Osteochondrosis of the cervical region

30 May 2025

Osteochondrosis is a defeat of the intervertebral discs of a degenerative-dystophical nature, and the cervical region is the most vulnerable part of the spinal column, which has an anatomically different structure from very close to another vertebra and the weak muscle corset.Therefore, even with small additional loads in the neck, the vertebrae of the vertebrae can occur, which leads to tighten the blood vessels and nerves.

And since the vertebral arteries involved in the blood supply to the brain pass through the holes in the transverse processes of the vertebrae in this department, the impressions of the vertebrae in this department or pressing the holes with osteofites covered with expensive are full of very serious consequences.

What is it?

The osteochondrosis of the cervical region is a progressive poleetiological disease that is manifested by the degeneration of the intervertebral discs and the dystrophy of the ligament system of the spine.

Causes

The main causes and prerequisites for the occurrence of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebra are:

Spine, scoliosis.
Stress, nerve tensions negatively affect the general state of the body, can cause cervical osteochondrosis.
Infectious diseases transferred often become the root cause.
The wrong and uncomfortable position of the body during sleep (for example, an awkward pillow).
Congenital problems or the presence of hereditary diseases of the cervical column.
Violation of the posture in young people and adolescence.
Excess weight, obesity of different degrees.Additional pounds increase the load on vertebrae and discs, which leads to degenerative processes.
Back injuries, which may have happened in childhood or adolescence.
Violation of metabolic processes.
Work related to physical work, which can cause column diseases in different departments.
Economic lifestyle, sitting work, inappropriate performance of any exercise.

For the successful treatment of the osteochondrosis of the cervical region, it is first necessary to establish the cause of the occurrence, the previous requirements that caused their development and eliminated them.Until recently, the disease was alone in people of 45 years.Now the young people are subject to it, the age range is 18-25 years old.

Characteristics of the cervical region

Consider how the cervical region differs from the rest of the spine, and that in the process of developing osteochondrosis, serves as a previous requirement for the development of these syndromes.

In the cervical region, important nodes (nodes) of the autonomic nervous system are found.
In the transverse processes of the vertebrae, there are holes that form a channel through which the vertebral artery that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the brain, cerebellum, auditory organs, as well as the vertebral nerve passes.These are the previous requirements for frequent clamps of the artery and nerves.
The cervical column is the most mobile.It is characterized by all types of movements as a whole.These are previous requirements for frequent infractions and subluxations.
The intervertebral holes of the three lower vertebrae are not round, but a triangular shape.These are previous requirements for the violation of nerve roots with the bone growths that are formed with osteochondrosis.
The intervertebral discs are among the vertebral bodies that not at all times.In front of them, there are outstanding edges of the vertebrae, which are interconnected by the joints.These are the previous requirements for the appearance of subluxation of the joints.

Stages of development

The degree of osteochondrosis is determined by the clinical image and complaints of the patient.The concept of degree should not be confused with the stages of osteochondrosis.The stages will be discussed below.

The first grade.The clinical manifestations are minimal, the patient may complain about pain in the cervical column of low intensity, can be intensified when the head is turned.During a physical exam, a slight voltage of the neck muscles can be detected.
The second grade.The patient is worried about the pain in the cervical column, its intensity is much larger, there may be radiation in the shoulder, in the hand.This arises due to a decrease in the height of the intervertebral disk and infringed in the nerve roots.The pain intensifies when they lean and turn the head.The patient can notice a decrease in performance, weakness, headache.
The third grade.The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis improve, pain becomes constant with radiation in the arm or shoulder.Numbness or weakness in the muscles of the hand appears, since intervertebral discs are formed.Concerned about weakness, dizziness.In the exam, the limitation of mobility in the cervical column is revealed, the pain in the palpation of the cervical column.
The fourth grade.There is a complete destruction of the intervertebral disc and its replacement with connective tissue.Dizziness appears, noise appears in the ears, a violation of coordination, since the vertebral artery is involved in the process that feeds the cerebellum and the occipital fraction of the brain.

Symptoms

The severity of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis depends on the degree of destruction of the structures of the vertebrae.The symptoms are aggravated by the growth of bone tissue with the formation of osteophytes, root syndrome (root pain when pincolizcar the nerve), intervertebral hernia (protrusion of the disc in the spinal channel).

The first signs of the disease are periodic headache in the neck, neck pain, crunch and click on the vertebrae when turning the head, sometimes a slight tingling.Over time, symptoms grow and pain intensity intensifies.

Pain syndrome is the main manifestation of osteochondrosis.The pain in the neck is stupid permanent or sharp with bastards under the back of the head by turning the head.The entire cervical compartment or the projection zone can damage a modified vertebra, as well as a necklace, shoulder, spatula, heart area.The irradiation of pain in the lower jaw, the teeth, the arm, the ear, the area of the eyes are not excluded.The neck and shoulder muscles are tense, painful for palpation.It is difficult to raise your hand from the side of the defeat, there is immediately a shot in the shoulder or neck.The restriction of head movements due to pain often occurs in the morning after sleep in an awkward position.

