Dorsopathy at the cervical level of the spine. What is cervical dorsopathy

  • Date of: 19.10.2019

- a set of inflammatory processes occurring in the vertebrae, discs, blood vessels, nerve fibers and muscle tissues of the neck. Such destructive-dystrophic processes of the spine are most often detected in young people who work in the office and lead an inactive lifestyle - from 30 to 50 years old. What are the symptoms of this insidious disease, one of the most common in all countries of the world? How and with what are those who have been diagnosed with it treated?

Types of dorsopathy and the causes of its occurrence

Dorsopathy cervical spine, depending on the type of lesions spinal column, may be:

  1. deforming. Occurs against the background of a strong curvature of the spine, osteochondrosis and a clear displacement of the discs. This form is characterized by distant and strictly local neurological, as well as autonomic symptoms. The patient complains of attacks of pain, sometimes strong, sometimes fading, lack of sensitivity in the upper limbs and paresthesia (tingling of the skin in the palms).
  2. Vertebrogenic. It becomes a consequence of injuries and diseases that affect bone tissue - osteomyelitis, spondylosis, various kinds tumors, infectious myositis, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammations in the spine.
  3. Discogenic. Considered one of the most dangerous forms- arising from mechanical ruptures and protrusions towards the fibrous ring, it threatens the development of an intervertebral hernia.

Depending on the level of prevalence, cervical dorsopathy is limited, polysegmental and widespread. Limited is characterized by damage to one segment of the spinal column, common - several, going in a row, polysegmental - several, located in different parts of the spine.

In ICD-10, dorsopathy of the cervical spine is assigned the code M50.

Destruction of spinal tissues can begin due to tissue hypotrophy that occurs against the background of muscle spasms and injuries received during physical activity.

Long-term static position leads to spasms - drivers are at risk Vehicle and office workers. The blood vessels, through which the tissues of the spine receive nutrients, are partially pinched and the cartilage and bones cease to receive the amount of oxygen they need. Cartilaginous hypoxia and malnutrition develops, destruction begins bone tissue.

The traumatic form of dorsopathy of the cervical spine develops against the background of regular physical exertion, in which the vector of application of force has the wrong direction.

Most often, the disease is diagnosed in athletes who technically incorrectly perform strength exercises, as well as in workers of heavy physical labor - loaders, laborers, miners.

Symptoms of the disease and methods of its diagnosis

The first signs of the disease appear long before organic changes begin to occur at the cervical level of the spine. With a spasmodic form of dorsopathy, the patient complains of a feeling of tension in the back, the presence of a pulling and aching pain, aggravated by palpation of the diseased area.

Neck massage, doing exercises on the bar, resting in the “lying” position can relieve the symptoms of an incipient disease, but after a while the pain syndrome returns again. The disease progresses, the pain intensifies and becomes constant.

With inflammation of the roots of the spinal nerves, turning the head becomes difficult - painful shootings appear. In addition, the patient complains of:

  • headache;
  • paresthesia;
  • loss of sensation skin in the affected area;
  • inability to tilt and turn the head.

Particularly severe cases are characterized by atrophy of the cervical muscles and a decrease in their functionality. And it becomes noticeable even with a visual inspection.

The patient is diagnosed on the basis of his complaints and clinical symptoms. On palpation of the affected area, the doctor notes an increase in its soreness against the background of an existing decrease in the sensitivity of the skin. However, only the result of an MRI or CT scan of the cervical spine can confirm the diagnosis. The same studies will help to accurately determine the degree of destruction and determine the areas of the spinal column affected by the disease.

Treatment

The fight against such a serious disease as cervical dorsopathy is carried out by three main methods:

  • medication;
  • with the use of physiotherapy;
  • using the methods of physical therapy.

Medication treatment

Target drug treatment- to prevent the development of pathology. The patient, in accordance with the doctor's prescription, should take Baclofen or Mydocalm - drugs that reduce the tone of the striated and smooth muscles.

If the patient's spinal tissues are affected and there is a pronounced pain syndrome, he is prescribed tablets, ointments or injections of orthofen, diclofenac and MiG. All of the above medicines quickly relieve inflammation and relieve pain.

In especially severe cases, when the foci of pathology are voluminous, and the pain is unbearable, the patient may be prescribed narcotic drugs - tramal or promedol.

To slow down tissue destruction and speed up the process of its recovery, the doctor prescribes a course of treatment with chondroprotectors (teraflex) to the patient. Clinical trials that could demonstrate the effect of taking these drugs have not been conducted. Therefore, some experts question the need for their use. However, there are a huge number of examples that clearly prove the importance of chondroprotectors for the rapid restoration of cartilage tissue. Especially if the patient combines the intake of these drugs with physiotherapy exercises.

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapy helps relieve spasms and reduce inflammation, fights pain and slows down the process of destruction of intervertebral discs and vertebrae. And it even helps to stop the course of the disease if it was carried out in a timely manner and the bone structures have not yet begun to collapse. The most popular and effective physiotherapy methods are:

  1. electrophoresis- thanks to the use of a constant electric current, it allows you to deliver drugs directly to the area of ​​\u200b\u200binflammation. Necessary for the introduction of hormones, anti-inflammatory drugs, relaxants. Efficiency this method does not raise the slightest doubt - it is more effective than creams and ointments. However, enteral and injectable forms, nevertheless, allow achieving great success in the fight against dorsopathy of the cervical region.
  2. Mud therapy- treatment for special purposes with therapeutic mud containing minerals and hormone-like substances. It is used in the conditions of sanatoriums, dispensaries and resort areas.
  3. UHF- a method based on the action of an electromagnetic field. Allows you to fight inflammation, improves blood and lymph flow, normalizes the exchange of fluids in cells and the vascular bed, relieves swelling.
  4. Laser therapy- a procedure aimed at reducing the rate of development of dorsopathy. The bottom line is the impact on the focus of pathology with low-intensity laser radiation, but the effectiveness of the method has not been proven.

