Cervical osteochondrosis today has become one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which unfortunately, not only the elderly, but also young people are increasingly suffering. Lack of physical activity, constant work at the computer and other attributes of modern urban life negatively affect his condition and lead to the development of osteochondrosis.
In the article, we will look at why it occurs, how it manifests itself, how it is treated and which medications are effective in treating cervical osteochondrosis, as well as find out what non -drug methods are available.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a marked change of degenerative-dystrophic nature, which interferes with the functional activity and structure of the spine. For this reason, changes occur not only in the intervertebral disc itself, but also in the vertebrae and joints of the cervical spine.
The cause of its occurrence
With this disease, there is a destructive change in the shock -absorbing capacity of the vertebral disc, accompanied by its displacement. One of the reasons for this change is the deposition of salts as a result of increased levels in human blood and lymph fluid.
The main reason for the emergence of cervical osteochondrosis is an inactive lifestyle. Office workers are most susceptible to the disease, spending most of their time working on paper and computers. If there is no amount of physical activity required in the human body, blood flow slows down, muscle tissue does not require the ingestion of salt from food. As a result, salt is stored in the cartilage tissue of the spine.
Contributes to the development of disease and malnutrition, overweight and metabolic disorders, as well as prolonged stress, nervous tension, sleep disorders.
Also, the disease can occur as a result of trauma, extreme stress, inflammation and other illnesses.
Stage of development
Depending on the severity of the symptoms and the degree of functional impairment, three stages are distinguished:
First degree
It is characterized by minimal symptom severity. Patients usually notice a deterioration in general well -being, the appearance of headaches, weakness, and dizziness. At this stage, there is slight deformation and displacement of the cervical vertebrae, cracks appear in the cartilage tissue of the disc.
Second degree
For the second stage of development of the disease, a significant increase in pain is characteristic, which occurs as a result of strong displacement of the intervertebral disc and pinching of nerve roots.
Third degree
It is characterized by complete destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc, which can lead to the formation of a hernia. The symptoms of the disease at this stage are very pronounced. The patient felt severe weakness, headache, nausea, dizziness, sharp pain in the neck, radiating to the shoulder blades and shoulders. In some cases, there is a weakness in the intensity of symptom manifestations associated with the replacement of the damaged area with connective tissue.
Fourth grade
Complete destruction of the intervertebral disc, the destroyed disc replacing its connective tissue. Dizziness, increased tinnitus, impaired coordination, due to the fact that the arteries that feed the cerebellum and the occipital lobe of the brain are involved in the process.
It is very important to diagnose the disease at an early stage and see a specialist to find out what to do to prevent its further development.
Symptoms and Signs
In addition to the pain syndrome, cervical osteochondrosis can be accompanied by a variety of symptoms, which are felt one may not be able to guess immediately about the developing disease. This is due to the fact that dysfunction of the cervical spine definitely affects the work of the vascular system of the brain.
It is customary to distinguish three main groups of symptoms:
Pain syndrome
Neurological manifestations in the form of pain syndromes in various locations. First of all, these are headaches of varying intensity and duration, which can be given to the eyes or ears. In this case, the pain usually does not go away after taking painkillers. Pain or sharp pain in the neck and back of the head, radiating to the shoulder blades, forearms and elbows. With this disease, a dull and aching pain usually occurs, which then becomes more pronounced and spreads to various parts of the body.
Decreased sensitivity
Movement disorders that appear as a result of disruption of the normal function of the spinal cord. Patients may experience numbness and decreased sensitivity in the limbs, disturbed leg tone, weakness in the arms and legs, and goose bumps. There may be pain when lifting the hand or moving it to the side.
Weakness
Signs of cerebral vascular disorders, which have various manifestations. People suffering from cervical osteochondrosis often feel severe weakness for no apparent reason, quickly tired.
Sounds in the ears
The appearance of feelings of fullness and noise in the ears, hearing impairment, and a sharp deterioration of well -being are often observed.
Mental disorders such as depression, anxiety syndrome, panic attacks may also occur.
Diagnostics
Basic diagnostic methods:
- Radiography.Less informative methods, especially in the later stages of the disease.
- Computed tomography (CT).It indicates abnormalities in the spine more effectively, but it is difficult to determine the size, the presence of a hernia, and the presence of a herniated spinal cord hernia (disco-medullary conflict).
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).The method shows the most information, clearly visible bone structure, intervertebral disc, hernia and its size, as well as the direction of its growth.
- Ultrasonic duplex scanning.This method is used if there is a suspicion of blood flow disturbances in the spinal arteries. This indicates a decrease in blood flow velocity and the presence of an obstruction to normal blood flow.
Treatment
The development of a treatment plan for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine depends primarily on the cause of the disease, the nature and intensity of its symptoms. As practice has shown, complex therapy has the greatest impact, including drug treatment, massage, therapeutic training, and several other methods.
Treatment must be carried out under the supervision of a qualified specialist: vertebral neurologist, masseur, chiropractor, surgeon, neurologist. It is very important to see a doctor in a timely manner to prevent the development of second and third stage diseases. In this case, treatment until full recovery takes longer.
Therapies are set in a specific order:
- first of all, it is necessary to relieve pain;
- then eliminate edema;
- drugs that restore blood circulation are prescribed;
- muscle tissue is strengthened;
- steps are taken to restore damaged tissue.
Important!Keep in mind that as the duration of the disease increases, exercise therapy is contraindicated, as it can lead to complications.
As a first aid to relieve acute pain syndrome during exacerbations, patients are prescribed analgesics, and in the presence of acute pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In place of localization of muscle spasms, warming and analgesic ointments, pepper patches are used. Swelling is well eliminated by diuretics. If the patient experiences numbness in the legs, it is necessary to do special exercises that stimulate blood circulation.
Keep in mind that these measures will relieve the pain, but will not eliminate the cause of the disease. Medication prescribed by a doctor in combination with other methods of therapy will overcome this task.
Medicine
The purpose of taking medication for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is to relieve muscle pain and inflammation, restore blood circulation and strengthen the vascular system of the brain, and general healing effects on the body.
Patients must be given preparations containing vitamin B, which can be prescribed in the form of tablets or intramuscular injections.
To restore damaged cartilage tissue in the intervertebral disc, chondroprotective drugs are prescribed. Taking this drug should not be neglected, as it helps strengthen bone tissue and prevent recurrence of the disease in the future.
Physiotherapy
During a health -enhancing gymnastic performance, a rotating motion of the head should be performed, the neck bent to the left - to the right, forward - to the back. Also in training should include shoulder and arm movements. All movements should be performed smoothly, without force and pressure, alternating active phases and little rest.
In conclusion
It is often easier to prevent a disease than to cure it. To prevent the development of this disease, it is necessary to follow a few simple rules:
- avoid severe pressure on the spine to prevent damage to the intervertebral disc;
- do gymnastics for the whole body every day, focusing on the back muscles and, especially, the cervical spine;
- avoid nervous tension and fatigue, remember the importance of adequate rest and sleep for the body;
- lead an active moving lifestyle, exercise more, take a walk in the fresh air, eat properly and balanced, and even get rid of bad habits.