The ailment leads to tightening the roots of the peripheral nerves (Roying Syndrome) and causes pain throughout these nerves.It is possible to numb the hands or fingers, a violation of the sensitivity of certain areas of the skin innervated by a pinched nerve.

For some characteristic symptoms, we can assume which vertebrae are affected:

C1 - deteriorated sensitivity in the occipital region;
C2 - pain in occipital and parietal areas;
C3-A decrease in sensitivity and pain in the middle of the neck where the spinal nerve is violated, a violation of the sensitivity of language, the disability of speech due to the loss of control over language;
C4 - Deteriorated sensitivity and pain in the shoulder pavement region, a decrease in the tone of the muscles of the head and neck, respiratory disorders, liver pain and heart are possible;
C5: pain and deteriorated sensitivity on the outer surface of the shoulder;
C6: pain that extends from the neck to the shoulder blade, the forearm, the outer surface of the shoulder, the radial surface of the forearm to the thumb from the hand;
C7: pain that extends from the neck to the shoulder blade, the rear of the shoulder, the forearm to the fingers II - IV hand in hand, sensitivity altered in this area.
C8: pain and deteriorated sensitivity extended from the neck to the shoulder, the forearm to the little finger.

Cervical osteochondrosis is always accompanied by headache.Strong and persistent pain intensifies by turning the neck or sudden movements.Some patients complain about gravity in their heads.The compression of the vertebral artery leads to episodes of dizziness, nausea.There is a noise, playing in the ears, flashing black points in front of the eyes.The deterioration of brain circulation causes a progressive decrease in hearing and vision, language numbness, a change in taste sensations.

Clicks or creak with a neck almost always accompany cervical osteochondrosis, observed in each patient.A crunch appears during a strong head of the head or its setback.

Syndromes caused by cervical osteochondrosis

The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are formed in certain groups called syndromes.Their presence and severity may indicate a pathology in the cervical column with an updated location.

A group of syndromes frequently found:

Vegetative-diabolic syndrome.Subluxus The first vertebra of the cervical departure with a displacement can lead to the development of vegetarian dystonia.It is not a certain VVD diagnosis, since it has no pronounced symptoms.There may be neurological signs, symptoms of deteriorated brain blood flow, intracranial pressure, muscle cramps.As a result, the patient's complaints are reduced to dizziness, a decrease in visual acuity, loss of consciousness, headaches, nausea.
Irritating reflex.Burning and acute pain on the back of the head and neck, sometimes with the return in the chest and shoulder, which occurs at the time of changing the position of the head and neck, when sneezing and a strong turn of the head.
Koreshka.Otherwise, called cervical radiculitis, it combines the symptoms associated with the violation of the nerve roots of the cervical vertebrae.The "chickens" in the affected area, tingling in fingers, forearms, pasty of the skin, extended to certain fingers are characteristics.
Cardiac.Almost the same image with angina pectoris often leads to an inappropriate diagnosis and treatment.The syndrome appears due to the irritation of the diaphragmatic nerve receptors, partially captivating pericardium and a large thorax muscle.Therefore, cramps in the heart region are more reflections, such as a review of the irritation of cervical nerves.
Vail artery syndrome.It develops directly with the compression of the artery and with irritation of the sympathetic nerve plexus, which is around it.The pain in this pathology is burning or pressing in the occipital region with whiskey propagation, tutorial arches, crows.It arises both on one and both sides.Patients generally associate aggravation with a condition after sleep in non -vioological pose, transportation trips, walk.With pronounced symptoms, hearing loss, dizziness, noise in the ears, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness and increased blood pressure.

Diagnosis

Like any diagnosis in medicine, the diagnosis of osteochondrosis is established on the basis of patient complaints, disease anamnesis, clinical examination and auxiliary research methods.X -rays of the cervical column are performed in direct and lateral projections, if necessary in special positions (with an open mouth).At the same time, experts are interested in the height of the intervertebral discs, the presence of osteofites.

From modern research methods, IAMR and CT research is used, which allows to verify the diagnosis with greater precision.In addition to additional listing methods, consultations of related specialists (cardiologist, ophthalmologist, neurosurgeon) may be necessary, and neurologist's exam is simply vital.The neurologist is dedicated to the treatment of osteochondrosis, so after examining the patient, he will prescribe the minimum necessary examination to his discretion.

How to treat the osteochondrosis of the cervical column?

The complex treatment of cervical osteochondrosis may include the following traditional and non -traditional methods: pharmacological treatment, massage, acression, manual therapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, homeopathy, popular remedies, etc.