Patients who know firsthand about dorsopathy of the cervicothoracic spine and organic lesions of the cervical spine know for sure that physiotherapy is not a panacea for their disease. And it can be applied only outside the exacerbation of the disease.

exercise therapy

Physiotherapy exercises help to correct well-being in most diseases of the spinal column. However, you need to perform certain exercises carefully and in full accordance with the recommendations of your doctor. A specialist, selecting a sports complex, will take into account the patient's condition, the level of his physical fitness, the depth of damage to the anatomical structures of the spine.

And do not forget that the main goal of such exercises is prevention, and exercise therapy can only be done during the period of remission.

The exercises recommended to the patient are aimed at stretching the spine. Thanks to such activities, blood circulation and circulation of fluids in the affected area improves. But exercise is a must. supervised by a doctor- When pain occurs, classes should be stopped immediately.

Preventive actions

An active lifestyle and regular exercise is what will help avoid the occurrence of dorsopathy of the cervical spine. Or will be able to stop the development of the disease, if it is already diagnosed. First of all, office workers need to remember this - hourly five-minute warm-ups should become a mandatory item in their work schedule. It is not difficult to prevent the occurrence of such a disease as atrophy of the vertebral structures. The main thing is prevention and control of your health. And at the first symptoms of the disease - immediately consult a doctor.

How often do you hear from a person about their health problems, especially when people are in pain? Many "malfunctions" in the body begin to manifest themselves through pain syndromes, violating the usual comfortable way of life. Such ailments include dorsopathy of the cervical spine. It begins imperceptibly, eventually developing into a constant problem of excruciating painful sensations.

For the convenience of designating all pain syndromes associated with the spine, the term "dorsopathy" has been introduced. It is collective and includes degenerative-dystrophic lesions of the spine, its muscular apparatus and ligaments. Dorsopathy most often implies several pathological processes in the spine: spondylosis, spondylarthrosis, (IPD). characteristic feature of all dorsopathies is a pain syndrome.


Risk factors for dorsopathy


Dorsopathy often occurs in drivers.
  • Forced sitting position for a long time ("office syndrome", work at the computer).
  • Spinal microtraumas received in the performance of professional duties (drivers, tractor drivers, athletes).
  • Frequent infections (weaken defense mechanisms organism).
  • Diseases internal organs(cause reflected pain in the spine, lead to the development of muscle spasm).
  • Flat feet, varus, hallux valgus stop (uneven load along the axis of the spine leads to congestion of the cervical region).
  • Psycho-emotional overload (lack of endorphins during stress causes increased tone in the muscles of the shoulder girdle and back).
  • Too soft seating.

Dorsopathy of the cervical spine is more common in people aged 35-55 years, appears against the background of gradual aging of the body. At a younger age, its development is associated with congenital developmental anomalies, sports injuries.

Anatomical features of the cervical spine

  1. Low muscle mass.
  2. The first and second cervical vertebrae form a combined joint that provides rotation of the head.
  3. The transverse processes of the vertebrae, which form a channel for vertebral artery.
  4. The vertebral arteries on each side of the spine supply blood to the brain (limbic-reticular complex) and cervical region. When they are compressed, it is formed: headache, neck pain, vomiting, noise in the ears or head.
  5. Powerful cervical plexus - truncus simpaticus.
  6. Thyroid.
  7. ENT organs.

The basis of the disease is the defeat of the spinal motion segment (SDS). PDS is two vertebrae, an intervertebral disc, ligamentous apparatus and adjacent neuromuscular structures.

The cervical region is the most mobile part of the spine. With increased load, the core of the disk dries out and its height decreases. If the IVD is damaged, the vertebrae completely take over the load. Under pressure they start to touch bony surfaces, deformed, flattened, pathological displacements of the vertebrae relative to each other occur, bone growths (osteophytes) form on the vertebrae. When the IVD dries out, the intervertebral fissures decrease and compress the spinal nerve roots, causing the development of radiculopathy and pain syndromes. Structural features of the cervical spine predispose to compression not only of the nerve roots, but also of the vertebral arteries and spinal cord. Damage to the anatomical structures of the PDS occurs more often by osteophytes than by IVD hernias in the cervical spine.

  • When bone structures are damaged, spondyloarthrosis occurs, deforming spondylosis.
  • With damage to the intervertebral disc - osteochondrosis, hernia of the IVD.
  • Muscle imbalance leads to myofascial syndrome.

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Unfortunately, an unhealthy lifestyle and many other factors often cause the development of diseases associated with the spine. Cervical dorsopathy is one of the varieties of such pathologies. In this article, we will get acquainted with the main features of this disease, as well as learn how to recognize and cure it.

Cervical dorsopathy includes a large number of destructions of vertebral tissues and adjacent muscle fibers. Such an ailment can develop in absolutely any part of the spine, and will always be accompanied by pain and impaired blood circulation.

Most often, cervical dorsopathy occurs in people, and this is due to the structure of the vertebrae in this area. First, they have a very small size and the least developed muscular system. Also, a very important artery passes through this segment of the spine, capable of supplying blood to the brain. Also, the cervical region should support the head and be very mobile. It is these features of the structure and location that can lead to cervical dorsopathy.

What are the pathologies?

First of all, it is worth paying attention to pathologies of a deforming nature. Their features lie in the occurrence of painful processes in the intervertebral discs, which subsequently lead to a violation of the spine itself. These include postural pathologies such as lordosis, scoliosis and kyphosis, as well as displacements of the vertebrae of various etymologies.

The next group of diseases is associated with inflammatory processes that occur already in the spine itself. In this case, the intervertebral discs are not involved, but the muscles and ligaments that are adjacent to the vertebrae become significantly inflamed and begin to hurt.

Another type of disease is discogenic dorsopathy. In the presence of such an ailment, only cartilage tissue is destroyed. Diseases of this nature include protrusions and hernias.

What is this ailment?

