Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, grade 1, is the initial stage of irreversible destructive and degenerative changes in the cartilaginous intervertebral discs and bone bodies of the vertebrae.It is rarely possible to diagnose pathology at an early stage of development, since cervical osteochondrosis may not manifest itself clinically.Even on radiographic images, there are often no characteristic signs of damage to cartilaginous structures.
Features of 1st degree cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the 1st degree is often detected by chance - when diagnosing other pathologies, even not related to the musculoskeletal system.But sometimes the patient himself comes to the doctor, alarmed by the deterioration of his general health.In fact, despite the absence of pronounced symptoms of osteochondrosis, the intervertebral discs have already undergone degenerative changes:
- cartilaginous tissues became denser and expanded;
- radial cracks appeared in the fibrous rings.
The loss of firmness and elasticity of the intervertebral discs has worsened their shock absorption properties.Due to its inability to fully mitigate the load on the vertebrae, slight instability of the cervical spine still occurs.But even a slight displacement of cartilage or bone structures becomes a prerequisite for the rapid progression of osteochondrosis.
Clinical picture
With grade 1 osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, signs characteristic of this pathology may be absent.A person explains the discomfort that arises from time to time due to tiredness after physical activity or muscle tension due to the body staying in the same position for a long time.Gradually, the intensity of the pain in the back of the head increases.
Periodic, aching and even mildly expressed painful sensations first appear after lifting heavy objects or hypothermia.They do not have a clear location, often radiating to the shoulders and upper back.Shoulder pain syndrome develops, which becomes the first specific sign of cervical osteochondrosis.At the initial stage of development, pathology can clinically manifest itself as follows:
- limited mobility in the neck.When tilting or turning the head, stiffness in movements is felt, not accompanied by pain;
- The sensitivity of the parts of the body innervated by the nerve plexuses common to the cervical region begins to decrease.The tactility of the shoulders and forearms decreases, less often - of the hands;
- the patient feels decreased muscle strength in the arms;
- Headaches and dizziness become more frequent and visual acuity decreases for a short period.
1st degree cervical osteochondrosis may be indicated by attacks of sharp, stabbing, sharp pain.They usually occur when the head turns suddenly.This is how the increased tone of the neck muscles manifests itself.Its spasms are a compensatory reaction of the body to the instability of the spinal segments.
Osteochondrosis is characterized by relapses alternating with stages of remission.During exacerbations, discomfort in the neck is constantly felt.The clinical picture simultaneously contains vascular, neurological and static signs.During the remission phase, the disease is practically asymptomatic.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made based on the patient's complaints and a series of tests to determine the mobility of the cervical segments.A clue is a history of previous injuries or systemic pathologies of the musculoskeletal system (gout, rheumatoid arthritis, reactive arthritis).
The most informative diagnostic procedure is radiography.1st degree pathologies correspond to the 1st or 2nd radiological stage.The resulting images visualize typical signs of the disease.
| Radiographic stages of 1st degree cervical osteochondrosis | Characteristic signs |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Small changes in the curvature of the spine in the cervical region, affecting one or more segments |
| Stage 2 | Slight thickening of the intervertebral discs, deformation of the uncinate processes, straightening of the lordosis, small growths of the bony structures |
Sometimes MRI is necessary to clarify the diagnosis.With its help, it is possible to detect an aseptic, sluggish inflammatory process and destructive-degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs.
Therapy
Treatment of grade 1 cervical osteochondrosis is long-term.At the initial stage of development, the pathology responds well to conservative therapy.Patients are prescribed medications and physiotherapy and massage procedures are recommended.
All treatment methods are aimed at improving blood circulation in the cervical spine.This makes it possible to avoid deterioration in the trophism of intervertebral discs - the main cause of the development of osteochondrosis.And eliminating nutrient and oxygen deficiency stimulates partial regeneration of cartilage tissue.
Pharmacological medications
Clinically, grade 1 osteochondrosis is manifested by mild pain, the elimination of which does not require the use of medications in the form of tablets or solutions for parenteral administration.Patients are recommended, if necessary, to rub ointments, gels or creams into the back of their neck:
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- local irritating, disturbing and warming agents.
In this case, it is even better not to use medicines, but biologically active additives for external use with camphor, formic alcohol, red pepper extract and bee venom.
Vertebrologists include systemic chondroprotectors in therapeutic regimens.Injectable solutions are used for several days.And then the therapeutic effect is consolidated by taking pills.The duration of the treatment course is from several months to 2 years.
Non-drug treatment
To treat grade 1 osteochondrosis, physiotherapeutic methods are used that use various physical factors: low-frequency currents, magnetic fields, laser, ultrasound.The procedures help relieve pain, relieve aseptic inflammation and eliminate increased tone in the neck muscles.
Neurologists and vertebrologists recommend that patients regularly visit the massage room.Thanks to the dosed mechanical effect on the vertebrae, spasmodic muscles relax, blood circulation and microcirculation improve, and local immunity is strengthened.The following types of massage are used in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis:
- classic;
- point;
- vacuum.
Manual therapy with an individually selected method of influence allows you to increase the range of motion of the cervical spine and eliminate the first signs of changes in lordosis.
To restore the anatomically correct shape of the spine or increase the distance between the vertebrae, traction (dry or underwater traction of the spine) is used.
Regular exercise therapy can replace the use of medications, massage and physical therapy.When carrying out exercise therapy, blood circulation improves, the neck muscles that stabilize the vertebrae are strengthened, and tissue trophism is normalized.Daily training is an excellent prevention of pain and stiffness in movements.
The first physiotherapy classes (kinesiotherapy) are carried out under the guidance of a physiotherapist.It shows how to perform exercises, dosing the load on the discs and vertebrae to avoid compression of the spinal roots.After a few days, the patient can practice independently at home.
The value of timely detection of the disease lies in the favorable prognosis for complete recovery.The sooner therapy is carried out, the greater the likelihood of complete restoration of the functional activity of the spine.