Cervical spine degeneration

Chondrolysis is a complex of dystrophic and degenerative disorders in the cartilage tissue of the vertebral disc.The disease can develop in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine.Osteonecrosis is accompanied by pain and disruption of the vascular and nervous systems.

This type of disease is the most common and occurs even in young people.Cervical spondylosis is the most dangerous, as it is accompanied by compression of nerve roots extending from the spinal cord and impaired intracranial circulation due to pressure from deformed discs on blood vessels.

The vertebral artery, the largest blood vessel supplying blood to the brain, passes through openings in the cervical vertebrae.This pressure on the arteries can lead to dangerous complications such as coronary artery disease and even stroke.

The tight fit of the cervical vertebrae to each other leads to their slightest displacement leading to compression of nerves and blood vessels.This leads to reduced skin sensitivity, partial loss of hearing and vision as well as other neurological disorders.

Reason

Cervical spine degeneration has internal (endogenous) and external (exogenous) causes.

Internal causes include:

• Genetic factors (heredity);
• Disorders of intrauterine development of cartilage and bone tissue of the spine;
• Age-related factors influence changes in cartilage tissue;
• Metabolic disorders.

External reasons are more diverse:

• Excessive pressure on the vertebrae due to improper loading;
• Various injuries and damage to the spine and back (bruises, falls, sprains, fractures);
• Infectious diseases;
• Spinal muscular dystrophy;
• Poor posture in the form of a stooped back and an S-shaped spine;
• Working in an awkward position;
• Pulling heavy objects;
• Flat feet;
• Excessive weight;
• Intoxication;
• Hypothermia;
• Pillows are not comfortable to sleep on;
• unfavorable environmental conditions;
• Vitamin or trace element deficiency (calcium, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, vitamin D);
• Physical inactivity (lack of physical activity).

Cervical osteonecrosis is more likely to develop in people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, are sedentary and engage in mental activities, but it also sometimes occurs in athletes, movers or people whose work involves frequent bending and sudden movements.

Symptom

Symptoms of cervical spondylosis are quite diverse.These include:

• Pain in the nape of the neck, spreading to the back of the head, eyes, ears, and shoulder blades;
• Pain in the upper extremities, worse with mild exertion;
• Muscle tension and limited neck mobility, especially in the morning;
• Pain when bending and turning head;
• Numbness in the cervical spine after sleeping;
• Difficulty moving arms, reduced range of motion;
• Burning, numbness and tingling in the upper limbs;
• Headaches are mainly located in the back of the head, but can also spread to the temples and top of the head;
• tinnitus;
• Impairment of vision and hearing (periodic and continuous);
• Tongue numbness;
• Pain in the chest area or between the shoulder blades, which is not eliminated by nitroglycerin and depends on the position of the body;
• overgrowth of connective tissue in the cervical area;
• Constant tiredness and fatigue;
• Asleep;
• Nausea;
• Double vision (diplopia);
• Crackling sound in the vertebrae.

The course of the disease and possible complications

Even a light load on the upper body can lead to the development of cervical spondylosis - this area of the spine is very vulnerable.Degenerative changes lead to the formation of bone spurs (growths on bone tissue) that contribute to irritation and tension of nearby muscles, which in response to impact put greater pressure on cartilage and joints.This leads to progression of the disease - compression of arteries and nerves.

If the disease is not treated, protrusions and herniations will develop in the intervertebral discs, leading to a significant decrease in spinal mobility and may require surgical intervention.

With severe degenerative changes in cartilage tissue and without treatment, the so-called “nerve root syndrome” can develop - damage to the cervical nerves.This leads to an increase and progression of all of the above symptoms and can also cause impaired speech, breathing and even a rare phenomenon such as persistent hiccups.

Inflamed roots can gradually occupy the entire area of the spinal canal, causing increased pain syndrome and serious disorders in nerve regulation of the limbs and facial muscles.Impaired cerebral circulation can cause decline in intellectual ability, memory, ability to concentrate and lead to stroke.

Osteonecrosis occurs in more severe stages, when all the symptoms appear particularly obvious and there is a period of remission.The duration of remission depends on the patient's lifestyle and the preventive measures he or she takes.

Diagnose

Diagnosis is established on the basis of characteristic symptoms, as well as using:

• X-rays. This method is ineffective, especially in the late stages of the development of osteoarthritis.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the cervical spine.A method that allows you to see the bone structure, herniated discs, their size and direction of growth.
• Computed tomography.A less effective solution than MRI, as it is difficult to determine the presence and size of the hernia.
• Doppler ultrasound (to determine pathology of cervical vessels).This method is used in cases where blood flow in the arteries is suspected.Using the scan, you can determine the speed of blood flow and whether there are any obstructions to it.

Treatment

It is better to treat osteoarthritis in the early stages of the disease, however, in reality, doctors will be consulted when the disease develops to a more dangerous stage.Self-medication for osteoarthritis is unacceptable and can cause deterioration of the general condition.

Effective treatment in the treatment of cervical spondylosis brings positive results thanks to the synthetic method - a combination of medication and physical therapy.

Treatment with medication

Medicines effectively reduce (eliminate) pain symptoms but do not affect the cause of the disease, so treating with medicine alone is not wise.

Drugs from the NSAID group provide good pain and inflammation relief - the most suitable treatment will be prescribed by the treating doctor.

Medicines that improve cerebral circulation and medicines that relax neck muscles are also used.Vitamin support in therapeutic doses (especially group B and nicotinic acid) and trace elements (calcium, phosphorus and magnesium preparations).

Treatment with chondroprotective drugs (dietary supplements) is done to restore the tissue between the vertebrae, but some doctors consider these drugs ineffective or even useless in treating osteoarthritis.

Topical ointments and gels have certain therapeutic effects.

Physiotherapy and alternative treatment

In clinics specializing in orthopedics and the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, physiotherapy is given priority over medicinal methods.Based on a detailed study of the medical history (medical history) and extensive diagnosis, doctors offer special individual therapy programs, including:

• Electrophoresis (transdermal drug administration using electrodes);
• Magnetotherapy (exposure to magnetic fields);
• Amplipulse therapy (modulated current treatment);
• acupressure;
• orthopedic fitness;
• Classes on special simulators;
• Massage;
• Manual impact methods;
• Ultrasound therapy;
• Laser therapy.

Treatment of osteoarthritis with non-traditional methods is popular - acupuncture, hirudotherapy (leech treatment), osteopathy.

In severe cases and complications, doctors must resort to surgery.

prevent

Since the most common cause of cervical spondylosis is lack of movement and incorrect body posture, the best prevention is therapeutic exercises, which can be performed at work - in a sitting or standing position.

To prevent the disease, it is also necessary to visit an orthopedist at an early age and carry out timely correction of postural disorders.

Prevent osteoarthritis and proper nutrition, providing the body with essential trace elements.At the same time, do not eat too much because being overweight is one of the causes of overloading the spinal discs.

When carrying heavy objects, be careful and distribute the load properly.

The sleeping place, mattress and pillows play a big role - they must be comfortable and not create tension in the back and neck muscles.

And most importantly, avoid stress, nervous tension and negative emotions.

Forecast

With timely and qualified treatment, the prognosis is favorable, but much depends on the stage of the disease, the severity of manifestations, the patient's age and compliance with medical recommendations on lifestyle, proper nutrition and eliminating bad habits.