Dorsopathy of the cervical spine (ICD code belongs to the M50 category) usually occurs due to a strong load on the cervical region. As a result, the cartilage tissue, as well as the discs, begin to gradually deform. This process leads to the pinching of many blood vessels, including the artery that supplies blood to the brain. Pathology will be characterized by severe pain that occurs not only in the neck, but also in nearby areas. Very often, patients complain about severe pain in the area of ​​the shoulder blades chest and shoulders.

Please note that such a disease can lead to very severe complications so take care of your health right now.

Can neck problems occur in children?

Cervical dorsopathy (ICD-10 code is indicated in this article) can occur not only in adults and the elderly. Small children can also be affected by these diseases. In this case, the disease occurs in the children's category of the population is not so rare.

Quite often, neck diseases occur due to the flow difficult childbirth or injury at an early age. Also, neck pathologies can occur as a complication after suffering severe infectious diseases.

Parents must from the very beginning early age pay attention to the posture of your child. If necessary, it needs to be corrected and the spinal muscles strengthened. To do this, be sure to visit a doctor. The specialist will select a set of special exercises for the child, prescribe a course of wellness massage, and, if necessary, prescribe a corset to wear.

Dorsopathy of the cervical spine: how to recognize the presence of pathologies?

In fact, there are many symptoms that will indicate problems with the neck, and not always the patient can independently determine the type of disease present in him. Such symptoms can occur in the presence of other pathologies. Therefore, be sure to consult a specialist to determine the exact diagnosis and prescribe the most optimal treatment.

So, in the presence of such a type of pathology as cervical dorsopathy (ICD code - M50), the patient usually complains of weakness throughout the body and fatigue. This is due, first of all, to insufficient blood flow to the brain. Also, the patient may have a sharp deterioration in hearing and vision, and there may be constant dizziness. Sometimes patients complain of acute and severe headache, accompanied not only by dizziness, but also by impaired coordination. There are pain sensations in the neck and adjacent areas. At the same time, it becomes very difficult to make movements with the neck itself, especially when playing sports.

If you notice any of the above symptoms, be sure to go to the hospital. After all, neck diseases can have very serious consequences, so treat cervical dorsopathy as early as possible.

The main causes of the development of the disease

Dorsopathy of the cervicothoracic region is not uncommon, so it is worth studying the reasons that lead to its occurrence. IN special group people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, as well as those who are excessively overweight, fall at risk. This disease may be due to proper nutrition. Many people do not think about what they eat, so their diet does not include foods rich in minerals, which are so necessary to maintain spinal health.

Neck pain can be the result of injuries and bruises. Dorsopathy can begin to develop in childhood. And the reason for this will not be the tracking of parents for the posture of their baby.

Pathologies of the neck can occur due to the distribution of the wrong load on the spine. Women who carry heavy bags on one shoulder are at particular risk.

should not be excluded and infectious diseases, which can give severe complications, including on the spine. Also, people with a genetic predisposition can be affected by such diseases.

How is the diagnostic process carried out?

Of course, before making a diagnosis, the doctor must diagnose the state of health of his patient. If you have neck pain, see a vertebrologist. First of all, the specialist will collect a large amount of information from the patient's words, after which he will palpate in order to find painful areas, as well as to find those places where the muscle tissue began to thicken. After that, the doctor will send you for an x-ray, and, if necessary, for a magnetic resonance examination.

After carrying out such procedures, it is possible to accurately determine the type of dorsopathy, as well as determine the degree of its severity.

Cervical dorsopathy: treatment

If, nevertheless, the doctor has diagnosed you with such a diagnosis as dorsopathy, then be prepared for the fact that the treatment of this disease will take a long time, and most importantly, in a complex manner. According to statistics, patients who clearly follow all the recommendations of an experienced specialist were able to completely get rid of such an ailment as cervical dorsopathy in six months. What is it, you have already learned above. Now it is worth figuring out how to properly treat the disease.

Conservative treatment

First of all, get ready for the fact that the doctor will prescribe a large number of medications for you. Some of them are intended to relieve inflammation and pain. Others are muscle relaxants and chondroprotectors. Such drugs restore damaged areas of cartilage and bone tissue, and also improve muscle condition.

Healing procedures

Dorsopathy of the cervico-thoracic region is also very well treated through the use of various physiotherapeutic procedures. It is very important to perform the exercises selected by the doctor during treatment. They need to be done in order to strengthen the spine and the muscles adjacent to it. Also very milestone treatment is visiting a massage and applying ultrasound therapy. In the most advanced cases, good results are also shown by such a procedure as acupuncture. However, for its implementation, you need to find a very good and experienced specialist.

Treatment with folk methods

As mentioned above, cervical dorsopathy needs complex treatment. Only in this case can the disease be completely eliminated. A very good auxiliary treatment method is the use of home folk recipes. However, even in this case, it is not worth doing amateur activities. Tell your doctor about your plans, and he will help you choose the most optimal recipes for traditional medicine.

very good healing effect have home-made compresses and rubbing. Often doctors recommend their patients just such recipes:

  • take a few leaves of lemon balm or horseradish. Steam them well, and apply to painful places. Do this just before going to bed. After it, it is advisable to wrap yourself up in a warm blanket;
  • tincture of eucalyptus. Take about fifty grams of the leaves of this plant and fill them with vodka. Before using such a rub, it should stand in a dark place for about a week. And only after that start the rubbing procedure. Apply the product on the skin with massage movements, and massage it until it turns red;
  • You can also try to prepare a medicinal compress. Plants that have a good calming effect are suitable for him. Here you may need birch leaves, lavender, yarrow and dandelion. You can collect all the listed plants yourself in ecologically clean places, or buy them at any pharmacy. Pour boiled water over the plants, let them brew, and then apply compresses to the painful areas. Also, aromatic teas can be prepared from these components. They will be invaluable during the healing process.

Preventive measures

Dorsopathy of the cervical spine, the treatment of which should be started after the first symptoms of the disease appear, is much easier to prevent than to treat later. Therefore, doctors recommend following several important recommendations that will help maintain the health of your neck for a long time.

