Cervical osteochondrosis – causes, symptoms and treatment

Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine, in which changes occur in the cartilage of the intervertebral discs, and reactive processes develop in the tissues around them.

Here we will consider cervical osteochondrosis of the spine, which is distinguished from thoracic and sacral osteochondrosis. 

Her symptoms are related to the anatomical features of the cervical spine. 

The sizes of the vertebrae in the cervical department are smaller than the vertebrae in the other departments.

The neck is constantly under stress as it supports the head. It is characterized by great mobility.

What are the reasons for the development of osteochondrosis

First of all, we can point to the age-related changes in the body and the destruction of bone and cartilage tissues.

Apart from this main reason there are a number of others as follows:

postural disturbance

decrease in motor activity due to a sedentary lifestyle

excess weight, which is due to a violation of the metabolism – it puts a strain on the discs

hereditary factor

prolonged physical exertion

abnormalities in the spine.

Regular exercise, proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle noticeably reduce the likelihood of developing osteochondrosis, as well as the impact on general self-esteem.

What are the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine

The manifestations of this type of osteochondrosis are different from the symptoms in other parts of the spine. 

This is due to the fact that the cervical vertebrae have a different structure and are located very close to each other. 

Therefore, any displacement leads to severe pain and can cause a pinched nerve.

Here are the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

Pain – it can be felt in different parts of the body. The pain is due to pinching of nerve endings and muscles in the corresponding part of the body.

Weakness in the upper limbs – it is due to the pinching of nerve endings that determine motor activity.

Difficulty turning the head, crunching of the vertebrae in the neck due to changes in the structure of the intervertebral discs and the appearance of bone formations.

Decreased sensitivity of the hands.

Weakness and dizziness due to pinching of the artery that supplies blood and nourishment to the brain.

Deterioration of hearing and vision – this symptom appears in the last stage of the disease, when blood circulation in the cerebellum is reduced.

Signs of cervical osteochondrosis

Root syndrome – characterized by pinching of a spinal nerve in the cervical region. It manifests itself through severe pains that can be felt in the shoulders and shoulder blades.

Spinal cord syndrome – manifests itself in very strong attacks of headache, pain in the temples and the back of the head.

Reflex syndrome – manifests itself as severe pain in the neck, which can increase with any movement of the head. The pain shifts to the shoulder and chest area.

Cardinal syndrome – it is similar to an attack of angina pectoris, it is very difficult to determine.

Degrees of development of cervical osteochondrosis

This disease goes through several stages. Each of them has its own peculiarities and characteristic signs.

Stage 1: Degenerative change in the disc. The bone-cartilaginous tissue of the spinal vertebrae gradually begins to break down. 

The symptoms of this stage are hardly noticeable. Very often, patients do not notice them, rather they associate fatigue and pain with fatigue and stress.

Stage 2: Disc protrusion. The disks begin to decrease in height, cracks appear on them. The patient experiences continuous pain, weakness, numbness of the face.

Stage 3: Herniated disc. Hernias begin to form in the discs, the cervical blood vessels and muscles are damaged. The patient complains of dizziness, pain in the back of the head.

Stage 4: Osteophyte. The bone tissue that protects the spinal vertebrae from excessive load begins to grow, resulting in the pinching of nerve endings. Stiffness of movements begins to appear, adjacent joints are damaged.

Dangers associated with cervical osteochondrosis

The neck contains a large number of nerves and arteries that supply the brain. 

When their functioning is disturbed, the brain does not receive enough food to be able to function normally. 

Such a situation can disrupt motor activity, cause pain in the limbs, as well as loss of coordination.

If measures are not taken, ischemia, stroke, and many other life-threatening diseases can develop. 

Therefore, upon the appearance of any symptoms associated with this disease, it is recommended that the patient consult a doctor.