The main treatment regime for osteochondrosis is the same for all locations of this disease:

First you must eliminate pain syndrome.
Then the edema will be eliminated.
At this stage, it is necessary to normalize blood circulation.
Strengthening muscle corset.
Improvement of nutrition and tissue regeneration.

The list of drugs and medications for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home is very extensive:

Anti -inflammatory (steroid).These are hormonal medications that relieve inflammatory phenomena and, therefore, eliminate pain;
Analgesics (non -steroid medications that relieve pain).In general, they are prescribed in the form of tablets or capsules.It should be remembered that most of these medications cause irritation of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract;
Musorelaxants are drugs that relax muscle tone.They are used in surgery and orthopedics as auxiliary remedies to stop pain.These medications are administered parenterally and, therefore, always under the supervision of a doctor.There is an extensive list of contraindications;

Condroprotectors are drugs that contain substances that replace cartilage components.To achieve a positive positive effect, such drugs must be taken for a long time;
Ointments and gels for external use.This is the most affordable drug group in the domestic atmosphere.They are divided into relief of inflammation, warming and analgesics.Such funds are often announced.With cervical osteochondrosis, not all ointments are effective, in addition, due to accessibility, sometimes they are used unreasonably and without taking into account the characteristics of pathogenesis.
VitaminsWith osteochondrosis, vitamins are prescribed that have a beneficial effect on the peripheral nervous system and improve conductivity.Water soluble vitamins: B1, B6, B12, Fat soluble vitamins: A, C, D, E. In recent years, combined drugs containing analgesics and vitamin components more frequently.

Only the team of good specialists, which includes a neurologist, physiotherapist, masseuse, surgeon, vertebronologist, can choose the most appropriate therapy.

Medical Physical Education

LFK for cervical osteochondrosis must be carried out outside the acute exacerbation.The greatest effectiveness of this technique during the recovery period.During the implementation of the complex, there should be no discomfort or pain!

Exercise number 1. lying on your stomach, rest your hands on the floor, lift your head and a torso, your back must be straight.Stay in this position for 1-2 minutes.Slowly sink on the floor.Repeat 2-3 times.
Exercise number 2. Lying on your stomach, stretch your arms along the body, turn your head to the left, try to touch the floor with your ear and then turn your head to the right.Repeat 6-7 times in each address.
Exercise number 3. In a sitting position, lean forward and try to touch your chest with your head, then exhale, bow back and throw your head.Repeat 10-15 times.
Exercise number 4. When sitting, put the palms on your forehead, press the palms of Las Palmas on your forehead and your forehead is in your palm.Continue this year for 30 seconds.Repeat 2-3 times.
Exercise number 5. Slowly turn your head in one direction, then in the other direction.10 rotations in each direction.Make sure there are no dizziness.When it appears, the exercise stops.

Therapeutic massage

The massage can be done at home, but very carefully so as not to cause exacerbation and not damage the patient.The patient must take the position of bedtime, place his forehead on his hands and stretch his chin to the chest.In this case, neck muscles must be completely relaxed.

Stroking.It is necessary to start massage with these movements: caress the necklace area in the direction of lymph to supraclable and axillary nodes.Then flat and creaks are used.
Tightening.To perform the polish, the masseuse puts his hand on the neck (the index and the thumb must be together) and moves through the spine.The edge of the palm can also be made by the edge of the palm to the shoulder joints.

Therapeutic massage for cervical condrosis

Trituration.Brochures are made to heat the muscles, relax them and improve blood flow in this area.The massage must begin from the base of the skull, acting with the circular fingers and direct movements.You can also perform sawing movements by placing your palms in parallel in the ribs.
Kneading.The neck must knead in circular movements.
Vibration.The massage is completed with caressing and vibration, which is performed with brain shocks and strokes.

Massage is necessary to strengthen muscle tone and relieve pain.Depending on what stage the osteochondrosis is, the massage technique is selected.However, when making the neck massage, experts use all classic massage techniques: rub, stroke, knead, etc.In cases where the patient hurts only on the one hand, the massage begins in the healthy part of the neck, gradually moving to that part of the neck area where the pain occurs.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy helps deal with acute and chronic pain, also increases the volume of movements and improves the posture well.The main manual therapy techniques for the osteochondrosis of the cervical column:

Relaxing and segmental massage.It is used to heat the muscles and relieve tension.
Mobilization.Impacts destined to restore joint traction functions.
Handling.A strong impulse aimed at the patient's pathological zones.The procedure is accompanied by a characteristic crunch (the return of the joint to a normal position).

A specialist manual therapy must possess these techniques perfectly.Otherwise, any error can cause injuries.