First of all, experts recommend starting a healthy and more active lifestyle. Join a gym and start exercising. Very good effect yoga exercises have an effect on the human body, so be sure to try this type of spiritual practice for yourself. You will strengthen not only your body, but also your spirit. This is especially important for those people who spend most of their time behind a monitor screen or driving a car.

You also need to try to adjust your diet. Delete harmful foods from it and include healthy ones, with a high content of various trace elements and vitamins.

Dress warmly in the cold season, in order not to catch a cold neck. It is very important in frosty weather to wear a warm scarf around your neck. Lift heavy objects with extreme care. If you still have to do this, then make sure that the load on your back is even.

As you can see, maintaining a healthy neck is not difficult, so start taking care of yourself right now. Also, don't forget about your children. Form the right habits for them since childhood, and then in the future they will definitely not have problems with their back and neck. Take care of your health and take care of yourself, because your well-being depends on it!

Dorsopathies are a combination of pathologies of the spine, ligaments and muscular apparatus of the back. Pain in the neck and thoracic, lower back, not provoked by diseases of the internal organs, and limited movement - common feature these painful conditions.

Dorsopathy, as a rule, is provoked by inflammatory or degenerative processes of the intervertebral discs, muscles, ligaments and joints of the spinal column.

The involvement of nerve roots in these processes causes pain of a neurological nature. Depending on the location of the focus of pain, the disease is divided into dorsopathy of the thoracic, lumbar and cervical.

The appearance and development of dorsopathy is facilitated by such factors as osteochondrosis, injuries, a sedentary lifestyle, curvature of the spine, excess weight, regular colds; diseases of the stomach and a diet poor in vitamins and minerals; metabolic disorders, alcohol and nicotine abuse, work activities under harmful conditions, long-term body in uncomfortable positions.

There is also dorsopathy of the lumbar spine, find out what are the symptoms and how to treat this ailment.

"Dorsopathy of the cervical region" - what is it?

The cervical region is the part of the spine that is the most vulnerable due to its mobility and high load.

In terms of prevalence, cervical dorsopathy accounts for up to 10% of all dorsopathy. This pathology is caused by degenerative processes in the tissues of the cervical spine. The articular surface of the vertebrae grows, and they are deformed.

Over time, osteophytes are formed along their edges - sharp growths. The main reason for the appearance of dorsopathy is the wear and tear of the spine, its aging. Dorsopathy of the cervical region does not occur without damage to the intervertebral discs.

The connection between the first and second cervical vertebrae is broken, which leads to pinching of the artery that feeds the brain. The result can be an ischemic stroke.

Symptoms of cervical dorsopathy

Dorsopathy of the cervical spine is diagnosed by the following symptoms:

  • Throbbing headaches, which are localized for the most part in the back of the head and are aggravated by sharp turns and movements of the head
  • Severe pain in one or both arms, shoulders, between the shoulder blades
  • Noises in the head, dizziness
  • Visual disturbances: the appearance of "flies" and colored spots before the eyes
  • Weakness, fainting
  • Possible sleep disturbances
  • Poor coordination of movements, unsteadiness
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Numbness of the fingers, coldness and swelling, weakness of the hands
  • Heart-like pains, palpitations, sweating
  • fluctuations in blood pressure

Dorsopathy treatment

For dorsopathy of the cervical region, the chronic course of the disease with periods of exacerbation is characteristic.

First of all, conservative treatment is carried out. It is aimed at relieving acute pain syndrome, restoring the functioning of the spinal nerve roots, and stopping the development of spinal pathology.

Treatment methods are very diverse and, as a rule, are used in combination.

At the stage of exacerbation, it is necessary to take anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, nurofen), muscle relaxants that relieve muscle spasms, analgesics for the relief of acute pain, as well as sedatives.

Bed rest is required, a neck corset is prescribed. Warming ointments are used to provide intense blood flow to the affected area and reduce swelling and inflammation. With insufficient effectiveness of the above funds, novocaine blockade is performed.

Dorsopathy is treated by stretching the spinal column, which allows you to release pinched nerve roots. There are also a number of physiotherapy procedures that help to cope with the disease: Darsonval device, electrophoresis, ultrasound, phonophoresis and ultraviolet irradiation, massage and manual therapy, mud applications.

After removing the acute condition, B vitamins, chondroprotectors, and vascular preparations are prescribed. At the same stage, therapeutic exercises are introduced into the treatment process.

In the presence of a hernia, surgery is required to restore the normal functioning of the spine.

Folk remedies

Some time-tested folk recipes can help in the treatment.

  • Bake from flour of any grain, but be sure coarse grinding fresh cakes on the water. Apply them to the neck warm in the morning and evening.
  • Mix burdock rhizomes and dandelion roots, as well as St. John's wort in equal proportions. Boil a tablespoon of the collection in a glass of water. Strain and chill a little. Make a 15-minute warm compress on the neck. Then remove it, warm the neck with a scarf.
  • Steamed greens of lemon balm officinalis applied to sore spots.
  • Alcohol or vodka tincture of eucalyptus leaves (50 g of leaves per glass of alcohol or vodka) is used for rubbing.
  • Apply steamed fresh or dried horseradish leaves to the neck.
  • Cold tincture of marshmallow roots is used in the form of compresses. Three teaspoons of medicinal raw materials insist 8 hours on a glass of cold boiling water.
  • Useful fees from medicinal herbs: St. John's wort, dandelion, yarrow, plantain, elecampane, birch leaves and lavender. It should be remembered that treatment with phyto-collections lasts at least 2–3 months, followed by a two-week break and a change in the collection.

Exercises

Balanced physiotherapy helps eliminate muscle tension, compression of the nerve roots, strengthen the muscles and increase the elasticity of the ligaments.

