Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, grade 1, is the initial stage of irreversible destructive and degenerative changes in the cartilaginous intervertebral discs and bony 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, characteristic signs of damage to cartilaginous structures are often absent.
Characteristics of 1st degree cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the 1st degree is often detected by chance - when diagnosing other pathologies, even unrelated to the musculoskeletal system.But sometimes it is the patient himself who visits the doctor, alarmed by the deterioration of his general health.Indeed, despite the absence of pronounced symptoms of osteochondrosis, the intervertebral discs have already undergone degenerative changes:
- cartilaginous tissues have become denser and expanded;
- radial cracks appeared on the fibrous rings.
The loss of firmness and elasticity of the intervertebral discs has worsened their shock-absorbing properties.Due to their inability to fully mitigate the load on the vertebrae, mild instability of the cervical spine still occurs.But even a slight displacement of cartilage or bone structures becomes a prerequisite for further rapid progression of osteochondrosis.
Clinical picture
With grade 1 osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the characteristic signs of this pathology may be absent.A person explains the discomfort that arises from time to time due to fatigue after physical activity or muscle strain due to the body remaining in the same position for a long time.Gradually, the intensity of pain in the back of the neck increases.
Periodic, aching and still mildly expressed painful sensations appear for the first time after lifting heavy objects or hypothermia.They do not have a clear localization, often radiating to the shoulders and upper back.Shoulder pain syndrome develops, which becomes the first specific sign of cervical osteochondrosis.In the initial stage of development, the pathology can manifest itself clinically as follows:
- limited mobility in the neck.When tilting or turning the head, stiffness of 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 a decrease in muscle strength in the arms;
- Headaches and dizziness become more frequent, and visual acuity decreases for a short time.
Cervical osteochondrosis of the 1st degree may be indicated by attacks of sharp, piercing, stabbing pain.They usually occur when the head suddenly turns.This is how the increased tone of the neck muscles manifests itself.Their spasms are a compensatory reaction of the body to the instability of the spinal segments.
Osteochondrosis is characterized by the alternation of relapses with phases of remission.During flare-ups, you constantly feel discomfort in your neck.The clinical picture simultaneously contains vascular, neurological and static signs.During the remission phase the disease is practically asymptomatic.
Diagnostics
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, reactive arthritis).
The most informative diagnostic procedure is x-ray.1st degree pathologies correspond to the 1st or 2nd radiological stage.The resulting images display typical signs of the disease.
| Radiographic stages of 1st degree cervical osteochondrosis | Characteristic signs |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Small changes in the curvature of the spine in the cervical region, affecting one or more segments |
| Phase 2 | Slight thickening of the intervertebral discs, deformation of the uncinate processes, straightening of the lordosis, slight growths of the bone structures |
Sometimes MRI is needed to clarify the diagnosis.With its help, it is possible to detect an aseptic, slow inflammatory process and destructive-degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs.
Therapy
Treatment of grade 1 cervical osteochondrosis is long-term.In the initial stage of development, the pathology responds well to conservative therapy.Patients are prescribed medications and recommended physiotherapeutic and massage procedures.
All treatment methods are aimed at improving blood circulation in the cervical spine.This allows you to avoid deterioration of the trophism of the intervertebral discs, the main cause of the development of osteochondrosis.And eliminating nutrient and oxygen deficiency stimulates partial regeneration of cartilage tissue.
Pharmacological drugs
Clinically, grade 1 osteochondrosis is manifested by mild pain, the elimination of which does not require the use of drugs in the form of tablets or solutions for parenteral administration.Patients are recommended, if necessary, to rub ointments, gels or creams on the back of the neck:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- local irritating, distracting and warming agents.
In this case it is even better not to use drugs, but biologically active additives for external use with camphor, formic alcohol, red chili pepper extract and bee venom.
Vertebrologists include systemic chondroprotectants in treatment regimens.Injectable solutions are used for several days.And then the therapeutic effect is consolidated by taking the pills.The duration of the treatment course is from several months to 2 years.
Non-pharmacological treatment
To treat grade 1 osteochondrosis, physiotherapeutic methods are used using various physical factors: low-frequency currents, magnetic fields, lasers, ultrasound.The procedures help to relieve pain, relieve aseptic inflammation and eliminate increased tone of the neck muscles.
Neurologists and vertebrologists recommend that patients regularly visit the massage room.Thanks to the dosed mechanical effect on the vertebrae, spasming 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;
- empty.
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 physical therapy can replace taking medications, massage and physical therapy.When performing physical 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 of movements.
The first physiotherapy (kinesitherapy) lessons are conducted under the guidance of a physiotherapy doctor.It shows how to perform the 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 diagnosis of the disease lies in the favorable prognosis for complete recovery.The earlier the therapy is carried out, the greater the probability of a complete restoration of the functional activity of the spine.