Diagnosis of the cervical spine

The following types of diagnostics are used to study diseases of the spine:

x-ray – this is not an effective way to diagnose the disease

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) – shows the bone structures, formed disc herniations and their sizes

CT (computed tomography) – this method is less effective than MRI because it is difficult to determine the size of hernias

Ultrasound duplex scan – used when the general blood supply is impaired. 

The test shows the existing speed of blood flow and whether there are barriers to this flow.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis should be carried out comprehensively, depending on the situation. 

A positive effect can be achieved with a complex and individual approach, which includes treatment with drugs, physiotherapy procedures, physical therapy, massage, and also folk medicine.

During a period of exacerbation, the treatment aims to improve blood circulation and eliminate muscle spasms. 

In such cases, agents that improve blood flow, anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents and a complex of vitamins are prescribed.

Physical therapy for cervical osteochondrosis

Therapeutic gymnastics gives visible results and is less dangerous at the stage of recovery. 

Its principle of action is based on the restoration of blood flow in the damaged parts of the body. 

While performing the exercises, the patient should not feel discomfort and pain.

The complex of exercises for the cervical spine is designed to strengthen the neck muscles, and also as a preventive measure.

Check out some of the best exercises you can do at home:

1. Point your chin down, bring it closer to your neck and slowly move your head first five times to the left, then five times to the right.

2. Now lift your chin and repeat the above exercise five times.

3. Tilt your head to the left, trying to touch your shoulder with your ear. Repeat five times on each side.

4. Straighten the chin and press the back of the head with the hands. Press the back of your head to your hands three times for 7 seconds.

5. Bend your head and tighten your neck muscles.

6. Repeat three times for 7 seconds.

7. Tense your neck muscles and press your right temple with your right hand and then your left temple with your left hand. Repeat three times for 7 seconds each.

8. Straighten your head and, fighting the resistance of the tense neck muscles, press the chin towards the jugular fossa. Then raise your head, aiming for the chin to be as high as possible.

Press it to your hands and hold three times for 7 seconds each.

While doing the exercises, do not try to hold your breath, breathe normally, calmly and smoothly.

If you feel pain, definitely stop exercising and wait for it to pass. You will see that after the first few exercises you will feel much better. 

Take care of your health, because in a time when almost all of us are in front of computers all day, it is important not to forget to take care of our neck muscles, which are under daily stress.

Massage for cervical osteochondrosis

The purpose of the massage is to strengthen muscle tone and eliminate pain. 

Depending on the stage of the disease, different massage techniques are used. Classic ways of massage include:

stroking – consists in impacting the surface layer of the skin. It starts from the occipital area and continues to the collarbones and armpits.

squeezing – during the massage, the deeper layers of the skin are affected. Transverse (widthwise) movements of the neck are performed with the thumb and forefinger, grasping areas of the skin, similar to a squeezing motion.

rubbing – has special limitations, as it affects tissues located deep. Incorrect execution may harm the patient.

In such cases, when the patient feels a feeling of pain only on one side, the massage should start from the healthy side, gradually moving to the part of the neck where the pain is felt.

Safe Home Neck Traction to Release a Pinched Nerve

And here’s a great technique you can use at home or in the office to help reduce pain in the neck and down the arm from a pinched nerve.

Only with the help of a terry cloth can you widen the intervertebral spaces by traction (pulling) and thus release a possibly pinched nerve.

Postisometric relaxation

Thanks to the postisometric relaxation of the neck, a relaxing effect is achieved on these muscles, which are difficult to influence during the massage. 

This is a unique technique that can be used to relieve muscle spasm, improve blood circulation, and thereby reduce the tension on the spinal nerves. 

Because of the results achieved, some even say that this is a special soft technique of manual therapy, but without any health risk.

Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis

In order to prevent the occurrence and development of the disease, it is recommended to follow a few simple rules:

one should lead a healthy life, performing physical exercises, and visit a swimming pool regularly

diversify the diet with products rich in magnesium and calcium

with a sedentary lifestyle, exercise should be done several times a day

the bed must have an orthopedic mattress and a comfortable pillow.