Blood supply and metabolic processes in the spine are also activated:

  1. In a standing position, straight or sitting freely, with arms relaxed and lowered down, slowly turn your head in both directions: to the right and to the left. It is necessary to make from 5 to 10 turns. Such movements allow you to increase the mobility of the vertebrae of the neck. The intensity of movements must be limited and painful sensations controlled.
  2. In a standing position, straight or sitting freely, with arms relaxed and lowered down, slowly lower your head, trying to touch your chest with your chin and feel the chest notch. Repeat the movement 5 to 10 times. Such movements increase the mobility of the spine and help stretch the muscles of the neck.
  3. Slowly tilting the head to the back with the back of the head. Do 5 repetitions.
  4. Sitting and standing straight, smoothly take your head back, while pulling your chin. Do 5-10 repetitions. This exercise is highly recommended for sedentary people, as it corrects their working posture, stretches the tight muscles of the back of the neck. Perform this kind of movement should be regularly in between work.
  5. Exercises to strengthen the muscles of the neck, recommended for chronic forms dorsopathies: try to tilt your head alternately forward, backward and to both sides in turn, counteracting the movement with your palms. It is necessary to apply pressure with the head on the palms for about 10 seconds and after resting repeat, in total, perform 10 times in each direction.
  6. Raise your shoulders to the maximum possible level and linger for 10 seconds. Then lower, feeling the heaviness of the hands, and rest for 10 seconds. Repeat five times.

Prevention of dorsopathy is a healthy regimen, rational nutrition and physical activity. An excellent help in order to prevent the disease is therapeutic massage.

Contraindicated professional activity associated with physical stress, head tilts and emotional overload, as well as work at height and moving mechanisms.

The cervical spine is a vulnerable spot. Large loads, injuries and diseases have a negative effect on the muscles and bones of the neck, so the development of pathology is a frequent occurrence. How to detect dorsopathy and what to do to eliminate it?

Description and classification of dorsopathy of the cervical spine

Dorsopathy is a condition that occurs due to wear of the intervertebral discs and the formation of pathological changes in the paravertebral and cartilaginous tissues. Inflammatory processes in the cervical region occur in 10% of cases. Neck injury is a dangerous condition, which is associated with possible complications:

  • spinal cord injury;
  • compression of the cervical spinal cord;
  • deterioration in the blood supply to the brain;
  • development of cerebral ischemia or stroke. Pathologies of the cervical spine often lead to dangerous complications, such as cerebral ischemia and stroke.

According to the classification, which is based on specific lesions, the following types of pathology are distinguished:

  1. Deforming dorsopathy. The lesion is associated with displacement of the spine, curvature of the spinal column, osteochondrosis, kyphosis, scoliosis and osteoporosis.
  2. Discogenic dorsopathy. It is formed during pathological changes in cartilage tissues, leads to the development of hernia and protrusions ( initial stage intervertebral hernia).
  3. Vertebrogenic form (spondylopathy dorsopathy). The presented type is formed after injuries or diseases that disrupt the structure of bone tissue. Pathology is in the affected vertebra.

Depending on the duration of the course of the disease, the following types are distinguished:

  • acute (up to 3 weeks);
  • subacute (from 3 to 12 weeks);
  • chronic (more than 12 weeks).

What is dorsopathy of the cervical spine - video

Causes and risk factors

The causes of the formation of dorsopathy are associated with many factors that adversely affect general state patient and cervical region:

  • frequent stress;
  • hypothermia and colds;
  • advanced age and resulting disc wear;
  • heredity;
  • violation of metabolic processes;
  • excess weight;
  • a sedentary lifestyle (especially a long stay in one position);
  • decrease in the protective functions of the body;
  • heavy loads;
  • labor activity, which is associated with frequent stay on the street during bad weather and vibration during work (builders, road workers);
  • the presence of infectious foci in the body;
  • injuries and injuries of the spine;
  • abuse alcoholic drinks and smoking;
  • endocrine diseases;
  • improper nutrition.

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system also lead to the destruction of the tissues of the spine:

  • spondylosis - proliferation of bone tissue and deformation of the vertebrae;
  • infectious myositis - a purulent process that occurs in muscle tissue;
  • disk deformation; Intervertebral hernia - common cause leading to destruction of spinal tissues
  • intervertebral hernia;
  • various curvature of the spine;
  • spondylolisthesis - displacement of the vertebrae relative to each other;
  • inflammatory processes of the nerve roots;
  • tumors in the vertebra;
  • diseases of the joints and bones;
  • rheumatoid arthritis- a pathology in which the articular tissue is destroyed.

Symptoms and signs

Many patients confuse the signs of dorsopathy, mistaking its manifestations for symptoms of overwork. This leads to the development severe forms pathologies that are difficult to treat.

The main manifestation of the pathology is pain in the neck. In some cases, the pain extends to the areas of the shoulders and shoulder blades, the muscles are often tense.

In order not to start the disease, you need to pay attention to the following manifestations:

  • violation of motor activity;
  • insomnia;
  • throbbing pain in the head and dizziness;
  • unpleasant signs in the area of ​​​​the shoulder blades and heart;
  • fainting;
  • spasms in muscle tissue after performing sudden movements, sneezing and coughing;
  • goosebumps on the surface of the skin;
  • increased pain after physical activity;
  • increase or decrease in blood pressure;
  • noise in ears;
  • blurred vision or hearing;
  • decrease in sensitivity;
  • restriction of freedom of action of the head, shoulder joint and limbs.

Diagnostics

If these signs appear, you should immediately seek medical help. The doctor will study the patient's complaints, examine the patient in the supine position, sitting and standing, and determine the amplitude of possible movements in the neck. With dorsopathy, a specialist will detect protrusions of processes, displacement of the shoulder blades and curvature of the spinal column.

To detect the cause of the formation of pathology, it is imperative to prescribe methods of instrumental and laboratory diagnostics:

  1. Clinical and biochemical blood tests - reveal inflammation that contributed to the development of dorsopathy.
  2. Radiography - detects the processes of destruction and existing pathologies, for example, osteochondrosis.
  3. Computed tomography - determines the nature of the inflammatory process.

