Cervical osteochondrosis

1 May 2025

Cervical osteochondrosis is the progressive dystrophic and degenerative lesion of the intervertebral discs in the area of 1-7 vertebrae belonging to the cervical region.

As a result of cervical osteochondrosis, deformity, exhaustion and then damage to the vertebrae bodies occurs. This disrupts normal blood supply and nerve conductivity in the neck and in those areas that are innervated by the roots of the nerves of the cervical nerves.

Cervical osteochondrosis can be either isolated or combined with osteochondrosis of other departments - lumbar and sacral.Reasons

The causes of dystrophic and degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs have not yet been sufficiently studied. Supposed that osteochondrosis is a senile phenomenon of confirmation. It is found even in children and adolescents.

There are a number of factors that predispose to the development of osteochondrosis. These include:

Seedometer and a sedentary lifestyle,

Seated types of work with static neck load,

overweight, insufficient physical development,

Dysplastic connective tissue processes,

a circulatory disorder in the neck,

neck injuries,

Scoliosis, stand defects, uncomfortable pillows and mattresses,

Hereditary predisposition, metabolic defects.Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

The spine, due to the characteristics of the skeleton, density, and due to the large size of the head, is particularly vulnerable to the development of osteochondrosis-the sample in it are the smallest compared to other parts of the spine, and the muscle frame is not very pronounced.

The most characteristic symptom that patients complain about - pain in the cervical region. Depending on the area of damage, the pain may be localized

in the collar and shoulder;

throughout the cervical spine;

On the anterior surface of the chest.

The pain for cervical osteochondrosis is due to the characteristics of the cervical region.

The first signs of cervical osteochondrosis are insignificant and slightly specific:

Neck pain in the evening,

feeling of heaviness in the head, headache in the back area,

feeling of tingling or tingling in the shoulders and hands,

Crystick in the neck when turning the head, click the vertebrae. Spinal symptom

Leading symptoms:

Vegetative-deal

Quite severe neck pain and especially in the area just below the back of the head;

The pain occurs after a long stay in one position (for example after sleep);

The neck muscles are constantly tense;

There are difficulties with the abandonment of the arm on the side;

On the affected side, the fingers are limited by movement.
Because the spinal arteries are compressed, neurological manifestations are observed: headache, nausea, seizures.
Spinal symptom
The pain is located behind the sternum to the left.
This type of pain should be distinguished from pain, as in angina (with angina, nitroglycerin is relieved by osteochondrosis - no).
With a gradual violation of the structure of the intervertebral discs, their compression (compression) occurs and a disturbance of the roots of the nerves occurs, as well as narrowing or disturbance of the arteries and veins that are carried out in the area of the vertebrae bodies.
This leads to the formation of special syndromes - radicular and ischemic.

Damage to the roots of the first cervical vertebra (C1): disorders affect the back of the head, reducing the sensitivity of the skin;

The lesion C2 creates pain in the crown of the crown and the back of the head;

The C3 lesion applies neck pain on the side of the disorder, reducing the sensitivity of the tongue and under the linguistic muscles, in some cases with damage to speech and loss of control of the tongue;

The defeat of the C4 and C5 adds pain in the shoulder and collarbone, reducing the tone of the muscles of the head and neck, hiccups, respiratory disorders and heartache;

The defeat C6 is most often, gives pain from the neck to the shoulder, the forearm, to the thumbs, the sensitivity of the skin may suffer:

The C7 lesion gives similar symptoms with neck pain, the back of the shoulder, to the back of the arm, a disturbance of the force of the hands and a decrease in the reflexes.
Circulatory disorders due to the compression of the vessels in the cervical vertebrae give a headache to migraines, severe dizziness, visual impairment and ears in the ears, flickering flies in front of the eyes, disorders of autonomous functions.
There may be manifestations of cardiac syndrome with compressive heart pain, lack of air and heart rate, rhythm disorders.Complications
Serious complications of cervical osteochondrosis are

convexity of intervertebral discs with the formation of hernia (convexity);

Rupture of the intervertebral disc with nerve disorders and blood vessels is possible compression of the spinal cord, which can lead to death;

There may also be radiculopathies (root lesions), osteophyte formation (vertebrae spikes) with a manifestation of paresis and paralysis.Diagnostics
In the presence of the above complaints it is necessary to appeal to the orthopedic physician or neurologist.
First, the doctor will evaluate the mobility and soreness in the neck, sensitivity and other features. Radiography of the cervical spine will then be required in several projections, if necessary, computed tomography or magnetic resonance scanning with suspected hernia.
In the case of bloodskets, reoencepalography and the test of the Fundus will be required.Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Today, there are both traditional and unconventional methods of treating osteochondrosis in the cervical spine.
Conservative methods are mainly used:

Symptomatic therapy with analgesics to relieve pain syndrome

Taking anti-inflammatory drugs from a non-deaid series-to relieve inflammation and tissue swelling

Ant spasmodics and drugs are used to eliminate muscle cramps to improve blood circulation.
In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, substances are used to restore the structure of the intervertebral discs - chondroprototors.
The course of group B vitamin therapy is shown, external therapy products are applicable - gels and ointments, creams with anti -inflammatory and analgesic components. It shows stimulants of the regeneration of the intervertebral discs.
The overall massage, acupuncture, physiology, physiotherapy and gymnastics and gymnastics also surpassed the treatment of osteochondrosis. The osteopathy method has proven well - a slight effect on the "fastened" areas of the muscles and vertebrae.
In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended to wear a special collar (a black collar).
Complications of cervical osteochondrosis with hernia, which disrupt sensitivity and blood circulation, can be treated immediately.
The duration of treatment depends on the neglect of the condition, as osteochondrosis is a progressive chronic disease. Treatment can be long and preventative courses are performed for life.
Proper nutrition will help relieve osteochondrosis.Exercises to treat cervical osteochondrosis:

Self-effect: In a straight back position, it is necessary to lower the shoulders as low as possible, while the neck is to be pulled up. At least 10 approaches need to be made at least 3 times a day.

Self massage: Sting your neck with a towel, taking it for the ends and pulling it for them, spreading the neck muscles. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the towel does not slide on the neck.

Gymnastics for the cervical region for osteochondrosis are shown: a little bending of the neck, as well as bends and tilting the head. At some point, 5-7 inclinations are made in each direction. This exercise is most useful to perform after self -massage of the cervical spine.Prevention
The basis of the health of the cervical spine is a strong and healthy back, physical activity, a comfortable bed with anatomical pillows and a mattress, proper posture and proper nutrition.
It is worth avoiding neck injuries and weight lifting. It is necessary to combine prolonged sitting with rest and warm periods.