Cervical osteochondrosis has today become one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system, from which, unfortunately, not only the elderly but also very young people suffer more and more. Lack of physical activity, constant work on the computer and other features of modern urban life negatively affect his condition and lead to the development of osteochondrosis.
In this article, we will look at why it occurs, how it manifests, how it is treated, and which medications are effective in treating cervical osteochondrosis, and we will also learn what non-pharmacological methods are available.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a marked change of a degenerative-dystrophic nature, which disrupts the functional activity and structure of the spine. For this reason, changes occur not only in the intervertebral discs themselves, but also in the vertebrae and the joints of the cervical spine.
Causes of occurrence
With this disease, there is a catastrophic change in the ability of the vertebral discs to absorb vibrations, accompanied by their displacement. One of the reasons for this change is the deposition of salts as a result of the increase in their level in human blood and lymph fluids.
The main reason for the appearance of osteochondrosis of the cervix is a sedentary lifestyle. Office workers are more prone to this disease, spending most of their working time on paper and computer. In the absence of the required amount of physical activity in the human body, blood flow is slowed down, muscle tissue does not need an influx of salts from food. As a result, the salts are deposited in the cartilage tissue of the spine.
Contributes to the development of diseases 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, inflammatory and other diseases.
Degrees of development
Depending on the severity of the symptoms and the degree of functional impairment, there are three stages:
First degree
It is characterized by minimal severity of symptoms. Patients usually experience a general deterioration in well-being, headaches, weakness and dizziness. At this stage, there is a slight deformation and displacement of the cervical vertebrae, cracks appear in the cartilage tissue of the disc.
Second degree
The second stage of the disease is characterized by a significant increase in pain, which occurs as a result of a strong displacement of the intervertebral discs and stinging of the 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 intense. The patient feels intense weakness, headache, nausea, dizziness, severe pain in the neck, which radiates to the shoulders and shoulders. In some cases, there is a temporary weakening of the intensity of the onset of symptoms associated with the replacement of the damaged area with connective tissue.
Fourth degree
Complete destruction of the intervertebral disc, the damaged disc replaces its connective tissue. Dizziness, increased tinnitus, impaired coordination due to the fact that an artery supplying the cerebellum and the occipital lobe of the brain is involved in the process.
It is very important to diagnose the disease at an early stage and consult a specialist to find out what you need to do to prevent its further development.
Symptoms and signs
In addition to pain syndrome, cervical osteochondrosis can be accompanied by a variety of symptoms, having felt that a person may not immediately guess about the developing disease. This is because dysfunctions of the cervical spine inevitably affect the work of the vascular system of the brain.
It is common to distinguish three main groups of symptoms:
Pain syndrome
Neurological manifestations in the form of pain syndromes of various positions. First of all, these are headaches of different intensity and duration, which can be given to the eye or ear. 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 shoulders, forearm and elbow. With this disease, a dull, aching pain usually appears, which then becomes more intense and spreads to various parts of the body.
Reduced sensitivity
Movement disorders that occur as a result of disruption of the normal function of the spinal cord. Patients may experience numbness and decreased limb sensitivity, disturbed leg tone, weakness in the arms and legs, and goose bumps. There may be pain when you raise your arms or move them to the side.
Weakness
Signs of vascular disorders of the brain, which have multiple manifestations. People with cervical osteochondrosis often feel severe weakness for no apparent reason, they get tired quickly.
Noise in the ears
There is often a feeling of plugging and noise in the ears, hearing problems and a sharp deterioration in well-being.
Mental disorders such as depression, anxiety syndrome, panic attacks are also possible.
Diagnostics
Basic diagnostic methods:
- X-ray.A poorly informed method, especially in the later stages of the disease.
- Computed tomography (CT).It shows abnormalities in the vertebrae more effectively, but it is difficult to determine the size, the presence of a hernia and the hernia of the spinal cord (biceps conflict).
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).The method that shows the most information, clearly visible bone structures, intervertebral discs, hernias and their size, as well as the direction of their growth.
- Duplex ultrasonic scanning.This method is used if there is a suspicion of impaired blood flow in the arteries of the spine. This reveals a reduction 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 mainly on the causes of the disease, the nature and severity of its symptoms. As practice has shown, complex therapy has the greatest effect, which may include medication, massage, therapeutic exercises and some other methods.
The treatment should be carried out under the supervision of specialized specialists: vertebral neurologist, masseur, chiropractor, surgeon, neurologist. It is very important to see a doctor early in order to prevent the development of second and third degree disease. In this case, the treatment until full recovery will take much longer.
The treatment is prescribed in a specific order:
- First of all, it is necessary to relieve the pain.
- then get rid of swelling.
- prescribe drugs that restore blood circulation.
- muscle tissue is strengthened.
- Measures are taken to repair the damaged tissue.
Great!Remember that during periods of disease exacerbation, exercise therapy is contraindicated, as it can cause complications.
As first aid for the relief of acute pain syndrome during an exacerbation, patients are prescribed analgesics, and in the presence of acute pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Pepper patches are used to detect muscle spasms, heating and analgesic ointments. The swelling is well removed with diuretics. If the patient has numbness in the extremities, it is necessary to perform special exercises that stimulate blood circulation.
We must remember that these measures will relieve the pain, but will not eliminate the causes of the disease. Medication prescribed by a doctor in combination with other treatments will address this task.
Medication
The purpose of taking medications 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 a general therapeutic effect on the body.
Patients should be prescribed preparations containing B vitamins, which can be prescribed in the form of tablets or intramuscular injections.
Chondroprotective drugs are prescribed to repair damaged cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs. Taking these medications should not be ignored, as they help strengthen bone tissue and prevent the disease from recurring in the future.
Physiotherapy
During the health improvement exercise, circular movements of the head should be performed, the necks should be bent to the left - to the right, to the front - to the back. Also in all the exercises it is necessary to include movements of the shoulders and arms. All movements should be performed smoothly, without hardness and stress, alternating the active phase and a little rest.
conclusion
It is always easier to prevent a disease than to cure it. In order to prevent the development of the disease, it is necessary to follow a few simple rules:
- Avoid intense stress on the spine to avoid damage to the intervertebral discs.
- Exercise for the whole body daily, focus on the back muscles and, especially, the cervical spine.
- Avoid nervous overload and fatigue, remember the importance of adequate rest and adequate sleep for the body.
- follow an active, mobile lifestyle, exercise more, take walks in the fresh air, eat right and in balance and also get rid of bad habits.