Computed tomography is aimed at studying the nature of the disease

Differential diagnosis - table

  • pain is the main symptom. It can be in the neck, in the back of the head, temples, behind the ears and in the shoulder girdle, aggravated after physical exertion and at night;
  • loss of mobility of the cervical region, in severe cases - complete inability to turn or tilt the head;
  • discomfort;
  • numbness in the arms or neck;
  • noise in ears;
  • pain in the region of the heart;
  • visible deformity of the spine;
  • difficulty in moving fingers, hands, loss of sensation, paralysis.
  • dull (rarely acute) pain in the neck, more often in the morning, after sleeping in an uncomfortable position (patients often say that they are “blown away”);
  • pain radiates to the back of the head, ear, face and temple (with lesions of the upper cervical spine) or in the shoulder, especially in the suprascapular region (with lesions of the lower cervical spine), while spreading to the arm is not characteristic;
  • increased pain during movement and its weakening at rest;
  • on examination - neck muscle tension, unilateral soreness in the projection of the affected joint;
  • there are no changes on radiographs.
  • severe pain in the back of the head, especially in the morning;
  • painful sensations are observed in the back of the head, in the shoulder girdle, in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe eyes and ears;
  • discomfort and limited mobility of the neck, especially when turning the head;
  • crackling in the neck;
  • dizziness;
  • due to lesions of the nerve endings, pain may spread to the arm, often weakness, numbness and tingling.
  • acute onset after exercise, awkward movement, or injury;
  • increased pain in the neck and arm when coughing, sneezing, straining, tilting the head and turning it to the affected side;
  • "Forced" position of the head with a slight tilt forward and to the side opposite to the localization of pain.
  • neck pain caused minor injury, unsuccessful movement, hypothermia, prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position (including during sleep);
  • in some patients, there is a constant nature of pain, discomfort increases with extension of the neck and / or inclination towards a more affected joint;
  • when the upper cervical joints are involved, the pain radiates in the back of the head and forehead, the mid-cervical joints - in the area of ​​the shoulder girdle and shoulder, the lower cervical - in the scapula and interscapular region;
  • limitation of mobility of the cervical spine, especially during extension;
  • palpation (palpation) of the facet joints is painful (usually on both sides);
  • X-ray signs of spondylosis are detected (decreased IVD height, osteophytes, arthrosis of the facet joints).

Treatment is carried out in a medical way. In rare cases, an operation is prescribed. This applies to the threat to life and the risk of disability as a result of the following factors:

  • spinal cord compression (disturbance of sensitivity and motor function due to trauma or pathological process);
  • spondylolisthesis;
  • severe injury.

Medical therapy

The therapy program is developed on an individual basis, so self-administration of drugs is prohibited. The doctor takes into account the severity of the disease, physiological features patient and development of complications.

Complex therapy includes the following drugs:

  1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - relieve pain and inflammation (Diclofenac, Movalis and Ketoprofen - are used in the form of ointments and injections).
  2. Chondroprotectors - restore damaged tissues and prevent their destruction (Struktum, Alflutop).
  3. Muscle relaxants - immobilize the damaged area, therefore, are effective for eliminating spasm and pain during involuntary movements (Sirdalud, Mydocalm, Baclofen).
  4. Angioprotectors and vasodilating drugs - improve blood circulation (Piracetam, Actovegin, Pentoxifylline, Eufillin).
  5. Vitamins A, E and C, a nicotinic acid and a complex of vitamins B (Milgamma) - restore activity nervous system, improve metabolism in tissues and slow down oxidative processes.

Medicines for the treatment of disease - gallery

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy treatment is aimed at improving blood circulation and metabolism in tissues. In addition, the technique eliminates inflammatory processes.

Important! You must first consult with your doctor. There are contraindications.

For the treatment of dorsopathy of the cervical spine are prescribed:

  • electrophoresis with medicines- eliminates the inflammatory process and pain syndrome;
  • ultrasound - prevents the development of inflammation and pain;
  • magnetotherapy - reduces pain;
  • thermal procedures (paraffin applications, microwave therapy, inductothermy) - eliminate pain;
  • sun and air baths - start the recovery process and increase immunity.

The procedure is aimed at strengthening the neck and restoring its functions. After the massage, metabolic processes improve, blood circulation increases and the tone of muscle tissue returns to normal. In addition, therapy improves performance and prevents the reappearance of cervical dorsopathy.

IN acute period massage eliminates pain, and during rehabilitation accelerates the recovery of the body.

For treatment, the following actions are used:

  • massaging the neck muscles and upper limbs;
  • rubbing and stroking the shoulder and interscapular regions;
  • kneading different groups muscles (trapezius, rhomboid, straightening);
  • stroking the cervical region for relaxation;
  • rubbing the shoulder and cervical areas(kneading, grasping and pinching with three fingers).

Manipulations should be carried out by a highly qualified specialist who knows the subtleties and features of not only massage, but also the disease. Do not follow the procedure acute pain and hernias.

Massage should be carried out only by a specialist, but it is allowed to massage the neck on your own, performing light movements

Physiotherapy

The exercise therapy complex improves blood circulation and general well-being of the patient. Exercises are selected by a specialist based on the severity of the disease and individual features organism.

The main rule of treatment with exercise therapy is to follow the recommendations and the smooth implementation of the elements.

Each exercise is performed 5-6 times. Starting position: sitting or standing, arms relaxed and located along the body. Necessary:

  1. Slowly turn your head left and right.
  2. Lower your head down, pressing your chin to your chest.
  3. Slowly tilt your head back.

Acupuncture and reflexology

The acupuncture procedure is useful for cervical dorsopathy. As a result of therapy, spasms are relieved and blood vessels expand, which leads to improved nutrition of neck tissues, muscle relaxation.

For treatment, special needles are used, which are injected into acupuncture points. The patient feels a slight tingling sensation, you should not be afraid of painful sensations. However, some rules must be taken into account:

  • before the session, you should empty your bladder;
  • it is not recommended to carry out the procedure while taking medication;
  • it is forbidden to come to an acupuncture session after a "hearty lunch";
  • it is necessary to notify the specialist about all the procedures and means used for treatment.

