometimes it is possible to determine the level of development of the pathological process by symptoms. However, for a full diagnosis this is still not enough and several diagnostic steps are required.

Diagnostic methods

Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis is necessary to determine the location and stage of development of the disease. For a complete diagnosis, the following diagnostic methods are required:

Radiography is the main method for determining the extent and location of spinal deformity.
Computed tomography can be used to more accurately diagnose pathological changes in the vertebral and intervertebral discs.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) - makes it possible to examine discs and vertebrae in detail, determine the presence of hernias, protrusions, extent of lesions, etc.
Dopplerography - with this examination it becomes possible to find the place of arterial compression and assess the degree of circulatory disorders.

Treatment methods

Treatment of neck osteochondrosis always involves an integrated approach. The principle of treatment depends on various factors, such as the age of the patient, the stage of disease development, the severity of the clinical picture, etc.

However, you cannot do without a doctor in this situation and first of all you can contact a general practitioner, who will then refer you to a vertebrologist.

As for the integrated approach: osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is treated with the help of drug therapy, physiotherapy, massage, exercise therapy and other methods, which should be discussed in more detail.

Drug treatment

The basis for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is drug therapy, which involves the use of tablets, drugs and drugs of the following groups:

Painkillers - analgesics and antispasmodics. The first directly dulls the nerve center, thereby relieving painful sensations. The latter allows you to relieve neck muscle spasms, increase blood flow and suppress pain.
NSAIDs - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are needed to reduce inflammation, most of which also relieve pain. Often these drugs are used in the form of gels or ointments that are applied to the affected area.
Muscle relaxants are another way to relieve muscle spasms in the cervical region.
Chondroprotectors are mandatory at certain stages of spinal osteochondrosis, as they contribute to the recovery of bone tissue.
Vitamin B - normalizes the metabolic processes of nervous tissue, improves the conductivity of nerve impulses and promotes the functioning of the central nervous system.

Remember, treatment should only be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, who is responsible for prescribing each drug, as well as determining the duration of use and dosage.

Physiotherapy

Treatment of neck osteochondrosis will be many times more effective using certain physiotherapy techniques:

Electrophoresis.
Laser therapy.
Ultrasound.
massage

Massage therapy must be carried out by an experienced medical professional, the treatment is carried out in a course of at least 10 sessions. Cervical massage helps normalize blood circulation, restore elasticity, muscle tone, relieve pain, etc.

Physiotherapy

Therapeutic exercises also help speed up recovery, but are only carried out during the recovery stage. It is important that exercise does not bring discomfort or pain to the patient. Exercise therapy aims to strengthen muscles and relieve discomfort during movement by increasing the elasticity of muscle fibers.

Exercise techniques were initially developed by physiotherapists, so patients can do gymnastics independently at home.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy is based on the principle of restoring motor function and intervertebral mobility. At first, the manipulation consists of a light relaxing massage, then the doctor uses more force, applying pressure and twisting the neck to the vertebrae.

Kuznetsov applicator

The use of the Kuznetsov applicator is one of the methods of treating diseases of the spine, including osteochondrosis. The effect of the device on the cervical spine normalizes metabolic processes, relieves pain, improves muscle tone, improves blood circulation, increases the conductivity of nerve tissue, etc.

Treatment at home

The entire range of therapeutic measures is carried out at home, with the exception of physiotherapy, massage (in some cases) and the first stage of exercise therapy. However, now we are talking about traditional medicine, and we will consider some of the most effective recipes:

To use horseradish - take a leaf of this plant, pour boiling water over it and apply the inside to your neck, securing it with a bandage. Can be left on while you sleep to enhance the effect.
If there are no contraindications from the doctor, warming the cervical spine will be a good remedy. The easiest method is to use pepper plaster, but you can heat the wax cake, applying it 1-2 times until it cools completely.

Disease prevention

To prevent the development of the disease or its return after treatment, it is necessary to prevent osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. It consists of the following simple recommendations:

Sleep on a flat, hard surface; it is better to buy special orthopedic mattresses and pillows that take the shape of your head.
To avoid disease, monitor your physical activity and do not overburden your spine. If you have to lift weights, do it smoothly and keep your back straight.
If your job requires you to sit for long periods of time, take a break. Every hour you should walk or stretch your stiff muscles with simple gymnastic movements.

To avoid osteochondrosis, it is useful to go swimming and hang on a horizontal bar for 2-3 minutes every day.