Orthopedic pillows

Sleeping orthopedic pillows are an effective means of prevention.In many cases, osteochondrosis is aggravated due to the additional transmission of cervical artery and nerve roots during sleep in an awkward pillow.The orthopedic product provides a uniform horizontal position of a person during sleep and, therefore, guarantees the physiologically complete blood supply to the brain.

When choosing a pillow, the individual anatomical characteristics of a person must be taken into account and must be correlated with the volume and characteristics of the filling.A properly selected pillow brings tangible benefits to the patient with osteochondrosis of the cervical column.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapeutic procedures for osteochondrosis of the cervical region:

ElectrophoresisIt should be used using analgesics (anesthetics), which are introduced under the skin through electronic pulses.
Ultrasound.Favorably affects metabolic processes in the fabrics of the cervical region, because swelling, leaves of pain is eliminated.
MagnetotherapyA safe treatment technique, which consists of the effect of damaged cells of a low frequency magnetic field.This provides an analgesic effect, acts as an anti -inflammatory agent.
Laser therapy.Improve blood circulation in the damage zone, relieve tissue swelling, pain.

Physiotherapeutic procedures favorably affect discs and vertebrae with cervical osteochondrosis.In combination with medications, combined treatment helps get rid of the symptoms of the disease.The procedures are carried out in a hospital or offices specialized in clinics.Before starting the course, it is necessary to consult a doctor, determine the duration of physiotherapy, the types.It is strictly forbidden to pass it during exacerbation.

SHANZA COLLAR

The Shantsa necklace is a gentle and convenient device, which is held behind a velcro and is used for cervical osteochondrosis.But not for treatment, but for temporary relaxation and the elimination of fatigue.It cannot be used without eliminating, otherwise, the neck muscles will stop working and soon atrophy.If a chantza necklace is selected correctly, the patient feels comfortable and safe.

A necklace is strictly selected in size in a pharmacy or an orthopedic store.Better in the store, because people who work there, as a rule, know their business well and the characterization of the goods and, therefore, can help in each particular case.

Popular remedies

If the pain of the osteochondrosis of the column becomes unbearable and regular, then it will agree with everything, even if only to stop it, and here the traditional complex treatment will successfully complement the popular methods.

Insist in the root of the celery (5 gr. Per 1 liter of boiling water) for 4 hours, drink a tablespoon before each meal;
Honey compress, for which we take 2 teaspoons.Honey and 1 mummy tablet.We heat the components in a water bath, we spread on the fabric and apply to the cervical region, that is, the neck, at night;
In acute pain, the hell that grows in the country helps me.His sheet is simply mine, I march with boiling water, I cooled a little, put it in my neck and hide it with a thin scarf at night, in the morning you can live and work;
Let us insist on chamomile flowers in vegetable oil for two days, after heating in boiling (30 ml of oil for 30 grams of plant are needed), rub in painful areas;
The compress of Honey-Chalel also helps, for this, the cultivation of the root must be rubbed and mixed with honey in the same amount, attach to the sore neck at night, use it regularly, at least once a week.

Prevention

As usual, proper prevention will help avoid the osteochondrosis of the cervical region, but, of course, all physical exercises should be used regularly, otherwise there will be many "periodic" classes benefits.

It remains to be remembered simple rules:

Eat more products with a lot of calcium and magnesium.These are fish, peas, legumes, nuts, cheese, vegetables, but sugar, flour, smoked, acute, it is better to refrain.
Regularly practicing sports, especially swimming, aging, also to prevent osteochondrosis, gymnastics for stretching and flexibility of vertebrae is adequate, which can be practiced at home.
When the work feels at least a couple of times a day, perform a special set of exercises.
Choose a good orthopedic mattress and a pillow, perfect for the neck, resting the head in a dream in the right anatomical position (yes, their huge pillows with problems with the column will not happen!).

If you already have that diagnosis, then the patient must save his column, namely:

To be very careful with lifting and wearing weights, it is better to go to the store twice than pulling unbearable bags in both hands, incredibly tensioning the neck and shoulder screw;
Do not cover, avoid air currents and the cold air of the air conditioning (some love to cool on a hot day, becoming the back to the fan);
By bowing the body forward, remember the osteochondrosis;
Avoid overheating local muscles, which can happen among lovers of excessively hot bath;
Do not forget to separate periodically from the monitor, change the position of the body, not sit for hours or even days;
Give the break to the neck, for which it is necessary to buy a quantters collar;
If possible, if the status of the cardiovascular system allows it, steamed in the bathroom.

In conclusion, I would like to say that the child who threatens the osteochondrosis (the father and mother already have it) and an adult who has acquired the disease in the life process, must simply take preventive measures so as not to be disabled and not be in the table of operations, because this operation is quite complicated and requires a long and long rehabilitation.In addition, it is not always possible, because there are inoperable cases, so it is better to protect health with a younger one, while the discs are intact and unnecessary growth do not squeeze the blood vessels.