With the help of reflexology, they also affect certain points of a person. The following methods are used:

  • auricular or corporal acupuncture - for pain syndrome;
  • laser reflexotherapy - to eliminate dystrophic processes;
  • electropuncture - with muscle hypotrophy (insufficient nutrition of muscle tissue);
  • reflex stimulation or irrigation of the skin with chlorethyl - with muscle tension.

Possible consequences and complications

Absence timely treatment or late detection of pathology can lead to the development of complications. With dorsopathy of the cervical region, the risk of the following consequences is high:

  1. Syndrome of the vertebral artery. There are spasmodic pains in the cervical artery. The patient gets tired quickly, suffers from impaired hearing, vision and frequent dizziness.
  2. Myelopathic syndrome. Leads to compression (squeezing) of the spinal cord. The patient loses sensitivity, partial paralysis occurs, problems with defecation and urination are observed.
  3. Vegetovascular dystonia. The condition is associated with a malfunction of the peripheral nervous system, which is responsible for the performance of organs. The patient often "jumps" pressure, cardiac arrhythmia is observed, sweating increases and there is nervous overexcitation.

Prevention

Preventive measures are aimed at preventing the development of dorsopathy. The following recommendations must be observed:

  1. Eat right. Avoid junk food and bad habits.
  2. Control body weight. Excess weight refers to additional loads for the spinal column.
  3. To live an active lifestyle. However, you should not overdo it. Swimming and hanging on the bar are useful for the spinal column and neck muscles.
  4. Choose appropriate clothing for outdoor activities. Dress according to weather conditions.
  5. Perform all actions carefully and smoothly, especially when lifting heavy objects.

Gradually began to notice inattention, then a decrease in intellectual abilities, Bad mood, poor sleep, after that it became very difficult to cope with work and study. I did not know what the reason was, I did not immediately go to the doctor. The neuropathologist prescribed vascular therapy, passed, the effect is temporary. But I continued to sleep in the same way. My head gradually became cottony, and I thought very badly and slowly. I did an MRI, ultrasound of the vessels of the brain and neck - everything is in order, there are no hernias. And REG revealed a significant decrease in blood flow on the left. In general, I decided to go to the exercise therapy doctor (set: cervical dorsopathy), and I was prescribed special therapeutic exercises. There is an effect.

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Elena_Vit

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It is very dangerous to treat dorsopathy of the cervical spine with disdain. After all, the condition can lead to serious complications. If specific symptoms appear, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Otherwise, dorsopathy will become chronic, and pain and discomfort will become permanent.

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The danger of violation lies in the fact that at the beginning of development it does not manifest itself as a characteristic clinical picture, but makes itself felt only in the late (intractable) stages of the course. Cervical dorsopathy causes constant excruciating pain.

The mechanism of the development of the disease

What's happened ? This is a pathology that develops due to excessive loads on the neck area. Because of this, the cartilaginous tissues and discs of the spine gradually become thinner and deformed.

As a result of degenerative changes, compression of the blood vessels and arteries of the cervical region occurs. The disease has serious consequences, so it is necessary to deal with its elimination immediately after detection.

Causes and risk factors

Among the main reasons for the development of cervical dorsopathy, there is a deformation of the intervertebral discs, which take on the main load during walking and performing exercise. Intervertebral discs evenly distribute the load between all parts of the back. If at least one of them is damaged, the redistribution function is disturbed, which leads to extensive pathologies of the spinal column, including cervical dorsopathy.

Another common cause of the violation is a slowdown in metabolism. The body does not receive the necessary trace elements that ensure the strength of bone structures. They gradually deform and cease to perform their functions.

Among the provoking cervical dorsopathy factors can be noted:

  • excess weight;
  • improperly organized place to rest;
  • decreased immunity;
  • constant stressful situations;
  • chronic diseases(spondyloarthritis,);
  • incorrect position of the feet;
  • injuries of the spinal column arising from sports or professional stress.

Types and symptoms

Cervical dorsopathy is divided into several varieties, depending on the location of the affected area:

  1. Deforming. It occurs as a result of a significant curvature of the spinal column and displacement of the discs. The disease is characterized by pain of varying intensity, numbness of the upper limbs, tingling of the skin on the palms.
  2. Vertebrogenic. It occurs as a result of diseases of the spinal column (infectious myositis, rheumatoid arthritis, spondylosis) and traumatic factors.
  3. Discogenic. The form of dorsopathy is considered the most dangerous, because it is complicated by intervertebral hernias.
  4. Cervicalgia. Pain sensations are manifested in the form of a backache and persist for 10 days.

Depending on the severity of the course, dorsopathy is divided into limited, widespread and polysegmental. A limited form of pathology is characterized by damage to one segment of the spine. With polysegmental dorsopathy, several elements of the column are affected, located in various parts back. With a common type of disease, several consecutive elements are affected.

The following symptoms are characteristic of cervical dorsopathy:

  • constant pain in the shoulder blades, upper back and shoulders;
  • increased discomfort during movement, exercise and sneezing;
  • limitation of the range of motion of the shoulders and arms;
  • weakness of the upper limbs, up to complete atrophy of their muscles;
  • violation of the sensitivity of the hands and the functioning of the fingers.

Advanced forms of pathology are accompanied by irradiation of pain sensations to neighboring departments. Signs of severe types of dorsopathy include: tinnitus, headaches, worsening visual functions, flashing iridescent circles before the eyes.

Which doctor should I contact for cervical dorsopathy?

Cervical dorsopathy is treated by specialists of several profiles: traumatologists and neuropathologists. They differentiate the disease from other disorders that are similar in symptoms. Initially, patients should visit a neurologist, who will advise you to undergo a series of diagnostic procedures.

Diagnostics

Before prescribing diagnostic procedures, the doctor collects information about the disease from the patient. When communicating with him, the specialist should identify the time of appearance of the first pain symptoms; the frequency of occurrence of disturbing signs, the presence of genetic diseases in the genus of the subject.

