Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative-dystrophic process in the cervical vertebrae and surrounding tissues, associated with gradual thinning and dehydration of the intervertebral discs and the formation of vertebral deformities.All this weakens mobility, causes inflammatory changes in surrounding tissues, causes pain and complications.A more current name for this disease is back pathology.The term “osteonecrosis” itself does not correspond to modern criteria, but has deep roots to refer to different processes and causes of pain in different parts of the spine.
Cartilage degeneration affects the discs, vertebrae and surrounding soft tissues.As a result of degenerative-dystrophic processes caused by aging and excessive stress, changes occur in the composition of the gel-like substance of the intervertebral disc and the dense fibrous tissue that surrounds it, forming an elastic membrane.Gradually, the height of the disc decreases, its shock absorption properties worsen.
The metabolic process inside the nucleus is affected, small cracks form, the disc is deformed, bulges and hernias form.As this process progresses, the surrounding cartilage and bone tissue of the vertebrae are affected, and bone spurs are formed - bone overgrowths that limit mobility and cause pain.
Changes that occur near the spinal cord and its membranes, spinal nerve roots, can form irritation, inflammation of surrounding tissues, reflex muscle spasms, causing typical manifestations of the disease.Nearby vessels with interrupted blood flow may be affected.
Reason
Osteonecrosis in the area mainly the cervical spine can occur due to a number of existing health problems.Each thing makes the process worse.Among the leading provocateurs are:
Obesity, overweight;
Inactivity, lack of physical activity;
The job is mainly sedentary or standing for long periods of time;
Poor posture, stooped back;
Problems with the musculoskeletal system (flat feet, scoliosis), due to uneven distribution of the load on the spine;
Back and neck injuries, congenital spinal deformities;
Excessive tension in the neck and back;
Tendency to disease.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the cervical spine
Symptoms of the disease are very diverse, not always recognized immediately and easily confused with other diseases.Among them the most typical are:
Systemic vertigo attacks occur in the form of attacks.
Pain in the back of the head, neck, and neck.The severity and intensity of pain depends on the development of the process.Initially mild and cyclical, as the pathology progresses, it becomes persistent and spreads to the entire head.
Tinnitus, ringing in the ears when changing position after sitting or lying for a long time, may be accompanied by dizziness.
Nausea accompanied by vomiting due to circulatory disorders in some areas of the brain, aggravated when turning the head.
Impaired vision, fog, blurred vision, flashing spots.
Pressure increases, fainting.
Feeling of tightness in the throat, dry throat, difficulty swallowing.
Shoulder pain, arm numbness.
In addition to these complaints, typical syndromes can also arise solely due to damage to the cervical spine.
Vertebral syndrome - impaired mobility in the neck, pain when trying to turn the head, crunching in the vertebrae.
Vertebral artery syndrome is accompanied by tinnitus, dizziness, pressure changes and drowsiness.
Nerve root syndrome with symptoms of numbness and pain in the back of the head, less sensitive tongue, hiccups, difficulty swallowing, pain in the shoulder, between the shoulder blades, numbness in the little finger.
Complications and risks may occur
Long-term cartilage degeneration in the neck area leads to disorders in the nerve trunk and arteries.This threatens the development of stroke, thyroid disorders, hand sensitivity problems, difficulty swallowing food and vision disorders.In addition, neck mobility is significantly limited.
Diagnose
To diagnose pathology, it is necessary to contact an orthopedist and a neurologist.Comprehensive examination helps diagnose:
X-ray and CT of the cervical spine, MRI to visualize bone and soft tissue structures.
Parallel scanning of the arteries in the neck and head evaluates blood circulation in the brain and neck.
Assess reflexes, neck mobility, and condition of soft tissues.
In addition, ultrasound, ECG, blood pressure monitoring and consultation with an ENT specialist are needed to rule out other diseases.
How to treat cervical spondylosis
Basically, doctors treat cervical spondylosis depending on the underlying cause.For example, if muscle strain or poor posture is causing symptoms, your doctor will usually start with conservative treatments.For example, they include neck strengthening exercises, physical and manual therapy, and pain relief with medication.
In some cases, doctors recommend surgery.This is necessary, for example, in cases of severe disc herniation or injury to the cervical spine.
Physical therapy for cervical spondylosis is aimed at providing long-term pain relief and restoring the body's flexibility.It includes muscle-strengthening exercises, massage and physical measures (e.g. application of heat, cold, light or electrical stimulation).The therapist massages the affected muscles, for example shining a red light on them or applying heat.In this way, tension and blockages in the vertebrae are released so that the vertebral joints are no longer limited in their mobility.
The physical therapist will also select specific therapeutic exercises appropriate to each individual's needs and health condition.He will show you exactly how to do these exercises and, if necessary, will correct the movements that you are doing incorrectly.The important thing here is that you are learning techniques that help you relax your muscles and improve head and neck mobility.Exercise also helps improve blood circulation in the body, reduce stress and strengthen muscles.
If symptoms are acute or if exercise doesn't help, doctors also treat cervical spondylosis with medication.If necessary, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.They relieve pain for a while and allow the patient to move their head and neck better.
If your symptoms are severe and/or particularly painful, your doctor will also prescribe medications that help relax your muscles (called muscle relaxants).
Pharmaceutical ointments or patches that have an analgesic effect also relieve the symptoms of cervical syndrome.
In some cases (for example, herniated discs), doctors use what is called minimally invasive injection therapy.This method is most often used for pinched nerves.To do this, the doctor injects a local anesthetic with a needle directly into the affected spinal area (infiltration).It soothes irritated nerves, relieves pain and relaxes muscles.Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor will administer one to ten treatments.
If conservative treatment is not effective, your doctor will consider surgery.For example, in the case of disc herniation, when a person is in very severe pain, symptoms of paralysis will appear.Nowadays, surgery is often microsurgery, that is, through a small incision.The doctor will remove the disc tissue that is pressing on the nerve and causing symptoms.The procedure is usually short (about 30 to 60 minutes).Patients usually receive general anesthesia during surgery and stay in the hospital for observation for about three days.
prevent
You have the power to relieve symptoms and prevent neck strain on your own.The following measures are possible for this:
Exercise therapy and swimming in many cases help improve symptoms of osteoarthritis in the cervical spine.
In certain cases, stress and psychological stress can contribute to cervical spondylosis or worsen its symptoms.So try to avoid stressful situations.