The second stage of diagnosis is a visual inspection of the problem area. To make an accurate diagnosis, the following instrumental examinations can be prescribed:

  1. Radiography. Performed in lateral and anterior projection. The procedure reveals mechanical damage spine (dislocations, subluxations, fractures).
  2. Myelography or X-ray using a contrast agent. With the help of the procedure, doctors determine the damage in the spinal canal and the membranes of the spinal cord.
  3. ultrasound. The method makes it possible to determine the presence of cracks and degenerative processes in the structure of the spine.
  4. CT and MRI the most reliable methods for carrying out differential diagnosis cervical dorsopathy. After the procedure, the doctor receives pictures in three projections. and allow you to detect: neoplasms in the cervical region, protrusions, narrowing spinal canal, infringement of roots, hydration of disks.
  5. Doppler ultrasound. An examination is prescribed only if there is a suspicion of circulatory disorders in the back.

Treatment

How to treat cervical dorsopathy? Treatment for the disorder includes:

  1. Elimination of the provoking factor. This applies to cases where the disorder develops against the background of osteochondrosis, tuberculosis or diabetes.
  2. Symptomatic therapy aimed at stopping pain, characteristic of dorsopathy of the cervical region.
  3. rehabilitation activities. The main goal of this stage of treatment is to restore microcirculation in the tissues of the spine.
  4. Preventive measures aimed at preventing exacerbations of the disorder and its severe complications.

Drug treatment of cervical dorsopathy

To alleviate the symptoms of dorsopathy, patients are prescribed drugs of various pharmacological groups. The list of medicines is presented in the table:

Pharmacological group List of drugs The effect of the application
Analgesics Analgin, Ketorolac, Baralgin Relief of pain in the neck
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Nimesulide, Ibuprofen, Meloxicalm Reducing discomfort. Occurred against the background of inflammatory processes in the neck

Glucocorticosteroids

Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone, Dexamethasone Relief of pain not relieved by NSAIDs and analgesics
Muscle relaxants Mydocalm, Baclofen, Sirdalud Elimination of muscle spasms
Anti-inflammatory local action Diclofenac, Finalgon Reducing swelling of the soft tissues of the back
Chondoprotectors Glucosamine sulfate, Structum Speedy regeneration of damaged tissues of the spine
Vitamin complexes Pentovit, Neurobeks Prevention of recurrent exacerbations of pathologies of the spinal column

Non-drug treatment of cervical dorsopathy

Conservative therapy is supplemented by auxiliary measures, the action of which is aimed at accelerating the patient's recovery and preventing exacerbation of cervical dorsopathy. Non-drug treatment includes: physiotherapy, physiotherapy exercises and massage.

Physiotherapy

Among the physiotherapeutic procedures offered to patients, it should be noted:

  • electrophoresis using glucocorticosteroids - Novocaine or Kripazim;
  • impulse currents to eliminate pain symptoms;
  • UHF to accelerate metabolic processes in the affected parts of the spine;
  • electrical neurostimulation to normalize the conduction of impulses by nerve endings.

Massage

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The procedure is aimed at accelerating the microcirculation of blood circulation in damaged tissues. Massage helps to eliminate pain in cervical dorsopathy and relax muscle fibers.

The procedure is prescribed only after the exacerbation of signs of cervical dorsopathy has been removed. It is performed by a manual therapist. A person without appropriate education cannot be trusted to perform massage at home.

Therapeutic exercise for cervical dorsopathy

Gymnastics allows you to strengthen the muscles of the back and improve the mobility of the vertebrae. Exercise therapy for cervical dorsopathy includes the following types of exercises:

  1. Gradual lifting of the shoulders with the arms lowered down. The position is fixed for 15 seconds, and then returned to its original position.
  2. Pressing palms on the forehead while lowering the head forward.
  3. Pressing palms on the temples with simultaneous tilting of the head.
  4. Smooth head turns to the right and left side with a slow return to the starting position.
  5. Pressing the chin to the chest for 3 seconds.

Each of these exercises is performed 7-10 times.

Surgical treatment of cervical dorsopathy

  • violation of the blood supply to the brain;
  • destruction of the discs of the spine;
  • loss of sensation in the hands.

The main goal of the operation is the removal of affected tissues and their subsequent restoration with the help of drug therapy and physiotherapy procedures.

Complications

Untimely or illiterate treatment of cervical dorsopathy threatens with a number of complications:

  1. Syndrome of the vertebral artery, in which spasms appear in the neck. The patient suffers from deterioration of visual and auditory functions.
  2. Myelopathic syndrome associated with compression of the roots of the spinal cord. In case of violation, the patient completely or partially loses the sensitivity of the hands.
  3. Vegetovascular dystonia, manifested by impaired performance of the peripheral nervous system.

Prevention

To prevent cervical dorsopathy, it is necessary to adhere to a number of preventive rules. First of all, it is the organization of proper nutrition. All high-calorie foods and products with synthetic chemical additives are removed from the diet. Excess weight creates an additional load on the spine and negatively affects its performance.

For the prevention of violations, it is also important to get rid of bad habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol. should be adhered to active image life. For the cervical spine, gymnastics, swimming and exercises on the crossbar are useful.

Dorsopathy at the cervical level is any pathology in the area under consideration that manifests itself as a pain symptom. It arises from distortions in various departments spine and metabolic disorders. The pathology is eliminated by neuropathologists and traumatologists after receiving the data from instrumental examinations and an external examination of the patient.

Dorsopathy of the cervical spine is treated comprehensively: with the use of medications, physiotherapy and exercise therapy. If the disease causes poor blood supply to the brain or loss of sensitivity in the hands, then surgical intervention. At timely therapy dorsopathy is eliminated without complications for the patient and repeated exacerbations.

Useful video about cervical dorsopathy

List of sources:

  1. https://medi.ru/info/5095/
  2. Bersnev V.P. Surgery of the spine, spinal cord and peripheral nerves/ V.P. Bersnev, E.A. Davydov, E.N. Kondakov. SPb., 1998 - 368 p.
  3. Cervical osteochondrosis. Ed. Velikanov I.I., Proskurnin G.K. Release year: 2010